Think like a leader

Throughout my career, I have had many different titles—artist, designer, author, teacher—but only one career. Whatever my job description or duty, I come to the task with the same attitude and conviction: to change the world.

To me everything is perspective, it is not the circumstance that bothers you, it is the way you see it. To become that leader, defiant in the face of adversity and change, begins with a flexible and nimble mindset. Here are a few thoughts on adapting the mindset necessary to face change and be a leader.

Face the fear

It’s hard to step up to the plate but if we want the reward, we need to face our fears. Most of us wake every morning with the call to action—opportunity demanding we take chances, stretch our limits and grow.

But fear grips us and we become reluctant because we have to DO something. It’s easier to stand down, stay in bed and not risk failure by not risking… anything.

To lead people, you have to stand up and be heard. Leaders are the reluctant ones with the courage to face their fears. Every day.

Your voice is your most powerful tool

Your voice is who you are. Maybe not the “you” you carry around every day, but the one yelling from inside, demanding to be heard. Your voice is the way you see the world and how you translate it back. When you train your voice and allow it to grow and be heard, that beautiful sound will carve a path for you to follow for life. Conversely, if you fail to use your voice, others will be in charge of it—and you.

You become who you pretend to be

Your attitude creates your reality. With the right attitude, you can become who or what you want. It comes by having faith in yourself, your ideas and abilities and saying: “I can do this, I belong here.” Through positive habits, you change your reality. It’s not about “faking it”, or presenting a false exterior or bravado, but rather through practice, creating a positive attitude of being. This practice becomes a habit, this habit becomes your life.

Your voice and opinion is the story you put into everything you do. It’s what sets you apart and makes you and your work memorable.

This perspective frees you from following trends or begging for ideas, asking, “What do they want?” Now, your most powerful tool is asking yourself, “What do I have to say?”

So remember: stop following the herd. Exercise that flexible mindset and practice using your voice—only then will you learn how to follow your own path and become the leader you want to be.