Creating Space … To Adapt with Integrity

Leading With VOICCE® Series.

I had the most FASCINATING conversation with my mentor recently. We are all still works in progress, and I was sharing with her something I am still struggling with. When I say "yes" to something, I RARELY give myself permission to change my mind. No matter what circumstances change. 

"Why is that?" She asked with genuine curiosity.

"I'm glad you asked. This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately, but am still feeling a bit stuck." I shared with her. "It's my value of Integrity. When I say I am going to do something - I do it - come hell or high water."

The conversation kept going, and she asked me some really good questions that helped me slow down and process. Thanks Coach Dr. Karen M. R. Townsend !!!

By the end of our conversation, this was my truth. It's time to start asking - 

 "Is this still true now?"

When I say yes to something, it's because it feels aligned and like a good fit. However, even when circumstances change - an important deadline, I'm really tired, or another big priority has shifted, my default is to stay committed - to stay the course. I feel like I am going against my value of integrity if I change my mind. 

However, in that short 5-minute conversation, Dr. Townsend helped me realize a new truth. If I don't pause and check in with myself, to acknowledge if something important has shifted in the present moment, am I still acting with integrity?

As I move into the New Year, I am carrying this new practice forward. My word is SPACIOUS, and I know that it starts with what I commit to. However, it also depends on how I respond when circumstances shift. "Is this still true now?" will become the new question I ask myself. I will move forward giving myself permission to reschedule a lunch date, ask for more time on a deadline, or even reschedule a meeting, if that's what's best for the quality and integrity of the experience. 

This is not permission to be flaky. It's permission to be compassionate. Permission to adapt. Permission to be present, and most importantly, permission to be human.

Cheers to a New Year, and to asking ourselves the questions that help us show up with more clarity, more presence, and more authenticity!

Thank you again for that powerful conversation Dr. Townsend!

---

Does this resonate? If so, I invite you to join me for one of my favorite experiences of the year: Word Up! 2026 - Craft Your Intention. Align with Your Values. Envision Your Year.

This experience is carefully curated to blend the power of executive coaching, mindful intention setting, and powerful visioning to life so that you can step into 2026 with greater clarity and unwavering focus.

Thank you for your presence. I am so excited to continue this journey with you!

With gratitude, Tian.

Tian Philson Leadership, Wellness & Mindset Coach | Creator of the VOICCE® Decision Making & Empowerment Framework | Helping leaders go inward so they can go upward.

I am currently enrolling for the VOICCE®Leadership Intensive. A powerful 8-week experience designed to help leaders who are spread too thin move from chaos to clear, calm, confident leadership - at work and at home.