55+ Legacy

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.

Are You Ignoring Your Dreams? Activate Your Inner Power

by

Let’s start with the truth—your truth.

You have goals, dreams, and a purpose that won’t leave you alone. They show up in the shower, on your commute, while paying bills, and especially when life feels too small. And yet…

  • You have ideas but no money or time.
  • You hope “someday” life will change.
  • You have ambition, but lack clarity.
  • You’re waiting for a pathway to appear.
  • Your ego whispers, “If I fail, I’ll look foolish.”

Here’s the reality: every idea, goal, dream, and purpose has the potential to fulfill your human spirit.

You are powerful. You can create your life when you choose to do so.

But life happens. Crisis hits. Responsibilities pile up. And while life shifts, your dreams often don’t. They become a quiet longing you postpone until:

  • the kids are grown
  • you retire
  • you have more money
  • you feel ready
  • someone gives you permission

Or your dream grows louder—but you still don’t pursue it.

Why? Because you’re waiting for the perfect moment, partner, bank account, or sign. But perfection never shows up. Opportunities rarely arrive at the “right” time. And distractions make it easy to miss what’s right in front of you.

Life opens doors when you are in focused action—not when you’re waiting.

The #1 Reason You’re Stuck

If you’re listening to the chatter in your head … those buzzing mental mosquitos:

  • “I don’t have time or money.”
  • “I’m not ready.”
  • “What if I fail?”
  • “What will people think?”
  • “What if I choose wrong?”

These thoughts don’t disappear on their own. Transform them through taking small steps, the antidote to fear, procrastination, and self-sabotage.

When Is the Right Time?

Now.
Not later.
Not when you feel motivated.
Not when the stars align.

Motivation is created by action not the other way around.

Why You Keep Sabotaging Yourself

Because you’re following feelings, emotions, and intuition without clarity or structure.

  • Your gut is a tool—not a strategy.
  • Your emotions are signals—not instructions.
  • Your intuition is a nudge—not a plan.

When your inner voice says, “Get into action,” you keep waiting, suffering, and hoping. But hope without action becomes disappointment.

The truth is simple: You keep dreaming your dream instead of taking small steps necessary to achieve it.

I Know This Pattern Because I’ve Lived It

I’ve achieved many results and I’ve also resisted, delayed, doubted, and sabotaged myself. Yet every time I took action, even imperfect action, I survived. I learned. I grew.

Dream fulfilled:

  • I moved from Michigan to Colorado with very little money.
  • I started a 501(c)(3) with no funding and was profitable the first year.
  • I published 11 books—four became Amazon Best Sellers.
  • I became a professional speaker and won “People’s Choice Award for Best Speaker.”
  • I started my own company when being a woman consultant triggered outright resistance, and guided the creation of three millionaires and hundreds of six‑figure professionals.

You may be thinking, “Good for you, but I’m not capable of that.”

Yes, you are!

You are powerful.
But inner power unused becomes pain.
Power ignored becomes regret.
Power suppressed becomes self-doubt.

How to Activate Your Inner Power

  1. Take One Small Step Today. Not tomorrow. Today. Write it down. Do it now.
  2. Build a Team One at a Time. No one succeeds alone. Who do you know that can support you moving forward? Have a conversation with them.
  3. Immerse Yourself. Be curious. Learn. Explore. Read. Listen to Videos. Journal.
  4. Feel the Fear and Move Forward Anyway. Fear means you’re expanding. Acknowledge it.
  5. Use the Power of Balance. Ask: Does this energize me or drain me? Listen. Adapt.
  6. Handle Your Life. Clear the clutter—mental and physical. Start with a clean desk, kitchen, inbox.
  7. Hire the Right Coach. A real coach brings clarity, accountability, and momentum. Hire one today.

Your Inner Power Is Calling Now

  • Take one step.
  • Build your team one person at a time.
  • Say “Yes!” to the dream that refuses to leave you alone.

Your life is waiting. Activate your inner power and step into it now.

