Freedom Friday
- Tavia Robinson
- May 1
- 2 min read
Freedom Friday: From Worry to Wisdom
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very thing, why do you worry about the rest?” — Luke 12:25–26
In today’s climate—marked by uncertainty, competing priorities, and constant noise—many leaders find themselves navigating an undercurrent of worry.
But from a coaching perspective, let’s challenge the narrative:
What if worry isn’t the problem… but a signal?
Research and thought leadership, including insights from Meg Selig, suggest that the opposite of worry isn’t control or certainty—it’s mindfulness: the capacity to notice, name, and navigate our internal experience without becoming consumed by it.
Worry often shows up as mental “noise”—a loop of unproductive thinking that keeps us in analysis rather than action.
So let’s reframe:
What is the function of worry in your leadership?
At times, it can create the illusion of control—while subtly delaying meaningful action, courageous conversations, or decisive movement forward.
A Coaching Reframe:
When worry arises, pause and create awareness:
Is this a real and present possibility—or a projected fear?
What is within my sphere of control or influence right now?
What action, however small, would move this forward?
If clarity or action isn’t immediately available, consider shifting from worry → curiosity.
Gay Hendricks offers a powerful tool: the “Wonder Question.”
Instead of spiraling in uncertainty, ask:
I wonder what’s possible here that I haven’t yet considered?
I wonder how this challenge is shaping me as a leader?
I wonder what aligned next step will reveal itself?
I wonder who I can partner with to move this forward?
This subtle shift activates creativity, resourcefulness, and presence—core to both coaching and conscious leadership.
Pause + Reflect:
Where is worry currently showing up in your leadership or life?
How is it influencing your decisions, energy, or relationships?
What might become available if you approached that same situation with curiosity instead of control?
How can you model mindful leadership for your team in this moment?
Leadership Insight:
Worry doesn’t rob tomorrow of its challenges—it drains today of clarity, connection, and choice.
Mindful leaders don’t eliminate uncertainty—they expand their capacity to lead through it.
Call to Action:
Today, in your next meeting, conversation, or moment of tension:
Replace one worry with one “wonder” Replace one assumption with one question
Replace one moment of hesitation with one aligned action
And most importantly—create space for every voice at the table, honoring the
richness of diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities.
Inclusive leadership isn’t a strategy—it’s a responsibility.
Closing Thought:
Worry narrows your world—curiosity expands it. Lead from expansion.
You got this!
— Coach Tavia, PCC, MEd, MAT
References & Further Reading
Meg Selig, “What Is the Opposite of Worry?”
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201402/what-is-the-opposite-worry
Jessica Barnett, “How Mindfulness Transformed My Leadership Style”
Calm Blog, “What is Mindful Leadership? 10 Ways to Lead with Mindfulness”
https://www.calm.com/blog/mindful-leadership
Forbes, “How A Leader Can Stop Worrying And Start Leading”
#FreedomFriday #MindfulLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #ICFCoaching #LeadershipDevelopment #ConsciousLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #InclusiveLeadership #SelfAwareness #CuriosityOverFear #LeadWithIntention #ResilientLeadership #GrowthMindset #LeadershipMatters
Tavia Robinson
EMPOWER COACHING & CONSULTING, LLC
732.743.5012
Comments