SOAR Self-Leadership Model: Taking Charge of Your Growth

There are a couple of SOAR models in the world, each serves a different purpose.

People are familiar with the one that helps businesses create good strategies, while today let’s concentrate on improving ourselves, the SOAR model which focuses on self-leadership rather than strategic planning.

The SOAR Self-Leadership Model helps individuals take control of their personal and professional growth by working through four key areas: Self, Outlook, Action, and Reflection.

Now let’s deep dive.

Why the SOAR Self-Leadership Model?

Many people struggle with personal growth because they lack a clear framework to guide their actions. The SOAR self-leadership model provides a structured way to understand oneself, shape perspectives, take action, and reflect on progress.

It is widely used in coaching, leadership development, and personal growth.

Core Concepts: The Four Factors of SOAR

Self – Understanding Who You Are

Self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth. When individuals have a strong sense of self, they can make more authentic and intentional choices, leading to greater confidence and clarity in their goals.

This step involves:

• Identifying your values, strengths, and motivations.
• Recognizing your emotional triggers and behavioral patterns.
• Understanding how your beliefs and past experiences influence your decisions.

Outlook – Shaping Your Perspective

Your mindset and perspective shape how you approach challenges and opportunities.

A strong outlook helps individuals navigate uncertainty with resilience, allowing them to focus on what they can control and take proactive steps toward their goals.

This step focuses on:

• Developing a growth mindset to see obstacles as learning experiences.
• Recognizing external influences that affect your perceptions.
• Identifying opportunities for improvement and future success.

Action – Turning Intentions into Progress

Growth comes from taking deliberate steps forward. Without action, self-awareness and perspective remain theoretical. This step ensures that insights turn into tangible progress.

In this phase, individuals:

• Set clear, achievable goals that align with their values.
• Develop effective habits to stay disciplined and consistent.
• Take purposeful action, even when faced with uncertainty or setbacks.

Reflection – Learning and Adapting

Personal development is a continuous process, and reflection allows for adjustment and improvement.

By reflecting regularly, individuals create a loop of learning, adapting, and growing, ensuring they stay on track toward their aspirations.

This involves:

• Assessing what worked and what didn’t after taking action.
• Seeking feedback from others to gain new insights.
• Adjusting strategies based on experiences to refine future actions.

How to Use the SOAR Self-Leadership Model?

This model is useful in various situations:

• Career planning – Define your path and take meaningful steps.
• Personal development – Improve habits, mindset, and decision-making.
• Leadership growth – Strengthen self-awareness and decision-making skills.

Example: A professional feeling stuck in their career might:

• Self – Identify strengths in communication and problem-solving.
• Outlook – Recognize that leadership roles require these skills.
• Action – Take leadership training or mentor others at work.
• Reflection – Assess progress and refine goals based on feedback.

Tips for Using SOAR Effectively

The SOAR self-leadership model is not just about setting goals—it’s about developing the mindset and habits that support sustainable personal and professional growth.

• Be honest with yourself – True growth starts with self-awareness.
• Adopt a positive outlook – Focus on opportunities, not just limitations.
• Take action consistently – Small, steady steps lead to big results.
• Make reflection a habit – Regularly review and adjust your approach.