Lead yourself whenever your boss' leadership deteriorates. When

Hear the words of Mario Teguh, a teacher of wisdom for the restless soul: “Lead yourself whenever your boss’ leadership deteriorates. When your boss doesn’t praise what you do, praise yourself. When your boss doesn’t make you big, make yourself big. Remember, if you have done your best, failure does not count.” These words are not merely counsel for the workplace, but a philosophy for life itself, calling each of us to rise above neglect, to find dignity not in the approval of others, but in the strength of our own heart.

The ancients knew this truth well. In the schools of Stoic philosophers, the student was told: “You cannot govern the world, but you can govern yourself.” So too Teguh reminds us that though the leadership of others may falter, the flame within must not die. If the guide stumbles, then you must become your own guide. This is the essence of resilience—that when the pillars outside you collapse, you build new ones within.

History itself gives us countless examples of this creed. Consider the tale of Nelson Mandela, who spent decades in prison, abandoned by many who should have stood with him. He received little praise, no recognition, no earthly reward in those years of darkness. Yet he praised himself by remembering his worth, his dignity, his vision. He did not shrink when the world tried to make him small; he made himself big in spirit, so that when freedom came, he emerged not broken but towering, able to lead a nation. Teguh’s words find their living echo in such lives.

The heart of his teaching also strikes against the fear of failure. We are taught to measure ourselves by outcomes, by applause, by promotions. Yet Teguh reminds us that if we have given our best, then failure is but an illusion. The world may call it defeat, but the soul knows it as victory, for integrity lies not in the crown won, but in the effort spent with full heart. To labor with all your might, even if no one sees, is already a triumph.

But the words also carry a quiet warning. For those who wait always for others to lift them up will remain forever bound. The boss who fails to praise may never change, the superior who withholds encouragement may never soften. If you anchor your worth to their recognition, you will drift endlessly. Teguh urges instead: anchor yourself to your own conscience, your own effort, your own inner voice that says, “I have done well.” That is the anchor no storm can sever.

The lesson for us, O seeker, is thus: do not wait for others to validate you. If your leaders falter, lead yourself. If praise is denied, praise yourself. If opportunities are withheld, make yourself big by learning, striving, and growing. Do not surrender your destiny to the weakness of another. For the one who governs himself will always find a way forward, even when all paths seem closed.

Therefore, carry Mario Teguh’s words as a shield against discouragement. In your work, in your family, in your community, never measure your worth by the approval of others. Give your best, and when you do, let your heart rest in the truth that no failure can diminish you. For the greatest victory is not in being praised, but in becoming the kind of person who needs no praise to keep moving forward. Thus you shall stand firm, like a tree rooted in its own strength, unshaken by the passing storms.