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- Lead By Example in 2025
Lead By Example in 2025
Emily Allen
January 15, 2025
In partnership with
Hello, Hello Friend,
You don’t need a megaphone to make an impact.
Your everyday choices—what you say, how you show up, the kindness you offer—those are the things that change lives.
So here’s the truth: you’re more powerful than you realize.
Ready to prove it?
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YOUR FRESH START
In a world so hooked on chaos and cruelty, choosing kindness is downright rebellious. And guess what? It costs you nothing.
Kindness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a force that can flip the script on how people see themselves and each other. It’s time to stop waiting for someone else to spark change. Start where you stand.
Look around. There’s at least one small action you can take today that leaves the world a little brighter than you found it. Do that—and watch how the ripple spreads.
Peace and Love.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“One simple act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
DEEP DIVE
In grade school, I vividly recall staring at one of those motivational posters that said, “Be The Change You Want To See.”
At the time, I thought it was pretty cheesy.
Cut to today. I have a different perspective.
To be the change you want to see, you’ve gotta lead by example.
You don’t need a million Instagram followers or a fancy title to inspire others. All you need is the courage to show up, do the right thing, and move others into action.
Actions speak louder than words. And the ripple effect of your actions can reach further than a viral TikTok.
Here’s a real-life example. I have a friend, Sarah, who runs a huge tech company. On the surface, she’s a quick-witted, straight-shooting decision-maker who doesn’t mess around. Her team’s perception of her historically influenced their company culture.
One day, she noticed a colleague was not herself. As the team speculated on what was happening, Sarah decided to set an example by taking the employee aside to listen. She didn’t make a spectacle- she simply comforted the employee during the conversation, offered advice, and led compassionately.
Sarah’s small gesture of kindness quickly trickled throughout the office. The team shifted from gossipy to supportive in just a matter of months.
Ultimately, your day-to-day actions create the culture around you.
What do you say? Can we make 2025 the year of inspiring others through more than just lip service, but by our actions? Just imagine the magic we can make!
Here’s what I’m thinking…
Open your eyes and actually see what’s happening around you. Who needs a hand right now? A teammate juggling too much? Is someone struggling on the sidelines? Step in—and do it before they have to ask.
Consistency counts. Don’t play Mother Teresa one day and Dennis the Menace the next. Leading by example isn’t a sometimes thing; it’s an everyday thing.
Give what you’ve got. Doesn’t matter if it’s a quick helping hand or time you devote week after week. If your cup’s overflowing, pass some on and watch how it uplifts others.
Be real, always. Nobody falls for fake. Show up as your honest, imperfect self, and you’ll inspire others to drop the masks, too.
So are you ready to make 2025 the year of leading by example? Let’s do this together.
Take the First Step Today
The Starting Over Toolkit™ is more than a resource—it’s your pathway to a better tomorrow. For just $17, start your journey and help Harbor House create safer communities for women.
QUICK HITS
👀 Effective Ways To Become More Observant
🌟 How To Show Up Authentically And Stay True To Yourself
💖 35 Little Acts Of Kindness You Can Practice Today!
🌊 How One Act Of Kindness Created A Ripple Effect
🌱 5 Tricks To Creating Positive Culture
✅ A Checklist To Cultivate Deep Relationships
🌍 Leading With Impact
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
Not every act of kindness has to be front-page news. In fact, it’s often the tiny, “no-big-deal” gestures that spark the biggest shifts. This week, consider trying one small, kind act each day and see what happens to your mood—and maybe someone else’s too.
Try these ideas over the next seven days:
Shoot a friend a text telling them one specific reason they matter to you.
Leave a positive note in a random spot: on a car window, a gas pump, or tucked by someone’s desk.
Call someone you love and say—out loud—why they’re so important to you.
Pay it forward by leaving spare change in a parking meter or covering coffee for the person behind you.
Write a thank-you note for your mail carrier, a delivery driver, or anyone who keeps your daily life running smoothly.
Tip generously when you’re out to eat, if you can swing it.
Be kind to yourself. Spend ten minutes doing something that lights you up.
These are tiny moves with big heart. Who knows? Your small gesture might be the start of something contagious, inspiring others to spread a little more light, too.
COMMUNITY CORNER
When you buy the Starting Over Toolkit™, you’re not just investing in yourself—you’re helping women at Harbor House start over, too. Lead by example and make a difference today.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As it turns out, that cheesy childhood poster holds some truth – Be The Change You Want To See- isn’t just a catchphrase but a call to action!
The thing is, leading by example isn’t about grand gestures. You’re not doing it for recognition. You’re doing it to make a real difference.
The tiniest actions often have a domino effect – sparking kindness, bolstering trust, and raising the roof on positivity all around you!
So, how will YOU lead by example today?
Start Over Kitty & The Permission to Start Over Team
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