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Balancing ambition with contentment
Manage episode 478402546 series 3557145
Content provided by Aaron Havens. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Aaron Havens or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Balancing ambition with contentment creates sustainable growth that energizes rather than depletes us. When ambition becomes tied to our identity or whispers "you're not enough," it transforms from a gift into a trap.
• Ambition is valuable when it doesn't define our worth
• Being content doesn't mean becoming complacent
• Celebrate where you are now—you're standing in answered prayers and fulfilled goals
• Let "more" have a timeline instead of demanding everything at once
• Anchor ambitions in your values, not just goals
• Ask yourself where you need to push forward and where you need to slow down
If your team struggles to balance growth with sustainability, visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a free discovery call, take our leadership assessment, and sign up for daily leadership emails.
Chapters
1. Mindset Monday Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Ambition vs. Contentment Balance (00:00:21)
3. Three Thoughts for Balance (00:00:57)
4. Take Action and Connect (00:02:06)
337 episodes
Share
Manage episode 478402546 series 3557145
Content provided by Aaron Havens. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Aaron Havens or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Balancing ambition with contentment creates sustainable growth that energizes rather than depletes us. When ambition becomes tied to our identity or whispers "you're not enough," it transforms from a gift into a trap.
• Ambition is valuable when it doesn't define our worth
• Being content doesn't mean becoming complacent
• Celebrate where you are now—you're standing in answered prayers and fulfilled goals
• Let "more" have a timeline instead of demanding everything at once
• Anchor ambitions in your values, not just goals
• Ask yourself where you need to push forward and where you need to slow down
If your team struggles to balance growth with sustainability, visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a free discovery call, take our leadership assessment, and sign up for daily leadership emails.
Chapters
1. Mindset Monday Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Ambition vs. Contentment Balance (00:00:21)
3. Three Thoughts for Balance (00:00:57)
4. Take Action and Connect (00:02:06)
337 episodes
All episodes
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Growth Instigators Hotline
1 #336 Is what you’re doing today… really what you want to do? 2:58
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedAre you living a life of purpose or just checking boxes? This question sits at the heart of our latest Growth Instigators Hotline message, where we explore the powerful connection between your daily actions and your deeper purpose. Your calendar doesn't lie. When you open it and examine each appointment and task, you're looking at a roadmap of priorities that either align with your purpose or distract from it. The fascinating insight? Even the most mundane tasks can become meaningful when viewed through the lens of your larger mission. That office trash you're emptying? It's not just garbage—it's clearing space for clarity and productivity that serves your purpose. This perspective shift transforms everything. As Bruce Lee wisely noted, "The successful warrior is the average man with laser-like focus." Success comes not from doing extraordinary things but from bringing extraordinary purpose to ordinary actions. When you view each task as a supporting character in your life's story, even seemingly insignificant activities take on greater meaning. Conversely, when you spot items on your calendar that genuinely don't serve your purpose, that's your cue to make changes. Ready to realign? We invite you to share what living with aligned purpose looks like for you this week. And if your team is feeling disconnected or directionless, remember that organizational purpose works the same way—we help teams reconnect their daily work with meaningful purpose to drive engagement and results. Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call and transform how your team approaches their work.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
1 #335 By you doing… you could actually be undoing 2:46
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedHave you ever hit a wall of "blah" where your motivation seems to vanish completely? This episode tackles the universal challenge of maintaining inspiration when you're feeling uninspired and unmotivated. The key insight might sting a little: "You can't stay inspired if all you're doing is producing." Many of us operate under the misguided belief that inspiration randomly strikes us, rather than something requiring intentional cultivation. We continuously drain our creative reservoirs without stopping to refill them, and eventually, the well runs dry. When we lose sight of our "why" – that bigger picture giving meaning to our daily efforts – our work becomes mechanical, our creativity diminishes, and our unique voice gets lost. This is especially dangerous in today's AI-dominated landscape, where maintaining that authentic human spark becomes both more challenging and more valuable. I share three practical approaches to rekindle your inspiration: seeking out role models for learning rather than comparison; expanding your learning beyond work-related content through stories, music, and diverse art forms; and engaging in creative activities even when seemingly unrelated to your primary work. The act of creation itself generates energy that transfers to other areas of your life. Remember, true inspiration doesn't just temporarily excite you – it reconnects you with your authentic self. When feeling stuck or unmotivated, it may signal you've drifted from your core identity. The solution isn't forcing more productivity but finding your way back to who you truly are. What's currently motivating you? When motivation fades, what actually works for you? Share your thoughts at Aaron@growthinstigators.com – I genuinely want to hear your perspective on fighting the "blahs" and rekindling your creative fire.