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If you’ve ever felt stuck in the shadows, wondering if you’re truly capable of stepping up, leading, and making a real difference, know this—you’re not alone. So many of us start as followers, feeling the weight of expectations, the need to please, and that quiet whisper that maybe—just maybe—we’re meant for something more. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re ready to break free from limitations, to challenge what’s held you back, and to explore what stepping into leadership might mean for you. I understand because I was once right where you are. For the first 51 years of my life, I was a follower, gripped by a deep-rooted fear of standing out and a constant need to keep others happy. I was a classic people-pleaser, tiptoeing around my own dreams and asking questions like, “Will they approve?” or “How can I make everyone happy?” This approach kept me safe but small, creating invisible walls that held back my potential and stopped me from showing up as my true self. Then, one day, everything changed. I decided to confront my fears head-on, committing to break through one fear every single day for an entire year. This challenge stretched me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. As I tackled fears one by one—whether speaking up in public or stepping out of my comfort zone—I began shedding the old limitations that had held me back for so long. That year of transformation gave me the courage to step into a leadership role, founding Action Takers Publishing, where I now help others share their stories with the world, empowering them to make the impact they’re meant to make. In my book, Do It BECAUSE You’re Scared, I talk about how fear can be a catalyst for growth rather than a roadblock. Download a free copy here. But today, I want to share three key steps that helped me turn from follower to leader. These aren’t just concepts—they’re action steps you, too, can take to break free from a life of following and step confidently into your purpose as a leader. You are meant for so much more. It’s time to step up. You got this.
Step 1: Embrace Self-Reflection—Understand Your Strengths and Values
For a follower to evolve into a leader, self-awareness is foundational. Leadership requires a deep understanding of who you are, what you stand for, and what strengths you bring to the table. Many of us move through life on autopilot, not stopping to consider why we act or react in certain ways. Self-reflection allows us to take a step back, look inward, and uncover what truly drives us. This process might reveal hidden talents, core values, and even areas that need growth—all of which are essential for effective leadership. Self-reflection helps leaders remain grounded in their values and strengths, which gives them a solid foundation to make decisions and inspire others. Leaders who know themselves are more resilient in the face of challenges, more compassionate toward their team, and more consistent in their actions. Actionable Step: Begin a journaling habit that focuses on self-discovery. Set aside even 10 minutes a day to write about your experiences, challenges, and victories. At the beginning of your journal, answer these three questions:
What values do I hold most dear?
What unique strengths and talents do I bring to my current role?
What situations make me feel empowered, and why?
Then make three columns on a piece of paper and write these headings, then reflect daily on the questions:
(Either the night before or every morning, answer this question): What action will I take today to empower someone to grow as a leader within?
What actions DID I take today that empowered someone to grow as a leader within?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how do I feel about my actions today?
You can also reflect on feedback from others, which can be an eye-opening way to understand how your actions and strengths are perceived. When you notice areas where you feel challenged or uncomfortable, explore these feelings further—this is where growth happens. As you develop a practice of self-reflection, you’ll cultivate a greater sense of confidence and clarity. Self-reflection also makes you more empathetic, a critical trait of effective leaders. When you know yourself, you’re better equipped to lead others with integrity and authenticity.
Step 2: Take Initiative and Practice Ownership
Moving from follower to leader means shifting from passive participation to active engagement. Followers often wait for directions, while leaders anticipate needs and take responsibility. This shift in mindset is one of the most critical steps in transforming into a leader. It can be scary at first but, as international motivational speaker Les Brown says, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” You don’t have to be a great leader to become a leader, but you have to take the steps in order to step into leadership. Leaders don’t wait to be asked; they see an opportunity and act on it. I always say, “See the opportunity, then seize the opportunity.” Taking initiative is about stepping into responsibility even if it’s outside your comfort zone or official job description. Initiative signals to others that you’re invested and ready to contribute beyond basic expectations. Ownership shows that you care about the bigger picture and the success of the team. When others see that you’re willing to go the extra mile, they begin to view you as a leader—even if you don’t hold a formal leadership title yet. Actionable Step: Identify an area in your current role or group where you can add value. This might look like:
Organizing a regular team check-in to increase communication.
Bringing a fresh solution to a recurring problem.
Offering to mentor a new team member.
Volunteering to lead a project or take on a new responsibility.
Don’t wait for permission; take the initiative and find a way to make things better. Focus on consistently stepping up, even in small ways, and challenging yourself to make a meaningful difference. Over time, taking initiative will help you develop a reputation as someone who is dependable and invested in the team’s success. Others will look to you for guidance and support, and you’ll naturally start to take on more leadership responsibilities. Initiative is a powerful habit that helps build both competence and confidence.
Step 3: Develop and Empower Others
True leaders don’t only focus on their own growth; they also commit to the growth of others. Transitioning from a follower to a leader means shifting your focus from individual performance to team success. Leaders understand that the impact they can make is far greater when they empower others, fostering a culture of collaboration, support, and shared success.
When you empower others, you’re creating a legacy of leadership that will ripple out beyond your individual efforts. Empowering others helps build a stronger, more resilient team, increases morale, and enhances productivity. People feel valued and motivated when they know their leader is invested in their success, which builds trust and loyalty.
Actionable Step: Start by identifying individuals within your team or network who could benefit from guidance, mentorship, or simply encouragement.
You might do one or more of the following:
Mentor a colleague who is just starting out in your field.
Share resources, tools, or strategies that have helped you succeed.
Offer feedback in a way that is constructive and supportive.
Celebrate the accomplishments of others, both big and small.
Encourage open communication by creating safe spaces for team members to share ideas and concerns.
As you support others, you’ll also find that they, in turn, look to you for leadership. This is how influence grows naturally—you become the person others trust to help them navigate challenges, celebrate wins, and pursue goals.
By empowering others, you become a catalyst for team growth and success. People will see you as a leader who genuinely cares about their well-being, which strengthens your influence. Empowering others also gives you a sense of fulfillment and purpose that extends beyond personal achievements. When your team thrives, you thrive, and together, you can make a meaningful impact.
Closing the Book on This Topic
Transitioning from follower to leader is an ongoing journey that requires consistent self-reflection, initiative, and a focus on uplifting others. By following these three steps, you’ll begin to break free from the limitations of following and step confidently into a leadership role that resonates with your values, strengths, and vision. Remember, leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about the impact you create and the lives you touch along the way.
And if you’re ready to explore this journey further, my book, Do It BECAUSE You’re Scared, dives deeply into using fear as a fuel for growth and transformation. To download your free copy, visit this link and start embracing the leader within. Here’s to stepping up, breaking free, and making a lasting difference!
This blog was written by Lynda Sunshine West, Founder & CEO of Action Takers Publishing. Our mission is to empower 5 million women and men to share their stories with the world to make a greater impact on the planet.
Are you ready to share your story? Now is the time.
After all, Nothing Happens Without Action. Visit us at www.actiontakerspublishing.com for info on how you can get started writing your story today.
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