Bob Martel is a professional hypnotist, empowerment coach, and author of several books, including "I Am Sleeping Now." Reach Bob at Positive Results Hypnosis in Leominster, or via email at bob@bobmartel.com.
Updated: April 7, 2025
Guest Column
Know your self and grow your business
By Bob Martel
It was Epictetus who said “Know Thyself” first, before trying to know others. It's key to strong relationships, personal and professional success, and in achieving your true potential (and happiness) in life. An easy concept, but a life-long journey of self-reflection.
It all starts with mastering your emotions or what is called emotional intelligence. Epictetus's mantra was the ancient foundation of modern self-leadership, based on this idea.
In my coaching practice, invariably, the most meaningful progress comes with deep self-reflection and the courage to understand the subconscious belief system and core values operating those powerful triggers hindering (or enabling) our best performance. These automatic programs are changeable when you rewire your physical brain using new thoughts and actions. It's called neuroplasticity.
Every breakthrough in your business starts with an internal breakthrough. When you commit to personal growth through self-leadership, you unlock potential not just within yourself, but in others. This ripple effect transforms everyone. Think of self-leadership as your business's hidden growth engine. When you develop stronger self-awareness, you make better decisions aligning with both personal and business goals.
This continuous journey begins with honest self-reflection. By examining your thoughts, behaviors, and decision patterns, you uncover blind spots that might limit your effectiveness. Maybe you discover you're holding too tightly to control, stifling your team's creativity. Or perhaps you notice you're avoiding difficult conversations, preventing necessary changes. These insights become catalysts for growth, in business and in the potential in your team.
Strong businesses aren't built by perfect leaders; they're built by those who are self-aware. When you create space for growth you might feel uncomfortable, but it's precisely what builds trust and encourages innovation. Consider how your daily habits impact your organization. When you practice intentional self-leadership, like taking time for strategic thinking or managing your emotional responses, you model behaviors strengthening your entire business. Your team notices. They begin adopting similar practices, creating a culture of continuous improvement driving sustainable growth.
The connection between personal and business growth becomes clear in how you handle challenges. Self-led leaders approach problems with clarity and resilience, turning potential crises into opportunities for innovation. This mindset spreads throughout the organization, building a more adaptable and resilient business. You create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute their best ideas and take calculated risks. This psychological safety becomes a competitive advantage, driving creativity and innovation.
In coaching, I always make the point that core beliefs shaped in early life act as invisible architects of our self-leadership style. These deeply held convictions (and self-limiting beliefs) about worth, power, competence, and relationships determine how we make decisions, handle challenges, and interact with others. Until examined and consciously reshaped, these beliefs silently guide our leadership choices, either limiting or expanding our potential for growth and impact.
With the right approach you can break through the negative impact of self-limiting beliefs that prevent greater leadership success. It's time to replace them with transformative beliefs that are aligned with your core values and intentions!
Keep these points in mind:
• Self-limiting beliefs can hinder leadership potential, but replacing them with transformative, value-aligned beliefs can lead to growth.
• Successful leadership involves continuous self-improvement and a commitment to self-leadership.
• Regular reflection is key to fostering improvement.
Be courageous and focus on self. By investing in your own growth through self-leadership, you're investing in your business's future.
Bob Martel is an author, coach, and professional hypnotist who helps people get unstuck in business and in life. Reach him at bob@bobmartel.com or at Positive Results Hypnosis in Leominster.
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