In this episode, Chris Walker delves into the concept of self-leadership, exploring why we’re not built to work for others but for ourselves. Whether you’re in a corporate job or running your own business, the key to success lies in understanding and embracing the power of choice. Chris shares personal insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of aligning your mind and body, knowing when to pause, and maintaining your value in any professional setting. Discover how to lead yourself effectively, ensuring that your work and life are driven by clarity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to your own growth. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of modern work life with confidence and inspiration.

The Illusion of Working for Someone Else

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are. Today, I’m reflecting on something rarely discussed but fundamentally important: the notion of giving up. We often talk about perseverance, but sometimes, giving up is the most honest action we can take. In this context, I want to discuss why we are not designed to work for someone else. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a middle manager, or just starting your career, the idea that you are meant to work for someone else is fundamentally flawed. You are working for yourself.

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The Reality of Choice in Your Career

You might wonder, how can one have a job and still work for themselves? The answer lies in the choices you make. You choose where to work, which company to align with, and even which sacrifices you’re willing to make. The essence of this concept is that you are always in control, even if it doesn’t feel that way. You are not merely an employee but the CEO of your own life. Every job, every task, and every decision is your choice, even if the options seem limited.

This morning, for instance, I found myself in a situation that made me ponder these choices more deeply. I decided to wait for my stepchildren to wake up, sacrificing 30 minutes of my morning routine. Those 30 minutes may seem insignificant, but they are precious. Time, especially as we grow older, becomes increasingly valuable. And yet, I chose to wait, to be present for them, even though it meant putting my day on hold.

The Consequences of Our Choices

As the morning progressed, my stepdaughter reminded me of a reality check that was both humbling and enlightening. She was eager to see her biological father, and it struck me that my role, while necessary, was secondary. This realisation didn’t diminish my love for her or my commitment to my family; instead, it reinforced the understanding that I chose this role. No one forced me into it. I am not their father, but their stepfather, a role I willingly embraced.

Later, I found myself on the balcony, trying to get back on track with my routine. I hopped on my bike for a turbo session, intending to push through a two-hour workout. Yet, as I pedalled, I felt a depressive feeling in my chest. The wasted 30 minutes earlier had taken a toll on me, and I realised I wasn’t fully committed to the task. My self-respect and self-worth felt compromised because I wasn’t giving my best to the bike or the learning class I was watching simultaneously.

The Struggle Between Obligation and Passion

This internal conflict made me realise that we are not built to work for someone else but for ourselves. It’s easy to lose sight of our priorities and passions when we feel like we’re working for someone else. In my case, I wasn’t fully engaged in the workout because my mind was elsewhere, absorbed by the narrative of the presentation I was watching. The more I focused on the presentation, the less inclined I was to push myself physically. I was no longer in control of my actions; I had lost the sense of ownership over my own time.

This led me to stop the workout altogether and prioritise my learning instead. This decision reaffirmed that our primary responsibility is to ourselves. We risk becoming less inspired, clear, and in control when we lose sight of that.

The Misconception of Employment

The idea that we are designed to work for someone else is rooted in a history of servitude and obligation. In the past, people worked under the threat of punishment or death. Today, while the conditions have changed, the underlying concept remains: working for someone else can feel like a form of modern slavery, where our choices and freedoms are perceived as limited.

However, the truth is that we are always in charge of ourselves. Even when we hold a job, we are still marketing ourselves, delivering a service, and being evaluated on the value we provide. Our colleagues are not our friends; they are competitors in the marketplace of value. We must constantly prove our worth, not only to others but also to ourselves.

The Importance of Self-Leadership

Ultimately, working for someone else is an illusion. We always work for ourselves, make choices, and take responsibility for the outcomes. Whether in a corporate job or running a business, the principle remains the same: you are your leader. This mindset shift is crucial for personal and professional growth.

As I reflected on my morning and my choices, it became clear that the true challenge lies in maintaining control over our lives, regardless of external circumstances. We must remember that we are not employees but leaders of our lives, responsible for our success and happiness.

Lead Yourself: Embrace the Reality of Self-Leadership

In the work and personal growth world, one truth remains undeniable: we are not built to work for others. While we may engage in professional relationships where we provide services or collaborate with others, the core of our existence is rooted in self-leadership. This means that even when we find ourselves in roles where we answer to others, the ultimate responsibility for our success and fulfilment lies with us.

The Reality of Service and Value

In any service-based role, the feedback you receive from those you serve directly indicates the value you provide. If your services aren’t up to scratch, your clients or colleagues won’t hesitate to let you know—whether through rejection, micromanagement, or outright dismissal of your work. It’s crucial to recognise that when someone starts telling you how to do your job, it’s a sign that they don’t accept the value you bring. It’s your responsibility to understand your worth and communicate it effectively, not through defensive arguments but through consistently delivering excellence.

Navigating Job Interviews with Self-Leadership

Even when interviewing for a job, a situation traditionally seen as seeking approval from potential employers, it’s essential to approach it with the mindset that you’re in charge. You are not just a candidate but the leader of your professional journey. While you may choose to work within a business rather than starting your own, this does not mean surrendering your autonomy. You still work for yourself, managing your career with the same strategic mindset you would apply to run your company.

The Importance of Knowing When to Step Back

Understanding when to give up or step back is as important as knowing when to push forward. This morning, I experienced a moment where my mind and body were not aligned. As I rode my bike, my mind was absorbed in a powerful learning experience, which distracted me from my physical workout. The feeling in my chest wasn’t a physical ailment but a manifestation of this misalignment. I realised that continuing with the workout would have been unproductive. Instead, I paused, reflected, and prioritised what truly mattered at that moment: the learning experience.

The Mindset of an Inspired Leader

An inspired leader never compromises on their core values and priorities. Whether you’re in a meeting where someone undermines you or navigating the challenges of delivering your best work, it’s essential to maintain your integrity. Allowing someone to diminish your value without addressing it is akin to accepting a one-star rating for your work—something that remains in the collective memory of those around you.

Just as companies are vigilant about their public ratings, we must be equally attentive to how we are perceived professionally and personally. If someone crosses a line, addressing it promptly and assertively is essential. This doesn’t mean being confrontational for the sake of it but rather ensuring that your value is recognised and respected.

The Google Rating of Your Life

Think of your professional and personal reputation as a Google rating. Just as you wouldn’t buy a product with a low rating, you should not accept being rated poorly by others without challenging that perception. Your life’s work is your product, and the stakeholders in your career—your boss, colleagues, or clients—are the middlemen who pass on your value to the end consumers. Ensuring they have a positive narrative about you is crucial, as it ultimately affects your overall success and fulfilment.

The Power of Pausing

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is stop—not in the sense of permanent surrender but as a strategic pause to reassess, recalibrate, and refocus on your highest priorities. When you feel out of alignment, inspiration fades, or you’re not delivering your best, it’s time to pull back and introspect. This brief period of reflection can reignite your passion and ensure that when you move forward, you do so with clarity, purpose, and renewed energy.

In conclusion, remember that self-leadership is the key to navigating the complexities of life and work. You are always in charge, whether delivering a service, interviewing for a job, or responding to challenges. Embrace this responsibility confidently, and never compromise on your values or vision. Lead yourself first, and everything else will fall into place.

This is Chris. I wish you a beautiful day. Bye for now.