JOURNEY TO GREATNESS: 10 AMAZING LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM ROBIN SHARMA

“Leadership is less about the position you hold than the influence you have. It’s about doing world-class work, playing at your peak, and leaving people better than you found them. It’s about Leading Without a Title.” ~ Robin Sharma

I follow thought leaders for a reason. Because I want to lead, not live, but LEAD (Live & Engage – Authentically, Daily) a life of wonderment, joy, world-class work and leave this world better than I found it.

 Truth is I want to die empty. Shrivelled up empty.

Robin Sharma is one of my virtual mentors whose work has inspired and motivated me to do better, to unleash my inner genius and to do world-class work. Through his work, I am learning to be more passionate, find beauty in everything from what I eat, to where I spend my time and what I work on, to be authentic – to truly make the most of this life as I add more value than anyone expects to this world.

I was so fortunate I got to meet him recently at Personal Mastery Live – right here in Toronto. 2 days of personal mastery with Robin. I was blown away! I hugged him, shook his hand and told him how much I love his work. Truly one of the best moments in my life.

Below are 10 life lessons that have helped me on my journey to greatness.

I’VE LEARNED:

1. TO ENJOY EVERY SINGLE BIT OF LIFE. TAKE RISKS. BE INTENTIONAL WITH EVERYTHING YOU DO. DRINK GOOD WINE, EAT GOOD FOOD AND SPEND TIME IN BEAUTIFUL SPACES THAT INSPIRE ME. SIMPLY PUT LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO DO OTHERWISE. ROBIN LIVES BY THIS ONE. MY HUSBAND AND I NOW CHOOSE PLACES WITH GREAT FOOD, GREAT WINE AND GREAT ENERGY OF THE STAFF WHEN WE DINE OUT. THIS MATTERS TO US MORE THAN EVER. A SPECIAL HELLO TO CHEF DAVE & NICK AND SOUS CHEF: MURPHY & JOHNNY AT CAMPAGNOLO & OUR SERVER KIRI – ONE OF OUR FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN TORONTO FOR ALWAYS SERVING GREAT FOOD WITH EQUALLY GREAT SERVICE.

“You are born into genius. But have you resigned yourself to mediocrity?” ~ Robin Sharma

2. That greatness is attainable – so strive for it. We all have genius within us. I’ve learned that greatness, genius, extraordinary excellence, like the work of Michelangelo, Michael Jordon, Steve Jobs – that level of greatness is attainable. I can do Picasso-like work – the truth is we all can. I will never be a Michelangelo but I can be the best Karlyn Percil & create the Sistine chapel of my world. Hence the reason why I work on my craft daily.

“Be the Mick Jagger of the mailroom, the Warren Buffet of bookkeeping and the Bono of stapler selling.” ~ Robin Sharma

3. You can lead without a title. Titles does not equal greatness, vision, creativity or innovation. You can do your best work and be the best in your field even if your title doesn’t say CEO, VP, SVP etc. I’ve learned that leadership begins within – with a commitment to do your absolute best work and to inspire others to do the same. Self-awareness is a game changer – I learn as much as I can about myself every single day.

“Leadership begins and ends with 3 words: Absolute Personal Responsibility.” ~ Robin Sharma

4. To pay attention to the small little details and do one thing a day that will lead you to your end result. Small daily wins lead to epic results. Every day I do one thing that will get me closer to my dreams.

“Small little details done excellently and consistently stack up into something the world sees as Mastery.” ~ Robin Sharma

5. 5. To spend time in nature. Watch the sunset and the sunrise. Protect your energy. Get fit like Madonna. Focus on what matters the most. Energy matters – if it drains me – I walk away.

“Give no energy to critics. Spend time in the mountains. Know your top 5 values.” ~ Robin Sharma

6. To celebrate the small wins along the way. Note your achievements and enjoy the journey. I have daily/weekly/monthly check-ins on my accomplishments, my big vision and what I can do better on my journey to greatness.

“Understand that when you play small with your success, you betray your potential.” ~ Robin Sharma

7. To never stop learning. Challenges are a gift. Life is a classroom – stay open & learn from the greats, learn from every experience, every encounter, every single day and you will discover your best life. Success leaves clues.

“The best leaders are the most dedicated learners. Read great books daily. Investing in your self-development is the best investment you will ever make. Model Mandela and you’ll find at the end of your life you lived an awesome one.” ~ Robin Sharma  

8.That solitude is a gift. To spend time with yourself focused on that one thing –that game-changer and you will stand way above the rest. I’m learning that discipline is freedom. That being disciplined with my focused time & my solitude fuels my innovation & creativity – allowing me to do my best work.

“To have the rewards that very few have, do the things that very few people are willing to do.” ~ Robin Sharma

9. To wake up with the roosters aka the 5am – for this is where you do your best work. Have a better mental focus. Clarity. This is when you can communicate the best with your soul. I think. Use it to Journal. Exercise. Write in your gratitude journal. Learn. We do our best work during these sacred hours. Some of my most productive, enjoyable days started when I joined the 5AM club.

“The way you start your day, drives how beautifully you live it.” ~ Robin Sharma

10. To believe in myself. That personal mastery is the key to success, doing world-class work, living behind a legacy you will be proud of and creating a life you really love. Mental mastery is crucial to believing in who you are  – being able to notice my thoughts and choosing ones that serve me more is life-changing. My affirmations, words and my daily ritual all support the legacy I will be leaving behind.

“Self-belief is so incredibly important. Because if you don’t believe you can achieve a vision/goal, then you won’t even start to do the work needed to achieve that vision/goal.” ~ Robin Sharma

Thank you Robin for doing world-class work. I am on my journey of greatness because I am here to do legendary work and I will be leaving something behind that is far greater than my mere existence. Stay tuned for another post on another great thought leader who have inspired me on my journey to greatness.

Who inspires you the most?  What lessons have you learned from your own virtual or actual mentors?

Final words:

“Genius is not the result of innate ability but deliberate practice and the relentless pursuit of Mastery.” ~ Robin Sharma

I am inspired by you and would love to hear how you are creating a life you really love on your own journey to greatness. Will you drop a comment below? Your words may just be the inspiration someone needs on their journey to greatness. Continue to let your inner greatness shine and have the courage to show up, do great work, love more, play bigger and be the best you. xoxo