Reflection alone is powerful—but real transformation comes when we practice. Purpose isn’t meant to be a lofty idea tucked away in a journal. It’s a daily compass, a practical guide that helps us navigate the moments when cultural bias, workplace pressure, or self-doubt threaten to pull us off course.
The truth is: we can’t always control how others perceive us, but we can control how we show up. When we align our behaviors with purpose, we reclaim agency. We turn what’s been labeled as “too much” into exactly what’s needed.
Here’s how you can begin putting this into practice:
Step 1: Identify the Misread Strength
Write down one cultural trait or leadership behavior you’ve been told is “too much.”
Examples:
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Directness
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Emotional expressiveness
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Prioritizing family/community
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Passionate communication
Step 2: Reframe It Through Purpose
Ask: How does this trait connect to my values, and how does it serve others when expressed intentionally?
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Outspoken → I bring clarity and courage to tough conversations.
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Warmth → I foster trust and connection that fuel collaboration.
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Expressiveness → I inspire action through authentic energy.
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Collectivism → I model balance and shared responsibility.
Step 3: Lead with Intention
Choose one meeting, conversation, or decision this week to embody that trait unapologetically—anchored in purpose. Notice how it shifts the energy and outcome.
Neuroscience backs this practice. Purpose activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain linked to decision-making and emotional regulation (Wong, 2012). The more you practice aligning behavior to purpose, the stronger those neural pathways become—what Dr. Judith Wright calls rematrixing—rewiring outdated patterns into empowered new ones.
Reflection Prompt: What’s one behavior you’ll rematrix this week so it becomes a tool for service instead of a source of shame?
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