When I'm unsure about something, I borrow perspective from people I've admired for a long time. It's a reflection exercise I find very useful. It's a bit more nuanced, but the gist is this:

1. Identify five people you've admired for a while.

2. Think about their attributes, their impact and how they walk in the world.

3. Explore how their characteristics and actions align with how you want to walk through the world.

Then, when you find yourself unsure about something, think about how they might handle a similar situation. Not because you want to be exactly like them, but because you want to broaden your perspective on the options that might be available to you.

For me, Jane Goodall, Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem are in my group of five. We lost all three within the span of a year. Three very different women who walked very different paths and had much in common.

They showed us different ways a woman can be both strong and soft. They led with courage, curiosity, purpose, generosity and wit.

They broke molds. Built bridges. Got things done. Worked hard and with purpose their entire lives. And with big hearts and welcoming voices, they brought people together to make things better.

Jane and Gloria were touchstones for me from the time I was very young. Though Dolly always shone bright, it took me longer to really see her. But, boy, when I did, I was hooked by it all: her story, her tenacity, her kindness, her love of libraries and, of course, her songwriting.

As Marian Wright Edelman put it, "You can't be what you can't see."

I'm grateful so many of us got to really see them. Who's in your five?

If you're at a crossroads and want help seeing more of your options, let's talk. Start with a free 30-minute call.