The 6 R’s a Leader Can Use to Encourage Themselves
Everyone loves encouragement. How nice it is when someone sees you do something and seeks to cheer you on or affirm what you have done. Much of what a leader does, however, is behind-the-scenes work which no one really sees. Because of this, a leader must become diligent in using these six Rs to encourage themselves.
A leader is responsible for their own encouragement, before expecting it from others.
1. Remember your calling
You lead people because God has called you to. You will discover a great source of inspiration when you remind yourself of that higher purpose. Forgetting this is all too often easy, so pause to remember your calling as it is a wonderful source of encouragement.
2. Reflect on your impact
It’s easy to forget or lose sight of the impact you have already had, even if you’ve been in the role a short time. Take a moment to write down the initiatives you have started, the new people now involved because of what you’ve done, the results you have achieved, the difference you’ve made if only for one person, and what you are proud of as a result of your work. You have made an impact, so reflect on it and encourage yourself.
3. Revise your goals
To encourage is to speak courage into someone. This happens as you both look back on what you have done but also as you look forward. What do you hope to achieve? What goals have you set yourself? What is your vision for the future? When you can see what needs to happen, and what you can contribute, you will be encouraged.
4. Realise your value
You are valuable. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of you or knows about you, you are valuable to God because you are you. You are valuable to those you serve, by the simple fact that you have chosen to serve them by leading them. Forgetting your value can leave you unsure and discouraged. Learn how to realise your value, and establish your identity in who God has made you to be. God has asked you to serve him, which is a powerful source of encouragement.
5. Refresh your purpose
Why do you do what you do? The answer to this question is the fuel in a leader’s tank and necessary if you are to lead with courage and engage with enthusiasm. Knocks, bumps, discouragements, criticism and obstacles can be difficult, but when your purpose is refreshed, your depleted resources can be restored.
6. Restore your joy
Joy can decrease over time, but it is also the long-term fuel that enables us to do what we love doing. Joy is a gift, given to us by God, which is not determined our by our circumstances, but by who God has made us to be and what relationship we have with him. Taking time to nurture the joy you once had, which may have dissipated over time, will lead to replenishment.
It takes time for a leader to learn how to encourage themselves but the ability to do so will always be an invaluable leadership attribute.
Everyone needs to learn how to encourage themselves. It can be hard but remembering these six Rs will enable you to thrive instead of just survive. How do you encourage yourself when you’re down?
If you want to learn how to encourage yourself as a leader, enrol in our course Introduction to Christian Leadership.
