56. Ditch the Overwhelm and Cultivate a Leader’s Mindset

As the founder and CEO of the Tailored Approach , my goal is to empower you to be the best leader you can be . So sit back , relax and join me in today's episode as we dive into the art of communicating like a true leader .

If you're a goal-driven leader or aspiring to be one , chances are you've experienced that familiar end of quarter one sinking feeling , projects that are unfinished , goals that seem to be out of reach that nagging self-doubt starts creeping in . Is it just you ? No , and I'm here to tell you .

It's not about needing more strategies , another time management hack or working yourself to the bone , my friend . It's about your mindset . If you've been with the podcast for a while , you know I'm usually all about the practical stuff for you on Communicate to Lead the quick tips , the communication techniques , the strategies you can put into action right away .

But here's the thing Sometimes you can have all the tools in the world and still feel like you're spinning your wheels . Because mindset is the foundation . It's what determines how you use those tools , how you bounce back from setbacks and , ultimately , how you see yourself as a leader .

So today we're getting a little deeper because I want to help you unlock that leader's mindset and ditch the overwhelm for good . Let's get clear when I say a leader's mindset , I'm not talking about some magical formula or pep talk . It's a rock solid foundation built on the following elements Growth orientation , resilience , self-awareness and focus .

Let's start with number one growth orientation . This is the unshakable belief that your skills and talents are not set in stone . With dedication and the right strategies , you can learn , improve and overcome any challenge . Number two resilience . It's not about never failing . I mean , let's be honest , we all fail , so that's not the secret .

It's about getting back up stronger when you fall down . It's seeing setbacks as stepping stones , gathering lessons from them and refusing to let them define you as a leader . Three self-awareness .

This means being real with yourself , knowing your strengths , those areas where you still need to grow and how your emotions or past experiences might unconsciously influence your decisions .

When you are self-aware , you are able to do what you need to do to move yourself forward , to gain the skills and the growth that you need to continue being the leader you want to be . Number four focus Amidst deadlines , requests and those daily fires you might be putting out , focus means never losing sight of the bigger picture .

It's that internal compass reminding you what truly matters , what you care about , why you're doing this job , and here's why that matters . Your mindset is like the operating system of your leadership . It affects every single aspect , from the way you approach problems to how you inspire and motivate your team , even how you handle those tough days .

Essentially , this is what will make or break you when things get messy or really tough , because , as any true leader knows , things will eventually get tough or messy . Let me share a personal story . Back when I was just starting to manage a team , I believed mistakenly in my 20s , that being a good leader meant having all the answers .

So whenever my team hit a snag , I'd jump in to solve it for them . So , yes , sure , things got done , but I noticed something concerning my team became dependent on me , their creativity became almost non-existent and I was completely burned out . After having a conversation with my coach at the time , I had a revelation .

Maybe my job wasn't to fix everything , but to help them grow . Instead of giving solutions , I started asking questions like what do you think you could try ? What else might work ? It was really hard in the beginning . There were definitely some bumps in the road , but something incredible happened . My team started innovating .

They started finding new solutions that were even better than the ones I could have come up with if I was doing it all by myself and them taking ownership of their work . Finding solutions for the problems they encountered freed me up to focus on big picture strategy .

This was a total mindset shift , from needing to be the hero to empowering my team to shine and be their own heroes . Now you might think that's great , but honestly , some people are just born leaders . So let's crush those common mindset myths , because I can promise you that is not the truth .

Those common mindset myths , because I can promise you that is not the truth . Okay , let's tackle some common misconceptions that tend to hold leaders back . When I think about the leaders that I've worked with , myth number one positive thinking is all I need . Now don't get me wrong I'm a big fan of positive thinking , but it can only take you so far .

Real mindset work goes far deeper . It's about uncovering those hidden , nagging beliefs about yourself , the ones that whisper you're not experienced enough , someone else will do it better or you're bound to fail . So why even try ? Identifying these deep-seated beliefs is the first step to challenging and changing them .

Myth number two mindset work is fluffy or it doesn't have a real impact . If I had a penny for every time a leader said this . Some people think focusing on your mindset is just a feel-good , inspirational exercise . But here's the deal Mindset is the hidden force behind every leadership move you make . Think about it .

When you believe in your ability to learn and overcome obstacles , you'll make bolder , more strategic choices . True confidence and resilience aren't things you can fake your team . They will pick up on your mindset and that's what makes them trust and follow you through the tough times . A strong leader doesn't crumble under pressure .

A resilient mindset allows you to adapt , learn from missteps and come back stronger than before . To adapt , learn from missteps and come back stronger than before . So that gives you a good idea of how . This is not about fluff . It's about doing the very real inner work . Myth number three I recently had a leader say this I don't have time .

