55+ Legacy

Sometimes to Win You Need to Quit

by

There are times you can win simply by quitting. It’s not losing. It’s not something most bosses or coaches will tell you. It’s what must happen to move forward.

While I don’t advocate giving up too soon, there are times when the game plan, mindset, or actions just are not going to get you where you need to go. And, change is not going to happen in a timely manner.

How to recognize when to quit:

  • You’ve talked to your coach and mentor, and they each said, “We cannot help you.”
  • You took a job knowing it was not the right one for you.
  • You joined a team that is poorly run, and sabotages your input (and energy).
  • The list is endless.

It is time to reassess when:

  • There’s been a financial drain.
  • Your health is at risk.
  • Resources are unavailable.
  • You are unwilling to have the needed conversations.
  • No one is willing to work with you on the project.
  • You’re unwilling to hire a coach and incorporate their ideas. (Then, it’s doubly time to quit!)

What Happens When You Hang on Too Long:

Feel bad. Feelings can and do change very quickly. Regretting hanging on too long rarely makes a difference to your team, investors, boss or customers.

Give up at with first problem. You give up too quickly because it’s not working out as you had envisioned.

Lack commitment to the goal. Momentum and inspiration will come and go depending on the work you’re willing to do.

Trying to leap when you should be taking smaller steps. Remember, the fable, The Tortoise and The Hare. Hares, slow down. Or, if you’ve been operating as a tortoise out of fear of failure, speed it up!

Relying on your inner dialogue. This will stop you when you only focus on what’s wrong!

Before You Quit!

Get clear. Work with an experienced coach. Every failure (and success) can provide “lessons learned.” If you don’t take the time now, it will show up again!

Complete What Worked / What Didn’t Work? Be objective to determine what you missed, ignored, or failed to do correctly. Use your numbers objectively. (Instead of, people were happy at the event; use objectivity – 20 people showed and 1 person requested a future conversation.) Talk with your coach to determine if these insights can rectify the plan, or if it’s time to scrap it as it is currently designed. (See Chapter 20, Get Your Brag On! for exercise)

Review your inner dialogue. It’s time to get real … not reinforcing “why it should’ve, could’ve and would’ve worked if only things, situations, and people had been different.”

Wobbly inner power. Too often, you’ve made yourself wrong, disempowered yourself (and others), or allowed someone to diminish or dismiss your project as important. Stop! Talk with your coach or therapist to get back on track before making a final decision to quit or proceed forward.

Be coachable.  Too often, people will give up too quickly due a myopic view of how it “should” look. After talking with your executive coach to determine if the project, plan or venture can be turned around profitably and fulfill the intended outcomes, it’s time to make the final decision. Realize a “decision not to make a decision” is a decision … and often a “No!”

If you’ve done the reflection, and are unwilling to modify your thoughts, feelings, and actions, it may be time to quit and move on. Do so gracefully. Remember, you didn’t lose. It just didn’t work. Now look for what’s next!

©Jeannette L. Seibly, 2012 -2026

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

There are times when life will throw you curve balls. If your commitment isn’t strong enough, it’s up to you to get into action with an experience coach. Then, make a decision to move forward or quit. Contact me.

Listen to: The Business Power Hour: Deb Krier’s 1176 episode with Jeannette Seibly, feel the fear and do it anyway:  https://youtu.be/kQLaw_jN50Q

Be an Action Leader and Produce Intended Results

by

Leaders (and so many other people) consider themselves thought leaders. They overthink an idea, talk about how things should be, criticize those in action, and offer skepticisms as sage advice about change.

This includes taking safe actions such as creating a petition – that rarely produces positive results. Or feeding your fears by attending networking meetings but won’t meet 1:1 with others. Or talking about system changes without understanding the true issues.

Real action is required to produce intended results.

Being an action leader who produces the intended results requires getting out of your own way. (Note: Anyone and everyone can be an action leader … it’s not based on job title, paycheck, or other subjective factors. It’s based on your willingness to be a leader who takes actions.)

What do we allow to get in the way?

  • Overthinking
  • Procrastination
  • Fear of making mistakes and lack of forgiveness for past mistakes
  • Emotional attachments to the past
  • Inability to see the impact of the change
  • Inconsistent actions that don’t align with the goal
  • Relying on self-talk for the answer

What are the costs to you and your legacy?

