Project Management, initiative, leadership

 In our fast-paced, always-on world, it’s easy to let things pile up - whether it’s tasks, thoughts, or even weeds in a garden. This week, I spent time in my garden weeding it. I hadn’t touched it for a month, and in that time, some wild plants decided to come and conquer my space. I won’t let them - just as I won’t let negative thoughts clutter my mind and sap my energy. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling out those stubborn weeds, feeling the earth in my hands, and creating space for what truly belongs. It’s a physical act, but it mirrors a mental one: pausing to clear out what no longer serves me . Just like my garden, our minds need regular tending. When we don’t pause to reset, the “weeds” - stress, self-doubt, or distractions - can take root and choke out our clarity and purpose. Pausing Matters! Pausing isn’t about stopping progress; it’s about creating space to grow stronger. Research shows that intentional breaks boost productivity, enhance creativity...

As we cross the halfway mark of the year, I’ve taken a moment to pause and review the past six months. This isn’t just a routine check-in - it’s a deliberate effort to ensure I’m still focusing on what matters most, both personally and professionally. The first half of the year often flies by in a blur of tasks, deadlines, and routines, but without periodic reflection, it’s easy to drift off course. That’s why I’m sharing a simple framework that’s helping me realign my efforts for the second half of the year - and I hope it inspires you to do the same. Here’s the process : I start by asking myself three key questions to gain clarity and reset my focus: ❓ What am I still doing that’s no longer effective? It’s easy to cling to habits, projects, or strategies that once worked but no longer serve me. Identifying these allows me to let go and make space for what’s truly impactful. 🧭 Where am I overcomplicating tasks that could be simplified? Complexity can creep in unnoticed, draining tim...

A few months ago, my team was gearing up to launch a new automation tool for case assignment - a project that is key for the future, and also were we spent so much energy into. We spent weeks identifying scenarios, testing in a dev environment, and reflecting on potential issues. We wrote crystal-clear documentation and worked with a rockstar team of developers, testers, and communicators. We thought we had every base covered. But when launch day arrived, chaos ensued. The tool hit snags that never showed up in testing - edge cases we hadn’t anticipated. Worse, some team members seemed blindsided by the changes, despite our efforts to keep everyone in the loop. It was a classic “complex failure,” as Amy C. Edmondson describes in her book Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well . Complex failures, Edmondson explains, aren’t the result of one person’s mistake or a single oversight. They happen in intricate systems where multiple factors - technology, human behavior, and unexpe...

If you are really curious to know how to move from Chaos to Structure - this is the way:

To achieve lasting success and personal growth, intentionality is key - aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals. As John C. Maxwell said, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.” Whether you’re aiming to advance in your career, build stronger relationships, or pursue personal passions, these three daily habits will help you grow, adapt, and thrive. 1. Practice Daily Reflection (10 Minutes to Recalibrate) The most successful people don’t just go through the motions—they learn from each day. A daily reflection habit helps you process experiences, celebrate progress, and identify areas to improve. This intentional pause keeps you grounded and focused on your bigger goals. How to Do It: Take 10 Minutes: At day’s end, find a quiet moment to reflect. Ask Key Questions: What did I accomplish today? What challenged me? Did my actions move me closer to my goals? Write Down Insights: Note one key takeaway or action for to...

Ever feel like you’re just drifting through life, hoping to “figure it out” someday? I used to think personal growth would just happen - like I’d magically wake up wiser, more confident, or better at something.  But here’s the truth: growth doesn’t work that way. It’s not automatic. It’s not a gift that lands in your lap. It’s a choice, and it starts with intentionality. John Maxwell, in his book " The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" , nails this with his Law of Intentionality: Growth doesn’t just happen . You have to make it happen. He argues that if you want to become the best version of yourself, you need to actively pursue growth every single day. No excuses, no waiting for the “right time.” Intentionality is about taking the wheel and steering your life where you want it to go. Why does this matter? Because without a deliberate plan, life’s chaos - work, stress, Netflix binges—will eat up your time and energy. You’ll look back years from now and wonder why you’re still stu...