Sparking H.O.P.E.: Why Habits Matter in Leadership

Leadership can often feel like standing alone in a storm—whether you're managing a team, guiding a classroom, leading a school, or driving change across an organization. The weight of responsibility is real. But so is the impact. The truth is, leadership exists everywhere—in every meeting, every interaction, every decision. It’s not limited to titles or positions. Leadership is influence, and everyone has the potential to lead.

But to lead others well, we must first learn to lead ourselves.

Why Habits Matter

Motivation may spark the journey, but it's habits that sustain it. Our leadership effectiveness doesn’t rise and fall on big speeches or perfect plans. It’s built through small, intentional choices made daily. These habits compound over time—shaping not just what we do, but who we become.

As Abraham Maslow once said:

“In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”

When we build habits rooted in purpose, they give us the structure to grow, reflect, and lead with intention. They help us manage stress, make thoughtful decisions, communicate clearly, and inspire others consistently. These intentional, hope filled actions, support us in stepping forward into growth.

A Story from the Arena

I’ll never forget my first day as principal of Ramsey Grade School—the same building where I once walked the halls as a student, and where my parents, my husband, and eventually my children had all attended. On paper, it was a dream come true. In reality, it felt both deeply meaningful and incredibly heavy.

The weight of responsibility was immediate. Every decision—whether about curriculum or cafeteria duty—felt like it carried the expectations of an entire community. Quietly, imposter syndrome crept in: What if I’m not enough? What if I let everyone down?

One afternoon, I sat at my desk, overwhelmed and staring blankly at my screen. My to-do list felt endless. I grabbed a sticky note and wrote a quote that had always stayed with me:

“It is not the critic who counts... The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena.” —Theodore Roosevelt

That quote became a turning point. I realized I was already in the arena—and the only real failure would be not showing up. So I did the only thing I could control: I showed up. I reflected. I kept going.

Things didn’t get easier overnight, but I began to change. I built small, grounding habits: daily reflection, journaling, setting intentions, and practicing gratitude. I let go of the need to be perfect and focused instead on being purposeful.

And over time, I didn’t just grow as a leader—I grew as a person.

The Enneagram and the Power of Self-Awareness

Years later, while serving as principal at McGaughey Elementary, I joined the School Leaders Network through the Illinois Principals Association. That’s where I discovered the Enneagram—a tool that deepened my self-awareness more than any leadership book ever had.

It helped me understand the “why” behind my actions—revealing when I was leading from fear instead of love. I began practicing mindfulness, stillness, and setting daily intentions. These weren’t just nice habits—they became essential for managing stress, leading authentically, and staying grounded.

Self-awareness isn’t a luxury for leaders. It’s a necessity.

Reflection Questions for Leaders

Take a moment to pause and reflect:

• How can you build self-reflection into your daily routine?

• What habits could improve your communication and relationships?

• Do you truly listen—or do you wait for your turn to speak?

Book Dr. Kelly for Back-to-School PD

Spots filling fast →Learn More

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  — Proverbs 4:23

Proverbs 4:23 reminds me that everything I do as a leader flows from what’s in my heart. When I intentionally guard my heart through reflection, stillness, and prayer, I stay aligned with the values that matter most to me: my faith and my family. These values ground my decisions, guide how I treat others, and help me lead with integrity. When life gets busy or leadership feels overwhelming, this verse brings me back to center—reminding me that authentic leadership begins within.

“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve.”  — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dale Carnegie, in How to Win Friends and Influence People, reminds us that everyone has a deep desire—to feel important, to be great. But true greatness isn’t about position or power; it’s about service. And the best place to start serving is at home—with your family. When we lead with humility and purpose in our own homes, we build the foundation for authentic leadership in our schools, communities, and beyond.

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about stepping into the arena, daring greatly, and building a life and legacy through intentional, values-driven habits.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Just begin. One habit.  

Head over to our Youtube Channel and check out our Meditation #shorts to begin a new habit today: https://shorturl.at/LovXc

And let that be the spark that ignites H.O.P.E. in your leadership—and in the lives you touch.

With heart and hope,

Brandi Kelly, Ed.D., LCSW
Chief HOPE Officer, Spark HOPE Edu, LLC
"Let’s Spark HOPE together."