We’re one month into the new year — are you making the most of these early months to set and achieve your goals? Success, whether in your career, family, finances, or leadership, begins with how you lead yourself. And self-leadership requires something many overlook: activating your assets and reframing the story you tell yourself.
Have you ever caught yourself thinking “What was I doing?!” after a reactive decision? The truth is, you probably weren’t thinking — you were reacting, running on autopilot, and letting biases dictate your actions. These mental shortcuts are deeply ingrained and have been leading the charge for too long.
To create meaningful change, you must think differently, which will generate new emotions, drive new actions, and lead to better results. This is where activating your assets comes in. When you consistently train your mind to think in alignment with your goals, you’ll develop the mental muscle to make “A-Game” thinking your default mode. Over time, this positive inertia unlocks your potential, propelling you forward with unstoppable momentum.
Rituals and routines are key to maintaining this momentum. A powerful tool is asking yourself what Peter Demarest calls the Central Question: “What choice can I make and what action can I take in this moment to create the greatest net value?” This question redirects your focus to the present moment, helping you pivot toward possibilities instead of remaining trapped by the past.
While you can’t control every circumstance, you can always control your response. Repeated choices become habits, habits create neural pathways, and those pathways shape your outcomes. By intentionally focusing on creating value for yourself and those around you, you become a force for positive change — not just in your own life, but for the greater good.
So, challenge yourself to rewrite the story you’re telling yourself. Show up in a way that increases your contribution and serves others. Commit to asking the Central Question and build the routines that anchor you in your A-Game.
Success isn’t just about achieving your goals; it’s about creating value in every area of your life. This year, make self-leadership your priority, and watch how your actions inspire others — and yourself — to grow. Learn more at Achievable.com.
Boost Your Business Growth with a Leadership Health Checkup!
Just like an annual health checkup, it’s important to take a moment and assess your company’s leadership. Here’s your chance!
I’ve created a Leadership Health Checkup sheet that has helped many businesses grow, and I’m offering it to you for FREE! Simply fill out the form below, and it will be sent to your email.
For the best results, have leaders, managers, or even the whole team fill it out anonymously.
– Michael Gidlewski, Founder of Achievement Unlimited, Inc.
