Everyone claims to be “so busy” these days. The truth is that you make time for what’s important to you. If you want to get in better shape, make time for it. If you want to be a better golfer, make time for it. The same is true in leadership.

If you want to be a leader, then the work is no problem.

Before we go any further, let’s get on the same page about one crucial truth: You aren’t born a leader, you develop into one. The Leadership Quarterly performed a study on the skill set and human development within leadership, and the results showed that 24 percent of leadership skills are genetic and 76 percent are learned along the way. Essentially, the “natural born leader” is a myth. Instead, it takes both skills and courage to lead.

The need for leadership professionally and personally has never been more important. There currently is an enormous leadership gap in organizations. Want proof?

1. 77% of organizations report a leadership gap
2. 5% of companies feel they have strong leaders at every level
3. 75% of employees are disengaged in what they are doing

Executives at leading companies like Barry-Wehmiller , Lippert Components Inc., Movement Mortgage, Midwest Technical Institute, Inglett & Stubbs, and TransImpact know a vital leadership principle:

You can’t ask people to be leaders; you must teach them how to be leaders.

Whether your company has well-thought-out leadership development programs, developing your leadership skills is ultimately your responsibility. There is plenty of content, ideas, and books to help. So here are some ideas to help you master your leadership skills quickly.

1. Think of Yourself as a Leader, Not a Manager

The development of any skill centers around identity and belief. In Atomic Habits, James Clear wrote, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”

Clear is correct, especially when it comes to leadership. Thinking of yourself as a leader is the start of acting like one.

Thinking of yourself as a leader is the start of acting like one

Most managers don’t consider themselves leaders even after having a title. There is this perception that only certain people can lead, which couldn’t be wrong.

The most straightforward way to change your identity is by choosing the words you say to yourself. A tremendous inspirational reminder and something you can say to yourself daily, “Talk to yourself more than you listen to yourself.”

Talk to yourself more than you listen to yourself

Your brain and subconscious thoughts will attempt to make you small mentally. Reject these unproductive thoughts and talk to yourself more than you listen to yourself. This simple practice only takes three seconds but packs an enormous impact.

2. Look for Lessons in What You Consume

Leadership lessons are everywhere if you’re looking for them. They can be found in Netflix shows, sporting events, or videos on social media. So, instead of just turning your mind off while watching something, turn it on to look for leadership lessons that you might apply in the future.

This weekend, a great example of this came from Brock Purdy of the Super Bowl-bound San Francisco 49ers. After a game in which the team showed incredible resilience coming back from a 17-point half-time deficit. He said, “I guess you could say it’s a business, but guys care about each other in this locker room, what we’ve been through. The standard and culture that they’ve built, the guys that Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch brings in, everyone fits that mold. It showed tonight in a huge moment. If you’re down 17, you’ve got to care about each other and love each other to get a comeback going.”

Whether you like football or not, there are incredible leadership lessons here about recruiting, culture, standards, and love related to performance.

The simple habit of pulling leadership lessons from your favorite shows, movies, or sporting events is low-hanging fruit in developing your leadership skills.

3. Commit to Growth 20

The best leaders start their day with a routine that helps them perform at their best. Certain leaders start at 4 a.m., while others get going at 8 a.m. Regardless of your method, committing to 20 minutes a day of development should be a priority.

It’s what I refer to as “growth 20.” Twenty minutes a day, reading, listening, or watching something that will help you grow. The options are endless with the explosion of Podcasts, YouTube, and platforms like LinkedIn. All you have to do is create a sustainable habit to make it happen. Here are a few ideas:

1. Listen to a book or podcast during your commute
2. Read a chapter of a book before bed instead of watching TV
3. Block 20 minutes on your calendar to read an article

4. Practice Critical Interactions Before They Happen

Far too often, leaders have crucial conversations or coaching sessions with team members without practicing or rehearsing them beforehand. I don’t care how long you have been leading; this is a bad practice. Great athletes don’t go out and play tournaments without preparing and practicing beforehand, so neither should you.

Use a leadership and performance coach to practice essential leadership interactions before you have them.

The best leaders practice essential leadership interactions before they have them.

Confidence is the memory of success; you can build it through consistent daily repetition. Stop winging your leadership. Start practicing and rehearsing so you can perform better.

Closing

Developing leadership skills isn’t easy, but we make it harder than it has to be. If you incorporate the development of your skills into your daily habits, you will be amazed at the kind of leader you become. Remember, all big change starts small. Start small and get one win. Then do it again the next day.

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About the Author John Eades is the CEO of LearnLoft, a leadership development company helping executives and managers to lead their best. He was named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Management & Workplace. John is also the author of Building the Best: 8 Proven Leadership Principles to Elevate Others to Success. You can follow him on Instagram @johngeades.