©Jeannette Seibly 2024 – 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.

Activate your inner power by taking the next step. If 55+ and ready, I’m here to guide you in moving forward. Contact me and get started today.

Want to Be a Better Leader? Learn How to Brag

by
  • Do you have confidence, but downplay your results?
  • Do you believe if you had anything to brag about, others would brag for you?
  • Do you believe humble bragging is OK, since it shouldn’t upset anyone?

In my many years of delivering the award-winning Get Your Brag On! presentation, I still find that many women and men downplay their value, success, and awesomeness. Why is this important? Effective leaders share their accomplishments with confidence. It encourages their team(s) to share their successes and wins, which inspires others.

Too many talented leaders are overlooked not because they lack results, but because they stay quiet about them. Jeannette Seibly

Recently, during a presentation, a highly qualified woman whispered to me, “I thought my work would speak for itself.” It hadn’t. Her less-experienced colleague, who confidently shared his wins, was promoted instead. This is a common scenario and underscores why bragging matters.

Savvy bragging is easy, but we make it hard. It should be easy, sharing factual accomplishments using metrics, results, and impact in a clear, business-relevant way. Unfortunately, our fear gets in the way.

Stop Downplaying Your Accomplishments!

Bragging is not arrogant, selfish, exaggeration, or taking credit away from the team. These myths keep people silent. Silence is not humility. Humble bragging is nonsense! (WSJ) It’s self-sabotage — and it costs you influence, opportunities, and money.

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

  • Let go of your fears. If someone doesn’t like you, bragging won’t change their opinion.
  • If others are jealous of your success, they won’t suddenly want you on their team.
  • Stop trying to win approval.
  • In business, do you only want to be liked, or do you want to achieve results and make money while doing so?

Ironically, when you build true inner confidence, people are more likely to like you … and want to work with you. That is the mark of an effective leader.

Why Sharing Your Wins Matters

Savvy bragging is a career and business strategy that:

  • Gets you hired
  • Gets you promoted
  • Closes sales
  • Builds credibility and inner confidence
  • Differentiates you from competitors
  • Increases visibility and influence
  • Strengthens your professional reputation
  • Opens doors to awards, opportunities, and leadership roles

When you don’t communicate your value, decision-makers will assume you don’t have any. Jeannette Seibly

When you brag effectively, something shifts. You stand taller. People listen differently. Doors open that were previously closed. People want to work with you and be on your team.

Effective Savvy Bragging Is an Art

Imagine walking into a meeting knowing your results are known, respected, and valued — before you even speak. That’s the power of smart bragging. This requires speaking in the business language of numbers, metrics, and accomplishments. Many people fear math; but every businessperson knows their numbers and other metrics, and how and when to share them.

A simple structure helps:

  • State the accomplishment.
  • Add two metrics or measurable results.
  • State the impact or benefit.

Examples of effective bragging

  • “I reduced customer complaints by 37% in six months.”
  • “I led a 10-person cross-functional team that delivered a $2.5M project on time and under budget.”
  • “I improved employee retention by 18% by delivering 10 coaching and development programs.”

These statements are confident, factual, and compelling. They grab others’ attention and make a positive impact.

Be Authentic and Don’t Exaggerate

After presenting Get Your Brag On! to a group of consultants, a woman insisted, “Everyone lies and cannot tell the truth about their accomplishments!” In my experience, most people struggle to be authentic and tell the truth about what they’ve accomplished.

The lesson: be honest. If someone discovers you lied, it will hurt your credibility now and in the future.

While many people are taught to tone down their achievements, it’s usually at your own expense.

Instead, own your greatness, your achievements, and see what new opportunities open up.

How Do I Get Started?

Grab your copy of Get Your Brag On! Complete the five simple written exercises in the book. (For job seekers, use The Secret to Winning the Job: Start Bragging.) In a short period of time, you will be bragging in a savvy, effective, and confident voice. Your inner confidence, team, boss, company, and customers will applaud you.

© Jeannette Seibly 2019–2026 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.

