“Cassidy, I have to be honest—I kind of dread our coaching sessions when I see them on the calendar. I have so much work to do… but I’m always so glad I showed up.”
This moment of honesty from a client is one I deeply appreciated—not just for the vulnerability, but because I completely relate. He said what many feel but rarely articulate: a resistance to the process of getting where we want to go.
We all have those things on our calendar that elicit an immediate “ugh”:
🟣 The coaching session
🟣 The workout
🟣 The meal prep
🟣 The planning session
🟣 The decluttering task
We know being consistent with these tasks help us live, lead, and feel better. And still—we resist. Why?
All of these things require us to do something increasingly rare in our hustle-oriented culture: slow down and create space. And when our calendars are jammed with back-to-back meetings, “urgent” tasks, and constant demands, the idea of taking time to think or care for ourselves can feel… inconvenient. Even indulgent.
I’ve worn the badge of the “back-to-back day” like it was a status symbol. It can feel productive, validating even. But if we want to lead effectively, it’s our job to make space—to think, to reflect, to plan. If we want to show up with purpose, we need time to prepare. If we want to thrive in our health, relationships, or leadership, we must stop pretending we can wing it.
No one says: “I wish I didn’t make time to think about how I want to show up as a leader.” “I wish I didn’t prioritize my health this week.” “I wish I hadn’t reflected on how I’m showing up.”
Those moments of reflection, planning, and effort are essential actions of intentionality. Great leaders think about their leadership. Great teams prepare. Great lives are built on purpose.
So if you feel that “ugh” rising when you see one of these things on your calendar, pause. Ask yourself:
What am I actually resisting? Is it discomfort? Slowing down? Facing something real? Or is it simply the friction between your current self and the future self you’re trying to become?
More often than not, the “ugh” is a sign you’re stepping into growth. It’s not a pebble in your shoe—it’s a marker on your path.
Reframe it as an act of ownership, leadership, and self-respect. Your future self is already grateful.
