The Hard Truth About Leading and Following Is That It Isn’t Always Glamorous
- May 12, 2025
- 4 min read
Manuel Aragon is an entrepreneur out of Colorado with a deep background in business, Tax Prep, advisory, and planning. Has served as a CFO, Operations Manager, Finance Director, and Consultant.
Life has thrown me some serious curveballs. I learned pretty quick that things aren't always fair, and sometimes we must figure stuff out on our own. That’s where the difference between a leader and a follower was etched in my soul, not from some textbook, but through my hidden scars.
Think about it. You’ve seen people who always wait for someone else to tell them what to do. They’re the ones who complain when things go wrong but never step up to fix it. Then you see others who, even when things are messy and unclear, try to find a way forward, and sometimes, they even pull others along with them. That’s the raw difference between a Leader and a Follower.
Followers wait for the map – Leaders draw it
Life doesn’t always hand you a clear map. Sometimes you’re lost in the woods, and the path ahead is overgrown and scary. Followers in these situations often freeze. They wait for someone to show them the way, even if no one knows the way. Leaders, on the other hand, grab a stick and start pushing through the brush. They might not know the exact route, but they’re willing to try things, to figure it out as they go. They understand that waiting around won't magically make a path appear.
Followers blame the wind – Leaders adjust their sails
When things get tough – and they will – followers are quick to point fingers. “It’s not my fault, the circumstances were bad,” they’ll say. Leaders understand that life throws storms your way. They don’t waste time complaining about the wind. Instead, they learn how to adjust their sails, how to use the challenges to their advantage or at least navigate through them. They take responsibility for their direction, even when the path is rough.
Followers crave comfort – Leaders embrace the grind
Let’s be real, comfort is tempting. It’s easy to stick to what you know, to avoid the hard work. Followers often settle for the easy path, even if it doesn’t lead anywhere significant. Leaders, however, understand that growth comes from pushing your limits. They embrace the grind, the tough lessons, the setbacks. They know that building something worthwhile takes effort and sacrifice, and they’re willing to put in the work, even when it’s uncomfortable. The work done in the dark doesn’t always shine in the light or lead to recognition.
Followers seek permission – Leaders ask for forgiveness (sometimes)
There are rules and there’s respect, but sometimes, waiting for everyone to agree means nothing ever gets done. Followers often get stuck in the “should I?” loop. Leaders understand that sometimes you have to take initiative, make a decision, and deal with the consequences later. It’s not about being reckless, but about having the courage to act when action is needed. They’d rather ask for forgiveness for trying than permission to stand still.
Followers talk– Leaders show
You’ll meet many people who talk a big game but never actually do anything. Followers can get caught up in discussions and theories without taking concrete steps. Leaders, even if they’re not the best talkers, are defined by their actions. They show you what they believe through what they do. Their life lessons are etched in their efforts, not just their words.
Followers expect fairness – Leaders fight for it (or create it)
Life isn’t fair. Get that through your head early. Followers often get discouraged when things aren’t equal or when they face unfair obstacles. You can do right by others most of the time and it will never be reciprocated. Leaders, especially those who’ve come from tough backgrounds, understand this deeply. They don’t just whine about the unfairness; they figure out how to navigate it, how to fight for a fairer outcome, or even how to create their own level playing field through hard work and better decisions.
Followers repeat history – Leaders learn from it
If you don’t learn from the mistakes of the past, you’re doomed to repeat them. Followers often fall into the same traps as those before them, maybe because they weren’t taught anything different or didn’t pay attention. Leaders, even if they didn’t have anyone to guide them, learn from the hard knocks. They see the patterns, feel the pain, wipe the tears, face the consequences, and then forge a different path, breaking the cycle.
The hard truth is, being a leader often means carrying a heavier burden. It means taking responsibility when things go sour, even if it wasn’t entirely your fault. It means pushing yourself and others when everyone wants to quit. It’s not about being popular; it’s about doing what needs to be done, even if it’s unpopular.
We all follow at times. But getting stuck in the follower role, always waiting for someone else to solve your problems or show you the way, will likely lead to a life dictated by others. The hard life lesson here is that if you want to shape your own destiny, if you want to break free from the patterns you’ve seen, you need to cultivate the qualities of a leader, even in small ways. It starts with taking initiative, owning the mistakes, and being willing to push through the tough times, even when no one is holding your hand. That’s the real difference, etched in the struggles and triumphs of a life lived on your own terms.
Read more from Manuel Aragon
Manuel Aragon, Tax Preparation, Advisory Planning, and Accounting
Manuel Aragon has elite expertise in tax preparation, accounting, finance, cash planning, and tax strategy. Manuel has delivered modern, innovative financial solutions, driving growth and efficiency to multiple companies in Colorado. His leadership and approach have solidified a reputation for excellence, onboarding, and overall client satisfaction. Continues to serve in multiple roles across the front range as a Tax Preparer, CFO, Operations Manager, Finance Director, and Consultant.
