“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal which is worthwhile.” -Vince Lombardi

Leadership is hard. It’s really really hard, even for the most conditioned leaders. No matter how often we practice it, how many conferences we go to, or how many activities we are involved in, there is a continual strain to practice leadership each and every day. 

As we move forward in the school year, we are beginning to become drained and busy. Whether it’s the cold weather upon us or the actual realization that school is here and hard, we are starting to make excuses for certain actions. The hardest thing of all is to be at your leadership best all the time, but it is something that is essential to being a leader in the first place! 

I decided to ask some leaders:

When you are not at your leadership best, what are you doing instead?

“I am worrying about small details that don’t matter in the long run and letting that anxiety control my mood and outlook on things!” – Level Two Camper

“I am doubting myself and my capabilities.” – CVFC Member

“I allow other people’s opinions to get the best of me. This usually happens when I’m at a place that’s out of my comfort zone…but through leadership practices I’ve been getting better.” – MASC/MAHS Student Member

We all have reasons as to why leadership doesn’t come naturally to us. It’s important to remember that these are things that every one of us struggle with. However, there was one particular insight that might help us all be a little more aware of ourselves and our everyday leadership.

“I’m learning how to accept what I’m doing and where I am not, because I realize how important it is to be aware that I’m doing my best and that is good enough.” – CVFC Member

Our off days are a part of us. We are allowed to struggle. We are allowed to have no good, very bad days. Without our mistakes, we would never learn, grow, and become Better Everyday. It is important that you learn from these slip ups and not only move on but forward as you look towards future endeavors. The most essential thing is that we have to work at it. It isn’t easy, it isn’t natural, but in every way it is worth it.