Being a leader is a hard task, and while achieving that task people tend to go through many obstacles. You discover your true self--your weaknesses, your strengths, and how you impact others. The road to being a leader is long and it's rough, although it can be easier for others, it is still a journey of self-reflection. However, the hardest part of the journey is sometimes the destination. When you finally conquer your insecurities, overcome your fears, and face up to your weaknesses--that might not be good enough for some people.

Don't let those barriers stop you.

So many instances throughout my life have kept me from achieving my goals and aspirations. I was held back so many times by what I thought were the words of others--but it was really myself. Although others will often times bring you down, it is necessary to remind yourself that those hateful words shouldn't stop you from doing what you can to impact others. You can do anything you put your mind to, you just need to focus and achieve your goals as a selfless, servant leader.

Servant leadership is so important. It is great to do things for yourself, but even better if you are helping others along the way with what you are doing. The most important part of being a leader, to me, is to serve others in a selfless manner. Do not use your power to hurt others or make others feel as if they are less of a person.

Being a leader is not a power trip.

Over the years, I have grown as a leader, and I have changed a lot for the better. I grew in confidence, but with that, I remind myself every day not to grow in arrogance. Although being a leader sometimes constitutes power, that power should be used to serve and not to dictate others. It is hard sometimes to see a leader as a selfless person. Growing up, I often saw leaders in my community as individuals who were full of themselves, especially if they made decisions that I did not agree with. Yet as I went through my own personal journey of becoming a leader, I learned that every decision has a reason behind it. Not everyone sees that reason at first, and that's okay. Make decisions that you feel are right and will benefit others.

If you lead with a loving heart, you will have a bright future filled with close friendships and touched hearts. Remind yourself why you are a leader every day. Who do you do this for? What is the reward? Sometimes the reward is just the lives that you change while you are in that leadership position. Whether it is one person or twelve, every leader makes an impact on someone. Make sure that impact is a positive one.