Stacy

Weekly Challenge: Redefining Your True Identity

Leave a Comment / Weekly Challenge / By

When someone asks, “What do you do?” how do you respond? Many of us reply with roles or titles—our job, being a parent, a spouse, a friend, or a neighbor. While these titles are meaningful, they can also box us in, limiting how we see ourselves. But here’s the truth: we are far more than any title we claim. Our true identity is found in who God says we are. We are His children, beloved and uniquely created. That is the most powerful title we could ever hold.

This Week’s Challenge:
Think back to your childhood. What made your heart soar? What filled you with joy and excitement? What did you love doing without hesitation? Those moments often reflect the gifts and passions God has placed within us. They are clues to the abundant life He wants for us—a life filled with love, purpose, and joy.

As you explore these memories, ask yourself how they align with your life today. Are you nurturing those God-given passions, or have they been pushed aside by responsibilities and expectations? God created each of us with unique talents and desires, and by leaning into them, we not only honor Him but also rediscover the joy and fulfillment we were designed to experience.

 

Weekly Challenge – Begin with…

Weekly Challenge / By

Starting 2025 with weekly challenges again. This week’s challenge comes from the ‘How to win friends and influence people’ book.

Whether at work or home, we usually have someone that we need to have an uncomfortable discussion with. The uncomfortable discussion of something they did wrong or not following the rules. I don’t know about you,but I hate these discussions because usually it’s the persons blind spot where they don’t even realize they are doing something wrong. The worst thing you can do is let the behavior continue though.

Here comes your challenge. Before you engage in conversation with the person , think of a few things they are doing well or something you like about them. This is what you start the conversation out with. This needs to be from the heart and not fake. People can tell when you are being fake.

Begin with praise and appreciation. This will have the person you are talking with be more open minded to the real point you are trying to make. They let their guard down to allow you to build them up.

Who do you need to have conversation with this week?

What positive things can you talk about in the beginning?

How can you build them up instead of tearing them down?

Stop the New Years Resolutions

Leave a Comment / Changing Your Life / By

At the beginning of the year, many people adopt the “New Year, New Me” mindset and create resolutions they’re determined to stick with. Yet, more often than not, these resolutions are abandoned by the end of January. Why does this happen? Resolutions often lack depth, alignment with our purpose, and a clear plan for success.

This year, I challenge you to think bigger. Don’t just focus on resolutions—embrace a mission-driven approach to your life. Discovering and pursuing your life’s mission is more fulfilling than any short-term resolution. A mission isn’t about this year; it’s about your lifelong purpose. When we’re aligned with our mission, the work feels meaningful and energizing, not overbearing and difficult.

How to Discover Your Mission

Finding your mission starts with reflection. Consider your strengths and God-given gifts. Tools like online strength-finder and spiritual gifts tests can provide clarity. Here are a couple of resources you can explore:

Step 1: Define Your Mission

Your mission should leverage your strengths and gifts to contribute to something greater than yourself. Ask yourself:

  • What do I want to accomplish in 5, 10, 15, or even 20 years?
  • What is God calling me to do?

It might feel overwhelming or unrealistic at first, but trust that your mission is a nudge in the right direction.

Step 2: Gain Clarity

Once your mission is clear, it’s tempting to dive in immediately. However, without a plan, you’re likely to hit roadblocks. Planning bridges the gap between your mission and your goals.

Create a High-Level Plan

  1. Break your mission into 5 year period milestone achievements (5, 10, 15, 20 years).  Where do you need to be at the end of the each 5 year period to achieve the mission?
  2. Break the next 5 years into annual goals. For each year, ask: What must I accomplish this year to stay on track?
  3. Divide annual goals into quarterly goals, then monthly goals (projects), and finally weekly tasks.

Keep It Simple

  • Define your mission or purpose.
  • Break it into yearly and quarterly goals.
  • Further break quarterly goals into monthly projects.
  • Turn monthly projects into weekly tasks.

