Last week, I found myself in one of the most defining moments of my career—and it had nothing to do with selling homes or closing deals.

I was invited to speak at the Brand Builders Group Speaker Showcase—just 25 speakers chosen out of 900+ applicants. A 15-minute keynote. Live feedback. Over 200 people in the room. And Rory Vaden, Hall of Fame speaker, sitting front and center. No pressure, right?

I was set to go on in the second half of Day 2. Backstage, mic clipped, adrenaline spiking… and then I watched the speaker before me absolutely crush it. She was brilliant. Poised. Powerful.

Then she shared a devastating story about the loss of her daughter—and I felt the tears well up. My chest tightened. My throat closed.

And in that moment, I knew I had a decision to make.

I could let that beautiful, heart-wrenching story linger and take root… or I could shift my energy so I could show up for my message—one about business alignment, clarity, and growth.

So I did something that might’ve looked a little strange: I put in one AirPod, pulled up a Kelsea Ballerini hype song, and gently blocked out the noise. Not because I didn’t care. But because I needed to be there for my own story.

I took the stage and delivered the clearest, boldest version of my talk. I got a standing ovation.

And Rory said something I’ll never forget:

“The better you get, the more often you’ll be asked to follow greatness. And the way you held your energy? That’s what pros do.”

So here’s why I’m telling you this:
You may not be standing on a stage with a mic.
But you are leading. Selling. Presenting. Coaching. Negotiating. Creating. Showing up.

And none of that works when your energy is scattered, triggered, or tangled up in someone else’s narrative.

The greater the demand on your presence, the more sacred your energy becomes.

So here are 3 simple ways to protect it this week:

1. Create a Pre-Performance Ritual

Before you show up for that listing appointment, client consult, or IG Live—get grounded. Find your version of a hype song. Visualize the result. Take a walk. Whatever helps you drop into alignment.

2. Set (and honor) boundaries

Not every group chat, drama spiral, or Instagram scroll deserves your attention. You’re allowed to mute the noise. You’re allowed to choose focus.

3. Own your voice—even if it feels “small”

Your story might not be flashy or tear-jerking. It doesn’t have to be. When you speak from alignment, it resonates. And someone out there needs what you have to say.

This week, before you walk into the room, hop on the call, or hit record—
Take a beat.
Protect your energy.
And remember why you started in the first place.

Because your purpose needs you fully present.
And you’ve got this.

— Lacey Newlman is a founding coach of The Helm, the co-owner of the Heard Newman Team in Nashville, and the creator and coach of Elevated Agents and Aligned CEO Circle.  You can learn more about her here.