Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

One of the best things we can do for ourselves—no matter what stage of life or leadership we’re in—is to seek clarity in every aspect of our lives. You may not always get it in everything, but if you seek it, you’ll find it in most things. Sometimes clarity comes through trial and error: you make decisions, those decisions lead to outcomes you either like or don’t like, and then you pivot. The key is to pivot when the outcome isn’t right—after giving it time to manifest.

Lately, I’ve been having conversations about what clarity I need to go to the next level. I had a young leader ask me to mentor her yesterday, and while I love mentoring, I’ve learned I don’t have the capacity to do it one-on-one with everyone who asks. I’ve had similar seasons before—like in 2019 and 2020 when board invitations flooded in. I realized then I couldn’t serve on every board, no matter how worthy. That led me to create a nonprofit board connector, pairing diverse candidates with nonprofit boards in a simple, effective way.

The same is true for teaching opportunities. Years ago, I taught a leadership course at Washington University. Last year they asked me to return and design the course again, and while I would have loved to, I had to be clear with myself—I didn’t have the capacity to do it well. That moment helped me see how I could marry my desire for teaching and leadership development with the reality of my schedule by creating a digital, subscription-based leadership course. Those who truly want my mentorship can engage there, creating a natural “speed bump” that protects my time and energy.

I’ve even used this clarity filter for speaking engagements—like requiring book purchases for audiences—which helps me focus on the most aligned opportunities. Clarity doesn’t just help me say “yes” to the right things; it gives me the freedom to say “no” to what will keep me from fulfilling my bigger purpose.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33