Finding and Not Losing that SPARK

Remember that scene in The Mighty Ducks when they start off scattered, awkward, and unsure but by the end they’ve found their groove, their team, and most importantly their spark? That can be you too.

Corporate life can sometimes rub our emotions the wrong way. Just like the seasons, we all experience ups and downs. I had a high energy and desire to do the work I do, but that energy slowed down. Recently, I thought my spark only lived outside of work—in my gaggle of chickens, my fairy garden, or my current carpentry era. But after some reflection and reevaluation, I realized that spark—the core of who we are and the impact we want to make—never actually leaves.

It’s always there, waiting for us to claim it.

Here’s how to find your fire, keep it burning, and—because this is Awesomely Authentic—stay true to yourself along the way.

Get Clear on What Lights You Up

Before you start chasing someone else’s definition of success, pause. What’s the project that gets you talking a mile a minute? What’s the topic you can’t shut up about in meetings even if no one asked?

Start a “Spark Journal"

Write down the moments in your week that felt good-good not just checkbox good. That’s where your fire lives.

Embrace Your Authenticity

You don’t have to shrink to fit in. In fact, the more you you are, the more value you bring to your team. That means your quirks, your background, your random trivia knowledge, and yes—even your Saved by the Bell coffee mug. Whatever makes you you—lean into it.

I remind clients and leaders all the time: your energy and light will carry you further in your career than any amount of over-prep or inauthentic communication ever could.

Authenticity isn’t a trend. It’s a tool. When you bring your whole self to work it:

• Builds trust with your team and larger organization

• Helps you avoid burnout

• Becomes your leadership superpower (seriously)

You weren’t hired to be a copy of someone else. You were hired because your perspective matters. Own that.

Speak Up About the Things You Care About

You don’t need to lead the next revolution but you can champion a lunch and learn on mental health, pitch an ERG idea, or suggest a new way to collaborate. Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a vibe. And people notice when you bring ideas that create impact.

Think about what your workplace is missing. If it bugs you it might be your moment to step in and change it.

Don’t Wait for Permission to Be Creative

Corporate life can feel like you’re always following a script. But guess what?

Some of the most impactful moments happen when you color outside the lines. I mean, come on—Skeeter and his creativity? Always wanted him as a best friend.

Harness that inner Skeeter energy. Toss out a wild idea in your next brainstorm. Make a playlist for your team’s next project. Add a little 90s flair to your next slide deck (yes, I’m talking neon gradients and pixel fonts).

Creativity doesn’t always mean art. It means solving problems differently. And every team needs that kind of energy.

Reconnect With Your Why

Sometimes your spark fades because you’ve lost sight of why you do what you do. When that happens, revisit the experiences that once gave you energy—the ones that left you excited, warm, or creative. Focus on those.

For me, it’s always been the consistent desire to help people grow into leaders—celebrating their successes, offering guidance, and jumping into creative brainstorming right alongside them. That’s where I find my spark.

• Why did you join this team

• What do you hope to change

• What impact do you want to leave

Maybe you love mentoring others. Maybe it’s storytelling. Maybe it’s building cool systems no one else can figure out. Reignite that spark by realigning with your purpose.

And if you’re thinking, “I have no idea anymore,” that’s okay too. That just means it’s time to explore. Start right where you are. One helpful tool is the StrengthsFinder assessment. Just remember—sometimes your top strengths show up based on the work you’ve been doing, so keep that in mind. Still, it’s a great way to uncover your natural talents and get ideas for careers that align with them!

Your Spark Isn’t Lost.

Underneath the emails, meetings, and online fatigue, your spark is still there. Finding it doesn’t mean blowing up your life—it’s about making small choices that reconnect you to who you really are.

One practice that helps is tuning into your intuition and noticing when you feel joy. For me, joy feels like a warm loaf of bread rising in my chest. Whenever I sense that, I know I’m leaning into a natural talent—and following it always leads me closer to my passions while staying authentic.

So grab your inner Clarissa Darling, dust off that spark, and start showing up in a way that feels awesomely authentic (see what I did there?)

Ready to Level Up?

Check out our workshops and individual coaching at Awesomely Authentic LLC.

From creativity to empathetic leadership we’ll help your team rediscover their spark together. And yes we bring the 90s vibes with us ✌️