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Mindful Leadership: Motive is Everything

In the fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of action for action’s sake—checking boxes, hitting deadlines, and driving results. But what happens when we pause and ask ourselves, Why am I doing this?  What is my motive here?


When we pause to reflect on our “why,” we often uncover a profound truth: the place we’re leading from and taking action from matters. But we frequently dive straight into the “doing” before we have clarity, and that's when we run into trouble. 



Most recently, I’ve wrestled with this question in my journey to write a book. For two years, I started and stopped, caught in the perfectionism of trying to create something “good,” reflecting my abilities and worth (yes, my ego was steering the ship). But the more I tried to push forward, the more stuck I felt. The action felt like trudging through deep, thick mud every time until I paused and pondered my motive.


“Motive is everything; action is secondary”

~Ellam Ondre 


It wasn’t until I came across the quote recently that I took a step back. I still reflected on my true intentions for writing and asked myself: Am I doing this to prove myself? Or am I doing this to serve others in a meaningful way? And if so, what would that look like? 


This shift from ego to heart unlocked

creativity, clarity, and genuine purpose.


This struggle mirrors what often happens in the workplace, too. When decisions are made without clarity of intention, they can feel forced, reactive, and disconnected from the bigger picture. Whether launching a project, navigating a conflict, or building a strategy, the absence of a clear why can lead to actions that may achieve results but lack deeper meaning or alignment with the organization’s values, mission, and vision.


I feel calm, neutral, and creative when I act from my heart. There’s no overthinking or interpreting—just a clear, imaginative flow. The pressure disappears, and I even have fun! Ironically, the results are far better, too. When we operate from ego, the experience feels heavy and filled with self-doubt or perfectionism. Leading from the heart becomes about connection, purpose, and authenticity; everything feels lighter.


When we align our motives with our values—whether fostering collaboration, developing talent, or serving a client’s needs—we create an impact that goes beyond short-term gains. We build trust, inspire teams, and cultivate lasting success.


Pause and Reflect:

  • Are your actions rooted in a clear “Motive”?

  • Is there an area where you’re stuck because action is coming before clarity?

  • How might you reconnect with your true intention?


Let your motive guide you—it’s where authenticity begins.


When we are grounded in a clear purpose, it transforms not just what we do but how and why we do it. When we lead with clarity and heart, we foster a culture where actions have meaning and success reflects shared purpose.


What happens when you lead with intention rather than reaction? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear!




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