Expand Your Sense of Deserving as a Leader

When we think of leadership, we often focus on vision, execution, and influence. But there’s a subtler foundation that determines whether a leader can fully step into their potential: their sense of deserving.

If leaders carry limiting beliefs about their worth, it creates an unconscious ceiling. Neuroscience shows that self-referential thought patterns (the brain’s “default mode network”) are shaped by beliefs about worthiness, which in turn affect motivation, confidence, and creativity (Farb et al., 2007).

So how can we, as leaders expand our sense of deserving?

1. Focus on the good. Instead of catastrophizing, we can use cognitive reappraisal to shift perspective and regulate emotions. Research shows this enhances resilience and decision-making (Gross, 2015).

• Release past mistakes. Shame binds us to old narratives. Self-compassion science (Neff, 2011) demonstrates that letting go of self-criticism enables us to take courageous risks and foster trust in our teams.

• Practice gratitude. Gratitude rewires the brain’s reward system, broadens perception, and increases both personal well-being and team connection (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).

Leadership is not just about the strategies we design—it’s about the inner permission we give ourselves to create impact. When we expand our sense of deserving, we unlock greater coherence, presence, and influence.

#EmotionalAgility #GratitudeInLeadership#LeadershipPresence

Leaders who thrive don’t just set goals—they align inner worth with outer impact. If you’re ready to explore how, click here to to schedule a conversation.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay