Rediscover Yourself with Priscilla

Some weeks feel heavier than others, just the fact that we are moving forward is actually enough. We don’t always give ourselves credit for the small things that actually take the most strength.

"Take a moment today to celebrate the little wins: Showing up, doing your best and not flipping out mid week."

DO I REALLY NEED PERMISSION?
For the most part of my life I waited for permission.
Permission to take action
Permission to have fun
Permission to take a break
Permission to love myself
Permission to choose.

Most of us live this way. We are constantly looking for permission from our family, friends, leaders, supervisors, co workers and even our kids.
IF THEY THINK ITS WORTH EXPLORING THEN I WILL.

But what about what you want. When will you start living for yourself.
When will you give yourself the permission to live life on your terms.
Don’t wait till its too late- you don’t needs others to give you permission to do things you want.

You just need to give yourself Permission.

Next time you want to do something new, take a break or a big risk and are waiting for others to support you. Pause and ask yourself. “ DO I really need their permission?

It’s December already!
This time of year always makes me pause and ask myself:
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗜 𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗝𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗬?

A few things I keep coming back to:
𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: not the long list from January, but the 1-2 things that still actually matter.

𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞: your inputs, the people, habits, and information you surround yourself with - shape your momentum.

𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: Yes, this is where a coach or mentor makes a massive difference. A good one saves you time, frustration, and detours.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫: momentum built now carries forward.

For me, December is like a prologue to a new chapter of my life. It’s the time I step back, pause, and really look at what worked, and what I want to change in the year ahead. That reflection helps me start the new year with intention, clarity, and focus.

TRUST THE PROCESS.
Everything takes time. When we truly learn this, we stress less and find peace faster.

Most of us want to see the results of our work within days. But the truth is, some things take weeks, months, even years before they finally come to light. We need patience. We need faith in the unseen. Trust the process - even when it feels like nothing is moving. Sometimes delays are protection, preparation, or quiet growth happening beneath the surface.

One clear example of this is 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞 𝙂𝙖𝙪𝙙í’𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚, 𝙇𝙖 𝙎𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙖 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖. A vision that began in 1882, still rising today. Generation after generation continues the work, each adding their piece to something bigger than themselves. It’s slow, deliberate evolution is a reminder that meaningful creation is rarely rushed. Beauty takes time. Purpose unfolds gradually.

So, if you feel that you’re putting in the work and not seeing results yet, don’t lose heart. Your breakthrough might be forming in ways you can’t see.

Stay patient. Stay consistent. Stay strong.

And Trust the Process.

This quote helped me through my storm over the years. It's what kept me going, taking small actions even when I couldn’t see the progress.

So if you feel like life is filled with challenges, stay strong, brighter days are coming.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮.𝟬 - a powerful gathering to celebrate the resilience of women rewriting the narrative across industries

A huge shout-out to Shahibzadi Mahin, the visionary mind behind Shevolution, whose dedication to women’s empowerment created this incredible platform, the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the mission of the Federal Republic of Germany in PK, PAIDAR and Shahbista Bakhtiar & Sania Zaidi for hosting with such grace, energy, and purpose.

The day was filled with powerful messages from strong women as well as male allies. It was a privilege listening to these leaders, innovators, and changemakers about their journeys that reflect strength and resilience.

For me the “𝗨𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲” panel discussion, moderated by 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗻, was especially inspiring, spotlighting women breaking boundaries in fields where female representation has historically been rare. With a panel including 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗻 – PK MMA fighter & Athlete, 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹 – PK first female Drifter & Rally Champion, 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀 – Ms Universe Pakistan, 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮 - Youth Facilitator & Project Led Maimaar and 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗷 𝗞𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗶 - First female tent pe***ng competitor in PK history. Their stories were a reminder that barriers exist to be challenged and redefined.

Grateful for the experience, the conversations, and the community.

𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗬𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗣𝗨𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗢.
I have seen my daughter put this into action twice this year alone. First, she manifested her O level results, and secondly, she entered a competition, aiming for the top prize, and she got it.

Our minds interpret the symbols and signs around us, and how we interpret them shapes what we experience. So, if you truly want something in life, it’s important to align your thoughts with your goals.
𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗜𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗡.
When you write something down, it becomes real. An easy, visible reminder to your mind and your eyes. Focus on 1–2 things at a time.
𝗦𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗧 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗟𝗢𝗨𝗗.
Whatever you desire, state it clearly to the universe. Don’t be vague. If you want wealth, don’t just say “I want wealth”. Be specific. Make the goal SMART.
𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗭𝗘.
Not just the end result, but what motivates you to want it, and what working toward it looks like. Visualize what success looks like too
𝗗𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞.
A dream stays a dream without action. Hard work, preparation, consistency and commitment are what bring it to life.
𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗘.
If you don’t believe something is meant for you, that message is what your mind receives. Start believing you’re worthy of achieving your goals, and in time you will.

Many of us dream big but when we stop before they become a reality.

Its half way through the week and you are doing better than you think.

This is your midweek nudge to keep going.
Keep Believing
Keep showing up for yourself
Stay consistent- It matters
Your energy is shifting
Your momentum is building
Your breakthrough is close

DON’T QUIT…… DON’T DOUBT

You have everything in you to finish this week strong.

I remember when I started off as a coach I told myself
“Why would people pay this much to someone who has so little experience.”

That belief made me enter coaching calls with nervousness, my body language and tone never aligned with my offer. I didn’t believe I was worth that much and so when it came to quoting my price I would do so nervously. It showed I guess and most potential clients would not sign on.

Until one did and then the second. I saw these individuals transform their lives, start living with purpose and learning to love themselves. That created a shift in me.

I was actually adding value to people’s lives, that moment I started believing I was capable, everything shifted. My presence changed. My results changed. The way others responded changed.

Henry Ford said: Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right"

🤔If you think you’re not ready for that promotion - you’ll stop putting yourself forward for opportunities.
🤔If you think your ideas don’t matter - you’ll stay quiet in meetings where your voice could’ve made a difference.
🤔If you think you’re falling behind - you’ll avoid asking for help or learning something new.

But
⚡If you believe you’re growing - you’ll start showing up with curiosity and confidence.
⚡If you believe you belong - you’ll speak with clarity and presence.
⚡If you believe you can - you’ll find ways to make it happen.

Our thoughts quietly write the script for how we show up.

So before you question what others think of you, ask:
👉 “What do I believe about me right now?”

Because whatever you think you are… you are.

ARE YOU BEING GASLIGHTED BY YOUR OWN MIND?
Ever walk into a room and suddenly your mind starts whispering…
“They probably think I’m not good enough.”
“She’s judging how I presented that idea.”
“He must think I’m too quiet… or too much.”

We don’t even realize it, but sometimes, it’s our own mind doing the gaslighting.

The truth?
If you actually asked those people what they were thinking, it might be something like:
“I liked her point of view.”
“He always brings calm energy into the room.”
“Honestly, I was just thinking about my next meeting.”

Our brains can create stories that aren’t real - stories shaped by past experiences, criticism, or environments where emotions weren’t welcomed.

If you’ve ever second-guessed your worth, your ideas, or your voice - pause.
You might just be gaslighting yourself.

Replace assumptions with curiosity.
Replace self-criticism with compassion.
And remember - the stories in your mind aren’t always the truth.

ITS ALMOST YEAR END.
We have been overworked, rushing to meet deadlines, energy is low and many are planning their annual leaves – but first comes those performance reviews.

With multiple tasks and little time to evaluate everyone’s work over the past 365 days, many leaders rely on mental shortcuts. They often base evaluations on the most recent work done, because this is easier to recall.

This unconscious bias leads to unfair feedback, disengaged and disgruntle employees who ultimately quit.

If we have a brain we have a bias. But being aware of it, especially during the performance review cycle is half the battle won. Even well-intentioned leaders can fall into these common traps.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀
Focusing on recent performance (good or bad), and overlooking achievements or challenges from earlier in the year.

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀
Letting first impressions shape your overall perception, even when someone’s performance has evolved over time.

𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀
Rating everyone “average” to avoid difficult conversations or extreme ratings, which hides both excellence and underperformance.

𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗼 𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁
Allowing one strong trait (halo) or one weakness (horns) to color your entire evaluation of an employee.

𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀
Giving overly positive ratings to keep harmony or avoid discomfort, which prevents honest feedback and growth.

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀
Judging based on assumptions or stereotypes. For example, valuing assertiveness differently by gender, or seeking evidence that supports existing beliefs about someone.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁?
Start by slowing down. Review the full year’s data, not just recent memory. Use structured criteria and clear examples to guide your evaluations. Keep a performance log, document feedback regularly instead of relying on recall. Seek multiple perspectives to balance your view and check your assumptions before finalizing ratings.

Performance reviews are meant to support growth, not just tick a box.

As leaders, when we pause to question our own biases, we create space for more honest, empowering conversations, and stronger teams because of it.

So, as you are wrapping up the year
𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬?