Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1534069
22 Worcester Business Journal | April 7, 2025 | wbjournal.com I t was Epictetus who said "Know yself " first, before trying to know others. It's key to strong relationships, personal and professional success, and in achieving your true potential (and happiness) in life. An easy concept, but a life-long journey of self-reflection. It all starts with mastering your emotions or what is called emotional intelligence. Epictetus's mantra was the ancient foundation of modern self- leadership, based on this idea. In my coaching practice, invariably, the most meaningful progress comes with deep self-reflection and the courage to understand the subconscious belief system and core values operating those powerful triggers hindering (or enabling) our best performance. ese automatic programs are changeable when you rewire your physical brain using new thoughts and actions. It's called neuroplasticity. Every breakthrough in your business starts with an internal breakthrough. When you commit to personal growth through self-leadership, you unlock potential not just within yourself, but in others. is ripple effect transforms everyone. ink of self-leadership as your business's hidden growth engine. When you develop stronger self- awareness, you make better decisions aligning with both personal and business goals. is continuous journey begins with honest self-reflection. By examining your thoughts, behaviors, and decision patterns, you uncover blind spots that might limit your effectiveness. Maybe you discover you're holding too tightly to control, stifling your team's creativity. Or perhaps you notice you're avoiding difficult conversations, preventing necessary changes. ese insights become catalysts for growth, in business and in the potential in your team. Strong businesses aren't built by perfect leaders; they're built by those who are self-aware. When you create space for growth you might feel uncomfortable, but it's precisely what builds trust and encourages innovation. Consider how your daily habits impact your organization. When you practice intentional self-leadership, like taking time for strategic thinking or managing your emotional responses, you model behaviors strengthening your entire business. Your team notices. ey begin adopting similar practices, creating a culture of continuous improvement driving sustainable growth. e connection between personal and business growth becomes clear in how you handle challenges. Self-led leaders approach problems with clarity and resilience, turning potential crises into opportunities for innovation. is mindset spreads throughout the organization, building a more adaptable and resilient business. You create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute their best ideas and take calculated risks. is psychological safety becomes a competitive advantage, driving creativity and innovation. In coaching, I always make the point that core beliefs shaped in early life act as invisible architects of our self-leadership style. ese deeply held convictions (and self-limiting beliefs) about worth, power, competence, and relationships determine how we make decisions, handle challenges, and interact with others. Until examined and consciously reshaped, these beliefs silently guide our leadership choices, either limiting or expanding our potential for growth and impact. With the right approach you can break through the negative impact of self-limiting beliefs that prevent greater leadership success. It's time to replace them with transformative beliefs that are aligned with your core values and intentions! Keep these points in mind: • Self-limiting beliefs can hinder leadership potential, but replacing them with transformative, value- aligned beliefs can lead to growth. • Successful leadership involves continuous self-improvement and a commitment to self-leadership. • Regular reflection is key to fostering improvement. Be courageous and focus on self. By investing in your own growth through self-leadership, you're investing in your business's future. Bob Martel is an author, coach, and professional hypnotist who helps people get unstuck in business and in life. Reach him at bob@bobmartel.com or at Positive Results Hypnosis in Leominster. Know and grow yourself, grow your business Call for 2025 Nominations 40 UNDER FORTY AWARDS Nomination deadline: May 2, 2025 Publication date: August 25, 2025 is special annual award recognizes outstanding young leaders who are shaking up the Central Mass business community and leading us into the future. ey come from a variety of industries and may be climbing the corporate ladder or charting their own courses as entrepreneurs. UNDER FORTY UNDER OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS Nomination deadline: July 25, 2025 Publication date: October 6, 2025 is annual awards program recognizes the achievements of strong, talented and remarkable women who are making their mark on the Central Massachusetts business community. WOMEN I N B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ Worcester Business Journal WOMEN B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ n W O M E N B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ IN WOMEN I N B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ Worcester Business Journal Looking to sponsor one of these high profile annual events? Contact Kris Prosser, general manager at kprosser@wbjournal.com for more details! Worcester Business Journal WBJ CHAMPIONS OF HEALTH CARE AWARDS Nomination deadline: September 12, 2025 Publication date: December 1, 2025 WBJ's Champions of Health Care awards program recognizes those in the healthcare field who are excelling in helping others, promoting innovation or improving access to care. CHAMPIONS OF Health Care CHAMPIONS OF A W A R D S & F O R U M Presenting sponsor: Presenting sponsor: To nominate: www.wbjournal.com/ healthcare To nominate: www.wbjournal.com/ womeninbusiness To nominate: www.wbjournal.com/ 40underforty Corporate sponsor: Guest Column By Bob Martel W