Remember, too many leaders — current and future — downplay their accomplishments. Self-deprecation doesn’t attract others to you. Savvy and effective bragging does. Share your achievements in a business-savvy way, and be taken seriously as a leader … savvy bragging ensures you can. What are you waiting for?

Strategies that Decrease Stress for Type A Results Producers

by

Type A leaders rarely name their emotions, allow themselves to be vulnerable, and believe showing authenticity is risky. When your mindset overrides your stress and frustration, burnout follows. Yes, you get things done, often at a high level, but the cost can land on your team, peers, customers, and the company … while costing you your health and well-being.

Achieve Better Results Without Creating Unnecessary Stress

One small action at a time. Stop pushing, controlling, or manipulating outcomes. Smaller steps may feel slower, but they create healthier, more grounded results for you, your team, and the organization. “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” (Navy Seals)

Have tough conversations. Avoidance is a limited mindset. Write out the issue, review it with your executive coach, refine it, practice, and then have the conversation. Leadership requires two-way dialogue for positive results.

Use silence strategically. Not every moment needs noise, talking, or busy-ness. Silence creates space for clarity and better decision-making while reducing your frustrations.

Lead with calm presence. Frenetic energy, especially from a leader, destabilizes people and outcomes. Schedule moments throughout the day to breathe. In the evening, carve out time for yourself and do something you love (watch a movie, read, connect with others).

Rest and nourish your body. A healthy leader creates a healthy culture at work and at home. When you achieve your results — and you will — you’ll be able to enjoy them.

Practice mindfulness. When faced with a difficult challenge, breathe: one technique is to inhale for 10 counts, exhale for 10 counts, and repeat three times. This is a great reset before reacting.

Pause before speaking. This signals respect, helps others feel heard, and keeps you from cutting people off or missing their point of view. Build from others’ ideas and perspectives for stronger results. Listening intentionally reduces your stress, and others too, since they feel heard and valued.

Truly listen. Talking over people, controlling the conversation, or being dismissive erodes trust. Listen fully, build solutions, implement, and check progress frequently to ensure the best outcome.

Self-promotion with balance. Being clear about your accomplishments builds your voice and presence in any room, even when you remain silent. Humble-bragging and over-bragging diminishes credibility.

Acknowledge your people. Praise individuals and the team as you go. “Please” and “thank you” still matter and strengthens relationships.

© 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE for Type A Leaders: Contact me to get started with the PXT Select® assessment. This state‑of‑the‑art tool delivers clear insight into how you’re perceived in the workplace, and its leadership report pinpoints your strengths, flags potential challenges, and provides targeted coaching strategies you can put into action immediately to elevate your effectiveness.

Feeling the stress and plowing through it anyway, only makes it worse. Slow down, breathe, listen, and include others working on projects or solutions. Reach out to delve deeper into solutions that will work for you and your team.

Boredom Is the Excuse We Use to Avoid What Matters

by

Boredom may feel familiar, but it’s not the root cause of dissatisfaction. It’s the early warning sign that something in your work, career growth, or life direction needs attention. When you ignore it, you repeat the same patterns. When you pay attention, it points to the real issues: poor job fit, stagnation, avoidance of goals, or a lack of meaningful focus. Your legacy is shaped by what you do next: avoid the signal or act on it.

When Boredom Shows Up, It’s Pointing to Something Deeper

Are You in the Right Job?  According to multiple studies, over 80 percent of employees are in jobs that don’t fit them. When job fit is off, boredom becomes a symptom, not the cause. Ask yourself whether your boredom is tied to tasks and challenges you don’t care about, or the overall job responsibilities. Work with a career coach or executive coach to get focused on what’s next. Then, take the steps required to move forward.

Do You Take Time to Learn? More than half of the workforce experiences job boredom daily, and one of the biggest contributors is stagnation. Learning, whether through online courses, on-site workshops, self-training, or talking with others about their roles, keeps your brain engaged and your career and life moving forward. Helping others achieve their goals can also reignite your own motivation.

