Leaders who recalibrate their expectations — the unspoken “rules” we set for ourselves — are more innovative, avoid burnout and are better equipped to think strategically (rather than reactively). But expectations can be hard to identify. Unlike standards — metrics set by your organization — expectations are internal. So how do we uncover theres internal rulers?

We begin by listening.

In many industries, leaders are facing rising workloads and chronic pressure. Recalibrating expectations—rather than working harder—is a worthwhile. Expectations are unspoken assumptions we set internally about speed, availability, and capacity—not shared standards based in metrics Left unexamined, they can drive us to practice unsustainable behaviors that impact quality, wellness and creativity. By revisiting our expectations, we can protect our energy, sharpen our decision-making, and create more space for innovation and resilience.

The myth of ready shows up when capable, experienced people delay meaningful work in the name of preparation. I see it often in coaching—and I’ve wrestled with it myself. What looks like careful planning can quietly become a way of postponing action. Readiness isn’t something we arrive at through more research or credentials. It’s something we build by stepping forward, imperfectly, and allowing momentum to grow one small move at a time.

Discouragement, anger, and grief are surfacing for many of us as uncertainty intensifies at work and beyond. This piece is an invitation to pause—not to push harder or brace for impact, but to reconnect with where our strength comes from. Drawing on origin stories and the metaphor of steel forged under pressure, it explores how resilience is built through focus, perspective, and intentional action—especially in moments that test us most.