I could have had a bad day. Instead, I gained control over my day by relinquishing control…

I don’t do goals anymore – I do mantras. It’s not that I don’t believe in the power of achievement or the effort that goes into achieving goals. I absolutely do. I find I am much more intentional and can accomplish way more with something that focuses on my mindset.

A few weeks ago, I decided to dine alfresco alone. It was a beautiful evening, my spouse was out of town on business, and I was craving Italian. I walked to one of my favorite neighborhood spots and checked in with the host.

I’m finally seeing what has been holding me back over the last couple months. I’ve been comparing myself to others.

Do you know what your natural strengths are? If so, how often are you using them or, how are they supporting you on a day-to-day basis?

Do you focus solely on your weaknesses? What would it feel like to get better at the things you’re already good at to become great?

We’ve all heard the myth before. It takes 21 days to form a new habit. Some experts say 28, others say 66 or even 90. Regardless of how much time you put into it, there’s something much more pressing in forming a new habit. You have to WANT IT.

Yes, I said “go small.” It may not have the same “ring” as “go big or go home,” but it’s a motto I definitely live by.

On a recent networking call, the person greeted me with: “I see you’re writing a book. Congrats!”

This was news to me.

It’s quite ironic that the last blog post I did was about writer’s block and this month I’m committing to a weekly post.

What’s changed? My focus.

Since December of 2020, I have consistently published a blog post at least one time per month. Instead of creating a content calendar with potential topics, I simply let the idea come to me. Some months I surprise myself with more than one, which is always a treat!

This month, I got nothin’. Like, N-O-T-H-I-N-G.

The value I receive is because of the value I put out. I am trusting this principle because I am trusting myself.

I make it happen – and let it happen.

I published my first article on LinkedIn, "2020 is a Gift", on December 1, 2020. It wasn’t something I necessarily wanted to do but felt I needed to do. As a former HR leader, many friends and colleagues come to me for career advice, especially as it relates to job searches. The first thing I suggest is updating their LinkedIn profile and start putting out content. Here’s the thing, I wasn’t “walking my talk.”

According to “Psychology Today” and “Merriam-Webster,” the definition of confidence is:

A belief in oneself and/or a feeling or consciousness of one’s power or of reliance on one’s circumstance.

After reading both definitions, it makes perfect sense why internally I have struggled with confidence.

I attended my first in-person networking event earlier this month. According to every personality assessment I have ever taken, I am an extrovert, so one would assume the idea of being back in the 3-dimensional world would really excite me. It didn’t. In fact, if the entrance and exit had not been the same, I would have walked in and immediately walked out.

My energy is and always will be my super power. Is it right for everyone? Nope! Instead of judging myself though and trying to be someone I’m not, I’m choosing to own the unexpected power pose filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement…jazz hands and all.

I’m a closet meditator…literally. Last month, I decided to take a page out of Glennon Doyle’s “Untamed,” and began sitting in the closet for 10 minutes nearly every day. Glennon talks about accessing her “Knowing” while in the closet. I wanted some of that.

I don’t consider myself a perfectionist.

• Detail-oriented? Yes.

• Desire to put out the absolute best work I can? Yes.

• Good communicator who takes an hour to write an email to ensure I don’t sound like an idiot? Yes.

• Respectable leader who deeply fears judgment when someone calls out a mistake? Yes.

• Avid avoider of trying new things because the thought of not being good at something is terrifying? Yes.

Crap, I’m a perfectionist.

TRUTH: I told a lie

It’s true and I’m not proud. I told the nasty self-serving lie to make me seem better or more successful than I actually am. Yup, that one. Like I said, I’m not proud.

Growing up, I always imagined myself with a “family” – a husband, 3 kids, and a dog. My best friend and I would even watch “A Baby Story” on TLC and cry as we witnessed a new human entering the world. It was heartwarming. Yes, I should be a mom.

My last day in the corporate world was on June 23, 2020. At the time, it was simply my last day – the end of another corporate chapter. What I didn’t realize was a whole new book was in the making.