Do You Volunteer? Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to your community or represent your company. It’s also a proven way to develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. When you stretch yourself in new environments, you bring that energy back to your job, often feeling reenergized, more confident, and more capable than before.

Do You Pursue Long-Term Goals? Avoiding your personal goals creates frustration and, yes, boredom. You have the time, use it. Whether it’s writing a book, finishing a certification, or completing a creative project, progress in your personal life often boosts satisfaction at work.

Do You Have Something to Look Forward To? Hiring the right coach to pursue your passions (weight loss, exercise, learning a second language, music, woodworking, or anything else) creates momentum. When you have meaningful activities outside of work, you’re more focused and productive during the day so you can enjoy what matters most to you after hours.

Nearly 50 percent of Americans say they’re bored at work and employees report being bored at work for more than 10 hours per week. Remember, boredom is real, but it’s rarely the root issue of your dissatisfaction. It’s a signal. The question is whether you’ll use boredom as an excuse or as a catalyst to pursue your career and life goals.

© 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.

Boredom is a signal, not a sentence. This week, choose one area in your life or career to deep-dive, volunteer, or pursue a long‑ignored goal. Take a single step forward. Momentum comes from action, not excuses. Reach out when you’re ready to get clear about what’s next.

Executive Sponsorship Is Key to Your Advancement

by

Executive sponsorship is different from mentorship. Executive sponsors advocate for you behind closed doors, put their name on your readiness, and take a risk by elevating you when speaking with others.

Leaders only sponsor people who consistently demonstrate good judgment, maturity, and the ability to represent the company well.

Too many employees are not ready for executive sponsorship. Nearly half of executives (49%) say employees lack the skills required for the company’s strategy, and 46% of employees say they receive little to no career development support from their bosses. This combination creates a significant readiness gap and it’s one of the biggest reasons people stall in their careers before they ever reach leadership roles. (LinkedIn Learning)

This is why they lack executive sponsors to move upward.

But all is not lost. It takes:

  • Demonstrating consistent results, strong communication, emotional maturity, and the willingness to be coached.
  • Building trust across teams, showing sound judgment under pressure, and proving that you can represent the company well.
  • Doing the work, reaching out for support, and showing, through your actions, that you are ready for more.
  • Critical: Being someone who an executive can trust and is willing to advocate for behind closed doors.

Keys to Being Worthy of Executive Sponsorship

Integrity. This is foundational. If you don’t do what you say you will do, people stop seeing you as someone they can trust or sponsor. Integrity also includes discretion, emotional steadiness, and the ability to be trusted with sensitive information. Work with an executive coach to fine-tune your ability and readiness.

Listen. Communication skills are critical. Most critical is your ability to listen, follow advice where appropriate, and build solutions with your teams. If you are looking for a sponsor, you must demonstrate your ability to listen across departments, build relationships, and influence without authority.

Speaking. While most people hate public speaking, worse than the thought of death, it is a cornerstone for your readiness. Take courses. Get in front of the room. And, most of all, be coachable. While you may think you “nailed a presentation,” the attendees may have a very different view … and their view will count more than your own. Speaking also signals whether you can represent the company externally, a major factor in being sponsored.

Facilitation. Brainstorming, conducting effective meetings, and ensuring everyone is heard and valued are keys to being considered a good team leader. Preparation and bringing forth your A Game is critical. Facilitation also demonstrates emotional intelligence and your ability to stay composed, navigate conflict, and elevate others.

Entrepreneurial Leadership. Being focused on revenues, results, and retention (employees, vendors, and customers) is important. Without these interests, you lack the drive to build and expand the business, develop your people, and increase the company’s revenues. Strategic thinking and understanding how the business is profitable, anticipating risks, and aligning decisions with company priorities is a major readiness marker that executives watch closely to determine who they want to sponsor.

