I think a lot of people laughed when they saw the photo, because we've all been there. Either we're the person manically stuffing things into an already-full suitcase or car, convinced that we just *might* need that extra pair of shoes (pants, bathing suit, coffee pot—you name it) while we're out of town ... or, we've been The Other Person. The one who is standing to the side, muttering helpful things like, "You know, they have stores where we are going." (Dan Warner: I'm looking at you).

But the incident with the overstuffed car got me thinking about stuff. As leaders, how much "stuff" are we bringing along with us that we don't really need? How much is this extra stuff—this "leadership baggage"—weighing us down and keeping us from being the best leader we can be? Most importantly, how do we get rid of it?

1. Write down a list of the leadership baggage weighing you down.

What are the limiting thoughts, behaviors, beliefs that are keeping you from being the leader you want to be?

2. For each item on your list, create an affirmative action statement to help you focus on change and counteract negative thoughts.

For me, these limiting thoughts creep in every time I have to make an ask to a funder. As those of you in this business know, those asks come with a lot more rejection than success! So, every time I have to make one of these asks I say to myself, "This work matters." Because I know I shouldn't personalize this anticipated rejection—it's not a personal ask for me. It's for the work we do on behalf of our members. This simple, silent statement I make to myself empowers me to overcome those fears of rejection and plow ahead. The key to moving beyond any limiting thought or behavior is to focus on the positive future behavior. Not the mistakes or experiences of the past.

3. Practice forgiveness and patience with yourself.

These feelings are natural, and any attempt to change them is going to take time and practice.

By recognizing the "leadership baggage" that's weighing us down, making a decision to let it go, and giving ourselves time to embrace our new attitudes and behaviors, we're freeing ourselves to be the forward-thinking, impactful leader we want—and others need us—to be.

Written by Gina Warner, President and CEO of NAA.