Insecurities.

“Will I be understood?” “Will I be noticed?” “Am I enough?” - Sound familiar?

No one is immune to these. Demon-like forces?that fuel negative self-talk and cloud our judgment. Poor advisors, sitting in the passenger’s seat of our actions.

Think this only happens to those early in career? Trust your instincts...

It’s All About Leadership

Leadership starts with leading yourself.

Some of the most unimpressive acts I’ve witnessed—or committed—were powered by insecurities. These moments are not reserved for the inexperienced. They can kick in at every level.

For many, the professional environment is all about people. Beyond the computers and coffee machines, it’s the people—men and women from all walks of life—who shape our daily interactions. Progressing on how we navigate these relationships yields incredible benefits. While endless training programs exist, the most valuable investment lies within?us.

Deep Down, You Knew

Think back to your most recent leadership misstep. As you replay the moment and dissect the steps leading to it… did you hear it? That positive inner voice whispering: “Do it differently”, “Do not do it”. What happened?

The natural control system faltered, and the?demon-voice?took over. Regardless of seniority, all leaders wage a battle between these two voices:

• The positive, self-regulating voice that guides us toward better decisions.
• The?demon-voice?that feeds on insecurities, leading to sub-optimal behaviors.

Growing as a leader is about mastering this tension. Learning to amplify the positive voice while quieting the negative one. While we are all incredibly skilled at spotting this into others, the self-introspection path is a daunting one. A path that takes time and one leading to the best version of yourself.

DMP: Demon Management Plan

Managing your inner demon-voice is a personal journey. There is no one size fits all approach, and growing a healthy, well-adjusted self-confidence mindset is always a good place to focus on. Here are some reflections that have fueled my journey:

1. Awareness:?Self-awareness is the foundation of any meaningful change. Recognize your triggers and patterns.
2. Self-Kindness:?Accept that this tension is part of being human—and part of progress.
3. Social Media Comparisons:?Demons thrive on comparison. Life isn’t a LinkedIn profile, and what shines today might not shine tomorrow.
4. Blaze Your Own Path:?Define a purpose-driven, ambitious path forward—make it uniquely yours.
5. Mentors Matter:?Surround yourself with trusted mentors who can provide honest feedback and guidance.
6. Positive Thinking As A Muscle:?Build a daily habit of identifying five positive things about yourself or your journey. Over time this compounds into your advantage.

2025 Strong!

As we are all already well into 2025, strengthened by new year resolutions, this is a perfect time to reflect on how we can better lead ourselves. Investing in self-leadership has no known downside. Upsides are unlimited. Becoming the best version of yourself is on that journey.

I look forward to hearing your reflections—and knowing more about your DMP (Demon Management Plan).

Progress is in the actions of our intentions