THE MINDFUL EDIT

Quote of the Day

“I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant”

This quote is a double entendre for both the email and podcast episode

A Contract With Yourself

I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news. My husband recently raised Series C in his business, and it’s been nothing short of incredible to witness—the dedication, commitment, and sheer hard work it takes to reach such a milestone is truly something to admire!

I work a lot with founders and leaders, and this milestone had me reflecting on something powerful I heard recently at a conference, from a well-known women’s basketball player who shared advice she once received from Kobe Bryant: You have to make a contract with yourself.

It’s easy to show up for others, to honor commitments when we have someone counting on us, like a trainer waiting at the gym. But the real challenge—the hard part—is showing up for yourself. When it's you making a commitment to yourself, that’s when the excuses start popping up. I find this so powerful, especially in the work I do with my clients. If you can commit to yourself, then everything else becomes easier. It’s not about doing less; it’s about how you manage your perspective of the journey and how you see yourself in that process.

This connects so deeply with something I've realized in my own work: building something great, whether it’s a business, a dream, or a new chapter in your life, requires a deep commitment—not just to the work but to yourself. You have to know yourself intimately, down to every cell, so you can listen to your own needs, fuel yourself from within, and use that as your driving force.

So, beyond celebrating this incredible achievement, there’s an equally important conversation we need to have about the personal side of our career journeys.

The desires you have for yourself wouldn’t be on your heart if they weren’t possible for you. That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy, but there’s a knowing that it’s achievable—and that knowing is the fire that guides you along the journey.

Every challenge you face is a test that you are fully capable of passing. It’s up to you to recognize the lesson, see how it’s working for you, and rise up—not just for the task at hand or the success, but for yourself.

It’s easy to focus on the relentless hustle and the mindset it takes to keep going day after day. But just as important is the mindset to believe in your abilities—to know that success is possible without sacrificing yourself in the process.

You can’t leave your well-being on the back burner. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and no amount of success will feel fulfilling if you lose yourself along the way.

This journey is not just about your commitment to the work; it’s about your commitment to yourself. You cannot steer the ship if the captain isn’t in control.

How you nurture your mind, care for your health, and maintain balance in your life will determine not only how far you go, but how well you can sustain the success you’re building.

So today, I encourage you to pause and reflect on your own journey. Compliment the hard work, yes—but also give yourself credit for the work you do on yourself, for the commitment you make to protect your peace and fill your own cup first. That’s where your true strength lies.

And for those who haven’t fully committed to themselves yet, it’s never too late. You can start today. Just as you commit to building your business, it’s equally—if not more—important to commit to yourself.

I’ve heard the story time and time again: founders think all their problems will be solved when the IPO happens, when they sell, when fill in the blank. But when is not the answer—now is the answer.

Your mind holds the key, not some external event. You can either choose to see this and allow yourself to enjoy the journey, or wait until that elusive "when" to realize it didn’t solve the problem. The truth is, the journey is the destination, and you don’t want to miss it.

With love and gratitude,

Stephanie

EPISODE 19:

Why Comparison Is Useless: Only You Can Be You

Reach out to [email protected] if you want to work together!

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