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Most goals fail in the middle, not at the start or the end, due to the journey feeling long, unclear, and unrewarding during the challenging middle phase. Dr. Terry Worshbacher demonstrates determination through her daily training runs for her upcoming race across Tennessee in July. • Break down big goals into manageable steps - significant achievements don't happen all at once • Track your progress consistently - when discouraged, past progress becomes proof you're moving forward • Revisit your "why" regularly - motivation fades but your purpose is the anchor • Don't quit when you're in the middle - most people are challenged during this phase • Remember what inspired you to start - reconnect with the emotions behind your goal • Push yourself harder than ever before - determination helps overcome resistance Call Dr. Terry's hotline "Talking with Dr Terry 180 seconds to better you" at 210-390-6100 to follow her progress and get inspired. Leave a message after the beep and let us know what you're doing and won't stop doing because it's worth it.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Drawing from my experience as COO of Chicken Cone, I explore the power of consistency as the most underrated leadership trait. The real win isn't perfection or genius, but showing up steadily and building trust through reliable performance. • Former COO of rapidly growing Chicken Cone restaurant chain with locations across America and Dubai • Consistency is the key factor in franchising success—why McDonald's hamburgers taste the same everywhere • Message #333 represents the power of steady commitment rather than flashy performance • Consistency builds trust because people don't need surprises • Small consistent actions compound over time to create unstoppable momentum • Consistency beats talent when talented people don't consistently show up • Challenge: identify where you need to stop waiting for motivation and just keep showing up Would you share this hotline number with a few people and challenge them to call? I don't advertise this anywhere—it grows only by word of mouth. Keep instigating growth in all you do.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
A woodworker's story illustrates how progress without pause leads to poor results, emphasizing the importance of weekly performance reviews for personal and professional growth. Tools for intentional improvement include tracking wins, identifying challenges, and planning small adjustments that transform reactive performance into intentional progress. • Weekly reviews provide insight, clarity, and a reset mechanism • Pausing on purpose helps organize thoughts and actions • What works today might not work tomorrow without evaluation • Tracking wins includes celebrating even small progress • Identifying energy drains and progress blockers is crucial • One small weekly adjustment is more effective than complete overhauls • Intentional review transforms reactive work into purposeful action Leave a message after the beep and send an email to Aaron at growthinstigators.com. Let me know if you currently review your performance each week and why or why not. Also, share what question you could ask yourself each Friday to get better each Monday.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Cultivating a can-do attitude goes deeper than optimism—it's about believing something can be done even when it's difficult. This mindset doesn't eliminate obstacles but refuses to be defined by them, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. • The story of a young mechanic fixing a "broken" engine by asking "how" instead of "if" it could be fixed • A can-do attitude transforms setbacks into opportunities by changing our questions • Solution-focused thinking is more valuable than problem-dwelling in both personal and professional contexts • Employers and leaders value team members who approach challenges with solution-oriented thinking • You don't need perfect confidence—just the belief that effort will move you forward • This mindset changes your questions, tone, and next actions Where in your life do you need a can-do mindset? What's one situation you're ready to approach with new energy and perspective? Let me know by leaving a message or emailing Aaron@growthinstigators.com. Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call if your team needs help building a solution-oriented culture.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Peace comes not from controlling everything around us but from loosening our grip and aligning our actions with our values. Like trees bending in the wind, we find true strength in flexibility rather than rigid resistance to life's inevitable flows. • Most of us aren't really chasing success - we're chasing inner peace • Peace rarely appears in loud moments - it emerges when we stop controlling everything • Inner peace grows when we let go of trying to control every outcome • Peace deepens when we align our actions with our core values • Peace becomes a habit through intentional practices like prayer, stillness, or walks without phones • True fulfillment comes from who we become, not just what we accomplish If your team is stressed, stretched or stuck in an urgent culture, visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call about building rhythms and creating inner and organizational calm.