Inertia of a Young Leader

“To succeed is to thrive and be respected.”

Expectation is the cornerstone of all actions. It drives an elementary scholar to pull an all-nighter before the day of the exam. It prompts an athlete to showcase their best performances in competitions. It compels business leaders to implement significant changes, to further drive their corporations forward in not only crucial times but also during periods of sustained growth and evolving market landscapes. Expectation provides individual guidance into stepping forward. 

As members of society, expectations also come inevitably to the younger generation. These young generations carry hopes and expectations to become the next leader. They have been told to excel and succeed in everything since they were young; to be indoctrinated that the burden of making a better environment and life for their society, family, and self is theirs to carry. These propositions are not entirely wrong as such expectation is a mantra that shapes individuals into proactive contributors to the betterment of their society, family, and personal well-being. However, to some, these expectations also pose a threat to young people for the problem with expectations is that it didn’t come standalone but with actions and results. Results of which one cannot predict all of the time. 

The uncertainty of it seems to be bigger than it seems because the pressure to excel can lead to anxiety, making the fear of making mistakes become paralyzing. For this reason, some may avoid taking on bigger responsibilities and opportunities as these confront them with the risks of being perceived as incompetent. 

Breaking Through the Inertia

From the human resources perspective, such a phenomenon is regrettable, for someone with a lot of potential might remain stagnant due to fear. This stagnation not only deprives organizations of the valuable contributions that could arise from unlocking the untapped potential but also impedes the holistic development and fulfilment of individuals within the professional context. However, such a phenomenon is not bound to eternity. There are several steps one can implement to break through the inertia:

Challenge Negative Thoughts. 

Recognize and confront negative thoughts and self-doubt. Substitute negative self-talk with positive affirmations and constructive beliefs regarding one’s capabilities. By proactively addressing and transforming negative thought patterns, individuals can cultivate a more empowering mindset, fostering self-confidence and unlocking their full potential for personal and professional success.

Develop a Growth Mindset. 

Seize challenges as chances for growth and learning. Acknowledge that skills can be honed through dedication and effort over time. Embracing this approach not only fosters personal development but also enhances adaptability, resilience, and the capacity to navigate future professional challenges with confidence and competence.

Seek Mentorship and Support. 

Seek guidance and advice from mentors or experienced colleagues while also sharing concerns and challenges with a supportive network to gain valuable perspectives. Embracing this collaborative approach not only enriches personal development but also facilitates a dynamic exchange of insights, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Take an Actual Step. 

By taking an actual step, one can build momentum and confidence in their ability to handle larger responsibilities. Each completed step serves as evidence of your competence and contributes to the overall goal of professional growth. Remember that life serves as a continuous learning platform for people to grow.

Article by Arvica Salwa Fitriani Masrukin)