  • Top talent – they want to work for an action leader (not talker)
  • Retention – constant change due to shiny object syndrome (inconsistent thinking)
  • Revenues – not crunching true numbers for cost v. benefit
  • Results – activity without focused actions
  • Customers – no credibility
  • Trusting yourself – self-respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence is lost

Two examples where future action leaders failed to take the right steps forward …

First Example: A woman wanted to be the team leader, a top spot on a coveted project. But the boss insisted he needed someone with different credentials. So, the woman talked with many people to get agreement that she was the right person. The problem? The woman failed to take the actions required to transform her blind spots required to be a potential team leader for the project (e.g., hire an executive coach, use a qualified job-fit assessment, and do the real work).

Second example: A man had the potential of becoming a professional speaker. After speaking twice in front of small groups, he decided he was bored (they were bored too). He told everyone that he wanted something more. The problem? Unless or until you actually do the work of speaking in front of groups numerous times (small, large, paid, and unpaid), and learning from your successes and failures, you will not achieve your intended result. Hint: It’s the speaker’s job to engage the audience … this can be learned and developed through training and coaching. Also, this is true when learning to lead projects, handle customer issues, or have tough conversations with employees and co-workers.

Action Steps for Action Leaders

  • Clarify goal and intention.
    • Write down your thoughts!
    • Reduce wordiness (10 words or less).
    • What is the intention of the goal? (The Why)
    • Create a game plan (draft).
  • Hire a coach. Make sure the coach is the right one. Do they have the experience and proven results? Can they move you forward when you become stuck due to fear or external factors.
  • Talk with others about the goal and listen. Having conversations with yourself is useless and will severely damage your ability to achieve intended results.
    • Include and value others’ ideas
    • Acknowledge self-doubt and hear others’ concerns
    • Focus on creating win-win-win outcomes
    • Flexibility is required about how to achieve your goal and intention
    • Listen with an open mind and ask open ended questions
  • Build a team. DIY is old school. Big results require a full robust team. Which means … listening to their input. Brainstorming. Learning excellent facilitation skills. Ensuring the goal and intention are shared at the beginning of each (Yes, people will forget, make it more complicated, or create their own version.) Now, finalize the game plan and go for it!
  • Manage for results, not personalities. Remember, you and your team will zig and zag since there is never a straight line to the intended result. You are accountable and responsible for moving people forward and keeping people unstuck. (For further insight, read: “How to Work with an Incompetent Boss)
  • Celebrate and appreciate. Yes, each and every small and larger victory. Update your brags!

©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

Being an action leader isn’t hard … but does require taking specific actions and not just talking about it.  Contact me for a confidential conversation to ensure you’re moving forward. 

Let’s Honor Our Commitments and Create Our Legacies

by

Too many times, we allow our commitments to get pushed aside. However, at age 55+, time is running out! It’s now or never to create and fulfill our legacies.

Let’s make the commitment to get off the proverbial fence and take those small steps required to move forward and achieve amazing results. The natural inner power and satisfaction that occurs is priceless.

Steps to Forward and Honor Your Legacy

  1. Create a goal and intention. Get real about your true goal and keep it to 10 words or less. The intention is critical because it is your “why.” WRITE them down! Studies have shown that writing engages the brain differently and opens up your creativity and awareness.
  2. Put together a game plan. If the goal is to move to a new apartment or buy a home, write it down on paper! Include the three must‑haves (e.g., A/C, hardwood floors, and new roof), along with the step‑by‑step process.

Example … Many years ago, I sold a home where I had focused my attention and money on the structural concerns (e.g., plumbing, new roof and gutters, tree removal, etc.). I did not have money for “interior design.” When a young couple saw my home and compared it with a home that had all the visual bells and whistles, they bought the other home. Then, they had a flooded basement and wanted to know if they could switch it for my home. Be clear what you want and need upfront and don’t get caught up in the “shiny red object.”

