The Beliefs Holding You Back from Your Next Level of Success

The Beliefs Holding You Back from Your Next Level of Success

We all experience life in different ways, shaped by our beliefs, experiences, and the stories that are often running on repeat in our heads daily. But what if the very beliefs that have driven your success are now the ones holding you back?

 

We are not machines, programmed to operate in only one way. What works for you might not work for me—and that’s not just okay, it’s the beauty of being human. Growth, leadership, and success are not about rigidly clinging to what we think we know. They are about curiosity, adaptability, and creating the margin to ask perspective-shifting questions.

 

Because here’s the truth: The number one thing keeping you from your next level of success is your current level of success.

What Do You Know to Be True? Now, Explore the Opposite.

Most of us rarely question our core beliefs. We hold onto them because they feel familiar, comfortable—even when they no longer serve us. But if we truly want to grow, we must be willing to challenge them.

 

Try this exercise:
  1. Write down a belief you hold as an absolute truth in your career, leadership, or life.  Simply ask: “What do I know to be true?”
  2. Now, consider the opposite of that belief. What if that were true instead?
For example, if you believe “Success requires constant hard work and struggle,” ask yourself:

What if success could come with flow and ease? What if effort and impact didn’t have to mean exhaustion?

Or if you believe “I need to have all the answers to be a great leader,” ask yourself:
What if the best leaders don’t have all the answers—but instead, ask the best questions?

This practice isn’t about proving yourself wrong. It’s about expanding your perspective, opening new doors, and stepping into a version of success that is aligned with who you are becoming, not just who you have been.

 

Success: Yours to Define and Redefine

We often measure success by external markers—titles, revenue, influence. But true success is deeply personal. It should look different for each of us, evolving as we do.

 

The real shift happens when we remove the attachment we place on outcomes. When we no longer tie our self-worth to whether we perfectly execute a plan or reach a predefined milestone, but rather the progress we are making each day.

 

Because when success is no longer about proving yourself, it becomes about expressing yourself. And that changes everything.

 

Personal Testimony: When I Let Go, I Found More

I have always been a driven, focused, independent woman. I love challenges, and deep in my core, I believe I can do anything. But like many powerful beliefs, this one is a double-edged sword—yes, I can do anything (and so can you), but not all at the same time.

 

Early in my career, I tried. I was determined to excel in my corporate leadership role in finance, be an incredible mother, wife, sister, and friend, volunteer in my community, and continue studying and learning in every spare moment. My life was a nonstop cycle of achievement, where success was measured by accolades, awards, perfect execution, and external validation. The bigger the bonus, the higher the grade, the more recognition—I tracked it all, and my self-worth rose and fell with the results.

 

If I wasn’t excelling at everything, I wasn’t enough.

 

It took years before I started to realize that while I could do anything, I didn’t have to do everything. And more importantly, my value wasn’t tied to how much I achieved or how perfectly I performed.

 

I began to shift my focus—prioritizing what mattered most in different seasons of life and setting goals accordingly. At first, I was still striving, still seeking a sense of perfection, but the intensity started to ease. Then one day, I asked myself the very question I’m posing to you now: ⤵️

 

“What do I know to be true?”

That simple question cracked open everything I thought I knew about success, self-worth, and fulfillment. I started challenging my beliefs—about how I measured success, about my health, my relationships, my strengths, and even my spirituality.

 

And in doing so, I redefined what success meant to me.

 

It was no longer about external markers of achievement. Instead, I created a new measurement: Did I wake up with energy and enthusiasm? Because if I did, it meant that the day before, I had shown up as my highest and best self. And if I could do that, I could do it again today.

 

From that point on, something shifted. Success no longer felt like a relentless chase. Day after day, flow and ease began to rise—even in the face of challenges.

 

Because the truth is, the freedom you’re seeking isn’t found in achieving more. It’s found in redefining what enough looks like for you.

 

So I ask you:
What do you know to be true?
And what if the opposite is also true?

