The Habits That Shape a Thriving Leader
Leadership is demanding. Whether you’re guiding a church, running a business, or managing a team, the weight of responsibility can feel overwhelming. But leadership isn’t just about making the right strategic decisions—it’s about becoming the kind of person who can sustain the journey.
I’ve learned this the hard way. As an entrepreneur, I’ve spent 25 years leading teams, building organizations, and navigating seasons of both rapid growth and deep struggle. Over time, I’ve realized that the strongest leaders aren’t just the most skilled—they’re the ones who intentionally invest in their own development.
Start Your Day Grounded
It starts in the morning. Before the whirlwind of meetings, emails, and decisions begins, I take time to pause. I’ve found that starting each day with prayer and reflection isn’t just a spiritual discipline—it’s a leadership strategy. Without that space to slow down, seek wisdom, and get centered, I become reactive rather than intentional. It’s too easy to jump straight into the noise without anchoring myself first.
Set Weekly Goals for Long-Term Wins
Clarity comes when we give ourselves time to think. That’s why setting goals at the start of each week has been a game-changer for me. There was a time when I would look at a massive project and feel paralyzed by its size. But I’ve learned that the key to making progress isn’t tackling everything at once—it’s breaking it down into manageable pieces. Big visions don’t happen overnight. The leaders who accomplish the most are the ones who can take big goals and turn them into small, daily wins.
Keep Learning Every Day
Growth doesn’t happen in isolation, and I believe that the best leaders are lifelong learners. We live in a world where knowledge is available at our fingertips—podcasts, books, courses, and conversations with people who are a few steps ahead of us. I never get into a car without putting on an audiobook. Zig Ziglar called it “automobile university,” and I’ve taken that advice to heart. Every drive is an opportunity to absorb wisdom from someone who has already faced the challenges I’m navigating.
Move Your Body to Fuel Your Impact
But leadership isn’t just mental—it’s physical. I used to think exercise was something you did when you had extra time. Now, I know that staying physically strong helps me lead well. Leadership is a high-performance role, and you can’t be at your best when you’re running on empty. For me, the goal is simple: get in 10,000 steps a day. Whether it’s a workout, a walk, or just making movement a priority, I’ve learned that energy fuels impact.
Learn to Rest Without Guilt
And yet, with all the hustle and forward momentum, one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is how to rest. It doesn’t come naturally to me. I tend to push hard, to keep moving, to convince myself that I can just power through. But I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a sign of misalignment. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s fuel for longevity. Whether that means getting enough sleep, taking a real break from screens, or just creating space for my mind to breathe, I’ve come to realize that the best leaders don’t just work hard—they recover well.
Practice Gratitude Intentionally
And then there’s gratitude. Church leaders often practice this well, but in the business world, I see a lot of leaders skipping over it. The truth is, gratitude isn’t just a nice feeling—it’s a powerful tool. When I take time to acknowledge what’s going well, it shifts my mindset from scarcity to abundance. And when I intentionally express gratitude to the people around me, it strengthens my team, my relationships, and my own sense of purpose.
Surround Yourself with People Who Make You Better
None of this happens alone. Every great leader I know has mentors, coaches, and a community of people who challenge them to grow. I can point to specific people in my life who have guided me through tough seasons, called out my blind spots, and given me the push I needed to step into the next level of leadership. The most successful leaders I know don’t just build their own wisdom—they surround themselves with people who make them better.
Leadership Is a Journey of Becoming
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about growing into the kind of person who can navigate the journey ahead. You don’t have to perfect all these habits overnight. Start with one or two and build from there. The investment you make in your personal growth today will multiply your leadership impact in ways you can’t yet see.
If you’re looking for simple ways to grow and strengthen your leadership, let’s connect on LinkedIn. Because at the end of the day, great leadership starts with a commitment to growth—both in ourselves and in the people we serve.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
