Last week, I was reflecting on various conversations which led me to believe that most of us assume we think clearly.

After all, we’re experienced, intelligent, and capable!

Right?

But here’s a quiet truth:

We don’t see the world as it is —

we see it as we think.

Our decisions, reactions, even our levels of confidence

are mediated through the lens of our thinking.

And, as you know, I believe that most of us rarely pause to see that lens.

You might ask 'what is the lens of thinking?'

Indirectly, you are asking 'what is the lens of leadership?'

Every leader has a pattern — ways of thinking that helped one time...

and now, at times, quietly limit the thinking, reflection, or possibility.

Some people look for certainty.

Some people look for harmony.

Some people look for speed.

And each of those instincts has wisdom — until it becomes automatic.

See where I am going to?

Self-leadership begins when we notice what’s driving us.

When we catch the moment between thought and action

and ask:

“Is this clarity — or comfort?”

That is the moment we start seeing our thinking

instead of simply being led by it.

My invitation to you for the week ahead... 

Each day, when you feel compelled to react — stop for a heartbeat, a breath, a split second.

And ask yourself:

What story am I telling myself right now?

Is it helping me see more clearly — or less?

You don’t have to fix it, or fix anything...

In that moment your job is simply to notice it.

Awareness is often the beginning of clarity.

A final thought for this week...

The leaders who think best

aren’t always the quickest to answer —

they’re the ones who can see their own mind at work.

... and may be perceived to act more slowly than others. 

They are often the ones with broader awareness of what is really happening. 

That awareness is your edge.

It’s what allows you to lead with calm precision,

even when the world feels noisy.

So as you move into a new week,

take a moment to see your thinking —

before it starts directing you.

Think clearly. Lead calmly.

See you next Sunday in The Space.

— Saiyyidah

P.S. — If you’d like to go deeper into this practice, The Thinking Leader is where we spend six weeks slowing down our thinking — exploring the patterns, assumptions, and decisions that shape how we lead.

Because the clearer you think,

the calmer you lead :-)