LIFE

Congrats! You have completed the first step to being a leader. Not everyone wants to take control and learn to lead. You realize that you have to make some changes before you reach your leadership potential. Guess what: Your new role as a leader (and not a follower) is a lot closer than you think!

Confidence is a great asset for any and every aspiring leader. When people believe you can do what you say you can—even if you’re a little doubtful yourself—they’ll be happy to let you take charge. Wanna know a secret? If you’re feeling nervous, you’re not alone. Whether you’re anxious about presenting your own ideas, choosing a direction or talking in public, know that many of the people you look up to, from celebs to politicians, still get butterflies in their tummies, too. You make be shaking in your sneaks, but a quick I-can-do-it pep talk is all you need to put on a brave face. And trust us, no one will know you’re freakin’ inside!

Sometimes leaders fail, but you’ll certainly never see triumph unless you try, right? Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. When your buds start discussing a party idea, offer to do the planning. When your fam wants to take a daytrip to a nearby city, plan the itinerary. And when your teacher is waiting for your group to pick a team captain, raise your hand, chica! Someone has to be in charge, so why shouldn’t it be you?

Nobody likes a bossy babe or chica who doesn’t let others share their ideas. Just ‘cause you’re the big cheese doesn’t mean that others can’t make stellar contributions. Pay attention to lulls in the conversation and before you speak look around and see if anyone looks like they may have something to share. Why not ask your other quiet friends what they think? Like you, they may be looking for their way to break out of their follower status.

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