Reflecting back on a week that hit different.
Between bubble-guts, birthday cake, and brutal honesty, I was reminded that leadership isn’t about perfection, it’s about perspective.
You see, we often talk about leading teams, projects, or companies… but the hardest thing to lead is yourself—especially when life gets messy. That previous week was a raw reminder that the path to becoming a truly intentional leader starts at home, in the small moments that test our patience, purpose, and priorities.
And that’s this reflection is all about: REAL Reflection Cycle™
Are we reacting out of pain or responding with purpose?
Recognize: Leadership Happens in the Small Moments
That weekend started with chores, cleaning, and laundry; nothing glamorous. But as my daughters played with water bowls and laughed their hearts out, I realized something powerful: joy hides in simplicity. Leadership isn’t always found in boardrooms, it’s found in how you show up when no one’s watching.
When we recognize the significance of small moments, we start leading with gratitude, not ego.
Evaluate: The Hard Conversations Still Matter
Then came the harder days; the kind where frustration boils over. I’d love to say I handled everything perfectly, but I didn’t. Sometimes, emotions spill out when we feel unheard, unseen, or unappreciated.
But as leaders, we must pause and evaluate. Are we reacting out of pain or responding with purpose?
True leadership isn’t suppressing emotion, it’s channeling it. That takes humility, not pride.
Adjust: Celebrate Growth, Even in the Chaos
Midweek brought light back. My oldest had her 6th birthday, laughter at Morgan’s Wonderland, and simple gratitude for another year of life. It reminded me that joy and chaos coexist, and both can be teachers.
When we adjust our focus from what’s broken to what’s blessed, we rediscover the energy to move forward.
Leadership doesn’t mean avoiding conflict; it means learning through it.
Launch: The Next Step Forward
By week’s end, I found myself on a mastermined call, meeting new faces, writing a resume, and preparing for the next phase of my professional life. It hit me: growth happens when we act on our reflections.
REAL leaders don’t stay stuck in what happened, they use what happened to fuel what’s next.
That’s the essence of the REAL Reflection Cycle™ – Recognize, Evaluate, Adjust, Launch.
Summary:
Leadership isn’t a highlight reel, it’s a reflection journal. Some weeks will test your patience. Others will restore your faith. But every week gives you a chance to grow if you’re intentional enough to reflect.
Ask yourself:
- What moment challenged your patience this week?
- What lesson did it reveal about your leadership?
- And what one small action can you take to move forward with intention?
Because the difference between a breakdown and a breakthrough… is reflection.
Call to Action:
If you’re ready to start leading yourself (and your teams) with more clarity and intention, download my free guide:
The Intentional Leader Roadmap
It’s your step-by-step framework to lead with purpose, prioritize what matters, and create meaningful impact at work and home.
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