The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby Jason Rigby

Dear Self Aware Leaders
Just this week, I stepped onto a plane headed for a much-needed work trip. As the familiar safety briefing began, the flight attendant's voice caught my attention. "Remember," she said, "in case of an emergency, please secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others." Her next words hit me with newfound resonance: "...even though this trip is to Miami, I don't want to see any of you underwater."
It was a playful reminder, but it struck a deeper chord. In the heart of leadership, amongst its demands and the noble drive to serve, lies a paradox: we must sometimes withdraw to truly give. We all know the flight attendant's instructions—secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others. But as leaders, do we truly live this principle?
I believe nurturing our own spirit is the most generous act we can perform for our teams and the world we seek to impact. When we deplete ourselves, it's not just our personal energy that suffers. Our clarity dims, our empathy wanes, and our ability to inspire becomes strained. Without meaning to, we may offer a diminished version of our leadership potential.
Yet, when we prioritize our own wellness—not as a luxury but as a sacred responsibility – something profound happens. We refill our inner reserves. Just as a wellspring nourishes the land, we become sources of resilience, wisdom, and unwavering compassion for those we lead.
So, how do we nurture ourselves, especially in demanding roles?
Title: Dear Exhausted Leader: It's Time to Put YOUR Oxygen Mask On First
Dear Self Aware Leaders
Just this week, I stepped onto a plane headed for a much-needed work trip. As the familiar safety briefing began, the flight attendant's voice caught my attention. "Remember," she said, "in case of an emergency, please secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others." Her next words hit me with newfound resonance: "...even though this trip is to Miami, I don't want to see any of you underwater."
It was a playful reminder, but it struck a deeper chord. In the heart of leadership, amongst its demands and the noble drive to serve, lies a paradox: we must sometimes withdraw to truly give. We all know the flight attendant's instructions—secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others. But as leaders, do we truly live this principle?
I believe nurturing our own spirit is the most generous act we can perform for our teams and the world we seek to impact. When we deplete ourselves, it's not just our personal energy that suffers. Our clarity dims, our empathy wanes, and our ability to inspire becomes strained. Without meaning to, we may offer a diminished version of our leadership potential.
Yet, when we prioritize our own wellness—not as a luxury but as a sacred responsibility – something profound happens. We refill our inner reserves. Just as a wellspring nourishes the land, we become sources of resilience, wisdom, and unwavering compassion for those we lead.
So, how do we nurture ourselves, especially in demanding roles?
1. Embrace Sacred Pauses: Carve out dedicated moments in your day for stillness—even a few minutes of mindful breathing or a walk in nature. These aren't indulgences, but the very act of replenishing the well from which you give.
2. Discover Joy's Power: Actively fill your life with what brings you true joy. This isn't about frivolous escapes, but honoring the unique things that light up your soul. A joyful leader radiates inspiration.
3. Boundaries as Love: Saying 'no' with grace can be the most loving act. It protects your energy for the tasks that truly need your unique leadership. Train yourself, and your team, to respect your boundaries.
4. Seek Growth with Humility: There's always more to learn, more ways to see. Embrace a beginner's mindset, seek out mentors, engage in personal development. This isn't about striving, but expanding your capacity to serve.
5. Honor the Body Temple: Your body is integral to your leadership. Mindfully

This morning, I woke up like I often do – caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and anxieties. We all face this, especially as leaders. The pressure to have answers, to define ourselves by accomplishments... it's easy to lose our footing. But in these moments, I'm learning something profound (inspired by the spiritual teacher Luuk Moelker's From Confusion to Clarity) – the very essence of our leadership lies in recognizing what confusion truly is.
Moelker teaches that our mental chaos is just that – mental. It's a storm in the mind. For me, the revelation came when I finally paused and asked myself, "Who am I, truly, beneath all this?" Suddenly, the noise fell away. A core of undeniable selfhood was there all along, needing no external justification.
This is a truth every leader needs to know – confusion happens, but it is not you. Underneath the responsibilities and expectations, there's that same causeless, vibrant 'I am' within each of us.
Finding that clarity isn't about guru retreats or complex psych-techniques. It's accessible here, now. Trust in your own direct experience. Sidestep the endless self-improvement, the pressure to 'become'. You already are. Causeless. Needing no justification. That is what enables true leadership.
How do we put this into practice? Let the anxieties and fears do their thing. Notice them, but stay rooted in the peace of your inner being. It's like watching storm clouds pass while knowing the blue sky remains untouched.
Remember, clarity is your baseline, not something earned. No need to protect or 'prove' your simple existence. This frees you from the exhausting cycle of self-definition, the subtle pressure to always be 'on'.
When you crave a sense of completion or a more 'authentic' leadership style, stop. Say to yourself, with conviction, "I already am.". Let this anchor you. Then face the day's challenges not as battles against yourself, but as a chance to act from that causeless, clear place.
Much like Moelker's work, my experience is simply a guidepost. It's about inviting you to know this truth for yourself. Leaders, it's time to cut through the chaos and embrace who we were meant to be. The ripple effects aren't just personal - they extend to how we lead and show up for others.
Maybe create your own short mantra, inspired by Moelker. Mine is: "I return to the causeless Self." It's my compass when life gets turbulent.
This isn't about ignoring problems, but understanding how we relate to them. True clarity means seeing we are not our thoughts or accomplishments. That shift has revolutionary potential for how we lead. Shouldn't we be modeling wholeness, not constant striving?
Thank you, Luuk Moelker, for the reminder contained within From Confusion to Clarity.
 

