We often associate growth with constant movement—doing more, pushing forward, staying visible. But real, sustainable growth sometimes requires something less celebrated: the discipline to pause.
Over the past year, shifts in my family dynamic required more of me personally than I had anticipated. As those changes unfolded, I found myself navigating a challenging period at work as well. Rather than pushing through at the expense of my well-being or performance, I made the intentional decision to take a short-term leave to reset and regain clarity.
It wasn’t a step back. It was a strategic decision.
Reevaluating Is Not Retreating
In both our personal and professional lives, reevaluation is often misunderstood. Pausing to reflect, recalibrate, and refresh goals can be mistaken for uncertainty or disengagement. In reality, it’s the opposite. It signals self-awareness, accountability, and a commitment to long-term effectiveness.
Taking time to reassess allowed me to realign with my values, identify what I needed to perform at my best, and return with greater focus and resilience. Sustainable performance is not built on burnout—it’s built on clarity, alignment, and intention.
Leadership Begins with Self-Leadership
Strong leadership doesn’t start with managing others; it starts with managing ourselves. That includes recognizing when adjustments are necessary to protect mental health, maintain perspective, and continue showing up fully for the people and responsibilities we carry.
Self-leadership requires honesty. It requires the courage to acknowledge when something isn’t working—and the discipline to address it thoughtfully rather than reactively. When leaders model this behavior, they create healthier environments where people are empowered to do the same.
Progress Isn’t Always Linear—and That’s Okay
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that progress does not follow a straight line. Growth includes pauses, resets, and moments of refinement. These moments don’t diminish success; they strengthen it.
Wellness, purpose, and professional achievement are not competing priorities. They can—and should—coexist. When we give ourselves permission to reset with intention, we create space for better outcomes not only for ourselves, but for our teams, our organizations, and the work we’re proud to contribute to.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Today, I move forward with renewed clarity and a deeper commitment to leading from my values. I believe in intentional growth, people-centered leadership, and the power of thoughtful recalibration. Pausing when necessary has allowed me to return stronger, more aligned, and better equipped for what’s next.
Sometimes the most responsible thing we can do—for our work and our lives—is to stop, reflect, and realign.
And that is not a regret. It’s growth.
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