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Have you ever felt trapped in the daily grind, constantly trading time for money with no end in sight? The parable of the woman hauling water buckets versus building a pipeline perfectly captures the difference between struggling with active income and thriving with passive income streams. Most of us dismiss opportunities to build financial pipelines because we're "too busy" or it seems "too difficult." Yet years later, we find ourselves still hauling those heavy buckets while others enjoy the fruits of their forward thinking. As your growth coach, I challenge you to recognize where you might be stuck in this cycle and consider a different approach. This episode unpacks the transformative power of passive income—not to get rich quick, but to create genuine options and freedom in your life. I share personal insights about my own struggles with "bucket hauling" and practical steps to identify your unique opportunities for building income streams that don't require your constant attention. Whether through leveraging your expertise, properties, or developing small investment habits, the key is committing to the front-end work that sets you free later. The financial landscape is changing rapidly, making it more important than ever to diversify your income sources. I offer specific strategies to help you think differently about money and reclaim your most precious resource—time. If your team or organization needs help designing scalable revenue streams that grow with less effort, I'd love to connect for a discovery call. Remember, it's not about working harder—it's about working smarter and buying back your time. What pipeline will you start building today?…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
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Growth Instigators Hotline
The discipline of focus separates successful people from those who scatter their efforts, just like two farmers with the same seeds but different approaches to planting. Focus isn't about doing less for simplicity's sake but about intentionally doing what matters most while eliminating distractions draining your energy. • Parable of two farmers - one scattered seeds randomly while the other planted intentionally with remarkable results • "You can't chase everything and expect to win anything" • Focus is doing the right things on purpose while cutting noise • Sometimes our most important task isn't exciting or urgent, but it matters most • Three aspects of focus: creates excellence, reveals priorities, builds trust • Focus requires honest self-assessment about what truly matters now If your team is overwhelmed, scattered or chasing too many things at once, I help organizations clarify priorities and focus on what matters most. Visit growthinstigatorscom and let's schedule a discovery call.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
1 #326 A gardener planted a tree in the wrong spot. 2:49
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedThe mindset of ownership transforms results, as illustrated by a gardener who moved his struggling tree rather than blaming external conditions. Taking responsibility creates trust, accelerates growth, and gives us influence in both leadership and life. • Parable of a gardener who took ownership when his tree struggled instead of blaming conditions • "You can't lead what you won't own" - blame keeps you stuck while ownership moves you forward • Taking responsibility doesn't mean taking guilt for everything • Ownership creates trust because people need leaders who take responsibility, not perfection • When you own your role in results, you gain access to valuable lessons • Ownership gives you influence by pulling people together instead of pushing them away • The question to consider: what's your "garden" today that needs ownership? Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call if your team needs help building a culture of ownership and accountability. Share your experiences with ownership by emailing Aaron at aaron@growthinstigators.com.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Ever stood before something breathtaking—like the Colorado Rockies—only to witness others experiencing it entirely through their phone screens? That disconnect between capturing and truly experiencing life is at the heart of today's reflection on presence. I caught myself this week nodding and smiling during a conversation while my mind wandered elsewhere. Not maliciously, just split-focused. But that split focus created a split connection, and it made me wonder how often we're physically present but mentally absent from our most important moments. The mountains remind us of an essential truth: no photograph can capture the multisensory experience of standing before them in real life. Similarly, no amount of documentation, planning, or reminiscing can replace the power of being fully present. Presence is where fulfillment lives—not in highlight reels or future achievements, but in the overlooked, everyday moments that form the fabric of a meaningful life. Presence makes people feel seen. It transforms hearing into listening. And most importantly, it multiplies fulfillment without requiring more time—it simply asks that we fully show up for the time we already have. So where in your life do you need to be more than just physically present? What conversations, relationships, or experiences deserve your complete attention? Share what helps you stay grounded when life pulls your focus. Leave a message after the beep, email aaron@growthinstigators.com, or visit growthinstigators.com for our daily emails and free leadership assessment. Because true growth happens when we're fully present for it.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