Coachability and Accountability. Work with an executive coach, industry mentor, and company mentor to develop yourself and gain insider knowledge with the ability to use it effectively. Show up on time, do the work, and be accountable for the results you achieve and mistakes you’ve made. These are essential learning moments. Accountability, humility, and the ability to course-correct quickly are often what tip an executive toward sponsoring you.

Self-Development. Develop clarity about yourself by completing a qualified assessment that shows you who you really are instead of how you want to be seen. If you’re trying to be someone else, people lose confidence and trust in you. Also, complete Get Your Brag On! to learn how to sell yourself in a business savvy manner.

©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.

Executive sponsorship won’t come from waiting. It comes from preparation, initiative, speaking up, and showing up ready! Invest in your development. Ask for support. Build the relationships that elevate your work. You don’t have to push through the leadership gap alone. Connect with me and let’s build the clarity, confidence, and presence that will move you forward.

Are You Growing Your Career Value Through Skill Stacking?

by

Are you bored with your job? Lack clarity about how to improve your paycheck? Want a promotion that just isn’t happening? Skill stacking gives you a practical way to grow your value without waiting for someone else to hand you the next step.

What is skill stacking?

Skill stacking is when you build a set of skills that fit well together. These skills help you become more valuable and able to handle different tasks at work. Instead of trying to be the very best at one thing, you strategically and intentionally develop and grow a mix of skills that work together and open the door to new opportunities.

Why is this important?

Every legacy is built one skill, one insight, and one decision at a time. Most people don’t realize that the careers they admire, and the confidence they wish they had, are often the result of something simple and accessible: stacking skills over time.

When Daniel became a team leader, he wasn’t the most experienced person in the room. But he started stacking small skills that made a big difference. He learned how to run an effective meeting. Then he practiced giving feedback that people could actually use. Later, he took a short course on reading financial reports so he could understand how his team’s work affected the company.

None of these skills made him a superstar overnight. But together, they changed how people saw him. His team trusted him more. His decisions improved. Other departments began asking for his input because he understood the bigger picture.

Over time, Daniel’s stacked skills shaped his leadership style, and his legacy. He didn’t become a great leader because of one big moment. He became one by building skills that worked together and made a lasting impact.

Remember, skill stacking is about strategically and intentionally growing your value so your work, your impact, and your future reflect the legacy you want to leave.

4 Ways to Start Stacking Skills That Make You a More Valuable Leader

Learn the basics. Knowing how to place numbers in the right boxes doesn’t mean you know if they’re accurate or how they were created. Learn! Understanding the fundamentals gives you the confidence to ask better questions, catch mistakes, and see patterns others miss.

Expand your current skills beyond what you currently do. You may be able to do your job well, but do you understand what happens next, beyond the catchphrases you were taught to say? Understanding the upstream and downstream impact of your work helps you anticipate needs, solve problems earlier, and communicate more effectively with other departments.

Develop the depth and breadth of job responsibilities. Often, this requires meeting with industry experts and company mentors. The more you learn about your industry and profession, and learn how to use that knowledge well, the more valuable you become. Depth gives you credibility. Breadth gives you adaptability. Together, they shape a professional identity that stands out.

Engage in curiosity and ask open-ended questions. Take time to learn more from customers, coworkers, and others about your job or profession … and theirs too. This information can create new insights into how to do your job so that your company and its clients benefit. Along the way, you become a stronger employee and leader. Curiosity naturally expands your understanding, relationships, and influence.

Skill stacking is one of the simplest ways to grow your value without waiting for permission or a promotion. Each new layer of understanding, mastering the basics, expanding your role, deepening industry knowledge, and asking better questions, builds a stronger, more adaptable you.

As these steps compound, your professional identity stands out, your opportunities expand, and your confidence grows. Skill stacking isn’t about becoming everything to everyone; it’s about strategically and intentionally building strengths that make you unmistakably valuable to employers and clients.

© 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.

Legacies aren’t built at the finish line; they’re built in the skills you sharpen every day. Stack them with purpose. Strengthen one, stretch another, and stay curious. Ready to grow your impact? Contact me.