Last December, I found myself facing a familiar year-end ritual: reflecting, goal-setting, and planning. But instead of asking what I wanted to accomplish, I asked a deeper question:
What do I want to experience?
Not just in business, but in life as a whole human being.
I wanted more than milestones. I wanted meaningful moments. I wanted to reconnect with myself and rediscover what truly matters, not just professionally, but personally and spiritually as well.
So, I set three intentional goals:
- Elevate my physical fitness
- Deepen my spiritual connection
- Expand and systemize my business
But here’s the shift: I focused less on concrete outcomes and more on feeling fully aligned with how I wanted to experience life. I didn’t want to simply do more; I wanted to be more of who I truly am.
The Breakthrough Came When I Said YES
I started making different decisions. Not based solely on logic, timing, or “what made sense” but by tuning into what felt deeply aligned.
And that meant saying yes to things that scared me, stretched me, and sometimes didn’t make sense on paper.
One example:
While attending a weekend workshop, the facilitator casually mentioned a retreat, swimming with wild dolphins in Bimini. My heart leapt. My mind immediately objected:
“You didn’t plan for this.”
“You already have travel booked.”
“Can you really justify this financially?”
But every part of me knew: This is what I asked for.
Six weeks later, I was on a plane to Bimini — experiencing joy, freedom, and connection in a way I hadn’t in years.
It was the first of several “yeses” last year, all tying back to my original goals.
I Led with My Heart, and Everything Changed
Last year, I:
- Travelled to Peru, Bimini, and Quebec City — each with a physical and spiritual component.
- Attended live events, meditation retreats, and workshops with people who inspired me.
- Joined a business mastermind that stretched me beyond my current thinking and familiar circles.
- Said “yes” to rooming with strangers, hiking challenging trails, and trusting in spontaneous adventure.
In full transparency: I grew more in that one year than in the previous five.
Because I finally stopped compartmentalizing my life and started living it as an integrated whole.
Fitness, spirituality, and business weren’t separate goals. They fed each other.
I didn’t balance priorities. I aligned them.
What I Know Now
- Spontaneity can be as powerful as strategy
- Fitness is about consistency, not intensity
- Spirituality isn’t a practice; it’s a way of being
- Strangers can become meaningful allies in your life
- The heart often knows what’s better than the head
- Giving and receiving are both essential
- Asking for support is a strength
- You really can have it all when it’s aligned
Now It’s Your Turn
As a leader, you’ve likely already achieved what others are still chasing. But you might be wondering: What’s next for me, and how do I make it deeply meaningful?
Ask yourself:
- What did you create or experience this past year that you’re truly proud of?
- What do you want more of in your life and on your leadership journey?
- What will it take, and who will support you in getting there?
You don’t need more hustle. You need to be aligned.
If you’re ready to lead from a more grounded, whole place and define a personal brand that reflects your truest self – with intention, purpose, and courage – reach out and let’s talk.
Ready to Elevate Your Leadership?
At Authentic Leaders Edge, we help professionals like you develop a powerful leadership presence. Whether you’re leading a team or defining your personal brand, Dorothy Lazovik provides tailored coaching to accelerate your growth.
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore how coaching can help you step into your full potential. Email today to get started!
