From Spectator to Steward: Mastering Your Life with Shelyna Brown

We live in an era of information overload. Every day we are inundated with ideas, strategies, and success stories, but how many of us are applying what we learn to actively preside over our lives? How many of us are in the driver’s seat of our destiny, steering it with intention, purpose, and clarity?

For Shelyna V. Brown , former Superior Court Judge and founder of the Preside? Method, the answer lies in transforming from a spectator to a steward. It’s about moving from passive observation of your life to active management—where you become the leader of your personal and professional journey. This is the core philosophy of Shelyna's Preside? Method, a comprehensive framework designed to help individuals take ownership of their lives, unlock their potential, and experience true freedom.

In this article, we’ll dive into the principles of stewardship and how you can apply them to lead a more intentional, fulfilling, and impactful life. Drawing insights from leaders such as Stephen M. R. Covey , John C. Maxwell , and Brené Brown , we will explore actionable strategies for shifting from passive observer to active steward.

The Spectator Syndrome: Are You a Bystander in Your Own Life?

One of the biggest traps of modern life is spectatorship. With so much to distract us—from social media feeds to news cycles—it’s easy to fall into the habit of watching life happen rather than creating it. The consequence? We find ourselves stuck, feeling like we’re missing out on opportunities and falling short of our true potential.

Shelyna Brown’s Preside? Method teaches that the root of this problem lies in passive living. When we adopt the mindset of a spectator, we forfeit our ability to influence our outcomes, and we become subject to external circumstances. But freedom and growth come when we take control and become stewards—active participants in shaping our lives.

As Stephen M. R. Covey , author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, said: "I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions." This idea aligns perfectly with Shelyna’s approach, where stewardship begins with intentional decisions that align with your values and long-term vision.

What is Stewardship?

At its core, stewardship is about managing something that’s been entrusted to you. Whether it’s your time, talents, finances, or relationships, being a good steward means taking responsibility for these resources and using them wisely to create positive outcomes.

In the context of personal development, stewardship means:

• Self-management: Governing your emotions, habits, and mindsets to align with your goals.
• Resource management: Making the most of your talents, skills, and opportunities.
• Relational management: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships with purpose and intentionality.

Shelyna’s Preside? Method provides a framework for applying these principles in a structured way, moving individuals from a place of passive consumption to active creation.

Shifting from Spectator to Steward

The first step to moving from spectator to steward is recognizing that you have the power to choose. While you can’t control external circumstances, you can control how you respond to them and what you do with the resources you have.

Shelyna’s method focuses on three primary areas of stewardship: time, relationships, and personal growth. Each plays a vital role in shaping a life of meaning and fulfillment.

1. Stewardship of Time: The Most Precious Resource

Time is one of the most valuable, yet finite, resources we have. In a world where distractions are at an all-time high, stewarding your time effectively is key to personal freedom and productivity.

James Clear , author of Atomic Habits, argues that small, intentional changes compound over time to yield significant results. According to Clear, it’s not about making drastic shifts but focusing on consistency in managing your time and habits. Shelyna echoes this sentiment in her teachings, emphasizing that time stewardship is about making purposeful choices with your daily actions.

Actionable Advice:

• Time audit: Take a week to audit how you spend your time. Are your activities aligned with your goals?
• Prioritize high-value tasks: Focus on tasks that drive the most impact toward your vision.
• Create time blocks: Structure your day with designated time for deep work, reflection, and relationships.

2. Stewardship of Relationships: Building a Supportive Network

Relationships are often the most overlooked area of stewardship, but they are key to both personal and professional growth. Shelyna teaches that intentional relationships—whether they are friendships, partnerships, or mentorships—are critical to success.

Building authentic relationships requires vulnerability and communication. Brené Brown , in her work on vulnerability, emphasizes the importance of building trust and connection by embracing imperfection. Stewarding your relationships means being present, showing empathy, and actively investing in the growth of others.

