Welcome to Live happier or Die trying

Discover the keys to unlocking your full potential, building self-love, and living your happiest life. Get ready for motivational quotes, inspiring advice, and valuable insights to guide you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.

What is leadership?

Understanding Leadership: A Breakdown

Let's first start by breaking down leadership by definition. At its core, leadership is the ability to guide, influence, or inspire a group of people toward achieving a common goal. It’s not solely about holding authority or a title, but rather about demonstrating qualities like vision, communication, and adaptability. True leadership involves fostering collaboration, building trust, and empowering others to reach their potential. It’s a dynamic process, one that often evolves based on circumstances, challenges, and the unique needs of those being led. Whether in business, community, or personal settings, leadership is essential for driving progress and creating meaningful change.

Leadership Lessons from Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi

Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi are two of my greatest inspirations when it comes to leadership. Each of them stands as a beacon of courage, compassion, and resilience, leaving indelible marks on history through their unwavering dedication to justice and nonviolence. Gandhi, the leader of India's struggle for independence, championed the use of peaceful resistance, proving that transformative change is possible without aggression.

His philosophy of "ahimsa" (nonviolence) continues to inspire movements for equality and human rights around the globe. Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. carried forward this legacy, becoming a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. Through his eloquent speeches and steadfast commitment to nonviolent protest, he challenged systemic racism and fought for equality, ultimately changing the course of U.S. history.

Both leaders demonstrated the power of moral conviction and the ability to inspire collective action, teaching us that true leadership is about serving others and standing firm in the face of adversity. These are my two homeboys at heart and they have framed me into the seeker of knowledge that I am.

15 Great Leaders of All Time and Their Impact on History

Throughout human history, great leaders have emerged to guide societies, inspire change, and leave lasting legacies. Below is a list of 15 remarkable leaders, from 1 through 15, along with the reasons they are remembered and the transformative changes they brought to the world.

1. George Washington - As the first President of the United States and a key figure in the American Revolution, Washington led with integrity, helping to establish the foundation of American democracy.
2. Abraham Lincoln - Lincoln preserved the Union during the American Civil War and abolished slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation, shaping the future of the nation.
3. Mahatma Gandhi - A symbol of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi led India’s struggle for independence from British rule, influencing civil rights movements worldwide.
4. Winston Churchill - Known for his leadership during World War II, Churchill inspired Britain to stand firm against Nazi Germany through his speeches and unwavering determination.
5. Nelson Mandela - Mandela ended apartheid in South Africa, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and forgiveness while championing equality and reconciliation.
6. Alexander the Great - A brilliant military strategist, Alexander conquered vast territories and spread Hellenistic culture, significantly influencing the ancient world.
7. Julius Caesar - As a Roman leader, Caesar’s reforms and centralization of power transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.
8. Martin Luther King Jr. - A leader of the American civil rights movement, King advocated for equality and justice through nonviolent protest, leaving a profound legacy.
9. Queen Elizabeth I - The “Virgin Queen” led England through the Elizabethan Era, nurturing the arts, exploration, and stability during a transformative period in history.
10. Napoleon Bonaparte - Napoleon’s reforms in law, education, and administration, including the Napoleonic Code, left a lasting impact on Europe’s political and legal systems.
11. Eleanor Roosevelt - As a First Lady and human rights advocate, she redefined the role of women in leadership and played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
12. Franklin D. Roosevelt - Leading the United States through the Great Depression and World War II, FDR’s New Deal policies and leadership helped reshape the nation during turbulent times.
13. Cleopatra - The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, Cleopatra was a shrewd leader and diplomat who played a crucial role in her nation’s history during Roman expansion.
14. Theodore Roosevelt - Known for his progressive reforms, conservation efforts, and strong leadership, Theodore Roosevelt reshaped America’s role in the 20th century as a global power.
15. Joan of Arc - A symbol of courage and faith, Joan of Arc led the French army to key victories during the Hundred Years' War, becoming a martyr and a saint.

These leaders, through their vision, determination, and influence, changed the course of history. Their stories continue to inspire generations to strive for progress, justice, and leadership with purpose. Pick someone from the list to educate yourself on. Use one or two of them to inspire and motivate you as you learn more about leadership.

If the person you admire is not on the list, that's fine- use whomever works for you. Having someone to admire and look up to is the first step you must take in becoming a great leader, because a great leader must in fact be a great follower first. The below green but is to Harvard university leadership courses if your interested.

The reasons you must be a great follower before you can lead is because, Leadership is often seen as the ultimate goal, a position of influence and authority. However, what many overlook is that great leaders are almost always great followers first.

Being a strong follower teaches you essential skills like humility, active listening, accountability, and teamwork. By following, you learn how to respect others’ perspectives, understand group dynamics, and adapt to different leadership styles. These lessons are invaluable when it becomes your turn to lead.

A good follower recognizes the value of collaboration and knows how to support a vision, which builds the empathy and patience required to lead effectively. Ultimately, leadership isn’t about commanding—it’s about inspiring and supporting others.

The journey to becoming a great leader starts with understanding the importance of following, learning, and growing from those who lead before you.