The last thing I want in a conversation is “image” meeting “image” or “persona” meeting “persona.” That wasn't always the case. In my desire to come across as professional, intelligent, competent, and credible, it felt like a little “extra” was needed. I couldn't just show up as me; I needed to demonstrate why I was a good bet or, worse, prove it.

Does it ever make sense to withhold compassion? Does it make sense to hold back support, financial or otherwise, unless someone “deserves” it? Do you need to behave or act in a certain way to deserve good things or love in your life? During a recent meeting with a leadership team, we discussed how to support a team member experiencing some challenges and, as a result, was in a pattern of reactivity, negativity, and creating some chaos.

My sister, Kim, is a first-grade teacher. We were speaking recently, and I asked her about the new group of kids. I love hearing stories of the students and how they interact with her and each other. The first month is always a mix of fun, chaos, getting to know one another, getting into the groove of school, and, at times, lots of emotions.

Are you looking backward to determine how to move forward? Are you looking to the past to determine what's possible for your future? What if the past is not a good measure of what's possible or our potential? What if what worked in the past is yesterday's wisdom, and something new is required moving forward? When I look to my past, I can find all sorts of evidence of what will or won't work.