Pro Tip: People with clear, written goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. (Source: Dominican University of California)

Step 3: Track Your Progress

If you can’t measure your progress, you can’t manage it. Tracking is essential for maintaining momentum. Choose a method that works for you, whether it’s a journal, an app, or a spreadsheet. Regularly review your progress to ensure you’re on track.

Step 4: Remember Your Why

Motivation naturally ebbs and flows. To keep moving forward, you need a strong “why.” Why is your mission important to you? This deeply personal answer will sustain you during challenging times and remind you that you’re on the right path.

Step 5: Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrating small victories is non-negotiable. Don’t wait until you’ve achieved your ultimate goal—acknowledge and celebrate progress along the way. These moments of joy fuel your journey and keep you motivated.

This year, trade in fleeting resolutions for mission-driven planning. By aligning with your purpose, gaining clarity, and tracking progress, you’ll create a life that’s not only productive but deeply fulfilling. Let’s make this year the start of something meaningful!

Sticky Teams – Empower & Equip

Leadership / By

You made it to the last part of the Sticky Teams series! We are ending with my FAVORITE part of leadership. Equipping people with the skills and knowledge to do the job & letting go to empower them to take on the responsibility. This is my favorite thing to do as leader because you get to actually see the progress they make. I love it when you see that light bulb moment when something clicks for them or when they shine in a meeting. It’s like a proud mom moment for me.

The most important part is training is explaining the why behind how you do things. This is especially critical in the beginning of training. You are flooding the person with a fire hose of information. They will remember the why, but may not remember every step of what to do. Try to “drip” the information to them instead of “spraying” them with the fire hose.

People do not have to think or do the work exactly like you do. This is again where the why comes in. If they can accomplish the output you that is needed, it doesn’t matter how they got it. Take time to learn from them. Empower them to try something new. This is how we get better individually, but also as a company.

I know you have heard the saying ‘actions speak louder than words.’ This is key to being a great leader vs manager. Do your actions as the leader show them what is important? Do you do what you say you will? How do you make your people feel? Are you a role model for them?

These questions are critical to being a great leader. And you don’t have to have people report to you to be a leader. Lead upwards, sideways, and downward. Be the example. Strive to work hard and play hard. Have fun with everything you do. It will make the day go by smoother and quicker.

I hope that you have at least 1-2 takeaways from this 5 part series. If you want to dig in more, please watch the RightNow media series, buy the book, or get it from the library. Note: I am afflicted with it….just really enjoyed it!

Sticky Teams – Young Eagles

Leadership / By

I gotta admit the older I get, the new hires just keep looking younger and younger. I used the be one saying “that was the year I was born” when people say when they started working or graduated. The tables have finally turned & I get to see a new perspective. (Literally the other day it was my coworkers birthday. She was born the same year I graduated high school!!). I am not that old…I swear…lol

Alright, back to the point here. The young hires that have potential are what we would call “Young Eagles.” Why eagle? Because they have potential to soar in your company. That potential is what will be the future of the company if you can provide the right environment for them.

How can you provide the right environment that retains these young eagles:

  • Don’t clip their wings: If you don’t give them a place they can learn and grow, they will go somewhere else to fly. Give them a platform to be able to highlight their skills and abilities. Allow them to show what they can bring to the company.
  • Be strategic: Understand where their passions are. Allow them opportunities to explore what interests them. Assign a mentor. Give them a path that they can follow to grow and move within the company. Be strategic with letting them know they have a future with the company.
  • Empower them: Let them try and fail without getting in trouble. Teach them the “why” behind the “what.” They will learn so much more this way. Plus they will probably find better ways to do the what if they understand why the information is needed.

