Susan David, Ph.D.

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The psychological hallmark of empathy is perspective-taking, the capacity to imagine or take the perspective of another person. When you are empathizing, you imagine how someone may feel even though you can’t experience their exact emotion.

So how do you transform a have-to goal into a want-to? By asking yourself why you want to do something—why this truly matters—and connecting to it on your own terms and through your own values rather than those foisted on you.

The messy middle of any project can feel disorienting.

There’s no map for uncertainty—but you can use a compass. Let shared values and purpose guide your next step, even when the destination isn't clear.

Effective boundary setters do more than just say "no."
They listen.
They empathize.
And they show up with integrity by clearly naming what they will do to care for themselves while still honoring our connections with others.