Just as good character will determine the lasting potential of a person, self-image will determine the personal potential of a person. A person never rises above the image they have of themself – how they really, truly see themselves. Until you are satisfied with who you are, you’ll never be content with where you are. A man can stand a lot as long as he can stand himself.Psychiatrist Nathanial Brandon and expert on the subject, says, “No factor is more decisive in a person’s psychological and motivational development than the value-judgment they make about themselves. The nature of self-evaluation has a strong effect on a person’s values, thinking processes, feelings, needs and goals. Self-esteem is the single most significant key to a person’s behavior.”
Leaders only succeed to the level of their self-image. You cannot consistently live in a way that is not consistent with the way you perceive yourself. If we do not rise to the level of our potential, it’s not because of other people or competition, it’s because we sabotage ourselves. Why is it that people with so many gifts consistently mess up? One psychologist said it is because we will never rise above the level of our self-image. If you achieve success, it’s only a matter of time before you sabotage yourself and bring your level of success back down to the level at which you consistently see yourself.
Followers are limited to the leader’s self-image. The leader’s lid that he places on himself also limits those working under him. Often, when a leader does not think good about himself, he does not think good about those around him.
Good leadership provides security and self-worth to others. It’s difficult to give security and self-worth to others when you’re still seeking it for yourself.
Says one teacher, “I had a great feeling of relief when I began to understand that a young person needs education in more than just the subject matter. I used to teach Math, but now I teach students. A young boy who was doing poorly did better the following year. When I asked him why, he replied, ‘Because I like myself better now that I’m with you.’”
It’s been my personal experience and my observation in working with people all my adult life, that most people have a sense of worthlessness and/or are not satisfied with themselves. They have a low perspective of themselves and that affects how they do their work and live their life in relationship to others. I believe this is a key reason why leaders fail or do not reach their full potential.
I encourage you to seriously evaluate how you feel about yourself deep in your heart, and begin the journey to change where you need to change, but accept yourself – flaws and all – because God accepts you.