Actionable Advice:

• Strengthen your inner circle: Identify 3-5 people in your life who align with your values and ambitions. Nurture these relationships.
• Seek mentorship: Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow and hold you accountable to your goals.
• Practice vulnerability: Share your journey with others and be open to their insights and support.

3. Stewardship of Personal Growth: The Continuous Journey of Learning

Stewardship is an ongoing process of personal growth. Shelyna’s teachings emphasize the importance of committing to lifelong learning and development. Whether you’re learning a new skill, enhancing your leadership abilities, or working on emotional intelligence, personal growth is the foundation for stewardship.

John C. Maxwell a leadership expert, often talks about the "law of the lid"—the idea that your potential is only as high as your personal growth. In other words, your ability to lead others, manage resources, and succeed in life is capped by your level of personal development.

Actionable Advice:

• Invest in learning: Dedicate time each week to read, attend workshops, or listen to podcasts related to your personal or professional goals.
• Embrace failure: Stewardship means learning from mistakes and using them as stepping stones for growth.
• Set growth goals: Whether it's improving communication, learning a new skill, or enhancing leadership abilities, create clear goals for your personal development.

The Role of Faith in Stewardship

For Shelyna, stewardship isn’t just a practical concept; it’s also a spiritual principle. Her teachings draw on biblical principles to guide individuals in their journey toward freedom. One key verse that often inspires her work is Luke 16:10, which says, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." This verse underscores the importance of being a faithful steward, no matter how large or small the resources at hand.

Stewardship, when viewed through a lens of faith, is about trusting that the more we take care of what we’ve been given, the more we will grow and flourish.

Actionable Advice:

• Incorporate prayer, meditation, or journaling into your daily routine to reflect on how you’re stewarding your resources.
• Use faith as a guiding compass for making decisions that align with your values and goals.

Case Study: From Courtroom to Coaching

Shelyna’s journey from a Superior Court judge to a life coach and mentor is a powerful example of stewardship in action. During her time on the bench, she saw countless individuals passively accept their circumstances, believing they had no control over their lives. This inspired her to create the Preside? Method, which equips people to take ownership of their life decisions and outcomes.

One of Shelyna’s clients, a high-level executive struggling with work-life balance, applied the principles of stewardship to reclaim control over her time and energy. Through intentional time management and relational stewardship, this executive not only increased productivity but also found more fulfillment in her personal life.

Practical Steps for Becoming a Steward

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or someone seeking a fresh start, you can apply the principles of stewardship to transform your life. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you move from spectator to steward:

1. Audit your current life: Reflect on whether you are truly presiding over your life or simply watching it unfold. Where are you abdicating responsibility, and where can you take more ownership?
2. Set clear intentions: Define your highest values and long-term vision. What kind of life do you want to create? How do your daily choices support or detract from that vision?
3. Steward your time: Create a time-blocking system that prioritizes high-impact tasks and eliminates distractions. The goal is to manage your time with intention, so it aligns with your goals.
4. Build supportive relationships: Identify the people who can help you grow and hold you accountable. Be intentional in nurturing these relationships with empathy and vulnerability.
5. Invest in personal growth: Commit to lifelong learning. Set specific growth goals and regularly evaluate your progress.
6. Align with your faith: Whether through spiritual practices, mindfulness, or daily reflection, connect with your values on a deeper level and allow them to guide your decisions.

Final Thoughts: Preside Over Your Life

Stewardship is not just a method; it’s a mindset and a lifestyle. By embracing the principles of stewardship, you can move from spectator to steward, taking active control of your life and creating a future filled with purpose, freedom, and joy.

As Shelyna Brown says, "You were never meant to be a bystander in your own life. You were created to preside, to lead, and to live fully."

Take the first step today. Become the steward of your life.

Explore the Preside? Method

Learn more about Shelyna Brown’s transformative program and how you can apply it to your life here.