Were you trained as a child, to be a follower or a leader? Many of us were trained to surrender our power early in life. In usually subtle ways we were taught to live by the rules imposed on us by parents, society, religious leadership and educational training, and taught to be followers- not leaders. Do you recognize a few of these rules?

Be nice.

Be quiet.

Don't get too excited.

Don't get too big for your britches.

Be seen and not heard.

Put the needs of others before your own.

Keep your expectations low.

Be modest.

Keep the peace at any cost.

Don't threaten others by being too bright.

Don't toot your own horn.

Do what I tell you to do.

Don't be too proud of yourself.

Be happy with what you have.

Don't be a know-it-all.

Don't be so full of yourself.

While I'm sure the intention was constructive, most of these rules have not assisted us in living on purpose, authentic, fulfilling lives. We were trained to be followers. What we soon find out is that we can become dependent upon someone else's permission and opinions to lead us, and more often than not, the leadership from outside of ourselves leads us to smaller version of our greatest personal possibilities.

What if you decided to adopt new viewpoints that would allow your spirit to soar in the leadership over your own destiny? How about trying these rules on for size:

Be courageous.

Think big.

Stop apologizing when you've done nothing wrong.

Be ambitious.

Don't be modest.

Be seen and heard.

Be enthusiastic.

Be proud of who you are and what you know.

Keep your expectations high.

Go for it!

How about owning up to who you are, with your gifts, passions and natural abilities? How about making the decisions to honor your self, your life and your individual expression? This year, how about being the greatest leader in your own life that you can be. Why not? What have you got to lose?

Today is the day to let go of the old voices of the past and the opinions of others and set your sites for what you want in life. There is a leader within that knows how to lead?let it. It is O.K. for you to show up and be seen. It is great for you to be proud of who you are, just the way you are and go for it. Today, you are the leader in your own life. Where are you being led? How about to the top? Go for it!