
Clarity Blog: Reflections on all things work + life
The Power of the Unplug
My son had spring break last week, so we packed up our Chinook camper van (an upgrade from our old 13' Scamp!) and set off for Death Valley National Park. Known for being the hottest place on earth in summer—and totally disconnected year-round—it felt like the perfect place for an off-the-grid adventure.
The Cost of Burnout
This Forbes article, "Employee Burnout: The Hidden Threat Costing Companies Millions", popped up in my inbox last week and highlights a growing crisis in the workplace: burnout.
Monday’s Villain Status
We’ve all seen some version of the “ahhh, it’s Monday” meme. It’s funny…mostly because we’ve all felt it at some point. The “Sunday Scaries” and that Monday morning unease are so common, they’ve basically become a part of our cultural script. But what if they didn’t have to be?
The Ideal Client
People often ask me: Who do you coach? While every coach has a niche, I truly believe there’s room for flexibility because life, work, and humans are rarely one-size-fits-all. This theme clearly pops up a lot in my work.
The Altitude Adjustment
Ever notice how things look different from 30,000 feet?
When you're deep in a challenge, it can feel overwhelming. Like there's no clear way forward. But when you step back, the edges soften, patterns emerge, and what once felt massive (to use a word my almost 13-year-old son would consider "based") suddenly seems just a bit more manageable.
Busting Those Coaching Myths
There are some incredible coaches out there, but I think many people still don’t fully understand what coaching actually is.
Let’s bust some common myths!
When Passion Burns You Out
As someone who helps people navigate burnout (and who's experienced it first-hand), this HBR article,“When Passion Leads to Burnout”, stopped me in my tracks.
The Career Compass
Clearly, I love a good travel metaphor. I’ve always been drawn to travel, adventure, and exploring the unknown, which is probably why I love using it to talk about all things work-life. Because, honestly, the two have a lot in common.
Work-Life Alignment is Like a Road Trip—Buckle Up!
Work-life alignment. Sounds nice, right? Like a scenic drive on a perfect 75-degree day on the PCH, windows down, no traffic, no wrong turns. Um, yeah, that’s not how it works.
Logging off…but are you really?
It’s only Wednesday, but let’s be real—some of us are already crafting our ‘Logging off for the weekend!’ or ‘OOO’ messages like we’re jet-setting to Bora Bora. 🎤✨
Lessons in Balance from Around the World
If you know me, which many of you may not, you know that I'm mildly obsessed with travel. Not just for the food or scenery, though I do love those too. Because of what we can learn from others who are living life a bit (or a lot) differently.
Procrastinators Unite…or Not
So, I'll be honest. Procrastination makes me nervous. I’m the type who finishes things early because last-minute panic stresses me out. But I’ve learned… not everyone works this way.
Always on
"Do I work from home or do I live at work?" The eternal WFH dilemma, as captured by The New Yorker.
If your laptop has become a permanent fixture on the kitchen counter or your “home office” feels more like a 24/7 operation, you’re not alone. When your workspace is always within reach, while super convenient, shutting down at the end of the day can feel impossible.
Goals? Nah. Let’s Talk Values
As we navigate the early weeks of January, I've been contemplating the traditional rush to set New Year's resolutions. Instead of quickly committing to external expectations, what if we paused to reflect on our core values? By aligning our intentions with what truly matters to us, we can create a more authentic and fulfilling roadmap for the year ahead. And maybe even beyond.
Flipping the Script: Support Yourself Like a Friend
Self-doubt has a way of creeping in when it’s about us—convincing us we’re not ready, not capable, or not deserving.
Yet, when a friend or peer comes to us with the same worries, we instinctively step into the role of encourager and promoter.
Mind Decluttering 101: Unpacking Mental Noise (Part 2 of 3)
In Part 1 of this series, I focused on identifying and naming our mind clutter. Recognizing what’s holding you back is just the start. By identifying the mental clutter that’s been keeping you stuck, you’ve already taken an important step forward. Now it’s time to dig even deeper. To truly clear the clutter, we need to uncover its root causes. What’s triggering it? Where does it come from? How does it influence your actions and feelings? When we understand these factors, we gain clarity—and with clarity comes confidence and intention.
Mind Decluttering 101: Unpacking Mental Noise (Part 1 of 3)
Welcome to Part 1 of a 3-Part Series on Mind Clutter!
In this first installment, I’m diving into the concept of mind clutter—what it is, how it shows up in our lives, and why it matters. Mind clutter is that invisible barrier that clouds your focus and slows you down when trying to achieve your goals. Whether it’s self-doubt, overthinking, or being stuck in a loop of “what ifs,” this mental noise can feel overwhelming and lead to inaction.
Celebrating the Journey: Why Small Wins Matter
When I was in business school, I read Leading Change by John P. Kotter, where he outlines an 8-step process for successfully implementing organizational change. One of the key points he highlights is the importance of generating and celebrating small wins to build momentum — something I’ve come to appreciate in both business and life.
Cultivating Your Creative Playground
💭 Isn’t it refreshing when companies prioritize “passion projects” during the work week? One of my favorite perks from my tech days was the dedicated time for innovation and creativity—something that’s still happening at companies like Intuit (shout out to Global Engineering Days 💻).
Escape the Scroll: Choosing Movement over Media
Ever woken up in a panic, heart racing, thoughts racing faster? That was me yesterday morning at 4:25 AM. In that moment of restlessness, I made the mistake of scrolling through social media, getting sucked into the never-ending cycle of polls 📉 and politics. It was overwhelming, to say the least. Social media can be a powerful tool, but many of us have taken doom-scrolling to new extremes, especially lately. Regardless of where we stand.