You Are Not Behind!

As I looked at my week ahead, my mind was blown to see the word MAY. How did that happen?! Well, shoot! My initial thought was to feel, well, behind. But, I caught that thought and quickly redirected it to this- we still have 250 days left!

So, if staring May in the face brings a little discomfort or disappointment, here's what I want you to remember: You are not behind!

If you're anything like the leaders I work with, you might be feeling disappointment or heaviness around a year that started with intention and ambition… and was quickly interrupted by jarring headlines, layoffs, global uncertainty, just plain exhaustion, and now possible recession fears.

Know that you are not alone if you're a bit (or a lot) off of your intentions and goals. You may be asking yourself, "Am I too late?" or "Is now really the right time?" You're not. And, likely, yes!

Why are you feeling this way? Because, when the world feels unstable, fear creeps in through the cracks. And it may sound like:

• Don’t invest yet - what if you need that money later?
• Don’t speak up - what if it brings backlash?
• Don’t change jobs/start the business/write the book - this isn’t the time for risk.

Listen, I get it. Fear is smart. It’s designed to protect you. But fear, unchecked, can also freeze you. And frozen is not your natural state.

Here’s the truth I need you to remember:

Just because the world feels louder, messier or more unpredictable, doesn't mean you put your life on pause. It means you move with more intention. You focus in on what matters most. You stop chasing control and start choosing clarity and alignment. You don't wait for stability to return; Rather, you become the steady presence in your own life.

Now is not the time to abandon yourself. Now is not the time to wait for calm. Because waiting for certainty in this world is like waiting for a quiet toddler; It’s not happening! There will never be a right or perfect time. But, you don't need perfect conditions or even confidence; You need action. Action creates confidence, and gives you information that gets you closer to where you want to go.

What you really need is within you: You create the calm. You build the foundation. Even, as Elsa sang, while the storm rages on.

Here are three things to try this week:

1. Name the fear. Not in vague terms. Get specific. “I’m scared if I invest in this course, I’ll regret it if I lose my job.” Naming it reduces its power.
2. Ask yourself: is this fear protective or paralyzing? Some fear keeps you safe. Some fear keeps you small.
3. Take one brave step anyway. Maybe it’s sending the email. Reaching out to a former colleague. Booking the flight. Opening the Google Doc. Small brave is still brave.

When fear starts to creep in, remember that:

• You’ve made it through 100% of your hard days. And you’re still here. Still standing. And still meant for- and ready for, more.
• We rarely regret the things we did. Our biggest regrets are those we didn't.

Bottom line: You’re not too late. You’re not too much. And uncertainty isn't a stop sign.

The parents who worry about being good parents, are the good parents.

The leaders who are worried about being good leaders, are the good leaders.

So, if you're worried about doing or being enough, you are! Know that you're doing better than you think. And, it really is going to be okay.

Let’s move into this fifth month with steadiness, not stress. Responsive, not rattled. Anchored in what matters. And gently, but firmly, moving forward.

Day one, or one day. You decide!

With Grounded Optimism,

Stacey