Reinvention | SeibCo, LLC

The Secrets of an Effective Apology

July 9, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

Many leaders have trouble admitting they were wrong, or their actions had a negative impact on a person or group. Or, they failed to fulfill a promise using the age-old excuses of failing to remember or being too busy. To make matters worse, they attempt to blame others.

Mistakes happen! How you handle them either builds your credibility or diminishes your career growth.

One overlooked truth is that explanations rarely rebuild trust, apologies do. Explanations satisfy the mind, but apologies repair the relationship.

When leaders (and others) offer explanations, it’s a fear of …

Admitting they were wrong
Failing to take responsibility
Listening and speaking honestly
The list is endless

What’s often overlooked is the deeper fear underneath all of this: losing psychological safety.

When leaders avoid apologizing, they unintentionally signal that mistakes are dangerous to admit, creating a culture where people stay silent rather than speak up.

The costs:

Top talent – no one wants to be lied to
Clients – no one wants to be manipulated
Management team – unwilling to take responsibility for leaders’ words or actions
Team culture – blame becomes normalized, and people mirror the leader’s defensiveness
Productivity – issues linger longer even though a simple apology could have resolved them sooner

Polly, Director of Customer Support, told employees they needed to be in the office three days a week but failed to update policies or address obvious logistical issues. She let everyone continue as before. Some never showed up. Instead of apologizing, she shrugged, “Well … people will be people.” The impact on revenues, retention, and results was significant. With her executive coach’s support, Polly finally apologized and cleaned up the mess by implementing a clear hybrid policy and enforcing it.

Have you ever noticed that when leaders, who you respect, are also the ones that don’t hesitate to apologize? “I’m sorry …” “Oops, my misunderstanding …” They take full responsibility for what they heard and what they have said. Their willingness to apologize creates psychological safety and people feel safe speaking up, asking questions, and being honest.

Understanding the secrets of a powerful apology and developing this all-important skill is required of everyone in any leadership role.

The Three Secrets

Accountability. Being honest about why you did something may not be helpful. Instead, simply say, “I apologize.” Set aside your ego, excuses, and other bad habits when you’ve made a mistake. Otherwise, you diminish your reputation.

Apologize for not understanding and share the work that gave you a new perspective.
Take a step back and stay emotionally unattached to the outcome.
Truly listen to build win‑win‑win results using active listening skills.

Respect. Respect is two‑sided. When leaders don’t apologize for lack of preparation or late arrivals, team members feel dismissed. Explanations meant to elicit sympathy eventually backfire.

Respect for others requires stopping the excuses and simply apologizing.
Explanations fall flat and are heard as inauthentic.
Respect for yourself and your team includes apologizing when your lack of direction has created confusion.

Example: If you’ve allowed your team to be late to meetings, it’s time to change that bad habit: “I apologize upfront that I’ve not been consistent. It’s important that each of you arrive prepared and ready to go at the scheduled time. Any questions?”

Courage. Admitting a mistake and taking responsibility for your team’s poorly completed work takes courage. First, apologize. Then ask questions … not to defend what happened, but to clarify what was overlooked. Remember, 80% of communication is non‑verbal; mental chatter or a defensive ego will distract everyone from resolving the issue.

Apologize first
Ask open-ended, clarifying questions
Manage your non‑verbal cues (e.g., a defensive ego)

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.

Better Outcomes Occur When You Stop Waiting Too Long

July 2, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

Life happens … and many times, we wait too long to ask for help and take action.

Years ago, a former neighbor had an unfortunate incident that changed his life. It began after a workplace accident. When he was released to go back to work, he was unable to do so due to acquiring vertigo. Instead of asking for help, he became an Amazon frequent customer (thousands of dollars’ worth) and stopped cleaning his home due to his illness. His hoarding became the reason for refusing help, and this turned into debris, spoiled food, and unsafe living conditions. After falling and needing help to get back up, he decided to pack what he could and leave the rest before being officially evicted. While he had financial options, he refused to take advantage of them. He waited too long to ask for help.

What’s important to understand is this: His decline didn’t happen overnight. It happened because he waited too long at every step: to ask for help, to accept help, to take action, and to face the truth.

Many of us wait too long to clean up a mess, take charge of a situation or relationship, or ask for help.
This is true when dealing with health, career, job, family, finances, legal issues, home maintenance, and community challenges (the list is endless). It’s also true in leadership when waiting too long creates avoidable crises, unnecessary losses, and long-term consequences.