A builder's frustration with a leaning wall reveals the importance of checking foundations before continuing to build, teaching us that frustration often signals deeper issues needing attention rather than failure. Frustration serves as a mirror showing us where growth opportunities exist, inviting us to recalibrate and transform irritation into valuable insight. • Parable about a young builder who couldn't fix a leaning wall until he addressed the uneven foundation • Frustration isn't failure but a signal that something fundamental needs attention • Three perspectives on frustration: it's a mirror, an invitation to recalibrate, and an opportunity to grow • Suggestion to reflect on recent frustrations and what they might be teaching you • Question for listeners about how they're learning to listen to frustration rather than react to it If your team is stuck in chronic frustration, I help leaders create healthier systems and rhythms that actually work. Visit growthinstigatorscom to schedule a discovery call. And if you enjoy these calls, please share this number with colleagues, friends, and teammates.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
True leadership stems from self-awareness and emotional regulation, not strategy or tactics. When leaders lose emotional center through stress or frustration, they stop leading effectively and start creating negative experiences for their teams. • Your ability to lead others directly correlates with understanding and regulating yourself • Personal example of becoming short and negative when overwhelmed with unfinished tasks • People remember how you made them feel more than what you actually said • Pause before responding when emotions are high • Leadership happens in the gap between emotional trigger and reaction • Consider what tone you're setting and how it affects others • Own your impact and circle back to repair when you miss the mark • Emotional intelligence matters more than perfection If your team struggles with reactive leadership or unclear tone, I help teams build emotional awareness and culture clarity. Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a free discovery call, and please share this hotline with others to advocate for growth.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
1 #322 Discipline is doing it when it’s no longer exciting. 3:01
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedDiscipline isn't sexy, but it's the secret weapon that separates champions from one-hit wonders. Have you ever wondered why some people achieve remarkable results while others constantly start and stop? The answer lies in understanding a profound truth: "Everyone is motivated on day one. Champions show up on day 41." While launch parties and new beginnings generate excitement, it's what happens after the hype fades that determines your ultimate success. In this episode of Growth Instigators, I explore why discipline – not motivation – creates sustainable growth and genuine achievement. Discipline isn't about restriction; it's actually the pathway to freedom. When you commit without conditions, you escape the prison of your fluctuating moods and create results through consistent action rather than emotional highs. I share three powerful insights about discipline: it represents commitment without conditions, it simplifies your daily choices by eliminating constant negotiation with yourself, and it compounds over time to produce results that momentary motivation never will. For leaders, this principle becomes even more crucial. Leading at the highest levels requires staying focused and consistent regardless of how you feel. Your team doesn't need more inspirational speeches – they need a leader who demonstrates unwavering commitment through disciplined action. Where in your life do you need less motivation and more commitment? What would change if you stopped waiting to feel excited and simply showed up consistently? If you're tired of the cycle of enthusiasm followed by burnout, it's time to build systems that sustain performance. Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call and learn how to transform motivation into lasting discipline that drives extraordinary results.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
You're not behind in life, you're just on your own unique path. Comparison is a liar that makes us feel inadequate when we're actually right where we need to be. • Comparison whispers that we should be further along, looking at others' progress • Someone else's chapter 20 doesn't invalidate your chapter 3 • Growth is not a race - it's about continuing, and continuing counts • Progress looks different for everyone - slower, quieter, harder to measure • Most of us compare ourselves to a version of life we never agreed to • Ask yourself what would change if you believed you're not behind but growing at your pace Leave a message after the beep or send an email to aaron@growthinstigators.com and let me know where in your life you've felt behind and what grace looks like in that space. Also, what progress have you made that deserves more credit than you've been giving it? If your team is caught in the trap of unhealthy comparisons, visit our website and set up a call with me.