 

Here’s to choosing self-discovery over stagnation. To being endlessly curious—not just about the world, but about yourself. To embracing who you are, rather than the version of you that’s been shaped by external expectations.

 

Your Challenge: Take One Step Today
  • Identify one belief that may be limiting you, by asking yourself: “What do I know to be true?”
  • Explore what the opposite of that belief could mean for your life and work.
  • Take one small action today that reflects this new perspective.

Growth isn’t about discarding who you are, it’s about expanding who you are willing to become.

 

Are you willing to challenge what you know and step into something greater?  Comment below and share your thoughts!
How to Become a Decisive Leader

How to Become a Decisive Leader

In today’s fast-paced world, decisiveness is key to dynamic leadership. The DECIDE framework helps you make timely, impactful decisions that move your team and business forward. 
 
D – Discern
Trust your intuition and experience to cut through the noise. Discernment lets you focus on what matters most.
Tip: Reflect on past wins and lessons to strengthen your decision-making instincts. 

E – Educate
Identify knowledge gaps and seek insights from trusted experts or mentors. Use data wisely—don’t get stuck overanalyzing.
Tip: Know where your expertise ends and consult trusted advisors to avoid uneducated decisions.
 
C – Create Impact
Think beyond quick wins—consider how your decisions shape the future and align with your bigger vision.
Tip: Ask, “Will this align with our strategic goals and visions?”
 
I – Intentional Action
Make decisions deliberately—no knee-jerk reactions. Move forward with purpose and timing.
Tip: Pre-decide on routine matters to save time and energy for bigger decisions.
 
D – Deliberate Engagement
Stay involved after the decision but avoid micromanaging. Create clarity, remove roadblocks, and support your team.
Tip: Lead with your compelling vision, check in regularly, and empower others to act.
 
E – Empower Others
Shift from doing to leading. Share ownership, provide clear expectations, and build trust.
Tip: Focus on outcomes, not details. Great leaders inspire progress, not perfection.
Why Decisiveness Matters
Indecision stalls progress and frustrates teams. It’s better to make a decision and adjust than to stay stuck waiting for the “perfect” choice.
    Three Quick Questions for Better Decision-Making
    1. What problem are we solving?
    2. What options do we have?
    3. What happens if we don’t decide?
    Call to Action
    Ready to amplify your leadership in 2025 with decisive action? Let’s explore how executive coaching, leadership training, or workshops can help you lead with confidence and clarity. Connect with the Amplified Life Team HERE.
      Are you operating on empty without realizing it?

      Are you operating on empty without realizing it?

      Are you operating on empty without realizing it? 

      As leaders, we push through overstimulation, often unaware of its toll. But knowing when to pause and recharge isn’t indulgent—it’s essential to show up as our best selves.  

      Solitude is a leadership superpower. 

      Without it, our nervous system remains stuck in overdrive, locking us in fight-or-flight mode. That’s when burnout, irritability, and exhaustion take hold.

      Does this sound familiar? It might be time to reclaim your energy if: 

      1. Irritability creeps in: The smallest requests feel unbearable. This is your mind’s way of signaling overload.
      2. Physical tension builds: Headaches, muscle tightness, and fatigue aren’t just physical—they’re symptoms of overstimulation.
      3. You’re avoiding people: Ignoring calls and avoiding interaction are signs you need quiet, not guilt.
      4. Rest feels impossible: Constant working, scrolling, or doing keeps you stuck in survival mode.
      5. Unexplained anger flares up: Unchecked frustration often stems from unmet needs. Solitude creates space to process and reset.

       

      The power of 20 minutes of intentional solitude 

      Even short, deliberate pauses each day restore focus, energy, and emotional balance. Here’s how to create an environment that works: 

      1. Set boundaries: Block 20 minutes on your calendar as non-negotiable. Treat it like your most important meeting.
      2. Eliminate distractions: Turn off notifications, put devices away, and step into a quiet space.
      3. Engage in stillness: Try mindfulness, deep breathing, or simply sitting with your thoughts.
      4. Reflect and observe: What thoughts, patterns, or ideas surface when you stop doing? Take note—this is where clarity begins.

