This week, I hit a big milestone: I sent the full draft of my book to the editor.
It’s hard to describe the feeling. Joy. Relief. A little fear. A sense of completion mixed with the knowledge that more work lies ahead. But above all, a deep breath that says: I’ve done my part. For now.
As I hit “send,” I realized how much this moment embodies the very framework the book is built on: CORE – Clarify, Operationalize, Reflect, Evaluate.
Clarity was the foundation.
This journey started with a clear understanding of why I was writing this book: to create a practical, honest, and deeply meaningful guide to help leaders lead themselves so they can more effectively lead others. Gaining clarity around one’s values and sense of purpose is the cornerstone of intentional, integrity-driven leadership. I believe that if we all embraced this clarity and led with intention, we could create a better world. This sense of purpose became the guiding star that carried me through the uncertain moments of the writing process.
Then came the Operationalizing – turning the vision into action.
It wasn’t just about writing; it was about building the habits that made this book possible. Showing up consistently, even on tough days, and taking small, deliberate steps forward. By aligning my daily actions with the bigger vision, I gradually transformed ideas into reality. It was a reminder that meaningful progress is less about bursts of brilliance and more about steady, intentional effort.
Reflection played a crucial role.
I paid close attention to my self-talk, noticing where I was getting in my own way and how negative thoughts or limiting beliefs tried to take hold. It was about becoming aware of these patterns, reframing them, and actively choosing to move beyond them. This reflection helped me stay aligned with my purpose and continue forward with momentum.
And then the Evaluate phase.
In the CORE framework, evaluation is about both self-assessment and understanding how your efforts are perceived by others. After countless rounds of self-editing, incorporating the beta readers’ feedback, I realized it was time to pass it on to a professional editor. Letting go and opening the book up to further feedback is a crucial step. This new perspective will ensure that the book is shaped and refined to serve the reader in the best possible way.
Sending this draft to the editor feels like both a closing and an opening. A closing of the creation phase. An opening to fresh perspective. A moment of letting go—and leading forward.
And this milestone happened on May 13th—a date already etched in my heart. Ten years ago, my mother passed away on this very day. As I closed my laptop and took a moment to pause, I could feel her presence so strongly. I know how proud she would be of me and of this achievement. In some way, it felt like she was watching over me, cheering me on.
Thanks for being part of this journey.