To become a better leader, work on your personal development, says Paul Thornton, an author and speaker. Thornton writes:  “Achieving your personal best requires you to keep learning and evolving as a person. Take time to reflect and try new approaches to help you grow and develop. “

Thornton has developed a checklist of actions he says will help you to grow as a person and to evolve into a better leader. The following are five actions he recommends:

•  Practice positive self-talk. Reframe negative thoughts into positive, action-oriented statements.
•  Get feedback from the experts. Getting input from trusted colleagues or mentors can help to improve your performance.
• Study top performers. Learning from people at the top of their field can be inspiring—try watching a TED Talk or attending a leadership conference.
• Meditate. A meditation practice helps you be more focused and aware.
•  Exercise daily. Exercise is self-care that lowers stress and improves your health.

Read Use this checklist to improve personal development on SmartBrief.com to see the full set of recommended actions.