Hello Beautiful Human,

I had already written this week’s newsletter, when life decided to really drive the lesson home in a personal way. So I rewrote it. It’s vulnerable and I hope it unlocks some freedom for you as well.

Last Saturday I was journaling about how annoying it is to be imperfect. I know, I know. Logically it’s ridiculous, but I still felt annoyed that I had yelled at my kids and I needed to forgive myself.

As I wrote out my thoughts I begun to make peace with myself, release my fears, and embrace my humanness. It’s a practice, I often come back to in my own healing journey. I landed on the truth that, “everyone has a bad day”, and begun shifting my mood.

All was good…. until Tuesday. I made a HUGE mistake.

My heart jumped to my throat as I realized what had happened. I scrambled to double check email communications. My mind felt boggled at how this happened.

I completely missed a panel conversation that I had committed to, I had even emailed you all about it.

I felt horrible.

But the ship had sailed, the mistake was made, and I was left cleaning up the pieces.

Fearing my mistakes and struggling with perfectionism had been my mode of operations for much of my life.

I clung to the anxious thoughts, “WORK HARD. BE VIGILANT. DON’T LET UP ON YOURSELF.”

What I know now about the brain, emotions, and the learning process, it that those thoughts weren’t serving me.

They were a HEAVY mental load that kept me from my potential.

The fear of mistakes and the associated self-criticism showed up in the form of procrastination and underlining self doubt. Chronic fear of imperfection suffocates growth, authentic confidence, and joy.

Unfortunately, no leadership book or podcast could fix this for me.

Practicing of self-compassion and embodied awareness through holistic coaching loosened the grip of perfectionism that limited my impact.

My relationship with mistakes continues to be transformed. Rooted in courage and compassionate, I need not hide from my humanness.

This emotional freedom enables me to take responsibility, apologize, and move forward with empowered action.

The world doesn’t need perfect leaders, we need leaders practiced at owning their mistakes, apologizing, and repairing when needed.

Have I disappointed people with my errors? Absolutely.

Did I disappoint myself? Of, course.

AND, I am willing to process the emotion of disappointment and move forward with confidence and compassion.

If you struggle to process mistakes you’ve made and let it keep you from your potential, please, please book some time with me.

The next version of your empowered leadership is on the other side.

If you struggle through anxiety and fear and are missing out on enjoying your work, let me support your transformational journey.

Resilient leadership starts within and I am proof that transformation is possible.