Believe and Take Action!

As we stepped into 2026, I shared that my word of the year 'Believe' was tied to a long-term goal I’ve been quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) working toward: building a more portable life—one that allows me to live and work across the globe. In mid-January, I took another step toward that goal with a solo trip to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. What struck me most wasn’t the travel itself (although it WAS awesome!)—it was what belief actually looked like in practice. Belief looked like buying the ticket before I felt fully ready. And, taking my husband's suggestion to test out that much alone time before we go all in.

• It looked like navigating trains, stations, and unfamiliar languages without fluency or certainty.

• It looked like making decisions on my own, without reassurance or a safety net.

• It looked like walking myself across the bridge in spite of my fear of heights.

And here’s what that reinforced for me: Confidence didn’t come first. Action did.

Traveling solo has a way of stripping things down. There’s no one to double-check the sign with or confirm the choice. You decide. You adjust. You keep moving. You enjoy your pace. And slowly, quietly, something builds—not bravado, but self-trust.

I see this same dynamic with leaders all the time. They’re waiting to feel more confident before raising their hand, setting the boundary, or stepping into the next chapter. But belief isn’t passive. It’s something you practice—by acting before the evidence is complete.

This trip reminded me that belief isn’t about certainty.

It’s about trusting yourself enough to take the next step—and knowing you’ll figure out the

rest as you go. (And, trusting that you'll learn how to take a decent selfie by taking them!)

Reflection questions:

• Where in your work or life are you waiting to feel ready, when belief might be asking you to move first?

• What do you want to believe more deeply in as you move forward?

And if you’re still holding onto your word for the year—I’d love to hear it.

P.S. My coaching calendar is full. If you’re planning to refine your executive presence, prepare for a promotion, or tackle a leadership challenge early in the year, let's schedule time to get you into the next open spots.

Schedule an exploratory call!