You were the student in high school that was into literally everything. Maybe you had a big hand in your schools sporting events, or you got involved with your student government. Your school either had Beta Club or National Honors Society, and you were involved with whichever organization you had. You showed up to community service events and helped raise money for all the fantastic causes your school had.

You were a leader.

Now, you've graduated and moved on. Maybe you've made it to your college town and gotten enthralled with class, or you've taken up a "big-boy" job or a trade. You feel busy all of the time, and you don't make as much time for the organizations you used to do so much for. You're involved with different aspects of your life now, but you aren't as spread out as you were. You may be feeling like you don't accomplish as much as you used to, or you don't think you qualify as a leader much anymore.

You are a leader.

I'll be the first one to tell you, "it's okay," if you aren't as involved with extra activities like you used to be. So, what if you don't do all of the things you used to? In most cases, and I know this to be true in mine, you joined and led the organizations you did because you wanted "resume builders." Most people do this, but they don't take the time to do things they completely enjoy. Other times, you just wanted something to do, and it seemed like a great idea to get involved. Whatever the reason you decided to lead, your leadership qualities don't just fade overnight.

You will always be a leader.

Wait for the things you want to do, and do them then. Take the reins again when you find the activity you want to be a part of or take charge of. I sat out of the game for my whole freshman year of college, but then I found the organization I wanted to join. Since then, I've held several different positions for my Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, and now I'm one of the chief editors for UAH's Odyssey community.

It doesn't matter if you sit out for weeks, months, or years at a time. Once you've shown leadership qualities and taken charge of a few things in your life, those qualities don't just disappear. You may not do as much as you used to, but that doesn't mean you've failed at any point of your life. Be the success you have shown yourself to be, and lead when you see the need.