Hi there, it's Stefanie here (Co-Founder and President of TVG).
This month, I'm thinking about the ways we can effectively navigate the moments in leadership—and in life—when the stakes feel high, pressure is mounting, and clarity feels just out of reach.
In these moments, I find myself coming back to a handful of simple but powerful mantras—phrases that cut through the noise and serve as guideposts when decisions are tough, emotions run high, or uncertainty looms.
They aren’t just platitudes. They are mental resets—quick, actionable reframes that help leaders move forward with focus and confidence.
And in a time when resilience and adaptability are more critical than ever, they feel especially relevant.
Below, you can find the four leadership mantras I come back to time and again— ones that I’ve seen shape high performers, steady executive teams, and sharpen decision-making when it matters most.
I hope you'll find these just as valuable as I do.
Let’s dive in. ⬇
1. Progress, not perfection.
For those of us who can fall into an all-or-nothing, perfectionist mindset (hi, it's me!), focusing on progress can feel frustratingly slow or insufficiently intense. But sustainable, consistent progress—not perfection—is what drives long-term success and high performance across seasons of life.
When you catch yourself stuck in a cycle of perfectionism, let this mantra ground you.
And remember: Daily progress compounds over time, leading to exceptional results.
2. Control the controllable.
Many of us waste a lot of valuable energy on things we wish we could change but ultimately cannot.
A better approach? Identify what you can directly control and what you can influence—then channel your best energy and attention there.
The next time you find yourself spiraling over what’s out of your hands, use this mantra to shift your focus toward action and impact.
3. It’s rarely personal—operate accordingly.
People’s behavior often feels personal, but most of the time, it’s not.
When you catch yourself reacting to someone’s actions or behaviors, pause and ask yourself: What external factors might I be overlooking?
Most people are focused on their own world—their challenges, their stressors, their priorities. Rarely is it about you.
This mantra helps you extend grace to others, maintain your self-confidence, and free up valuable mental energy for what truly matters.
4. Don’t get frustrated, get fascinated.
When frustration starts to take the wheel—whether it’s with a colleague who’s consistently late, a direct report who just isn’t getting it, or a peer who keeps leaving you out of discussions—pause.
Instead of staying frustrated, get curious. Ask yourself: What else might be going on here? What can I learn? How can I problem-solve?
This mantra shifts you from reaction to curiosity, creating a clearer and more constructive path forward in challenging situations.
One common thread that is present in each of these mantras is creating space for a pause. You can't extend grace, manage your reactions, or focus on long-term progress if you don't build in time to think, reflect, and consider your next move.
➝ How will you build in space to "pause" in the month ahead?
➝ Which of the four mantra feels most resonate during this season of life? Hit reply and share your thoughts — I'd love to hear what lands for you.
Happy learning and leading,
Stefanie
