Abraham Lincoln is known for leading the transformation of our nation. I`ve heard that he was once asked how long it took him to write the Gettysburg Address. He replied, “All my life.”

Lincoln was an introspective man. It is easy for me to believe he would have been unable to write the Gettysburg Address without looking inside himself first. And I don`t doubt that introspection is a precursor to great leadership; great leaders seem to make a habit of it.

Lincoln was uncommon in his willingness to look inside himself in order to be the best leader he could be for our nation. As we look around today, it is uncommon to find truly great leaders ?€“ those who are willing to make the effort to be introspective and to understand who they are and how to use that to make the greatest impact.

Knowing ourselves and what we want out of our life, understanding our leadership skills and the effect we want to have on the lives of others ?€“ these require us to look inside. We must turn over the rocks in our soul to find what is hiding underneath. We must look for what is good and what isn`t within ourselves to act with integrity in the way we lead. And we must know what we need to change to lead effectively.

Yet we pull away from looking inside. Either we feel it`s too difficult to look, we are too busy getting the stuff done that (we think) takes priority or we would rather look elsewhere. The world pulls us to look outside ourselves for answers. Without tasks to do and problems to solve, we feel useless. We spin and spin, looking for answers. Yet, if we slow down and listen to ourselves, we may find that the answers are within us.

The world is waiting for us to bring out the best of what is inside us. The world desperately needs great leadership. It needs us to understand what is important ?€“ to make the changes needed that will provide the strength and energy for us to do great things.

It`s not possible to know ourselves if we don`t stop and take the time to look at the good and bad, the beautiful and the ugly. The only way I know to make that happen is to have dedicated “sacred time” to reflect and look inside. If indeed this is important, it will become a priority and a regular part of your day.

So slow down. Take a few deep breaths. And listen to yourself. Take the time needed to reflect, to gain new perspective. Find a friend, colleague or coach to reflect with. And watch yourself become the best leader you can be.