       

      From pauses to breakthroughs 

      Think 20 minutes of quiet isn’t enough? 

      Many top-performing CEOs go even further. Consider Bill Gates’ famous Think Weeks, where he dedicates uninterrupted time to reflection and strategy.

      The result

      Visionary insights and innovative breakthroughs.

      According to McKinsey, leaders who prioritize reflective thinking experience 25% more creativity and adaptability, while studies show intentional rest boosts productivity and emotional intelligence—critical traits for executive success.

      The shift from good to great starts here. Make solitude a habit. Your energy, clarity, and team will thank you with an increase in creativity and innovation from everyone! 

       

      3 Powerful High-Performance Principles I Reflected on After Savasana

      3 Powerful High-Performance Principles I Reflected on After Savasana

      Lately, I’ve returned to weekly yoga practice. Yoga, for me, isn’t just exercise—it’s a privilege to be fully present with my body, mind, and spirit. In that space, there’s nothing to fix, nowhere to go, and nothing to cross off my to-do list. It’s a moment to drop into stillness and simply be.

      Today, as I came out of Savasana, I reflected on three powerful principles of high-performance from my practice: 

      1. The space between tension and ease.
      2. If you come out, you can always step right back in.
      3. We can be in both struggle and strength at the same time.

      The Space Between Tension and Ease 

      In my first downward dog, I felt both tension and ease as I gently pressed my heels toward the mat. This simple movement reminded me of moments when I leaned into challenges, explored my personal and professional edges, and was fully committed. Every time, I was transformed—my perspective shifted, and my leadership grew.

      As humans, we default to what’s comfortable, especially when we’ve achieved a certain level of success. But comfort can be a trap. We’ve seen time and time again that current success is often the biggest barrier to the next breakthrough.

       

      A study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that executives who participated in resilience training experienced a 35% boost in stress management and a 20% increase in productivity by intentionally pushing their limits. 

      Are you pressing into your edge? Maybe 2025 is your year to step beyond comfort.

       
       
      If You Come Out, You Can Always Step Right Back In 


      Tree pose has always been a challenge—balancing with one foot pressed against the opposite leg often throws me off. Today, I tried a different approach. Instead of aiming for my inner thigh, I placed my foot on my calf and focused on alignment.

      I stretched my arms high, leaned back, and pushed to my edge. I wobbled, lost my balance, and came out of the pose. But I wasn’t done. I re-engaged my core, pressed my foot to my leg, and stepped right back in—this time going deeper.

       

      We all stumble away from our best strategies or personal well-being. The key isn’t perfection; it’s the idea of learning from perceived failures, and then the ability to re-engage in the face of challenge. 

      A Forbes report found that resilient leaders are 1.5 times more likely to inspire productivity and engagement than those who dwell on failure.

      The next time you feel off-balance, remember: Stepping out isn’t a failure. It’s an invitation to step back in with renewed strength.

      We Can Be in Both Struggle and Strength Simultaneously 

      In my fifth round of chair pose, I sank deeper, pushed my hips back, and felt my legs burn. But even as the tension grew, my foundation felt stronger.

      This duality mirrors high-performance leadership. Many believe ease follows struggle, but peak performers know strength often coexists with a challenge. Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s concept of antifragility explains that systems—and people—grow stronger under pressure when they remain flexible.

       

      A 2023 McKinsey report shows that leaders who embrace discomfort and ambiguity achieve 25% greater innovation and adaptability.

      What’s your current chair pose moment? Where is your struggle making you stronger? Growth lives between effort and empowerment.


      Here’s to pushing our edges—and remembering that whenever we fall out, we can always step back in. 

