Renowned entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn often spoke of his mentor, Mr. Shoaff. He credits Shoaf who used ten simple words to forever shift Rohn’s thinking. What were those 10 simple words?

“Success is something you attract by the person you become.”

Rohn credits his mentor’s advice for changing his life and sparking his own personal development journey. Rohn often suggested that if you want to do something remarkable, put your energy into becoming a better you—the best you. “Learn the skills. Practice the skills. Apply the skills.”

As a leader, it’s easy to think you’re applying the skills by motivating your team with incentives or giving them time off when asked. And, you may be doing a lot things. However, what I have found in my own journey is that it’s not always in the doing but rather the way of being that makes the biggest difference. Your way of being has the power to:

Open doors.
Deepen relationships.
Enroll others.
Create breakthrough results.

In the first step of our Entrepreneurial Edge System, a comprehensive system to business scaling, we dive into the critical distinctions on “Mastering Your Inner Entrepreneur.” This pivotal step has been deliberately placed at the forefront for its paramount importance. Emphasizing your way of being, particularly in the midst of adversity, has the power to transform circumstances significantly.

It is precisely in those trying moments that your leadership abilities and personal growth are put to the test. When faced with frustration, you’ll encounter your greatest challenges as well as invaluable lessons for personal development. Instead of succumbing to stress, judgment, or abruptness towards others, strive to adopt patience and curiosity when facing breakdowns during these challenging times.

There will be days of breakdowns. We all experience them. Before reacting, pause to consider most ideal response that is in alignment with your vision not your circumstance. Take a moment to ask:

What is the lesson for me?
What skill, distinction or way of being can I apply?
Who am I choosing to be in this moment?

After the situation, reflect and ask yourself:

What did I do well?
What do I need to take responsibility for and clean up or complete?
What could I have done differently?

Your leadership success is not in the doing, it’s in your being. Remember those 10 simple words: “Success is something you attract by the person you become.”