One of the most surprising things I’ve learned working with senior leaders is this: Even the most accomplished executives often don’t optimize their careers…or their expertise.
Instead of aligning with what they truly want or are passionate about, they start making quiet concessions. They tell themselves:
- “Sure, the pay cut stings, but at least this is stable.”
- “There’s no real path forward, but it’s not that bad.”
- “I’ve had worse bosses.”
- “Everyone’s compromising…why should I expect more?”
- “Maybe this really is as good as it gets.”
In all areas we craft internal scripts to make sense of where we are. Over time, they start to feel like truth. They become our truth. And here’s the danger: when we repeat these narratives long enough, we stop questioning them and start building our identity around them.
That’s when we get stuck. Not because we lack capability, but because we’ve accepted limitations.
I’ve learned the reality is most people seek to define meaning in all areas of life. Work should be no different! But too often, we trade potential for comfort. We downplay what’s possible to make sense of what’s present.
Now the good news: it only takes one decision, one action, a single step to shift the entire story.
Yes, it’s easier to accept what’s in front of you. It’s tempting to wait and hope something better lands in your lap—hope is not a strategy!—and yes, you’ve probably convinced yourself you’ll be ready when it does. But real readiness—the kind that changes everything—starts quietly, long before opportunity knocks. It begins when you convince yourself to take that next step.
Never lose sight of the fact that your future isn’t limited by your past, or even your current role. You’re not defined by what you’ve done…you’re defined by what you choose to do next. You’ve come this far for a reason. Don’t let the same old monologue hold you back from what’s still possible.
You’re not done building. Not even close!