Here is a tough question to ask yourself as a leader:

When it comes to decision meetings or important meetings. Are you “keeping them in the loop” or are you allowing them “a seat at the table?” Now they can’t be in all the management meetings, but when it comes to something they are directly involved in or have knowledge that would help. Invite them for at least the beginning part to highlight their knowledge. This will give them a sense of how much you appreciate them. If you are always just keeping them in the loop, they may feel like they are not good enough or even that you are taking credit for their idea or work.

Bring these young eagles along with you as you learn. Teach them and mentor them. You will be surprised by how quickly they can learn and grow. Teach them to soar to make not only your job as the leader easier, but make your company better.

Sticky Teams – Leadership Must Haves

Leadership / By

6 things teams should know & focus on:

1 Ignore your weakness

We always hear that we need to improve our weaknesses. I am giving you the opposite advice. Work on your strengths to become an expert at what you are good at and usually enjoy. With one exception – if your weakness is a “fatal flaw” then you should work on it. Fatal flaw means that it would hurt your team if you didn’t fix it.

2. Surveys are a waste of time if done anonymously

I was actually a big pusher of surveys until I started getting some “crappy” turnout or unhelpful responses. Surveys are good if the person puts their name down on it. When it is anonymous, people usually just complain and you don’t know where the problem is.

Weigh the opinions of who gave the feedback. Look more at who said what to address the right problem

3. We don’t need buy in

I love this one especially since I am continuously implementing new processes or changes. We don’t need their buy in, but we do need permission. This is a huge difference with those “late adopters.” If you give them the full game plan then they can figure out how to sabotage it.

4. Let the squeaky wheel squeak

We all have that one person who is constantly complaining about or finding something wrong. This person will always have something to complain about so don’t put as much stock into their complaints. Put stock in the people that hardly ever complain. Then you know you have a problem.

5. Let dying things die

Sometimes we get invested in something and don’t want to let it go. We think if we throw more resources or money at it, that it will get better. Keep in mind the big picture as a leader. If it is sinking, don’t let it sink the entire ship. It’s okay to let go. Learn something from what happened & pivot to something that is thriving. It’s never a failure if you learn and use those learnings for the future.

6. Plan in Pencil

Planning is IMPORTANT. Planning in pencil is even more important. You want to plan out what needs to happen, but also be flexible enough to pivot when needed. Avoid getting stuck and spinning your wheels if you are stuck.

Following these 4 principles will help you become the leader you were meant to be:

  • Give your time to those you lead. Be available to them and have an open door policy where they can come to you.
  • Make sure they have the training they need to do the job. Have the experience & knowledge to help them along the way. Don’t hoard the knowledge. Share the knowledge. Empowering them means you are leading and not managing.
  • Be present with them. Actually see what is going on than just hearing about it. There are always more than one side to the story.
  • Show passion for your work and genuinely care about them. Don’t make it all about work. Know what they like to do & what’s going on in their life.

Encourage One Another

Growing in Faith / By

In the world today we are in constant competition and envy of each other whether it is conscious or sub-conscious. We are so connected with social media and our phones we see what others are doing or what they just bought that we would never have known 20 years ago. We get our feelings hurt when you see a couple of your friends get together & they didn’t invite you. We see someone just got a new (fill in the blank) and now you think you need to have one too. Amazon is only a couple clicks so why not?

I want to challenge my readers this week that instead of posting your highlight reel of your life, take the time to encourage someone instead. Notice something that they did and give them acknowledgement. If they are struggling with something, reach out & send an encouraging message. It doesn’t matter how strong or confident you think that person is. EVERYONE needs encouragement in their life. They need to know that someone cares.

When we build each other up, we make each other stronger. We build better, more authentic relationships. We start to trust each other and know that there is someone out there that has our backs. Who is that person for you? Who can you be that person for?

It starts with one text or phone call. It starts with a funny meme to make them laugh. It starts with allowing yourself to know that this world is temporary and that we need to be Jesus in this world.

Make someone’s day today by just showing up for them in whatever way you feel comfortable. Don’t do it because “you have to.” Do it because you want to. That person CAN tell the difference. Be your authentic self. There is only one of you out there. So be YOU!!

