Dr. Eric Frazer, PSY.D.

Chapter 11: Alignment

In leadership, misalignment is the silent saboteur of success. It lurks in unspoken frustrations, persistent patterns of dissatisfaction, and the exhaustion of pushing forward without purpose. Leaders who recognize misalignments—whether in their relationships, work, health, or self-care—hold the key to unlocking not only their own potential but also that of their teams and organizations.

We all have a One Thing—a central vision of our highest potential. It is not a title, achievement, or milestone, but a way of being that seamlessly integrates with our personal and professional lives. This clarity drives fulfillment, decision-making, and resilience. Yet, many leaders operate on autopilot, caught in cycles of distraction, indecision, and misplaced energy. Misalignment is subtle. It often appears as stress, low energy, or a vague dissatisfaction that lingers despite outward success. Consider the key areas of your life: your work, relationships, health, and personal growth. Ask yourself: Is there a misalignment here? If the answer is yes, begin the process of identification, understanding, and realignment.

Journaling is a powerful tool in this process. Each morning, spend 5-10 minutes writing about what keeps you up at night, what excites you, and what you wish was happening right now. Patterns will emerge, revealing where adjustments are needed. Leadership requires the humility to recognize these misalignments and the courage to address them.

A cluttered mind leads to indecisiveness. To move from stagnation to clarity, leaders must create intentional stillness—even in the midst of high-pressure environments. Begin with five minutes of mindful breathing or meditation. Expand gradually. Pair this with journaling to capture insights. Over time, the noise will fade, and your focus will sharpen. Successful leaders fiercely protect their time. They eliminate distractions by structuring their schedules around their One Thing—setting aside dedicated blocks of uninterrupted time to engage in high-impact work. If necessary, negotiate for flexibility. True leadership is not about managing endless tasks but about directing energy toward what truly matters.

The Exercise:

Leadership Alignment Audit 1. List Your Core Areas: Identify the major components of your life—career, relationships, health, personal growth, etc. 2. Assess Each One: On a scale of 1-10, rate how aligned each area feels with your long-term vision and core values. 3. Identify Key Misalignments: Which areas scored the lowest? Why? 4. Take One Small Action: Choose one misalignment and commit to a single action this week to move toward greater alignment—whether it’s having a conversation, adjusting your schedule, or setting clearer boundaries.

The leaders who thrive are those who align their actions with their purpose. The more intentional you become about realignment, the more powerful, focused, and impactful your leadership will be.