“The more you know yourself, the more clarity you’ll have about where you’re going
and how to get there.”
– Robin Sharma
As leaders, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of daily operations. We react to the fires that constantly pop up, and sometimes, we forget the quiet but consistent power of growth. The subtle, 1% daily improvements we make in ourselves may go unnoticed at first. But over time, these changes become apparent to everyone around us – and they can be met with resistance. “You’ve changed,” people might say, and it’s in those moments we need to recognize that change isn’t just inevitable; it’s necessary.
I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. In the earlier years of Atlas, I spent so much time in “firefighter” mode – constantly reacting to the day’s challenges, that I didn’t notice how my leadership was slipping. I wasn’t prioritizing personal development or setting clear boundaries. I convinced myself that I was too busy to focus on improving my leadership skills. But when I started to see the effects of my inaction, I knew something needed to change. It wasn’t about big, dramatic shifts – it was the consistent, small improvements I was neglecting.
Growth isn’t always flashy. It doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes, it’s about being consistent in the little things, even when no one is watching. And even if the people around you aren’t immediately on the same page, it’s still worth it. If you’re growing and evolving, people may notice the change and not know how to react to it. That’s because growth isn’t always comfortable for everyone.
“If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” – Tony Robbins
One morning, my wife and I were heading to the gym early in the morning. We stopped for fuel, and as I walked back to my truck, I noticed a guy fueling up his unmarked mowing truck next to us. He was clearly the owner/operator of the business, and I could tell by his demeanor and the way he was talking to his employee that he was in charge. He was preparing to head out for the day to cut grass, just like I did years ago. But what caught my attention was what he was carrying out of the gas station – two breakfast burritos and an energy drink. These are the same habits I see in many that don’t plan for their days – quick, expensive, unhealthy fixes to get through the day!
I said to my wife, “Remember when it was just me and a couple of guys, and we’d head out for the day just like that?” She smiled and reminded me of the simplicity of those days, but also pointed out something important: “We wouldn’t be able to go to the gym right now, or focus on our health, if we were still stuck in that routine.” That hit home!
Now, let me clarify: this blog isn’t just about fitness or food – it’s about the mindset we carry as leaders. Leadership is about constantly growing, learning, and improving. If you’re not holding yourself accountable, how can you expect more from others? When we aren’t growing, when we’re not evolving, we’re sending the message to our team that stagnation is acceptable. We have to lead by example and constantly raise the bar for ourselves. If you want others to step up and level up, you have to be the first one to do it.
Look at any organization that is thriving, any business that is growing at a healthy pace, and you’ll find the same core principle: a leader who is growth-oriented, surrounded by a team with the same mindset. The momentum of growth is contagious. When the leader is committed to constant development, the team follows suit. But anyone on the team who isn’t embracing growth will eventually get overtaken by those who are. Stagnation doesn’t stay in place for long – it pulls everyone down with it.
The danger of slipping into complacency is that it doesn’t just affect us personally. It affects everything around us. When we’re not growing, we can unintentionally create an environment where everyone else is stuck in neutral as well. Growth as a leader isn’t just about professional success; it’s about evolving in all areas of your life. And that evolution will inevitably push your team to grow with you.
But here’s where it gets tough.
As leaders, we often face a challenge when people start saying, “We miss the old you.” It’s natural to feel a bit of guilt. We care about our people, and it can hurt to hear that they miss the way we were before we started changing, growing, and pushing for something better. In those moments, we might be tempted to slide back into our old ways, to “people-please,” and retreat to a version of ourselves that others find comfortable.
But that’s the trap. When we start to prioritize keeping everyone happy over our own growth, we not only hold ourselves back but we also prevent our team from moving forward. Leadership isn’t about making everyone feel comfortable. It’s about helping people grow, even when it’s uncomfortable. Real leaders create environments where change is expected, and where everyone is empowered to grow alongside them.
“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” – John C. Maxwell
So, here’s the tough question: Are you willing to stay on the path of growth, even when it means leaving behind the comfort of who you used to be? Are you willing to face the resistance, even when it comes from your own team?
Growth isn’t easy. It requires discipline, commitment, and the courage to evolve – regardless of the noise around you.
In the end, we miss the “old you” not because of who you were, but because of who you’re becoming. Change is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for you, your leadership, and your team. The question is this: Are you willing to keep growing, even when it means making people uncomfortable, including yourself?