Hello fellow leaders, this is Jason. In today’s episode of The Self-Aware Leader, I’m taking a moment to share a more personal perspective on leadership. These aren't just abstract concepts; they're five core areas I am actively exploring in my own life. As we delve into these principles, I hope my journey resonates with you, offering both guidance and inspiration as you navigate your own path to becoming a more effective and self-aware leader.
1. Clarity: Seeking Light in the Shadows
Clarity is paramount. Recently, I've been reflecting on times when I've felt stuck, questioning what steps I need to take to regain a clear vision. It’s about asking the tough questions, like, "What am I not seeing? What have I been avoiding?" For me, gaining clarity often means disconnecting from the noise—stepping back, going for long walks, or just sitting in quiet meditation to listen to what my higher self is trying to tell me.
2. Momentum: Moving Forward When It’s Hardest
Momentum is something I've struggled with, especially when facing setbacks. It’s easy to feel like you're slogging through mud. I've learned that the energy it takes to get stuck is the same energy that can propel me forward. The key for me has been to redirect this energy positively—setting small, manageable goals, and using visualization techniques that create a series of wins, no matter how minor, to rebuild my momentum and get myself out of the rut.
3. Respect: Building Self-Respect and Mutual Respect
I’ve been pondering what respect means in my personal and professional life. How do I respect myself? This includes setting boundaries, acknowledging my achievements, and forgiving my mistakes. Extending this respect to others is equally vital. It’s about listening actively, valuing others' contributions, and understanding their perspectives. This dual respect fosters a healthier, more supportive environment for those I lead and myself.
4. Understanding: Embracing Continuous Growth
As a leader, I’ve always believed in the importance of evolution—of striving to learn and grow from every situation. This means being open to feedback, willing to confront uncomfortable truths, and eager to apply new insights. Understanding doesn't just apply to external knowledge; it's also about introspection and recognizing our own patterns and behaviors that need evolution.
5. Embodiment: Living My Values Every Day
The concept of embodiment has been transformative for me. It’s about more than just understanding or agreeing with certain ideas; it's about living them out loud, every day. Whether it’s in how I conduct a meeting, manage my time, or interact with team members, I aim to reflect my values in every action I take. This alignment is what I strive for—to not only believe in integrity, honesty, and compassion but to embody these qualities in all aspects of life.
Conclusion:
These five principles are not just leadership strategies; they are markers on a map, guiding me through the complex terrain of leading both myself and others. Sharing this path with you is a way of honoring my commitment to not just talk the talk but walk the walk of a self-aware leader.
Call to Action:
I encourage you to reflect on these areas in your own leadership practice.
How can you bring more clarity and momentum into your daily challenges?
In what ways can you cultivate deeper respect for yourself and others?
How might you commit to understanding and embodying your values more fully?
Share your stories and challenges with me—let's grow and learn together in this journey of self-aware leadership. Let's make our leadership not just effective, but deeply personal and profoundly impactful.