  1. Include budgets or projected “real” costs. These are critical and often overlooked due to the enthusiasm of something new (e.g., What is the projected cost for utilities? If buying, have an independent inspection done … what are the costs to resolve issues found?) Write them down!
  2. Create momentum and results. Take small steps forward so you don’t become overwhelmed emotionally, physically, or mentally. It may require getting the paper and boxes for packing (staying with the “buy or rent” example in #2). A day or two later, sorting what to take with you, what to give away, what to sell, and what to throw away/shred. Be rigorous so unwanted items don’t move with you.
  3. Plan to hit the wall … yes, this IS inevitable. This usually happens when you rely on only one source during the process. Set aside your emotional attachment and select three alternatives. Again, using the original example in #2 … one mortgage company may say you don’t make enough money, while another may say you need extra $$ for mortgage insurance, while the third will charge you a higher interest rate. Do the math, then, pick one after reading the fine-print. Remember, not now is also a valid choice, and making “no decision” is also a choice or decision. (True life example: One family overpaid for a condo, because they had the money to do so. They were excited about their new home. As required, they signed an agreement to not smoke or vape on the property, but ignored it. The fines were steep!)
  4. Celebrate your victories … small and large. Get your brag on!

©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

There are times when your commitments aren’t strong enough to move you forward and you stay stuck. What is one thing you can do to get back in action? How can I support you and clarify your goal and needed actions? Contact me.

Time to Honor Our Commitments and Stop Fence-Sitting

by

Fence‑sitting drains your energy … and those splinters can be painful. And the real exhaustion comes from postponing your goal or dream … and your legacy feels that.

It’s a #1 problem! We all love and hate fence‑sitting … the waiting for the stars to align, our boss or family to give permission, or to have enough time or money. The truth is … perfectionism, ego, and judging others are the real culprits that get in the way of achieving our goals. These fears keep us trapped on the fence feeling comfortable.

Making a commitment to honor our goals and taking actions can be invigorating.

You may be thinking, “Well … I did take action … but …”

  1. The Remy Effect. I have a 13‑pound ginger cat who loves to meet others in the hallway – including dogs. But when a person comes into our home, he runs and hides. Many of you behave in a similar fashion. You’re fearless until you allow fear to dominate you.
  2. Facts versus false information. Yes, there is a lot of false information out there. The challenge is it’s often more comfortable to believe the falsehood and deny the truth. (Example: hiring assessments … many will claim the assessment they are using is validated for pre‑employment and selection use, when in fact, it is not.)
  3. Failure to do ‘complete’ work. Doing just enough will keep you from enjoying the intended results of your legacy. Or you do too much without asking for help! There is a sweet spot for doing what needs to be done without driving yourself crazy and annoying others.

Example: I talked with a successful consultant who had bought books from friends who wanted to become published authors. “The problem,” he lamented, “is that most of these books are poorly written, lack proper editing, and use pictures, layouts, and covers that leave a lot to be desired.” Hiring a book coach would have created a much better legacy!

What’s missing that keeps us on the fence and hold us back?

  1. Awareness of Job Fit. Some people become wealthy by doing the work required in their nicely paid, but not overpaid, job. While others keep attempting to take on careers they believe will make them wealthy faster. Their job or career pursuits are misaligned with their natural interests, thinking styles, and core behaviors. Hire the right coach, take a qualified job‑fit assessment, and write your own resume (AI doesn’t know the difference between truth and fiction)!
  2. Using Your Ingenuity. I continue to be impressed by the ingenuity of people. Some people are rockstars … while others could be rockstars if they stopped trying to mimic others. This is key … we have emotional attachments to mimicking others, often to our own detriment. Get clear. Get real. Get in focused action.
  3. Doing the Work Required. Many people love the idea of sharing their opinions, but not doing the real work required for results. For example: They start a podcast believing they will make a lot of money, only to realize it was another shiny object that distracted them. Learn the art of skill-stacking.

Your legacy demands commitment. Commitment requires action. Your resilience is what keeps you moving forward! Take the actions that will move you off that seemingly comfortable proverbial fence and enjoy your results.

©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

It’s time to honor your commitment and stop fence-sitting. Learn how to seize the time now to take actions that support your legacy and goals.  Contact me for a confidential conversation.

Turning Resistance into Resilience Achieves Results

by

Most 55+ leaders have been fighting resistance for many years due (e.g., teams, peers, bosses, customers … the list goes on and on).

Some leaders take it personally, while others resort to intimidation or outtalking others. But intimidation and outtalking others do not turn resistance into getting the job done well.

People resist when they feel uncertain, uncomfortable, or imposed on.

When these types of situations occur, use them as signs you may need to strengthen your persuasive communication, trust building, and adaptability to new ideas. It’s time to become resilient and turn others’ resistance into “I can do it.”

