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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Life has a way of presenting us with all kinds of challenges that bring uncertainty and anxiety about what may or may not happen. This "what if" mentality can lead to a sense of losing control—an experience most of us find really unsettling. In these moments, our individual responses can vary greatly.

💭 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 💻).

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.

One of my favorite icebreakers is: What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you’re currently doing? 🤔✨

The answers are always so fascinating—no constraints, no self-judgment (a hard one, I know! 😅), just imagination. And maybe a sense of humor.

Out of curiosity, how many of you have ever gone Zorbing?

Zorbing 101: It’s an extreme sport where you roll downhill in a giant, inflatable sphere—think of a transparent bubble. The thrill? A mix of weightlessness and exhilaration as you tumble down hills or glide across flat surfaces.

We’re pros at reflecting on "lessons learned" in the workplace—analyzing how things went, what could’ve been better, and pulling out key takeaways. It’s almost second nature to ask, “What worked and what didn't?” after a big task or project wraps up.

But how often do we apply that same mindset to our own personal development?

The Sandwich Generation. That’s so many of us. 🥪

We’re the caregivers, often responsible for both our children and our aging loved ones. We juggle family commitments while trying to grow our careers📈, pivot to new endeavors, pursue leadership roles, or even just figure out what comes next in our career journey.

Why is it so much easier to promote others than ourselves? We cheer on friends and colleagues easily, yet hesitate to highlight our own successes—almost as if it comes across as arrogance.

At the start of this year, while deep in burnout and considering a career overhaul, my work/life coach recommended I read "Designing Your Life".

Ironically, I already owned the book—it had been sitting on my shelf, forgotten. Dusting it off felt like a sign, so I dove in.

How often do you find yourself stuck in endless back-and-forth about a decision or situation?

In coaching, we often dive into various scenarios—be it the best, worst, or somewhere in between.

The goal? To get a clearer picture of why we feel anxious about future events and how we can tackle them with a bit more confidence.

I still remember my first days at Intuit, my last stop in the corporate space before diving into my formal coaching training.

I asked my onboarding buddy a simple question: What’s the one thing that will make me successful here? 🤔

Her answer: Build relationships. 🤝

When considering a new role—whether it’s a shift within your current organization or a move to a new company—what do you prioritize?

The U.S. Open is upon us, and I’ve been dialed in for the past week and a half. While I absolutely love the global reach of tennis, seeing four Americans in the semis feels like an iconic throwback—and I’m here for it.

Ever notice how some tasks at work leave you energized, while others drain you? Balancing these tasks is a part of both life and our careers.