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Have you ever wondered if a random Spanish phrase could save your life? That's exactly what happened to me one fateful night in Miami, and it taught me an invaluable leadership lesson. From the safe confines of small-town Ordway, Colorado to the edge of Miami where street smarts matter most, I found myself woefully unprepared for urban dangers. When my friend Chico and I approached a stranger's bonfire hoping to make friends, we couldn't predict how quickly the situation would turn violent. As fists connected with our heads and kicks followed, I blurted out the only Spanish phrase that came to mind: "La vaca flaca esta muerta" (The skinny cow is dead). Those five absurd words confused our attackers, broke into laughter, and ultimately saved us from a worse beating. This story isn't just about my youthful naivety – it's about the transformative power of whimsy in leadership. Too often, we approach personal and professional development with unrelenting seriousness, forgetting that sometimes it's the unexpected, even silly moments that create the most powerful connections. Leadership doesn't always require perfect polish and corporate jargon; sometimes it demands vulnerability, authenticity, and yes, a bit of foolishness. The willingness to tell a story, to laugh at yourself, and to introduce moments of levity can transform relationships and defuse tense situations in ways that conventional approaches never could. What about you? Are you willing to embrace whimsy in your leadership journey? Can you take yourself a little less seriously while still driving meaningful growth? I'd love to hear your thoughts – call the Growth Instigators Hotline or email me at Aaron@growthinstigators.com. And if you're feeling brave, try saying "la vaca flaca esta muerta" – it might not save your life, but it could change how you think about leadership.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
1 #319 Want to guarantee the thing youre working on BOMBS OUT… 2:59
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedPerfectionism might be the most well-dressed enemy of your success. Ever notice how that pursuit of flawlessness often leaves your best work trapped inside your head? In this powerful episode, we unpack the deceptive nature of perfectionism and why it's really just "procrastination in a tuxedo." John Acuff's wisdom resonates throughout our discussion: "90% perfect and shared with the world always changes more lives than 100% perfect and stuck in your head." This isn't just motivational talk—it's the fundamental difference between those who make an impact and those who remain perpetually "almost ready." We explore why progress builds unstoppable momentum, how imperfect action unlocks critical feedback loops, and the tremendous freedom that comes from letting go of unrealistic standards. The question isn't whether you can achieve perfection—it's whether you're willing to choose progress instead. Would you rather endlessly refine something that never launches, or would you rather take imperfect action and learn through real-world experience? Your growth doesn't require flawless execution; it simply needs your commitment to taking the next right step. I challenge you today: Where are you holding back because it's not perfect? What small move could create real momentum in your life or work? You don't need to be flawless—you just need to be faithful to forward motion. Reach out and share your thoughts at Aaron@growthinstigators.com, and keep instigating growth in everything you do.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Leadership isn't just about vision-casting - it's about hearing what people really need. In a noisy world, listening is your most underrated leadership superpower that can build trust, reveal what's really happening, and sharpen your decisions. • People follow leaders who make them feel seen and heard, not those who have all the answers • Listening with curiosity rather than just to respond helps get to the heart of issues • Being present allows you to catch nuance, read tone, and see emotion • What seems like a motivation problem may actually be a listening gap • Creating space for honest feedback unlocks new levels of connection and ownership • Leaders should consider using a 360-degree evaluation tool • Challenge: Ask yourself where you need to listen more than lead this week Visit growthinstigatorscom to schedule a discovery call if your team feels unheard. I help leaders create cultures of clarity, trust and connection.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
We explore how follow-through builds trust, momentum, and credibility, while examining why the highest performers aren't those with the most ideas but those who consistently finish what they start. • Starting is exciting, but finishing is what builds trust with yourself and others • Follow-through creates a track record that builds confidence and compound energy • Commitment doesn't depend on motivation—follow through even when you don't feel like it • People may admire your vision, but they trust your consistency • You don't need more goals, you need more finishes • Consider working quietly and consistently, then surprising others with your results • Focus on what's most important and let other things fall away What's one unfinished thing you can follow through on this week? You're a doer, you're a finisher. What you're doing is worth it. Go kick some tasks today.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Growth and comfort don't usually ride in the same car. We often say we want change, but when it arrives dressed as awkwardness, risk and hard conversations, we retreat to our comfort zones instead of embracing the opportunity. • Choose courage over comfort for personal and professional growth • Courage sounds like "I don't feel ready, but I'm willing" • Breaking routines that aren't working anymore requires bravery • Stuck never leads to joy, but courage does • Courage is often quiet—simply showing up, not quitting, continuing to become • Consider doubling down where you see movement and shutting down areas without progress • Book recommendation: "The Comfort Crisis" by Michael Easter Pause and ask yourself where in your life you're choosing comfort over courage. No one's asking you to be fearless, just willing. Share with us one area where you're ready to choose courage and one step you'll take this week. If your team is stuck in safety mode, visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
1 #315 So you work hard. Bravo! Bravo! For what? 2:56