Moving Past Others’ Resistance

Build Trust. It starts with hiring right! If you don’t hire for job fit – team members who aren’t interested in the task will delay getting the work done. Be resilient as a leader by assigning the work to the people who enjoy it, or at least will get it done right. While employees (and others) need to feel seen, heard, and valued (these build trust), they also need to be equipped with the resources to get the job done … and that’s your job (another trust builder).

Share Intended Results. Dictating, micromanaging, or using microaggressions only intimidate people. It does not reduce their resistance … they just learn to hide from you. Instead, ask open-ended questions and listen. “I have an assignment that needs to be done by tomorrow. Do you have time to get it done?” Then, use a Rule of 3 to ensure they truly have the interest and willingness to do so. Sharing results and the positive difference they can make is important for employees to feel valued.

Adapt Your Persuasive Style.  Adapting your ability to persuade others is important since many people are a “no” or “I guess I can.” This leaves you wondering if the job will be done well, if at all. Your job as a resilient leader is to provide reinforcement or support in getting an assignment done. If support is needed, offer by providing focused training and development. Trusted employees can surprise you by doing a better job than you!

Accept a “No” and Identify the Source of the Pushback. If a team member says they don’t have time to do it, learn why. Or, move on to the next person. Many times, the project may initially seem overwhelming and no one wants to look incompetent. This will occur if you have not taken the time to outline specifically what you need to have done and the desired results. If you are seen as someone who jumps from fire to fire, or idea to idea, slow down. The tortoise won the race, not the hare.

Give Them a Voice. Provide the goal and how you see it happening. Be open to their input and ideas and incorporate these whenever possible for a win-win-win outcome. Agree on a deadline. (Example, allow time to review a power point and make adjustments). Remember, when you’re giving ownership to a task or project, it reduces resistance along with providing positive reinforcement. Again, don’t micromanage.

The next time you are faced with team member resistance, channel it or embrace it with your leadership resilience.

©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

Being resilient in the face of team member’s resistance is part of being a leader. Learn how to transform your team members from a “no” to a “yes.” Contact me for a confidential conversation.

What Are 5 Confidence Builders Needed to Produce Amazing Results?

by

Confidence is required to build your career, professional reputation, and results. The challenge? Allowing saboteurs (e.g., factions and people with ulterior motives) to deplete your confidence. Then, you do your best to shrink who you are and deny your own inner power when attempting to handle sticky situations and complex working relationships. With poor results.

Here are 5 practices to develop and build your inner power and confidence!

Believe in Yourself. It’s challenging when you face a setback, error, or rejection. Remember, everyone makes mistakes and experiences failures. Take a moment to breathe. Embrace what you learned from the recent experience. Now, engage with your executive coach and regain your focus and confidence! Self-belief is your key to confidence and empowerment, and is an ongoing skill that you will need to develop as you move forward.

Be Present. Don’t let your mental thoughts, feelings of fear, or multitasking distract you from the present moment. These can hinder your results and relationships! When engaging in conversations, attending meetings, or participating in events, give your undivided attention to the speaker. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the new insights you glean from listening, even when you think you already know the information – there is always more to learn!

Be a Results Producer. Going through the motions without a conscious intention or outcome to improve the quality of the situation or relationship isn’t taking focused action.

To achieve intended win-win-win results, you need to:

  • Get honest about the actions you are taking and why
  • Prepare for and have the tough and needed conversations required to move forward
  • Focus on quality and workability of performance challenges, not personality differences

Be Coachable. Ask for help! Recognize that you don’t have all the answers, and often, when you approach people, projects, and situations with “fear” written on your face, they hide from you. By choosing the right coach, you can witness your confidence bloom with newfound clarity and composure. This openness to coaching is a powerful tool for your personal and professional growth.

Get Your Brag On! Pay attention to your daily activities and wins by keeping a written log of your achievements … no matter how small. When it’s time for a job promotion, job interview, board meeting, sales presentation, or pitch for your book or product, you’re ready! Your brags make a big difference in building your confidence. They also build your reputation, credibility, and ability to influence others!

©Jeannette Seibly 2023-2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

Building self-confidence is a daily practice that requires you to recognize when saboteurs appear. Contact me for a confidential conversation to ensure you’re moving forward rather than staying stuck.  

Feel the Fear. What Are You Waiting For?

by

Yes, I’ve written about this topic … a lot … and I still get questions about waiting and stalling to take the actions required to pursue your dreams or next chapter. This article focuses on how fear is the underlying culprit and waiting becomes the excuse or trap for staying where you are.

