6 Best Self-Development activities for leaders

Most people believe that in order to be a leader, one needs to have certain qualities such as charisma, decisiveness, and courage. However, these are not the only qualities that make a great leader. In fact, some of the most successful leaders are those who have taken the time to develop themselves both personally and professionally.

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By doing this, they have not only improved their own lives but have also inspired and motivated those around them. If you are looking to improve yourself and become a better leader, then here are 10 self-development activities that you can do.

Stages of self-development

Self-improvement is a journey, it's not a destination. The phrase self-development can mean different things to different people.

The first stage of self-development recognizes that you have room for improvement and shortcomings. This step is necessary because if you don’t know what needs work, you won’t know how to improve it.

The second stage of self-development is finding the opportunity for growth in your life and taking on a long-term goal that challenges your current skillset.

The third stage learning how to adapt when life throws you curve balls.

This last stage may be the hardest because when life changes, so will we, but being aware of our change in trajectory will help us reach the goals we set earlier in this process and make sure we do not backtrack on our personal development journey.

Why is self-development so important?

Self-development is a crucial aspect of life that should not be overlooked. It allows us to grow and learn as individuals, setting us up for success both personally and professionally. There are many benefits of self-development, such asimproved social skills, increased emotional intelligence, and greater self-awareness.

Personal-development is not an easy process, but it is well worth the effort. By investing in yourself, you can make the most of your talents and abilities, leading to a more fulfilling and successful life.

Self growth is important for several reasons. First, it helps individuals to reach their full potential. Everyone has a unique set of skills and abilities, and by developing these skills and abilities, individuals can reach their full potential. Second, self-development helps individuals to become more successful in their careers. Developing oneself professionally can help one to advance in their career and to achieve their goals. Finally, self-development can improve one's personal relationships. By becoming a better person, one can attract more friends and improve their relationships with family members.

#1 Take classes from established Leaders

In business and life, it's important to learn from established leaders. These are the people who have already achieved success and can provide valuable insights on how to achieve your own goals.

There are a few key ways to learn from established leaders. The first is to take an online class. There are many platforms you can 

One of the best ways to learn from a leader is to attend an online course instructed by them. Platforms like Masterclass allow you to learn from a leader for just $16/mo. 

They have classes that will teach you about leadership, entrepreneurship, and negotiation. from some of the most known leaders like Richard Branson, George W. Bush, and Ex FBI negotiator Chris Voss.

Alternatively, you can attend their speeches or workshops. This can be a great way to hear them in person and get a feel for their personality. 

So go out and start learning from the established leaders in your field. It's one of the best ways to accelerate your own success.

#2 Read Read Read

You probably have heard it a thousand times. But Reading is one of the most important activity everyone should make a habit. Most Billionaires read at least 100 pages a day. 

Most people think of books when they hear the term reading. But there is more than just books you can read about. I love reading Letters to shareholders from Fortune 500 CEO's. This will not only give you an idea of how a CEO thinks, but it also helps you to learn how a corporation works. Even more fun is it when you read a letter from a company you invested in.

If you don't know what a "Letter to shareholders" is, here is a short explanation:

A letter to shareholders is a formal letter written to the company's owners, investors, or stockholders. A CEO uses this to communicate the company's performance, update on new developments in the company, and mention anything that may affect the value of stocks.

The letter may also mention any risks associated with these changes. The content should always remain short and concise.

#3 Analyze the body language of your favorite hero

Body language is one of the most underrated factors in determining a person’s character. It is essential to know the non-verbal cues that people use when they are communicating with others.

The biggest advantage of body language analysis is that you can make a more informed decision. Body language analysis helps us to know what someone else is thinking and how it may affect our conversation.

Write down everything you witness about your heroes, the way they walk, sit, and even how they drink their water. Once you do it with a handful of people you will notice a pattern. 

Analyzing your favorite leader will bring you the most joy. Every time you feel depressed or anxious try to imagen you are the leader you study. 

#4 Learn a new skill

In today's world, you can never know too much. Humanity is evolving every year. To keep up with the latest trends and to stay one step ahead of your competition, it is necessary to learn new skills.

It is important to keep in mind that if you want to become a top performer you should learn a new skill related to your field of interest.

The study suggests that this is because higher-performing leaders are not just learning, but working on sharpening what they know. This is true for CEOs and other leaders who are in charge of companies, but it also applies to professionals whose careers will advance more quickly when they invest in areas where they have strengths rather than developing skillsets outside of their area of expertise.

An article by Forbes argues that investing time into strengthening your current skill set will be more effective for future endeavors than trying to learn new or unfamiliar ones.

#5 Network with people in your niche

Networking is a great way to increase exposure, gain insight and make connections. We are social creatures and like to be in a group so networking is the perfect method to get out there and meet new people.

Learn from people that went through something you are going through right now.

#6 Take a break from your day-to-day

Sometimes the best way to develop yourself is to do something you truly enjoy. Go out, enjoy the sunset, or meet your loved ones. Just do anything that makes you happy. Forget your everyday life for a moment and enjoy yourself once in a while.  

Fill up your tank with energy and motivation for what is ahead. 

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