Leading Yourself First in the New Year

Why the most important leadership work starts with you

James Smith, Executive Director

By now, we’re far enough into January for a familiar moment to arrive.

In fact, today is known as National Quitters Day—the point in the year when most New Year’s resolutions have already been abandoned. Gym attendance drops. Planners start gathering dust. Big intentions quietly shrink back into old habits.

That’s not meant to discourage you. It’s meant to reveal something important.

Most people don’t fail at their goals because they lack motivation. They fail because they never learned how to lead themselves first. They give themselves the "leftover" time.

What It Really Means to Lead Yourself First

Before you can lead a team, a business, or a community, you have to lead your own life with intention.

Leading yourself first means:

• Setting direction instead of drifting

• Managing your time and energy instead of reacting to every demand

• Doing the right things even when no one is watching

• Making decisions today that your future self will thank you for

Self-leadership isn’t selfish. It’s foundational.

When leaders struggle, it’s rarely because they don’t care. It’s because their focus, habits, and priorities are being pulled in too many directions.

Why Self-Leadership Breaks Down So Quickly

January often starts with excitement—but momentum fades fast when:

• Everything feels urgent

• The calendar fills up before priorities are defined

• Growth gets pushed to “when things slow down”

• Activity is mistaken for progress

National Quitters Day exists because willpower alone doesn’t last. Leadership requires systems, support, and intentional investment.

You don’t accidentally become disciplined. You don’t stumble into clarity. You don’t drift your way into growth.

You choose it.

Leading Yourself Requires Investment

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: You cannot grow on leftover time.

The leaders who make real progress each year don’t wait until life is calm or schedules are perfect. They invest in themselves on purpose.

That investment may look like:

• Learning new skills

• Creating better habits

• Seeking accountability

• Getting exposure to new ideas

• Building relationships that stretch and sharpen them

Investment doesn’t always mean money—but it always means priority.

If you don’t decide where your energy goes, someone else will.

The Ripple Effect of Self-Leadership

When leaders lead themselves well, everything improves:

• Decisions get clearer

• Teams get stronger

• Businesses get healthier

• Communities get more resilient

Self-leadership creates consistency. Consistency creates trust. Trust creates momentum.

And momentum doesn’t come from January hype—it comes from daily choices.

A Simple Mid-January Reset

If resolutions haven’t gone as planned, don’t quit on the year.

Instead, ask:

• Where am I reacting instead of leading?

• What habit would make the biggest difference if I committed to it?

• What investment in myself would most benefit my work, my family, or my future?

January isn’t over. And your best leadership work doesn’t depend on a perfect start—just a deliberate next step.

Final Thought

National Quitters Day doesn’t mean people are weak. It means leadership is harder than motivation.

And the leaders who succeed are the ones who remember this simple truth:

Before you can lead others well, you must lead yourself first.

P.S. Ways to Invest in Yourself This Year

If you’re looking for practical ways to strengthen your self-leadership in 2026, here are a few places to start:

• Commit to a leadership or professional development program

• Read great books...ask other leaders or business owners what books have impacted them.

• Attend an event that challenges your thinking and expands your network

• Build accountability through peers or mentors

• Schedule regular time to think, plan, and reflect

• Say yes to opportunities that stretch you—even if they feel uncomfortable

Two great opportunities to do exactly that are coming up through the Chamber:

• Leadership Harrison County – a deeper investment in leadership growth and community engagement

• Breakout Leadership Conference (March 31) – a one-day catalyst for ideas, energy, and momentum

Your year isn’t defined by how it starts—but by how intentionally you lead it forward.