Your fears quietly shape and limit your choices. They keep you waiting for situations and people to change so you feel comfortable moving forward. You may read self-help books and listen to podcasts to motivate yourself. These actions can help. But they often keep you waiting, thinking and dreaming instead of taking the actions required to move forward.

When you fail to acknowledge your fear — that apprehension lurks beneath the waiting. Let’s delve into the fear patterns and learn how to recognize them. This can provide the awareness needed to keep you moving forward and taking the actions required.

Fear Doesn’t Sound Like Fear

It often sounds very reasonable:

  • “I’ll start when…”
  • “I don’t have enough information…”
  • “I’ll be ready when …”

Fear shows up as:

  • overthinking
  • perfectionism
  • procrastination
  • staying busy instead of focused

But the underlying true fears are:

  • Not feeling safe
  • Alone and not belonging
  • Ability to make the right choices

Let’s shift these fears:

  • from waiting to choosing
  • from fear to awareness
  • from dreaming to doing

The Parts Most People Miss

What many people miss when addressing these fears – we all have them — learning how to acknowledge them and let them support us in moving forward. Remember, fear doesn’t occur when you’re comfortable. Fear pops up when you need to make changes … whether you want to change or not.

Notice I didn’t say “wait for the fear to dissolve.” Fear isn’t going to do that on its own.  You need to acknowledge your fears, take baby steps, and stay in action when the going gets tough.

Fear of not feeling safe.

Inner strength — physical, mental, and emotional — develops when you do the work instead of going through the mental gymnastics and excuses as to why you can’t. Consider hiring a trainer, therapist and coach to guide you through these processes.

Here’s the key: do the work to the best of your ability. (Yes, reread that and write it down.) Over time, you will see an amazing shift in results. Fear won’t be so loud. Let your new attitude shine.

Fear of not making the right choices.

Every choice has a benefit and a consequence. Feel the fear and stop waiting … do the best you can with the information you currently have.

I remember buying a nice new condo that I enjoyed the first few months before it turned into the condo from h$*&. I took a loss when I finally sold it. But since then, looking back, I can see the benefit of having had to move … I now live in a much nicer home.

Fear of being alone and not belonging.

This can be the hardest one for most people who aren’t deep introverts or hermits. The fear of being alone or not belonging has you and others hanging onto friends, family members, neighbors, or community members. This may not be in your best interest.

This fear of letting go keeps you from growing and evolving in your personality, knowledge, and capabilities.

As you move forward, determine who you stay in connection with, and in what circumstances you stay part of a group, because not everyone is rooting for your success.

A client shared about a family member asking, “Don’t you get lonely not attending family get-togethers?”

His reply: “Not really.”

What he didn’t say — because it would have created more brouhaha — was that he often left family gatherings feeling diminished and emotionally beaten up.

As You Move Forward

Stop waiting. It won’t get any easier as time goes on and fear hangs around.

Feel the fear and move forward with awareness and intention. Talk with your coach, therapist, or mentor (or all three) to determine if the fear is valid or just holding you back.

Embrace the freedom available when taking action and enjoying things you’ve put off, ignored, or haven’t yet discovered. Healthful pursuits help you grow and develop inner strength and safety.

Examples:

Take a chance:

  • You won’t know if you enjoy golf until you take lessons and play.
  • Artistic pursuits? Same thing — take the lessons and see what happens.

Don’t be afraid of one-and-done.

  • I really wanted to learn how to ski. It took a while, but I finally learned — and stopped once I hit the intermediate level. I haven’t skied since. My goal was accomplished.

Welcome a new-found goal.

  • Publishing books (best sellers). I learned, made mistakes, stopped waiting, and put the fear aside to publish my next books.

 The Truth About Fear

  • Fear doesn’t magically go away.
  • Learn how to acknowledge your fear and stop waiting for that “perfect moment.”
  • Listen to your intuition … because there are times fears can be a good friend or ally.

Now … stop waiting and move forward.

©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

Fear doesn’t disappear — but your willingness to act in the face of fear changes everything. If you’re ready to shift from waiting to doing, take the next step today and contact me. Your future self will thank you.

A Rewarding Life Requires Showing Up for Yourself

by

We all believe a rewarding life requires success … something external to ourselves … the accolades, material possessions (e.g., designer clothes, fancy vehicle), promotions, eating at the best restaurants … to name a few.

