Once upon a time back when law school brochures still came in the mail I almost became a lawyer. I aced the LSAT, got into several fine institutions, and even worked at the Department of Justice. I wore the sensible shoes, used words like heretofore, and almost convinced myself that arguing all day was a noble calling.

And then I said nope.
Not for me.

Turns out, I didn’t want to live in a world where winning was more important than understanding. So, I pivoted and became a psychologist.  Ah yes, from legal briefs to emotional briefs. From case law to case notes. From “Objection!” to “And how did that make you feel?”

But because I’m me, I didn’t stop there. The executive bug bit. I moved from the therapy chair to the corner office. Budgets, strategic plans, and 7 a.m. crisis calls became my love language.

And then, just when I thought I’d found my lane, I flirted with politics. City council? Maybe mayor? County executive? Sure, why not. After all, I’ve got executive functioning skills. I can balance a budget, make the tough calls, and still crack a joke while holding a community meeting that runs 40 minutes over because someone brought cookies.

I’m decisive but fair. I listen, I weigh, I act. But and this is a big but I hate bureaucracy. Hate it, hate it, hate it.

The endless committees. The memos about memos. The meetings about meetings that discuss scheduling more meetings. I don’t do red tape; I do action. I believe in input, but at some point, someone has to just make the call, grab the metaphorical machete, and cut through the procedural jungle.

Because life’s too short for paralysis by process.

So, maybe I won’t run for mayor after all. I’d probably outlaw “reply all” emails and replace every committee with a 15-minute walking meeting and a strong cup of coffee.

Still, every now and then, I think about all those paths including the lawyer, the mayor, the psychologist, the executive and I realize: I didn’t really abandon any of them. They all live somewhere inside me. The advocate. The strategist. The empath. The decision-maker.

I just chose the frequency that fits my rhythm.  One where change isn’t just talked about, it actually happens.

And really, isn’t that the best kind of leadership?