I get it , we all stretch thin . But good news is , shifting your mindset doesn't mean locking yourself away in a meditation retreat . I'm going to share some quick techniques you can use in the middle of your workday to reset that inner voice . It's about small but consistent shifts that have a huge impact over time .

Now I realize these myths are common because some very real obstacles specifically hold women back as leaders . Let's talk about some of them .

As women , we face a unique set of obstacles when it comes to stepping fully into our leadership power , and these aren't just tactical challenges , but deeply ingrained mindsets that can leave us feeling stuck , discouraged and hesitant to claim our rightful place at the table . Let's unpack a few of these common culprits .

Imposter syndrome this nagging voice , is like having a constant bully in your head . It whispers that your success is a fluke , that you truly don't belong , that it's only a matter of time until everyone finds you out . Imposter syndrome can even make the most accomplished women question their abilities and shy away from incredible opportunities .

Perfectionism it's not about striving for excellence . It's the crippling need for everything to be perfect , to be flawless . Perfectionist leaders get caught in the endless analysis , paralysis , delaying putting work out into the world and inadvertently creating unrealistic standards for themselves and their teams .

This often leads to burnout and kills your creativity and risk-taking . Fear of failure this one is my personal vice . In a world that often celebrates risk-taking , that can often feel very masculine , many women have been conditioned to fear their mistakes . Many women have been conditioned to fear their mistakes .

This fear prevents us from making those bold , outside-the-box moves that spark innovation and growth . So we end up staying small , playing it safe and missing out on chances to truly excel and shine . Overwhelm and burnout . We wear so many hats Leader , employee , possible mother , partner , caregiver . We juggle endless to-dos and feel the pressure to do it all .

This state of constant overwhelm makes it really tough to focus on the strategic , high-value leadership that drives real impact . So these mindsets aren't only annoying and holding you back . They have a profound impact . So these mindsets aren't only annoying and holding you back . They have a profound impact .

They hold us back from taking well-deserved promotions , speaking up confidently and claiming the authority we have already earned with our expertise , experience and the work we have done . Not only does this rob us of fulfilling our potential , but the world misses out on the diverse transformative leadership that we , as women can bring to the table .

Okay , so I know this might feel a little heavy , talking about imposter syndrome and fear of failure , but here's the good news these mindsets are not set in stone . So let's look at practical ways to shift these limiting beliefs and unleash your powerful leadership .

Let's dive into some powerful techniques to help you transform your limiting mindsets into a mindset that is focused on growth and potential . Reframe negativity . That is number one . That is the first thing that I always tell my clients . We all have that critical inner voice , the one that says I can't do this presentation or I'll never get that promotion .

Instead of letting those thoughts spiral , catch yourself and reframe them . Try . I can't do this presentation yet , but I can practice and improve my skills . The small addition of the word yet . And what you can learn ? What is the opportunity ? That is what opens the door to learning and growing and embracing new opportunities .

And embracing new opportunities Choose abundance over scarcity . So many of us fall into the trap of thinking there's only one spot at the top or that someone else's success diminishes our own . A mindset shift here is life-changing .

Cultivate the belief that there's room for everyone to shine , that collaboration leads to better ideas and that celebrating the wins of others doesn't take away from your potential .

As a matter of fact , when we celebrate the wins of others , it's our opportunity to get inspired , to see what is possible and to see ourselves achieving perhaps the same goals or achieving even bigger ourselves achieving perhaps the same goals or achieving even bigger Resilience as a daily practice . No leader is immune to setbacks . We will all experience that .

But resilient leaders don't take them personally . They see setbacks as information . So here's what you can think about . Ask yourself what didn't work . What can you learn ? Shift your focus from I failed to this is what I can do differently next time . Build your confidence . Confidence won't appear overnight . It's built with small , everyday actions .

And here's how you can do that Focus on small wins . And here's how you can do that . Focus on small wins . We often get caught up in their grand big goals instead of taking time to celebrate even the smallest victories , because they start adding up , and they are the ones that boost your self-belief . Change your self-talk .

Treat yourself how you would a valued colleague , a good friend or a client . When that negative voice pipes up , challenge it , push back , don't let your negative voice get the last word and , lastly , stretch yourself .

Pick one task that is slightly outside your comfort zone and each time you succeed , however small that is , your confidence bank will keep getting a deposit . So let's keep building on this . Let's transform these mindset shifts into action . Here are some tools that you can put into practice . You didn't think I was going to skip the tools .

I know I said I'm talking mindset . I'm not going to focus on lots of strategies . This episode would not be complete if I don't give you some tools to help you keep flexing your mindset muscle . Self-awareness is key to unlocking the change you want in yourself .

So make time to journal on some questions that you can reflect on and be brutally honest with yourself . Question one what's one limiting belief I'm ready to challenge ? Don't pick the easy one . Choose a belief that really nags at you , the one that might be holding you back in the biggest possible way .

