My Mascara Rolled Under the Bathroom Cabinet

The way my master bathroom is designed, there’s a double sink with cabinets that jut out a little at the base. That design means things love to roll under the cabinet—lip balm, lotion caps, Q-Tips… you name it.

Well, about a month ago, my mascara rolled under there. And every time I sat down on the toilet (pardon the bathroom details, but stay with me), I saw it. Eye-level. Clear as day. And every time I thought: Oh, yeah, I need to grab that.

But then I stand up, wash my hands, and head out. The mascara is forgotten until I sit down again, and there it is, staring at me, mocking me, daring me to pick it up. And I get mad at myself for ignoring it and letting it slip out of my mind—again.

LEADERSHIP WORKS THE SAME WAY

There are things that we see over and over again. We know they’re there. We even acknowledge them—“I need to deal with that.” But when the moment comes, we wash our hands and move on.

Maybe it’s the team member who’s always just a little disengaged in meetings.
Maybe it’s the tension you feel with a colleague that you keep brushing off.
Maybe it’s the culture issue in your organization or team that you hope will “fix itself.”

Those things are your mascara under the cabinet. Always there. Always waiting and constantly reminding you that your emotions, your character, and your willingness to deal with what you see (instead of ignoring it) are the true soul of your leadership.

Because here’s the truth: what you ignore doesn’t disappear. It lingers, it nags, and eventually, it shapes how people experience you as a leader.

REFLECTION
What’s your “bathroom view” in leadership—the thing you keep noticing but don’t address?
What emotions come up when you see a missed opportunity? A conversation you’ve avoided? Frustration? Avoidance? Guilt? What are those feelings trying to tell you about how you lead?

CALL TO ACTION

There are five full weeks left in 2025! Pick up the mascara! Decide on one persistent thing you keep passing by, and address it. Make the call. Have the conversation. Shift the behavior. Don’t let another week go by where you keep noticing but not acting.

Your team deserves a leader who sees, feels, and acts.
Rise up and lead.