      Get daily text messages to inspire, encourage, and challenge your leadership
      free from The Amplified Life Company by texting the word
      “inspire” to 503-386-2981

      Lead Consciously in 2025: A Year-End Reflection to Elevate Your Leadership

      Lead Consciously in 2025: A Year-End Reflection to Elevate Your Leadership

      What a beautiful, magical time of year this is, my friends. We’ve been captivated by the intricate details in the decorations, the energy of the seaso’s spirit, the kindness of strangers, and the simplicity of a joyful smile that can light up a room.

      We’re also profoundly grateful to you—for being part of our community. Whether you engage with us weekly on LinkedIn, read our messages straight from your inbox, or catch snippets shared on social media, thank you for allowing us to share our mission:

      “Be the one to show the world how truly great life can be.”

      Together in 2024, we didn’t just create ripples—we made waves. The work we do at The Amplified Life Company wouldn’t be possible without the relationships we’ve built and nourished this year. These connections form the foundation of our shared success, and we’re honored to journey alongside you.

      As the year draws to a close, we’ve completed our annual business planning and forecasting for 2025. Now, December is our time to reflect—individually and as a team. This process allows us to celebrate milestones, acknowledge lessons learned, and appreciate the unique gifts and talents that have driven our impact.

      One practice we’ve found invaluable is using the Personal Annual Review, inspired by Salih Bloom. These 11 questions have guided us for years, fostering both personal reflection and meaningful team connection.

      We’d love to share our process with you, hoping it inspires you to embrace conscious leadership in the new year.

      The Reflection Process

      1. Set the Scene:
      Create a warm, inviting environment for your team to gather for 3 hours. Choose an alternative location, if possible, and provide healthy snacks, warm beverages, and comfortable seating. Encourage everyone to dress casually.

      2. Prepare in Advance:
      Share the Personal Annual Review with your team ahead of time. Let them know you’ll be completing it together during the session.

      3. Reflect Individually (1.5 Hours):
      Allow your team time to complete their reviews, encouraging them to move around and ask questions if needed.

      4. Share and Celebrate (1.5 Hours):
      Each team member shares their reflections, with a focus on these key areas:

      • What Created Energy and What Drained Energy?
      • What Were My Greatest Hits and Biggest Misses?
      • What New Skill Did I Develop This Year That Elevated My Performance?
      • How Did My Daily Habits Align (Or Misalign) With The Person I Want to Become?
      • Where Did I Allow Fear To Stop Me?
      • Who Were My Boat Anchors and Who Put Wind In My Sails?
      • What Did I Learn This Year?
      • I Am at My Best When ___________ (Aim for one word or a concise sentence.

      5. After each person shares, invite 2-3 team members to offer specific, heartfelt appreciation for the individual who just spoke. Consider using a scribe to record responses and create a visual representation, like a word cloud, using tools like Wordle.net.

      6. Dream for 2025:
      Close the structured session by asking:
      If anything were possible in 2025 (with no limitations—money, time, commitments, etc.), what would you want to see happen in your life?

      Allow 30 minutes for team members to connect informally and process their reflections.

      As We Transition into 2025

      We invite you to carry these three truths into the new year:

      1. There is no better time than the present—why wait? ACT.
      2. You can do, be, and have anything you can think, dream, or imagine—but not all at once. FOCUS.

      If this exercise resonates with you, we’d love to connect further. Set up a briefing with us at The Amplified Life Companya holistic leadership development firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses transition from good to great in 2025.

      Click HERE to tell us about your team and set a time to meet. 

      STOP TRYING TO DO IT ALL AND BE EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE!

      Are you finally ready to let go of doing it all, feeling overwhelmed and not finding joy in your life? I remember the day I said “no more” and  I let it all go!  I’ve created this guide with 3 simple steps for you to get started and find more joy in your everyday life and way less stress!

      ×
      Join Waitlist We will inform you when the product arrives in stock. Please leave your valid email address below.