And if you got to the bottom of this question , what's one limiting belief I'm ready to challenge ? If you challenge this belief , it will make the biggest difference in how you show up and how you see yourself . Question two how can I reframe setbacks to focus on growth ? Think about a recent setback .

Can you look at it objectively and find even one thing you can learn to do differently next time . Maybe it was a meeting that didn't go well , maybe it was a presentation or an interview that you didn't quite nail . Take a look at that objectively Instead of thinking that it's you . Look at it as someone else .

What's one thing you could have done differently and can you implement that right away ? Question three this is one of my favorites . Ask yourself , one year from now , how has my leadership transformed thanks to a stronger mindset ? So here I encourage you and invite you to visualize yourself as that future leader .

See yourself as bolder , more resilient and making a larger impact . What's the biggest difference that you are seeing ? Journal on that . Write that down . What does that look like ? Be as specific as you can be and be really visual , because the more specific and visual you are , the easier it will be for you to see that in your mind's eye .

And then , of course , I'm going to encourage you to celebrate the small wins . Don't only focus on yep , I checked my three quarter one goals . I'm good . They're the big ones . Focus on the little things . Did you show up every day for 15 minutes , 30 minutes , to work on that goal ?

And every day you're chipping away at that goal and you're getting closer and closer to achieving it . Mindset growth isn't always dramatic , so I encourage you to celebrate the small victories , celebrate the times you caught that negative self-talk , the time you pushed through fear or when you reframed a challenge .

This may sound corny or cheesy , but it is incredibly powerful . And if I can encourage you a little bit more , have a little jar or make a note in your journal . Just give yourself a mental high five .

My favorite thing is I have a gratitude journal and whenever I do something right , whenever I practice my mindset , I make a note in my journal and I say you did it , this is what you did , this is how you're moving yourself forward , this is how you're showing up for yourself . So you do something that works for you .

Or maybe try out Mel Robbins' habits where you look yourself in the mirror and give yourself a high five . Recognize those shifts . They are the building blocks of a truly powerful leader .

So , speaking of taking action , here's your challenge to really cement the changes we discussed today , because mindset shifts don't happen overnight , but small , consistent actions yield big results . So here goes . Take a moment to reflect .

Maybe it's cultivating resilience that truly resonates with you , perhaps building greater confidence or shifting from scarcity to abundance . Choose one area of your leadership mindset to intentionally develop this week . Write it down somewhere visible . Make it a real commitment . Write it down a post-it .

Put it up on your mirror where you brush your teeth every morning and every evening , so you can see it Be clear on what you're working on and how long you will be working on it . Whether it's five minutes every day , 15 minutes it doesn't have to be an hour for it to be powerful and transformative . And keep tracking your progress .

Ask yourself how can you track your progress ? How can you track this journey ? It doesn't have to be difficult . You could try one of these things Journaling , where you dedicate a few minutes each day to jot down your mindset , wins and areas where you're still struggling . See those notes over time become powerful feedback to yourself . Find an accountability buddy .

Maybe there's a colleague or a friend you can share your commitments with and checking in with them for support and mutual celebration can be an incredible motivator . Them for support and mutual celebration can be an incredible motivator , and you don't have to do this alone . I have built this incredible community of leaders .

Connect with me on LinkedIn , on Instagram , and let us know what you're celebrating , share your successes , your setbacks , ask your questions and let's build a tribe of women leaders who uplift each other . Click the links in the show notes where you'll be taken to my Instagram or my LinkedIn pages .

We have packed a lot into this episode , so let me recap the main points . Remember it's about growth , orientation , resilience , self-awareness and focus . These are the foundations of having that powerful mindset where you become a powerful leader . Positive thinking alone isn't enough . Mindset work takes courage and you absolutely have time to cultivate a stronger mindset .

Five minutes every day that is all you need to start a stronger mindset . Five minutes every day that is all you need to start shifting your mindset .

We've tackled common barriers like imposter syndrome , perfectionism and fear of failure . Understanding these mindsets is the first step to overcoming them . You've learned techniques to reframe negativity , build confidence and view setbacks as opportunities for growth .

So , as we wrap up today's episode , I want to leave you with this Mindset transformation is an ongoing process . Some days will be easier than others . I invite you to embrace the process , celebrate your growth and know that you aren't alone . I'm here for you and the community we're building is here for you .

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me on this journey and for joining me in this very different episode today . Your willingness to dig deep and do this inner work is what makes you a truly exceptional leader .

So again , connect with me on LinkedIn and on Instagram by clicking the links in the show notes , and let me know how you're working on your leader's mindset . Until next time , keep believing in yourself , keep challenging your limits and know that I believe in you .