Have you ever heard the phrase “Good enough is the enemy of great”? Or maybe, “Never settle for good enough”? Sometimes, “good enough” is just another way of staying in your comfort zone, which is really just a stagnation zone in disguise. Now, let’s be honest: There are moments when “good enough” truly is enough. Not everything in life needs to be mind-blowingly awesome or extraordinary. These catchphrases are meant to encourage us to focus on what matters most—and to strive for greatness where it truly counts. Comfort often looks like success or stability, but it can hide a lack of growth, fulfillment, and risk. We tend to stick with what’s familiar because it makes us feel comfortable and secure. But that sense of “safety” can quietly become a trap—especially if it keeps us from changing. This is what author Steven Pressfield calls the "Shadow Life" in his book Turning Pro. He describes it as the almost life: - The backup plan instead of the bold path. - The one who plans forever instead of the one who starts. - The “maybe someday” dream instead of today’s commitment. - The half-written book instead of the finished manuscript. “Living in the shadow protects you from failure—but also from success.” It’s a decoy life that feels full but leaves you unfulfilled, often paired with denial, distraction, or busyness. Here are two questions you can ask yourself to take that first step out of the shadow: - Where am I choosing safety instead of purpose? - Where do I feel "good enough" but still feel stuck? Start small if you need to. Just start. You’ve got this—and your future self will thank you for it.

Fake it until you make it! Only works for so long; eventually, you have to be yourself. That’s why some of the most legendary leaders, like Nick Saban at Alabama, are known for their authenticity. He didn’t try to be someone else—he led in a way that aligned with who he was. And that’s what made him one of the greatest coaches of all time. In sports, we often see young athletes emulate their heroes. It’s natural. But as the pressure builds—to stand out, to impress, to perform—something becomes clear: You can’t fake personality. And trying too hard to be someone you’re not? That usually backfires. What really stands out—on the field, in the gym, in leadership, and in life—is someone who knows who they are and leads from that place. Because when you're aligned with your values and strengths: - You build confidence. - You inspire others. - You earn trust. Authentic leadership isn't about being flashy—it's about being real. So this week, challenge yourself to embrace who you really are: - Celebrate small wins that reflect your unique journey. - Stop the comparison game. - Lean into what makes you, you. Because authenticity fuels motivation that lasts. And remember, Leadership starts with knowing who you are—and being unapologetically yourself. Let’s lead with heart, not hype.

One great way to keep moving forward is to embrace the hard truths and be open to the feedback that can help you grow. We all have those little blind spots and habits we might need to adjust, and that’s totally normal! Remember, growth happens when you face things head-on rather than hiding from them. Growth happens when you’re open and honest with yourself, your team, your partner, and the people in your life who truly care about you and want to see you thrive. Think about your fitness: - Are you giving it your all in your workouts? - Are you following your plan, or do you find yourself making a few excuses? - It’s not about shame or guilt — it’s about taking responsibility so you can improve. Think about someone you look up to or admire: - They likely don’t pretend everything is okay when it’s not. - They probably speak up about what needs to change, even if it feels a bit awkward. - They likely appreciate the feedback, take responsibility for their mistakes, and keep an open mind about making changes. Think about life in general: - To grow in your habits, mindset, or relationships, look at things honestly. Focus on how they really are, not how you wish they were. - Once you let go of denial and embrace the truth, that's when real work and progress can begin to happen. Honesty is the foundation for improvement, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you want better results in any area of life, start by asking the tough questions. Be honest with yourself, open with your team, family, friends, and others, and be willing to face the facts. Most importantly, take action. If you can make a change to make things better, make it. That’s how growth happens, and that’s how real progress begins—one honest step at a time.

What’s one area where you know you could win, if you stopped trying to do it all?

A smart, focused effort beats an unfocused hustle. There’s a time and a place to multitask, but if all you do is multitask, you might be spreading yourself too thin trying to do everything at once. And, if everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority. So, what to do? Identify the areas where you have the greatest potential to succeed and prioritize them accordingly. In other words, pick where you can win. The conditions may not always be ideal, but by recognizing your unique strengths and opportunities where you can gain an advantage, you can maximize your time, attention, and focused work toward your goals. You don’t have to do everything; just focus on the things that actually make a difference. Here are a few simple places to start: - Do more of what you're good at - whether it's connecting with people, staying organized, or bringing energy, lean into what comes naturally. - If it’s working, keep it going – do you have something that’s already giving you results? Do more of that instead of starting from scratch. - Control what you can - you can’t control everything, but you can control how you show up — your attitude, effort, and focus. - Say “no” to the noise - not everything deserves your time - avoid distractions, busywork, and chasing stuff that doesn’t actually help you move forward. Choose your spots. Then go all in!