YOU Limit Your Options

Waiting rarely feels like a decision.
But it is.
And the longer you wait, the fewer options you have.

While addressing these challenges is never easy, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Most situations become overwhelming because we wait too long.

Consistent Small Actions Create Change, Not Intensity

Ask for Help. Ask early. Ask before the situation becomes unmanageable. Shame, pride, and fear keep people stuck longer than the problem itself.

Accept the Help. Receiving help is not weakness, it’s wisdom. Declining help because “you don’t want to be a burden” only makes you a bigger burden later.

Follow doctor, boss, or coach advice. Stop mentally negotiating with the advice you don’t want to hear and stop denying you have a problem. The right guidance only works if you follow it and not when you argue with it, delay it, or selectively apply it.

Empower Yourself. Empower yourself by taking small simple actions that strengthen your clarity, confidence, and resilience.

Listen to podcasts that support your growth.
• Journal to get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
• Write (but do not send anything to anyone) to process emotions without creating new problems.
• Exercise, as medically viable, to move your body and reset your mind.

These simple small practices build internal stability so you can take the next right steps forward, small and steady wins.

Remember, Life Situations Happen

It’s part of life. Some are avoidable, some are not. But when “life happens,” it requires a step‑by‑step process to move forward. Small steps prevent bigger disasters. Remember, you don’t need to fix everything at once, you just need to start.

You may not see results immediately…

…but they will happen if you keep doing what you need to do for the benefit and welfare of yourself, your family, and/or your employees. Consistency creates change, not intensity.

If you’ve been waiting too long to address a mess, a relationship, a health issue, or a leadership responsibility, take one step today. Empower yourself and get support so you don’t wait until the consequences make the choice for you. Stop waiting and call me.

5 Attitudes Required to Fast Track Career Success

June 25, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

There are many conversations business professionals, executives, and business leaders keep continue to have about why they are unhappy in their jobs or careers. These otherwise qualified individuals live under the false illusion that finding the perfect career or job will automatically have them earning mega-bucks, working for a great boss, and enjoying a great life!

But not so fast! The truth is … if you want to fast track your career success … first, you need to address the elephants in the room as to why you’ve derailed your career.

The Elephant Tracks That Keep You Stuck

Elephant tracks are made by people not bring forth their A Game! They are more focused on gossip, factions, and not doing complete work.

I can do anything, but don’t want to do this. According to Gallup, over 80 percent of people are in jobs that don’t fit them.

Gimme, gimme. Many people jump for extra pennies or dollars in their paycheck, but then end up leaving those jobs because they are unhappy!

Grass is greener. All companies have their issues.

I’m too busy. There’s a saying, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.”

Bigger is better. A bigger company does not mean it is better run, regardless of their bigger budgets!

Rather than believe you’re stuck in a job or career, recognize you are there because of your unwillingness to make the needed changes. Only you are responsible for your work-life happiness!

Your Career Success IS an Inside Job

Remember, it’s an attitude. Take charge of your career.

Understand and clarify your strengths as they are, not as you believe they should be. Learn skill stacking. Take a qualified job fit assessment to clarify job fit.
Professionals who hire the right career or executive coach have a competitive edge, with their current employer or their next one. They enjoy their jobs again.
Empower yourself to ask for help. Stop waiting for someone to show you the right direction.
Stop mimicking others in hopes of becoming happier. Happiness is an inside job!
New opportunities will appear quicker when you have a great mindset and are focused on fulfilling your career goals.
Learn what your boss and the company needs done. Have strategic conversations (yes, many) to ensure you’re on the right track. Then, get busy.
You learn to how sell yourself in a business savvy manner. (https://SeibCo.com/books/).
You write down the top three must-haves for the next job, and take action to fulfill them in your current one!

Fast tracking your career success is an inside job. Focus on building your strengths, working with a coach to develop your EI, and be ready to move forward when opportunities appear.

Being successful in your career isn’t hard. Stop expecting your boss, company, and others to create your success! Look inside yourself. If you are stuck, reach out now before you talk yourself out of it. 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

Sometimes to Win You Need to Quit

June 18, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

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

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

June 11, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

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!

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

June 4, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

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

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.
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.”

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!
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.
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!)
Celebrate your victories … small and large. Get your brag on!

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

May 28, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

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 …”

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.
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.)
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?

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)!
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.
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.

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

May 21, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

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.

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?

May 14, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

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!

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?

May 7, 2026 by Jeannette Seibly

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.

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.