How to Overcome Roadblocks to Unlock Personal Growth

What if your greatest career success... is also your biggest obstacle to growth? Experience is a powerful foundation but it can also be a trap. The skills and frameworks that propelled your success are deeply ingrained. So much so that, when you step into building your own path, ego may tempt you to rely on the familiar... instead of exploring the new. But genuine reinvention means releasing that need for certainty and control. It means quieting the ego so you can fully engage in creating what’s next. Here’s why that’s important: Ego, if left unchecked, doesn’t just limit growth... it blocks your ability to see new opportunities. In a recent conversation with clients, we recognized a few places where ego was getting in the way... and actionable ways to leave it behind as you enter your next chapter: 1) Identify Where Ego Limits Your Curiosity Ask yourself: Do I dismiss new approaches favoring “tried and true” methods? If you’re saying “I already know this” before you’ve taken time to explore... ego may be at play. Begin asking “What don’t I know?” or “How might I look at this differently?” and see where that openness leads you. 2) Shift from “Proving” to “Exploring” Often, we want to showcase our knowledge to maintain a sense of certainty. Instead, try approaching this phase as an exploration, not a test. Embrace the freedom to • try • adapt • learn without the pressure of immediate results. This shift from proving to exploring can release ego’s grip and free up creative energy. 3) Embrace the Beginner Mindset Stepping into uncharted territory? Rather than bringing in your “big career” identity, approach it like a beginner... with curiosity and humility. • ask questions • seek help • don’t assume you know the answers This mindset invites fresh perspectives and unlocks new avenues of learning and growth. 4) Look for Small Wins Beyond Recognition Ego often pushes us toward highly visible successes. But real transformation doesn’t need a spotlight. Seek out the smaller, everyday wins in this new chapter. • a new insight • a constructive conversation • a completed task that moves you forward Recognizing these incremental steps keeps the focus on growth, not external validation. 5) Pause to Reflect Regularly Schedule time each week to reflect. Ask yourself: “Where did I let my assumptions lead today?” “Where did I approach with openness?” This self-awareness keeps ego in check and reinforces a more flexible, growth-oriented mindset. Transformation is inherently uncomfortable, especially for accomplished leaders who are used to “having it all together.” But stepping beyond ego is essential for true innovation. In the CreateNext approach, we see it as a critical first step: letting go of the old to build what’s new. Question... In what ways might holding on to ‘proven’ methods be limiting your ability to embrace your new path fully?

Growth doesn't happen when you're comfortable. For me, when I'm comfortable, I keep doing the same things over and over again. I revel in how well I'm doing at times. Then it hits me, I've plateaued. I assess where I am at, plan to shift, and find something challenging. Leadership is the same. Be humble, admit what you don't know, and get uncomfortable so you can grow. Here are three common obstacles to growth and how to overcome them. 1. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome: Obstacle: Many aspiring leaders struggle with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, fearing that they don't have what it takes to lead effectively. Overcoming Strategy: Engage in self-reflection and recognize your accomplishments and strengths. Seek feedback from mentors or peers to gain perspective and build confidence. Set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements along the way. 2. Fear of Failure and Risk Aversion: Obstacle: Fear of failure can hinder leadership growth by preventing individuals from taking risks and stepping outside their comfort zones. Overcoming Strategy: Embrace a #growthmindset and view failure as an opportunity for learning and growth. Take calculated risks and learn from both successes and setbacks. Surround yourself with supportive colleagues who encourage experimentation and innovation. 3. Resistance to Change and Adaptation: Obstacle: Leaders may struggle to adapt to changing environments, technologies, or organizational cultures, leading to stagnation and limited growth. Overcoming Strategy: Develop a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation. Stay informed about industry trends and best practices. Foster a culture of innovation and openness to change within your team or organization. Seek out opportunities to collaborate with diverse perspectives and embrace new ways of thinking. By recognizing and addressing these obstacles proactively, you can cultivate the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to navigate your leadership journey effectively and achieve sustained growth. #leaderdevelopment #continuouslearning #leadershiptips #getuncomfortable

