Mindset is the key to change, but it takes time, patience and persistence. I believe that we can change our lives, when we shift our mindset in new directions. Where I began, was when I thought about, "What is my Purpose", and what goals will I set in place for myself to achieve them. That is where mindset comes in, and you get to work. First envision yourself branching out of your comfort and connecting with those thoughts. Then start to remind yourself daily that you are worthy of new adventures. Be your own cheerleader as you guide yourself towards the winner's circle. Also, work on changing your negative thoughts to positive ones. This is a practiced skill, but it is very effective if you commit to the process. I found that I gained tremendous growth by doing this type of self-work. Purpose - Mindset - Persistence - Commitment - Winning! You will get there, just believe in yourself and embrace the Journey.

Empowering yourself to embody your inner light of joy by being thankful and grateful. Recognizing life isn't just about climbing ladders, but about building one full of connections, faith, family, and being the light for others.

I don't wait until I feel ready, I move, and let confidence catch up.

The habit that transformed my life was shifting from reacting to intentionally designing my days. For a long time, I operated in response mode by answering emails, solving problems, and moving from task to task without a clear connection to larger outcomes. The turning point came when I committed to starting each day with clarity: defining one to three high-impact priorities tied directly to long-term goals. That simple discipline created alignment between my daily actions and the results I wanted to produce. Equally important was developing the mindset that not everything deserves my time. I became more rigorous about what I said yes to, protecting my focus and energy for work that actually moved the needle. Over time, this built consistency, confidence, and a stronger sense of control over my trajectory. It wasn't a dramatic overhaul. It was a daily decision to be intentional. That's what changed everything.

This milestone of earning a PhD marks the end of a five-year journey defined by growth, resilience, sacrifice, and determination. Pursuing a dream is rarely easy, and this path was no exception. Along the way, several challenges helped shape the experience: Years before the pandemic, the idea of returning to school began to take form. During that time, an executive coach shared confidence in my ability to succeed in a doctoral program, despite no prior conversation about my aspirations. That unexpected encouragement also suggested that conversations about my potential were happening behind the scenes, some of which may not have been fully supportive. I enrolled in a doctoral program July 2020, in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, my leader stated that tuition reimbursement was unavailable and expressed disappointment that prior approval had not been requested. At the same time, that same leader was receiving tuition support for their own undergraduate studies. As a result, I chose to invest in myself and cover the cost of my education independently. A layoff led me back into the job market, adding another layer of pressure while managing academic demands and costs. I experienced significant loss with the passing of my godmother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Each of them was a constant source of encouragement who celebrated every milestone with love and pride. Through it all, this journey was made possible by an incredible support system. My husband, family, and friends were my village. They extended grace, understood my absence, and offered encouragement at every step. Never underestimate or undervalue the power and support of your village.

From leading projects, to pursuing a Master's, to networking, I've done it 'all'. However, the biggest impact to my growth was outside of my career. I found the most success in my development in giving back to my community. That involved me sharing my knowledge to local non-profit and student groups, serving as a committee member recognized organizations, and volunteering my time as a mentor. Not only did I see the challenges presented to my community, but I actively worked to bridge gaps.

I recently had an iron transfusion due to low ferritin but not anemic. Iron transfusion was the last resort as I had tried oral iron pills and liquid as well as getting it through diet, however unable to absorb it. So transfusion it was. After having an allergic reaction to the iron and spending 4 hrs in the Emergency Room, it was decided I would not go through with the other 4 transfusions even though there was a different type of iron they could try. Well I had signed up previously for a 1/2 marathon to be completed 4 days after the ER visit. As I was starting to feel better and as I had taught my kids "if we sign up for something we see it through to the end" I was determined to complete the 13.1 miles if it killed me and I told myself I could walk it if I needed to. Without the miles of training, I went ahead and completed that 13.1 half marathon in 2:40.57. Not too shabby for an untrained woman without ferritin in her blood. Who needs iron, not me! Forge ahead and YES WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!! WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER! 💪🏃‍♀️🤩

As Carl Jung says, the best daily habits are centered around the process of individuation, and constant growth, whether that be education, emotional, physical or spiritual. Trust in yourself.

No complaining, I once prayed to be this successful. A positive, grateful attitude changes your mind's ability to relax and problem solve desired outcomes.

Take a chance on me if you want to… but I'm telling you, take a chance on YOU. You'll never fail betting on the person God is still growing, stretching, and building.

The greatest catalyst for my growth has been the daily discipline of designing my life from vision rather than circumstance. Each day, I ground myself in my core values, visualize the life I want to live, and intentionally align my actions with the leader, entrepreneur, mother, and wife I aspire to be.

My mindset: Do your best and forget the rest. It's something I say to my kids, and one day I realized it applies to me too! Do your very best work every day and when the day is done, shake it off.

My daily habit that transformed my life is an obedient heart; a surrendered lifestyle in King Jesus Christ and God's Will for my life is my only motivation to continue to run the race at a pace that I am purposed to strive in.