"Notes" of An Elder ― 5.30.25

You must lead yourself before you lead others. Self-leadership isn’t selfish — it’s foundational.

Nothing in life is of any value unless it is shared with others.

"Notes" of An Elder is a depository of pertinent information, knowledge and wisdom. Available weekly will be an elder's "thinking menu" for your use. Enjoy this bounty.

  • You must lead yourself before you lead others. Self-leadership isn’t selfish — it’s foundational.

  • The conversations you have daily with yourself are more important than the ones you have with those around you.

  • Control the things that are controllable: your energy, the way you think, what you read, who you talk to, and how you spend your time.

  • Great leaders don’t just see what’s possible — they execute. Consistency beats brilliance when brilliance doesn’t show up.

  • As long as someone can control your mind, they can control who you are.

  • Promotion isn’t the goal. Mastery is. Focus on becoming exceptional at what you’re doing right now.

Commonalities of Sustaining Excellence:

  • Growth mindset

  • Immense curiosity

  • High level of self-awareness — “It starts within”

  • Great vision

  • Execution

  • Influence doesn’t require a job title. Lead where you are, and be so good they can’t ignore you.

  • We all need truth tellers in our life.

  • Be a giver, not a taker. Lead with love, kindness, and integrity — but never keep score. That’s not how it works.

  • Respect is far better than being liked.

  • Relationships are partnerships — a ‘we’ mentality.

  • We’re in the same boat, row together and get this boat to shore.

  • Always show up early, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Closed mouths don’t get fed.

Magic Question

What part of my leadership is tied to who I was — and what needs to evolve to align with who I’m evolving into?

Our team at The Daily Coach highly recommends the following books:

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