Becoming a leader! For most of us, this sounds pretty daunting, and we immediately tell ourselves that is for those who are born leaders-while actually no one is born a leader. Some have more favorable backgrounds which will make it more likely for them to step into that place of confidence and power, but even those are based on external principles. We tend to see leadership as having the control, telling others what to do. While, in fact, true leadership is about taking full responsibility for yourself, your being, your life, and your choices, truly accepting everything that's happening in your life as your responsibility. It's a process that starts from within. The moment you start living like that, you will become aware of the habits and excuses you are making for not fully using your potential and power. Leadership that comes from the inside and is expressed on the outside is a different kind. It will make you more aware; you will be able to act with less ego (which is driven by competitiveness) and express yourself more creatively, leaving room for others to grow too with what you bring. You're an inspiration for those who like you. I know I've never considered myself to be a leader or make a difference in any way. But now that I've taken the leap to start this magazine to empower women, encouraging them to use all of their power and unleash their potential in their own way, my leadership is taking shape over time. I am not controlling anything or anybody; I'm just focusing on my own improvement, putting one step after the other. The welcome side effect is that I am setting an example for women who feel that same yearning to do more, to be more, to inspire, to lead, to act, and make an impact. If you'd asked me six months ago to start a Facebook group (which I am doing now, together with five other women), I would have said no. I am growing towards my vision and into more leadership, and so are you. Just take your first step. So to answer the question of Nelson Mandela, who was a true leader based on inner growth, "What can one person do?" I would say: "Everything." The only thing you and me have to do is to say YES and let ourselves grow into greatness and true leadership.
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