For a long time, perfection was my goal. I thought if I could just get everything right—every decision, every outcome, every next step—then I would feel fulfilled. But instead, I felt stuck. I couldn’t make decisions. I was constantly second-guessing myself, and even when things went well, I wasn’t satisfied. Perfection, it turns out, was quietly costing me my energy, my growth, and my joy.
In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, chasing perfection is exhausting. The most powerful thing we can do right now is manage our energy and give ourselves permission to be human. Not perfect. Human.
When I stopped trying to be perfect and started focusing on what truly matters—clarity, reflection, growth—everything started to shift. I found space. I found energy. I found a different kind of fulfillment.
For me, that shift happened on the farm. If you’ve been following me for a bit, you’ve probably heard a farm story or two. It’s a place where I don’t have to pretend to know it all. I’m learning again, failing often, and getting my hands dirty—literally. It forces me to slow down and reflect. Just last night, I was on the tractor, out in the field, and I thought, “How can it feel like this all the time?” Life is just easier in so many ways on the farm.
Yes, we’re all still chasing big dreams. We’re growing the business. We’re going to the events and setting big goals. But going back to that moment on the farm—that sense of presence. That energy. I’m asking myself, is this just a season of summer calm, or is it a new way of living and leading?
The farm isn’t for everyone. But ask yourself: what do you need to do to better manage your leadership energy?
Maybe it’s more coffee dates with mentors who really see you. Maybe it’s hiring a coach (which changed everything for me). Maybe it’s taking a retreat to get clear on what you want and who you are becoming. Whatever it is, don’t wait.
Your business also needs this shift. It needs clarity in the chaos. It needs a strategy that aligns with today’s reality, not yesterday’s plan. It needs energy—your energy, and that of your team. It needs hope. Hope that better days are ahead. And you get to be the one who brings that energy and hope back.
And let me be honest: I didn’t come to all of this clarity alone. I had to be intentional. I surrounded myself with people who challenged my thinking, who reminded me that the finish line I was chasing didn’t even exist. I had to create space to reflect. That’s when growth happened.
Some of you might be thinking, “But I need things done right. I can’t just let go.” And I get that. But start small. Letting go doesn’t mean letting standards drop. It means making space for growth. It means riding the wave of change instead of swimming against it.
This is exactly why I created the Surviving Greatness Retreat. I needed a space where I could stop, reflect, and think bigger. A space where I was surrounded by people who said, “Go for it” instead of “That sounds risky.” A space where the noise of day-to-day life couldn’t reach me.
The Surviving Greatness Retreat is about creating a container where real clarity and growth can happen. We have story after story of people walking away from the retreat with life-changing insights and renewed energy.
So ask yourself: What do you need right now?
If the retreat sounds like something you’d be interested in, I’d love to chat. Our next one is coming up really quick! Enjoy all that northern MN has to offer during fall! Message me for more information.
