Redefine Your Limits: A 5-Step Plan for Turning Excuses Into Strengths
And Achieve Greater Success
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Hi! I'm Andrea J. Miller and this is my “On Leading Well” Newsletter. I send this to people in my networks, people I’ve met recently, and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can unsubscribe (AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL) anytime, I won’t be offended.
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Today, we’ll talk about:
Super excited to share that I was recently featured on Label Sessions Presents podcast. We discussed strategies for fostering thriving, multicultural environments, future-proofing your business, creating innovative cultures, and more. You can access the episode HERE.
Also this week:
The Lighter Side of Excuses
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Redefine Your Limits: A 5-Step Plan for Turning Excuses Into Strengths
(Thanks to the SuperHuman AI for the inspiration to create this picture :)
In this complicated global workplace, resilience isn’t just beneficial but necessary.
At some point, we all find ourselves making excuses—whether to skip a difficult decision or delay necessary action.
It's human nature.
But what if these excuses could be reframed as powerful catalysts for resilience, change, and growth?
(thanks to the folks at SuperHuman AI for the idea for this visual - so fun to create!)
The Power of Mindset in Leadership
As someone who has navigated significant personal challenges over the years, including three surgeries and chronic pain, I've learned firsthand that excuses don't have to dictate our actions (or I’d never leave the house again :).
Instead, they can be catalysts, pushing us to maintain agility and excel beyond what we perceive as our limitations.
Mindset is more than just a buzzword in the global workplace—it's what drives success.
The belief that you can grow and adapt is essential when facing global challenges.
The research agrees.
Leaders who see their abilities as expandable are not only more resilient but also more effective problem-solvers.
Cultivating Resilient Habits
To support this mindset shift establishing resilient habits is key.
For example, my routine involves a morning workout—unless it's pouring rain or a rest day I go.
This habit doesn't just keep me physically fit; it reinforces my commitment to continuous growth and wellbeing and has become an automatic part of my daily life.
Thanks to neuroplasticity, our mindsets aren't fixed.
We can adopt a growth mindset and develop habits that support this perspective, helping us achieve goals that might once have seemed unreachable.
Reframing Excuses: A Practical Guide for Leaders
In the realm of global leadership, common excuses can be reframed to foster resilience:
"I don't have enough time"- becomes an opportunity to prioritize effectively, focusing on what truly matters.
"I'm too tired" - reminds us to prioritize self-care, ensuring we have the energy to lead effectively.
"I'm not good enough" - shifts focus towards progress and learning, celebrating every small victory on the path to greater achievements.
Living Without Excuses
Adopting a life without excuses means setting clear, actionable goals and backing them up with concrete plans.
It's about leveraging setbacks as opportunities for growth and advancement.
While your motivation might change, this means it won’t matter since the drive to excel comes from the challenges you’re facing.
Steps to Foster Resilience in Leadership
1. Identify your excuses—acknowledge what holds you back.
2. Reframe these excuses—turn each into a compelling reason to act.
3. Set achievable goals—define clear targets that align with your leadership role.
4. Create an action plan—strategize on reaching these goals efficiently.
5. Practice self-compassion—be kind to yourself, understanding that growth is a process.
Remember, resilience is about how quickly you can get back up.
And yes, even Batman has those days where Gotham seems too daunting, and the cape feels heavier.
Starting small and maintaining consistency can significantly transform both your personal and professional outcomes.
So, are you ready to redefine yourself through resilience?
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A Couple of Interesting Reads:
A Mood Board for building a business:
We often create mood or vision boards for what we want in life, but what about how we want to show up in our work?
Overcoming Fear of AI to Lead More Effectively - HBR
While some people love AI, not everyone on your team feels the same way.
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The Lighter Side of Excuses
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That’s it for this week. Thank you for being a subscriber!
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Andrea J. Miller
andrea@leadwellcompany.com