my
development goals
ruth pearce | indiana university
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If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it’s moving you away from your goals. – Brian Tracy
My Development Goals
My Development Goals
As leaders, we continually strive to grow, adapt, and inspire.
I view leadership as an evolving journey of growth, service, and purpose. My goals reflect a commitment to becoming a confident, empathetic, and effective leader who empowers others and drives meaningful change.
These goals are not just leadership aspirations; they are a reflection of who I am striving to become; an individual who is confident, resilient, and dedicated to making a difference.
Graduating and Nonprofit Leadership
One of my most important professional goals is to secure a position within a nonprofit organization focused on education, helping underserved communities, and creating opportunities for others. Completing my degree in Community and Organizational Leadership at IU is a big part of this dream.
At 44, my motivation for finishing my degree is also deeply personal, it’s also about graduating while my father, who has advanced Parkinson’s, can still attend my graduation. That moment would mean everything to me.
Indiana University Class of 2026
"Knowing what you can not do is more important than knowing what you can do. In fact, that's good taste." — Lucille Ball
Learning to Let Go
One of my biggest challenges as a leader is delegating. I know that trying to do everything myself isn’t sustainable, or helpful for my team. I'm learning to let go, and trust in my team’s abilities and recognize that their approaches and perspectives can lead to great outcomes, even if they differ from mine.
To help me delegate better, I will utilize tools for overseeing projects once I hand them off. I plan on setting clear expectations, providing the right amount of guidance upfront, and learning to follow up in a way that supports rather than micromanages. By finding this balance, I hope to empower my team to grow, build their confidence, and create a stronger sense of shared ownership in our work.
Self-Confidence Through Well-Being
Self-confidence has always been a challenge for me, but I’m learning that confidence isn’t just about how you present yourself, it’s about how you feel inside.
As a leader, I want to approach decisions with more assurance and trust in my own abilities. Taking better care of my physical and mental health is a key part of building that foundation. By committing to regular exercise, making healthier eating choices, and seeking mental health support when needed, I hope to feel stronger and more capable in every aspect of my life.
I also want to focus on developing practical ways to boost my confidence as a leader. This means practicing positive self-talk, reminding myself of past successes, and taking on challenges even when I feel uncertain.
Another goal is to expose myself to situations where I can stretch my skills, like speaking up more in meetings or making decisions without overthinking. I believe that the more I step out of my comfort zone, the more I’ll grow into the confident leader I know I can be.
By combining better self-care with deliberate confidence-building strategies, I hope to not only feel better physically and mentally but also lead with more clarity, presence, and assurance.
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” - Brené Brown
“Be the person who breaks the cycle... Vow to be better than what broke you—to heal... so you can act from your heart, not your pain.”
― Lori Deschene
Breaking Cycles for the Next Generation
As a mother, I am committed to breaking negative cycles and creating a better future for my children. This means teaching them the value of self-care and to pursue their passions without the barriers or limiting mindsets that have been passed down through generations.
By continuing to grow as a leader and individual, I hope to inspire them to believe in their potential and chase their dreams without hesitation.
Serving Others Through Leadership
At the heart of my goals is a commitment to servant leadership. Whether it’s empowering my team, supporting my family, or helping my community, I want to lead in a way that prioritizes others’ growth and well-being.
By building meaningful connections and fostering trust, I aim to create environments where people feel valued and motivated to thrive.
"The first and most important choice a leader makes is the choice to serve, without which one's capacity to lead is severely limited".
― Robert K. Greenleaf
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