2 Great Ways to Invest Your Time and Energy Today

Your potential to lead others is a direct result of how you lead yourself … but leading yourself can be extremely difficult.

Bestselling author James Clear teaches, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”

So if you want to become a better leader, parent, or spouse tomorrow, start building the right habits today.

These two critical habit changes will help you become the leader you’re meant to be:

1. Invest Your Time and Energy Toward Your Goals

If you want to increase your impact, you have to invest your resources (money, time, energy, etc.) strategically in the direction of your goals.

When we think about resources, we have to think “investing,” not just “spending.”

Spending is an even trade. Investment is an exponential return on what you put in.

These three questions will help you change your mindset about investing:

1. How do I best invest my time?
2. Who should I be investing in?
3. Where do I get my best return?

If you’re simply spending your time, money, or energy, you won’t grow.

Successful people aren’t making an even trade. They’re focusing on making an investment and expecting an exponential return.

2. Focus on Inspiring the People Around You

Most people use the words “motivate” and “inspire” interchangeably. While both are important, there is a difference between these two words.

What’s the difference?

Motivation is an external force moving someone toward an action. Inspiration comes from within.

Our goal shouldn’t be to motivate. Our goal is to inspire ourselves and others.

Inspiration comes through many different leadership traits:

• Optimism: living with a positive outlook
• Humility: developing a posture of interest in others
• Direction-setting: casting a captivating vision
• Appreciation: being generous with recognition
• Empathy: listening with consistent care

All you need is one or two well-developed strengths to inspire the people around you.

The most inspirational trait is being centered. A centered person is fully engaged in their mission, guided by values, and driven by purpose.

The best way to inspire others is to be inspired yourself.

For more on becoming a centered leader, listen to this episode of my leadership podcast:

Episode 42: Becoming the Centered Leader Your Team Craves

Change Your Habits, Change Your Life

As you incorporate these habits into your life, you may be feeling there’s something more you can improve. If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve experienced the frustration of trying to change but not actually changing.

I believe that you have the power to change your habits and your life. That’s why I wrote The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, breathe new life into your marriage, read the Bible more, get out of debt, or give up an addiction, these step-by-step strategies will equip you to start living the life God wants for you.

In the book, we’ll dive deep into the psychology of habits and the spiritual principles that will help you experience lasting change.

You can get The Power to Change here.