I am the master of holding myself back—no one else.

Most of what I want to achieve in life is possible. I see others doing it, so why shouldn’t I be able to?

Whether it’s sports-related: “I’ve never been the gym type.”

Whether it’s job-related: “I’m not skilled enough to lead this team.”

Let’s do a reality check.

The statements above are just perceptions, shaped by my past experiences. I tell myself not to be that person.

It all starts with a feeling, a desire, or a goal, leading to a potential action:

“I shouldn’t be at my lowest fitness level in my late twenties.”

“I want to lead a team that drives customer success.”

I get right up to the edge of action, and suddenly, change seems possible. But in that crucial moment, negative thoughts arise and hold me back:

“I won’t stick with the gym anyway.”

“I don’t have the skills to succeed.”

What happens in my mind when I stand at the edge of change?

It boils down to the animal instinct of fight or flight.

My body tries to protect me from physical or emotional vulnerability.

It tries to shield me from exposing myself.

It tries to protect my ego.

The moment I feel vulnerable, I expose myself. The moment I expose myself, I feel incapable. And I don’t want to feel incapable.

Here’s where it gets tricky: how do I manage to cross the edge?

The only way forward is to hijack the moment and realize that I own the action—not my past, not my mind, not my environment. I decide whether to fight or take flight.

Get up and do the workout—again and again.

Learn, stay curious, and approach your manager.

What does personal growth mean to you?

For me, it’s the decision to fight your own perceptions. It’s about overcoming the fear of being vulnerable—whether it’s personal, emotional, or related to your ego. Once you recognize that growth is a process of unfolding at the edge of change, it can happen.

When negative thoughts arise, slow down and appreciate that your mind is simply telling you a story. A story that isn't real. A story your mind comes up with to protect you.

Break it. Just do it.