These are the moments when we override our own well‑being to meet external expectations.

But what if showing up for yourself truly means honoring your needs, aligning with your values, supporting your health, not skipping healthful eating habits, and being present and responsible when making your daily choices?

For many leaders, showing up for yourself is the hardest part, and often creates feelings of guilt, resistance, or fear when they start choosing themselves. Because in our society, when people do things for themselves, they are often considered selfish.

Consider, it’s the small, daily, consistent choices that build self-trust and self-resilience for building a rewarding life … because how you show up for yourself becomes part of the legacy you leave.

10 Habits That Matter

  1. What are my needs? Identify and prioritize them by reflecting on what your body says is important. Pause long enough to ask and listen to, “What do I need right now?” Listen to your intuition. Then, gently investigate what feels “off” or unmet in your life — physically, emotionally, or mentally. Then, make it a habit to schedule time to meet those needs, whether it’s rest, exercise, or a hobby.
  2. Set Boundaries and Say No, or Say Yes. If you are constantly saying “no,” … then, take a breath before saying “yes.” And vice-versa. Remember, doing things you don’t want to do or that don’t match your values will drain your energy. Failing to say yes to doing what you really want to do and allowing your fears and self-doubts to get in the way will drain your energy.
  3. Keep It Simple and Smart. Participate in life willingly. Journal daily, walk several times weekly, and drink plenty of water. Get together frequently with friends, neighbors, and family members who you enjoy. These simple activities create good health and well-being.
  4. Be Flexible. As you move through life changes, your point of view, things you enjoy, even foods you used to like or hate will change. Embrace these changes. Explore what else you may have ignored because of old outdated beliefs.
  5. Invest in Personal Growth. This is often overlooked by the excuse, “I cannot afford it. My employer won’t pay for it.” However, reading, learning new skills, being curious, and becoming resourceful will build confidence and open new opportunities. (And, most of these are free.) Use AI as a tool to inquire into what else may be intriguing. Now schedule the class, read the book, and enjoy doing the work. Action builds momentum by taking small steps forward.
  6. Practice Self-Compassion. We are almost always harder on ourselves than on others. Learn the art of grace and forgiveness. Carrying around guilt or regrets do not support you or your future. Talk with a therapist to address internal roadblocks. Also, hire the right coach to move you forward to achieve a long-awaited goal.
  7. Surround Yourself with Support. Choose people and environments that uplift you and support your goals in life. Select people to support your health and welling being, work with a mentor (in addition to your coach) to stay up-to-date with work changes. Join a work, community, or volunteer team that elevates your creativity. These choices and actions will naturally remove the naysayers, skeptics, and others that impede you moving forward.
  8. Protect Your Self-Care. Rest instead of pushing. Eat nourishing foods that you enjoy. Remember, your energy is important. And so is your environment since it feeds your energy. Schedule small increments of time daily to declutter your space. Don’t forget to shred, clean, and give away old files, clothes, paper, furniture, and other material items you don’t use. Your energy will thank you for the space, which is now unencumbered and allows you to create what’s next.
  9. Indulge in Joy. Allow yourself a favorite snack, a movie, book, or a hobby and participate without guilt.
  10. Brag. Use a tracker on your smart phone or watch when exercising or walking. Write down daily accomplishments in your “brag” journal. Share with friends, and even your boss. This builds self‑trust, self-confidence, and the momentum required to move forward!

These 10 habits will have you celebrating yourself. And celebrating yourself is the key to showing up more and more in your own life. Once you engage in these habits, what great rewards are now showing up for you?

©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

Showing up for yourself requires YOU. Schedule your Legacy Coaching Session today and take the first step toward moving forward in a career, pursuing a goal, or simply enjoying your life more. Contact me for a confidential conversation.

Your Next Chapter Starts When You Turn the Page

by

Turning the page can be hard. We are comfortable staying stuck where we are. When we’re comfortable, we don’t have to think or expend energy. We often justify why we are where we are and stay stuck while waiting for permission to change.

The challenge is … during these ruminations … we allow uncertainty, lack of control, and fear of the unknown to keep us stuck. Our internal voices label our dreams as unimportant and often disparage them as too risky, maybe later we will (retirement, children out of the home), or it’s too expensive (money, relationships).

Yet, pursuing your dreams requires you to turn the page and move forward into the uncomfortable and unknown … the next chapter.