Your limiting beliefs are holding you back from breaking into the top 1%. I was a pretty confident kid, yet embracing that confidence as an adult continues to be a challenge. To make it to the recruitment industry, I had to work hard every single day to get out of my own way. This included taking risks, getting on uncomfortable calls, and facing my fears all the way. When it came to starting my own company at 26, I knew that one of the biggest barriers to making it a success was the lies that I used to tell myself. After a decade as CEO of LS International, here are the 8 limiting beliefs I had to overcome: 1. Focus on one task instead of juggling 10. Multitasking sounds productive, but true progress comes from focused attention on one task at a time. 2. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you have to. Success isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing what truly aligns with your goals. 3. Done is better than perfect. Perfectionism slows progress. Getting things done, even imperfectly, keeps momentum alive. 4. Drop by drop makes an ocean. Small steps add up. Every little effort you make contributes to your bigger goals. 5. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, find out how you can. Obstacles are part of the journey. Focus on solutions instead of roadblocks. 6. Busy doesn’t mean being productive. 7. Prioritizing what matters most makes the biggest difference. Every learning curve is hard at first, but it gets easier. Starting anything new can be challenging, but persistence makes it easier over time. 8. The key to doing hard things is small actions every day toward big goals. Breaking down big goals into daily actions keeps them manageable and achievable. Now, I’m not perfect, and I often struggle to overcome these beliefs. But every day, I try my best to stay on track and keep pushing through. If you’ve ever felt held back by these or other limiting beliefs, know that you’re not alone. What limiting belief are you working to overcome? #GrowthMindset #Leadership #Motivation #Success #Entrepreneurship

Alright, let's be real – sometimes it's easier to point fingers than look in the mirror. But here's the truth bomb: the biggest roadblocks to your success are probably coming from within. I've been there. We all have. It's those sneaky little voices of ego, pride, fear, neglect, inconsistency, and negativity that hold us back. But guess what? We don't have to let them win. Here's what I'm focusing on instead: ◾️Taming my ego: I'm learning to admit when I'm wrong, embrace humility, and actively seek out the wisdom of others. It's not about being perfect; it's about growing. ◾️Letting go of pride: Owning my mistakes and apologizing is tough, but it's incredibly freeing. True strength lies in vulnerability, not in pretending we have it all figured out. ◾️Facing my fears: I'm taking baby steps towards the things that scare me. It's not about being fearless but about taking action despite the fear. ◾️Prioritizing self-care: I'm making time for the things that nourish my mind and body because you can't give your best when you're running on empty. ◾️Embracing consistency: I'm building routines and habits that support my goals. It's the small, consistent actions that lead to lasting change. ◾️Challenging negative thoughts: I'm practicing positive self-talk and surrounding myself with supportive people. My mindset is everything. It's not always easy, but tackling these inner barriers is a game-changer. When we work on ourselves, we open up a world of possibilities. What are you doing to overcome your own internal roadblocks? Share your experiences in the comments – let's learn and grow together.

Overcoming obstacles doesn’t actually have to be hard 👀 Here are the 7 simple shifts that changed everything for me. I’m always honest with y’all, so trust me when I say that in my 20+ years in the “working world” I’ve had more failures than I can count… 😅 Through it all I’ve learned one thing: Success is just failure with better strategy. So next time you run into what appears to be a roadblock, implement these shifts: 1. Reframe the Challenge • A “problem” is just an unsolved puzzle. Instead of fixating on the end goal, focus on the next step and own it. 2. Break It Down • Overwhelmed? Zoom in. Big tasks get easier when you tackle them in small, manageable steps. 3. Leverage Past Wins • Think of a time you nailed something challenging. That’s proof you can overcome and ace this too. 4. Replace Frustration with Curiosity • Feeling stuck? Ask better questions instead of shutting down. Curiosity fuels problem-solving. 5. Change Your Inner Dialogue • Saying “this is too hard” tells your brain to give up. Saying “this is something new” sparks learning and action. 6. Celebrate Every Step • Even small progress deserves recognition. 👏🏾 Momentum builds when you acknowledge the wins. 7. Train for Quick Problem-Solving • Set a 10-minute timer. Pick a small challenge. Brainstorm solutions fast. (Speed breeds confidence) Fear shrinks when you take action. So today— No overthinking. No waiting. Just begin. Have you tried any of these? Or maybe something else has worked for you? Let me know in the comments so we can share with others!