Feeling stuck in a procrastination rut? It's a place I know well. You want to move forward with your goals, but that pesky voice of "I'll do it tomorrow" keeps you frozen, unable to actually start.
Let's be honest – we all experience dips in motivation. Even the most enthusiastic leaders and dedicated employees have those days when getting fired up about work is tougher than usual. But the good news is it doesn't have to be permanent!
In this podcast, I want to share some hard-earned lessons about breaking out of motivational slumps. As self-aware leaders, we need to dive into the why behind our lack of motivation so we can move past it effectively.
The Drain of Demotivation
Before we tackle the fixes, let's be clear about the costs of low motivation. Lacking energy to tackle your goals isn't something to just grin and bear:
Productivity Takes a Nosedive: Without that spark, we drag our feet, projects lag, and output decreases.
Stress Skyrockets: As deadlines loom and work piles up, our anxiety ratchets up several notches.
Self-Doubt Creeps In: The relentless "What's wrong with me?" self-criticism erodes confidence and makes us feel even more paralyzed.
Mental & Physical Health Suffers: Feeling down and out impacts sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.
See where this is going? Low motivation isn't benign. It's important to take action when you're feeling more stuck than strategic.
Conquering the Motivation Monster
So what's the fix? This is where self-awareness shines! The key is to pinpoint WHY you're feeling unmotivated and tackle the root cause:
Cause #1: The Overwhelm Overload
If your to-do list is causing heart palpitations, here's what to do:
The Art of "No": Learn to protect your time. Saying a simple "I'm over capacity right now" can make a world of difference.
Distraction Elimination: Phones buzzing, people popping in? Clear the decks so your focus can return.
Prioritize Like a Pro: List everything, then rank by urgency/importance. Start at the top, and forget the rest (for now!).
Cause #2: Burnout Strikes
Exhaustion kills motivation faster than anything. Try these strategies:
Harness Your Peak Hours: Notice when your energy is high – do complex work then, and save routine tasks for the inevitable afternoon slump.
Breaks Are Your Friend: Don't be a hero. Step away for a walk, coffee with a colleague, or even a 5-minute meditation.
Work-Life Balance is Non-Negotiable: Avoid the 24/7 trap. Fully disconnecting after hours is crucial for long-term energy levels.
Cause #3: Fear of Failure Syndrome
If perfectionism and worry are keeping you stuck, consider these mind shifts:
Aim for "Good Enough": Messy first drafts are better than no drafts! Remember, you can always revise later.
Build Momentum with Starting Habits: Simple routines you do before diving into work prime your brain and reduce resistance.
Blur Preparation and Action: Ease into tough tasks by starting with small 'prep'-related steps. Often, you'll find yourself just doing the thing!
Cause #4: The Apathy Attack
When you don't care about the work, finding that drive can feel impossible. Try this:
Remember Your Why: Write down the real reasons you need this job, value this project, etc. Keeping those reasons visible helps.
Connect for a Cause: Socializing with colleagues creates community and a sense of shared purpose.
Seek New Challenges: Ask for more, propose new initiatives. Growth is a powerful motivator.
You Got This – And I'm Cheering You On!
Don't expect to be motivated 100% of the time. But, with practice, you'll build those mental muscles to break out of motivation ruts faster. Let's ditch the "I'll do it tomorrow" blues and make each day count!
Let me know in the comments – which of these motivation drains hits you the hardest?

"Ever feel like there's some invisible block sabotaging your money goals? Today, we're going deep. We're not talking surface-level 'think rich' stuff, but the real, messy emotions most leaders hide when it comes to abundance. 
My Breaking Point: I hit a wall with the whole 'manifest your millions' mindset. Turns out, I had some major unresolved baggage around money – limiting beliefs, fear, you name it. Sound familiar?
Money Mirrors Your Mind: We think money is about dollars and cents, but it's a symbol of how we see ourselves, our worth, even our impact on the world. That's the work most leaders miss.
The Law of Assumption Goes Deeper: It's not about willing stuff into existence, but aligning with that limitless source of creation (call it consciousness, whatever works for you). Leaders, we're used to forcing things, not flowing with them. That's why we get stuck with money.
Get Ready to Squirm (It's Worth It):
Uncover your 'money story' – What did you hear about money growing up? What makes you uncomfortable about wealth?
Align, don't Chase: Abundance happens when what you do provides value and is in harmony with who you are.
Build Wealth that Empowers: It's about serving, co-creating – that's how the flow keeps going, not by hoarding.
My Takeaway: This isn't woo woo – it's about unlocking the potential we block with our own money baggage. True wealth is something you embody, not just get.
Call to Action: What's your biggest hidden money belief? Have you seen it play out in how you lead? Share below, let's get real!
 

What Does It Mean to Be Truly Committed?
On the most recent episode of The Self Aware Leader podcast, I dove deep into the concept of commitment. We often throw that word around – I'm committed to fitness, committed to this project, committed to my personal growth. But what does true, maximum commitment really look like and feel like?
To dissect this, I like to rephrase the question:
"What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve a goal or uphold a value?"
That hits a little harder, doesn't it? Because true commitment isn't just about the good times, the easy choices. It's about what you'll keep doing, who you'll keep being, even when it's inconvenient, difficult, and frankly...uncomfortable.
Commitment in Action
Let's look at some examples:
Relationships: Truly committed partners don't walk away at the first sign of conflict. They stay and work through the challenges – not because it's easy, but because the value of the relationship outweighs the temporary discomfort.
Health: Being committed to your health isn't about a crash diet; it's about making sustainable lifestyle changes. We're talking early mornings for workouts even when you're tired, and saying 'no' to temptations that derail your goals.
Career: Maximum commitment here means going the extra mile. Putting in the late nights to perfect a project, taking on extra responsibilities to learn – the things that aren't necessarily expected but are essential for growth.
Commitment Isn't Easy (But It's Worth It)
True commitment will stretch your comfort zone. There will be times when you want to give up, walk away, or cut corners. That's when you ask yourself that all-important question again: is what you want on the other side of this challenge worth the sacrifice you're making now?
It's important to be honest with yourself. If the answer is no, that's okay! Maybe now isn't the time, or perhaps you need to re-evaluate whether your goal is truly aligned with your values. But if that answer is a resounding "YES"... then it's time to dig in and make true commitment a part of your everyday life.
How do you cultivate maximum commitment? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!