Why is fulfilling your dream important? Because your dreams will die … simply vanish if you do nothing. Your heart and soul, which support your quality of life, may feel a void or an unfulfilled purpose. Also, there’s an inner power and confidence that naturally emerges — “I did it!”—when you’ve turned the page and have actually done it.

Now’s the Time to Name the Moment

Many of us know when we’ve outgrown our current chapter. Whether it be in the job, waiting for that promotion, being open to freelancing, writing a book, traveling to Europe, or rock climbing. Your resistance shows up in stagnation, misalignment, or a quiet inner nudge that you’ve gotten really good at ignoring.

How to Move Forward

First, acknowledge what’s ending before creating what’s on your ‘blank’ next page.

  • Make a list of at least ten things that have been working for you. Use numbers and other metrics to give them the umph needed to make you smile. (See Chapter 20 in Get Your Brag On!)
  • Next, make a list of at least ten things that did not work, but you had set as a goal or wish. Again, use numbers and other metrics to get the full impact. (See Chapter 20 in Get Your Brag On!)
  • Now, write down three things you wish to celebrate about yourself. Get in front of a mirror and acknowledge yourself. Felt good, didn’t it?

Before your afterglow is gone, write down the dream you’ve been avoiding. Don’t water it down … if you wish to travel to Paris, don’t write down Baltimore. Then, let go of what no longer fits your goals, values, or legacy.

Example: Leaving Michigan was harder than I expected. I felt every mile of that drive until the moment I crossed the state line. Then something shifted. The rearview mirror stopped pulling at me, and the road ahead finally felt like mine. Moving to Colorado wasn’t just a relocation — it was stepping into my next chapter, a life I’d been dreaming about for years.

Turning the page and claiming your new direction requires taking those critical first steps. Make them small enough to prevent your fear mongers from kicking in … and they will … loudly! Define what you want more of. If it’s free time, schedule it. If it’s reading more, schedule it. And then, honor your schedule.

You only need to identify the next right step—not the whole roadmap.

Move forward with the new commitment. Each day, take a small step in the right direction. Remember, action creates momentum. Your actions signal to the old page you’ve been clinging to that you’ve turned to the new page.

While the new page may only offer silence at this time, remember, you’re taking small steps toward removing uncertainty, the need to control, and the fear of the unknown. During this time, those pesky—but often fine‑tuned—feelings turn into thoughts of fear, self-doubt, and disbelief. They will pop up and stay as long as you keep allowing them to be in charge.

It’s time to write your next chapter and create what’s next by taking action.

Examples include:

  • Work with a professional résumé writer to get that new job.
  • Write out your brags to prepare asking for a pay raise, getting the promotion, or showing you are ready for the next opportunity. (I remember one woman being upset because she wouldn’t ask for more money—she assumed others should offer!)
  • Write a “shitty first draft” (something I learned to do—thank you, @Erica Holthausen). Don’t edit or correct grammar or look things up. Just write. Then, put it aside for 24 hours. Now, the first draft is done.
  • Read, watch videos, take classes, and listen to others who have been there and done that. (Caution: beware of scammers or those who overpromise to do the work for you. They can sound very legitimate until you read the fine print or learn they really don’t have the necessary experience.)

(Bonus) Learn Meditation or Other Ways to Sit in Silence

Silence can help you clarify what’s next, keep you moving forward when you feel stuck, or simply help you relax (which we all need in this chaotic world). The blank space of this next chapter allows you to create and write down what’s next. Your dreams have been waiting in the silence you’ve been afraid to pursue. With meditation or sitting in silence, you can clarify them, continue moving forward, and build.

Something I learned that has helped me: While there are many meditation and mindfulness activities (Google or ask AI), here’s one I just learned. It’s called shamatha-vipashyana (tranquility–insight) and is outlined in Pema Chödrön’s new book, Another Kind of Freedom.

Sit up straight (on the floor or in a chair). Place your hands on your lap. Inhale slowly. Exhale slowly. Do this for at least 10 minutes. During this time, you will have many thoughts pop into your head. Simply say, “Thought.” Nothing more. Don’t make it mean anything.

I found this to be a steadying practice that brought clarity when I needed it most. It is a surprisingly effective way to interrupt fear, doubt, and overthinking.

To learn more, get her book at your favorite retailer or library. Don’t forget to get your copy of Get Your Brag On! to support your next chapter and legacy.