Need some ideas: check out this site for 100 ideas – https://sharinglifeandlove.com/blog/how-to-encourage-someone-100-unique-and-easy-ways/

Sticky Teams – Playing the Same Game

Leadership / By

Teams can easily fall apart when everyone is focused on their own goals without having a group mission. Everyone needs to know the “rules” of the game.

What game is your team playing?

It is dependent on how many people & the type of team you have.

Track

When you are on the “track” team you practice with your teammates, but it is all about your own PR. This is usually for start up companies or side hustles.

Golf

You go out on the golf course with friends. You share a golf cart, but your results are completely up to you. Others see how you play so there is some peer pressure.

Basketball

You have a small team that you know all the positions. You work together to make great plays to win the game. You are in sync with each other and can do other positions when needed. Most teams get stuck and comfortable at this point.

Football

This is when you have a large team that takes 2 buses to games with the offense & defense. The offense doesn’t know or even care what the defense plays are and that’s okay. This gets into empowering your team. Thinking about who knows what and who needs to know.

Are you Playing the Same Game?

You will see these signs if your team members are playing different games.

  • You will see frustration at the lower level management
  • Your meetings keep taking longer and longer to finish. People are not aligned on the objective or not being empowered.
  • Having miscommunication or lack of communication.

Sticky Teams – Vision & Relationships

Leadership / By

These next few blog posts are inspired from the Sticky Teams RightNow media series.

If you are a leader of a team, these posts are full of great insights & takeaways to not only make your team better, but your organization also.

First, you need to have a clear mission or vision. The team has to know & understand that vision. Don’t try to make it this fancy statement that may or may not be true and can be interpreted in different ways. Keep it simple and true.

Have your mission visible as a reminder. When things get hard, we may get tunnel focused on the small goals that we lose sign of the big picture/vision. As a leader, it is your job to make sure your team is headed in the right direction. This means you can’t get into the weeds. You have to be the one to see in front, back, and all around.

Three P’s that can tear your team apart:

  • Power
  • Prestige
  • Preference

Be aware of these 3 behaviors. “Guard the gate” to your teams time and influence. Don’t let the wolf into the sheep pen.

Having real relationships with your team builds your team. They will have trust in you and you can trust them. Getting to know them you can understand how they work to make sure you are being the leader they need.

Remember that people problems are not like wine. They don’t get better with time.

Speak up when you first see a problem. This will take courage. Trust your gut

When adding someone new to the team, your team dynamics will change. You will start back to the storming phase. Make sure to go through the steps to get back to norming & then performing.

Questions to ask before adding a team member:

  • Do they fit within the current team’s personality and character?
  • Do they fill a need in the team? Don’t just add to add.
  • Do they play in the sandbox well?
  • Are they flexible? Especially when it isn’t their way.

Got a Big Decision?

Changing Your Life / By

Are you are struggling about whether you should go for that big goal?

Getting out of your comfort zone is SCARY. You are moving into the unknown, but you are also fulfilling your purpose. Living a life of purpose means that you will not have regrets at the end. You will be able to say you went for it.

First step in making a big decision is to dig deep to understand your why? Why do you want to this? This is important because when things get hard this is what is going to keep you going.

Next, think about the truth. What things will hold you back? Are they true or a limiting belief? How can you knock down these barriers. If we continually tell ourselves lies, we will start to believe them. Find the truth. Remember your why.

Third, do your research. Don’t go into a big decision blindly. Understand what it will take to get there.

Finally, you have to have faith. Have the courage to pull the trigger. This is where we definitely get stuck. You have your why and it means something to you. You have done your research & know what roadblocks you might face, but know that you can get past them. It may to be easy to get passed them, but you are ready. Now it actually do it….

Take that scary step forward. You can do hard things. You can fulfill the purpose for your life if you just have the courage to go for it.

Be courageous!