Leadership Lessons from Sixth Grade: Embracing Strengths & Letting Go of What Doesn’t Serve You

"You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe." — Oprah Winfrey

When I was in sixth grade, I tried to force something that wasn’t natural for me. My best friends were on the varsity basketball team, and I—determined to fit in—tried my best to keep up on junior varsity. The truth? I wasn’t naturally athletic. And because I doubted my abilities, I didn’t put in the extra effort to improve. That doubt became a self-fulfilling cycle.

At the same time, I loved dance—ballet, jazz, pointe. Everything about it set my soul on fire. The routines, the music, the costumes, the stage makeup—it was a world where I felt confident and fully myself. Yet, I spent time struggling in a sport that didn’t align with my strengths, instead of leaning into what I naturally excelled at.

Eventually, I let basketball go and poured my energy into dance—where I thrived.

Now, let’s bring that sixth-grade lesson into leadership.

Key Takeaways

What Are You Forcing in Your Leadership?

• Are you spending time trying to excel in areas that don’t align with your strengths?

• Are you doubting your leadership abilities in ways that hold you back?

• Are you pushing through something just because you feel like you "should" instead of focusing on what energizes you?

In leadership, just like in life, we don’t have to be great at everything. The key is knowing when to lean in and when to let go.

How to Lead with Confidence & Authenticity

1. Identify What Feels Natural vs. What Feels Forced

Just like I realized that dance, not basketball, was my thing, take a step back and ask:

• What leadership activities energize me?

• What do I naturally excel at?

• What feels like a constant struggle with no real passion behind it?

If something isn’t a core strength and you don’t enjoy it, it might be time to delegate, shift, or rethink how much energy you’re spending there.

2. Amplify Your Strengths by Owning Your Wins

Think about your most recent leadership accomplishment—big or small.
Write it down. Seriously.
When we acknowledge what we’ve done well, it reinforces confidence and helps us lead from a place of belief, not doubt.

3. Decide: Improve or Let It Go?

• For areas where you lack confidence, ask yourself:
  Is this an essential skill I want to improve? → If yes, put in the reps. Get the practice.
  Or is it something I can release? → If no, maybe it’s time to let it go and focus your energy where you naturally shine.

The Takeaway: Own Your Leadership Style

Leadership isn’t about being good at everything—it’s about knowing who you are, where you excel, and what truly lights you up.

• So today, I challenge you:
  Write down a recent win to amplify your confidence.
  Identify one area where you’re forcing something that doesn’t fit—and decide: improve or let it go?

Your leadership journey is uniquely yours. Lead in a way that feels authentic, not forced. Download my free Leadership Workbook to identify your values and your tenets as a leader.

Wishing you a powerful, confident day ahead.

Leadership isn’t about being good at everything—it’s about knowing who you are, where you excel, and what truly lights you up.