As always, call me for any legacy coaching support you need!

© Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

Your next chapter won’t write itself. Let’s talk. Schedule your Legacy Coaching Session today and take the first step toward the dream you’ve been ignoring. Contact me for a confidential conversation.

When You Need to Make Life Changes, How Do You Handle Old Relationships?

by

At 55+, stepping into a new chapter of being a leader and an advocate, and navigating life changes isn’t about learning how to lead — you’ve already done that throughout your career. It’s about the shift in your priorities and how those shifts impact long‑standing relationships. Over the years, people have relied on your friendship, your influence, and your support … and now you’re sharpening your focus on what matters most to you. And, that may no longer include them.

Long‑standing friendships can shift in unexpected ways as you enter this new chapter, and the power dynamics shift too. Some friends may no longer feel as connected, as equal, or as comfortable as they once did. That’s when you discover who truly supports your continued success, who stands with you through life’s ups and downs, and who you can keep close.

Over the past couple of years, as I’ve stepped into a new chapter of leadership, I’ve noticed subtle shifts in a few long‑standing friendships. People who once reached out regularly or valued my perspective became quieter and less engaged. One friend, who had often asked for my insight, pulled back and later commented to others, “She’s in a different place now.”

That moment reminded me of something important: when your life evolves — especially later in your life and career — not everyone knows how to adjust. Your priorities shift, your boundaries strengthen, and your influence changes. Some friends adapt with you. Some leave quietly. Others struggle with the transition, even if they never say it directly.

Remember, good and supportive friends don’t compete with you, punish you for changing, or demand you stay the same. They respect your new boundaries and responsibilities. They help you celebrate and get your brag on while giving you space to do what you need to do.

While everyone needs good relationships — and they are a major part of life — you may need to create new guidelines for supportive friends who stay:

  • Shift what you share and talk about.
  • Maintain connection differently (e.g., emails, texts).
  • Protect attention to different confidentiality and ethics issues that arise.

How to Handle Friends Who Unfriend You (or Quietly Pull Away)

Some friends will resent your changes. Some will quietly withdraw.

When friends unfriend you:

  • Accept the shift instead of chasing them
  • Don’t defend yourself or justify your changes or new successes
  • Don’t internalize their jealousy or insecurity
  • Stay factual and professional if their criticism spills into the workplace or with other friends
  • Don’t diminish or let go of the progress you’ve made

Remember, life changes … and so do you, especially at this time in your life. It’s time to develop friendships that support your life and career changes.

Friends You May Need to Unfriend

In this legacy phase of your career, you naturally become more selective about who has access to you. Not everyone can go with you into your next chapter — and that’s not failure. That’s wisdom.

Some friendships become liabilities when you hang on too long. They:

  • Expect more than you can give
  • Gossip or undermine your credibility
  • Make inappropriate comments at your expense (e.g., diminish your successes, or dismiss your changes as important)
  • Violate ethics or ask you to overlook their behavior

Clinging to old friendships causes a loss of self. Don’t hang on — move on. It’s a signal to develop new relationships in this new phase of your life.

How to Handle Your New Role and Your Friends

  • Don’t share confidential information about the past
  • Don’t overshare about your changes
  • Let your actions speak for themselves
  • Avoid being pulled backwards (it’s sneaky)
  • Don’t let old loyalties compromise you, your life, or what’s next

How to have the “tough” conversations with current friends:

  • Initiate conversations and stop waiting for your “friend” to do so
  • Don’t ghost them or ignore them if they reach out
  • Meet and share, in general terms, your new focus
  • Honor your inner power and don’t let anyone violate it
  • Don’t become their coach, instead remain their friend

Don’t be afraid to:

  • Talk with a therapist about changes occurring in your life
  • Work with an executive “legacy” coach to guide you forward
  • Invite new people for lunch, dinner, or get‑togethers — many have amazing stories that will inspire you
  • Value those long‑term friendships that make you feel good
  • Stop waiting for permission and make long overdue changes

Your legacy is shaped not only by what you achieve, but by the relationships you can and nurture and the ones you release. Protecting your emotional well‑being, your ethics, and your leadership presence is part of leaving a strong legacy.

© Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved

Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.

Your legacy won’t wait — and neither should you. If you’re experiencing shifting friendships, new responsibilities, or changing priorities, now is the time to get the clarity and support you need. Contact me today and take the next step toward the legacy and future you’re building.