Every December, the simple act of decorating the tree becomes more than a holiday tradition; it becomes a quiet invitation to pause, to slow down, to remember.

On my recent journey through Heidelberg, Germany, I felt a bit like Indiana Jones, minus the fedora and the whip, but with the same sense of awe, curiosity, and treasure-hunting excitement. The towering Heidelberg Castle, the cobblestone streets, the scholarly energy of the University, and the churches shaped by the Reformation made the city feel alive with history.

I wasn’t just sightseeing;  I was excavating leadership wisdom from the past.

Heidelberg has a way of whispering to you through its ruins, its libraries, its architecture, and even its quiet places of worship. As I walked where Martin Luther once walked and stood near the sites where portions of Scripture were translated and preserved, I felt like I was uncovering ancient leadership scrolls that still speak to our modern practices.

Here are the treasures I discovered, each one connecting old-world leadership to the world we lead in today.

For a long time, I played small with some of my biggest dreams. Maybe you can relate. I carried goals in my heart for years, beautiful ones, exciting ones, purpose-filled ones. But fear, self-doubt, time, financial constraints, and “what if it doesn’t work?” kept me from moving forward. I stayed safe. Comfortable. Predictable.

But comfort rarely leads us to calling.

About three years ago, I made a strategic decision: I would stop holding back and start going big. Not reckless, not impulsive, intentional, bold, and faith-filled.

The results have been nothing short of remarkable.

During a recent adventure through Germany and Switzerland, I set out to experience as much of the local culture as possible. I expected breathtaking views, rich history, and delicious food. What I didn’t expect was that some of my most meaningful leadership insights would come from… the cows.

Yes, the cows.

The Power of One Brave “Yes”…

This summer, I made a bold leadership decision: I focused on rest.

After a fulfilling but incredibly demanding spring, I found myself completely depleted. As an educational leader, the end of the school year is always packed with exciting (and exhausting) activities. But this year brought an added layer; I published my very first children’s book, Purposefully Made.

Publishing a book was a dream come true, but it came at a cost. It was like taking on a second full-time job. By day, I poured my energy into leading my school. By night, I became an author on a mission. I’m a highly creative, goal-driven person, and while I was passionate about both roles, the outcome was undeniable: I was exhausted in every sense of the word.

So, this summer, I gave myself permission to do something radical: truly rest.

Have you ever felt stuck in your personal or professional growth or had to pause in reaching your desired goals? Life is full of interruptions and setbacks, but they don’t have to define your trajectory. When you’ve hit pause on your progress, the key to bouncing back and propelling yourself forward is to engage in a structured growth cycle. Here’s a guide on how to get back on track, including the benefits of hiring a growth coach, creating a vision board, and leveraging a supportive inner circle.