Don’t worry, I’m not kicking us back to the Covid-19 era. That’s not the type of masks I’m referring to.

While attempting to live and lead well, I’ve always tried my best to give sound advice that could positively impact others.

Unfortunately, my advice and actions have not always been properly aligned.

I routinely lecture people about taking care of themselves, physically, and properly treating their aches and pains, while ignoring mine.

I have always been great at telling various friends, family, girlfriends (past tense), coworkers, and random strangers what they should and shouldn’t do to make their lives easier, while constantly making my own more difficult.

Everyone who has flown commercially has heard the mandate to “put your oxygen mask on first.” As leaders, when we fail to heed that advice, we appear to be hypocrites, poor leaders, or, in some cases, just dumb.

Age clearly has nothing to do with it, but as I learn and grow, I work much harder at putting my mask on first.

Choosing to publish the 1-Minute Sharper newsletters forces me to look internally and keep working towards self-improvement. I know, while I am still quite flawed, the topics I write about will be judged against how I perform in life.

What are you using to create self-accountability for your leadership growth?