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedMargin isn't a luxury but a critical leadership skill that gives meaning a place to land and protects our presence. Without space in our lives, even good things become burdens, leaving us with full calendars but empty souls. • The importance of creating margin in your personal and professional life • Why you can have a full calendar yet an empty soul • How margin gives meaning a place to land • Why margin protects your presence and connection with others • The difference between surviving and truly leading • How margin invites reflection and intentionality • Why you need space between things rather than more time Where in your life do you need more margin, and what's one thing you could release to create it? Leave a message after the beep or send an email to Aaron at growthinstigators.com and let me know what's one thing you can say no to in order to create margin, and what "enough" looks like for you. Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call if your team is burning out from lack of space.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Real, lasting growth often happens in quiet moments rather than loud, flashy successes that our culture typically celebrates. Personal transformation begins internally through consistent small choices before becoming visible externally, like roots deepening underground before a tree shows new growth. • Growth appears when you pause before reacting • Choosing alignment over attention is powerful growth • Internal transformation precedes external changes • Consistency builds strength even when progress isn't visible • Creating quiet moments without distractions allows for deeper thinking • Morning silence with coffee provides space to hear your own thoughts Take a moment today to reflect on how you've grown recently, even if no one saw it. Share one way you've grown that isn't loud or flashy by leaving a message after the beep or emailing Aaron at Aaron@growthinstigators.com. If your team is chasing visible wins but missing internal growth, visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Leading when you're not at your best can be your most powerful moment of influence. Some of the most impactful leadership happens not when we're perfect, but when we continue showing up authentically through challenging times. • The metaphor of a wobbly tire—still functioning despite imperfection • Leadership isn't about appearing flawless but staying present during difficult times • Vulnerability builds trust and gives others permission to be authentic • Being honest about not being 100% can create deeper connections • Your steadiness during personal challenges becomes someone else's anchor • Leading through rough patches demonstrates true leadership character We'd love to hear from you about how you've led well through difficult times and what helps you stay grounded when not at your best. Email Aaron at aaron@growthinstigators.com. Visit growthinstigators.com for our free leadership assessment tool, daily email content, and to schedule a free discovery call if your team needs help building a trust-driven culture.…
High performers achieve greatness through small, consistent habits rather than occasional massive actions. The compound effect of these tiny efforts creates powerful momentum over time that becomes nearly unstoppable. • Small habits work by reducing resistance and making daily actions more doable • They build identity beyond just outcomes - becoming the type of person who does the thing • Habits stack into momentum - one positive habit naturally leads to another • Great harvests begin with single seeds - consistent small efforts yield spectacular results • Five years will pass anyway - choose to look back with pride rather than regret Email Aaron at aaron@growthinstigators.com and share what small habit has helped you grow and what new habit you're ready to build. If your team struggles with consistency, visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a free discovery call to establish sustainable performance rhythms.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Failure can be our greatest teacher when we shift our perspective and use it as fuel for growth instead of letting it define us. Aaron Havens explains why he hopes you fail miserably today and how to transform those failures into stepping stones for success. • Reframing failure as feedback and small hints for improvement • Aaron shares his experience of botching public speeches early in his career • Shift from asking "why did this happen" to "what can it teach me" • Normalize failure as a natural part of progress, not a sign you're broken • The difference between success and staying stuck is continuing to show up after failure • Identify one failure you've been carrying that might actually be trying to grow you • You don't need a perfect past to build a powerful future Leave a message after the beep or send an email to Aaron@growthinstigators.com sharing what failure taught you something valuable and what failure you need to reframe and release this week. Visit Growth Instigators to book Aaron for your next speaking event.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Fulfillment doesn't come from chasing metrics and success numbers but from creating meaningful things that might never appear on a spreadsheet. True satisfaction emerges when we make things with no agenda but joy, recognizing that small doesn't mean insignificant and quiet creations often matter most. • Success metrics are never-ending—as soon as you hit your target, it just increases • The most meaningful creations show up as handwritten notes, heartfelt projects, or unposted acts of kindness • When feeling burnt out, ask yourself when you last created something with pure meaning and no agenda • Small doesn't mean insignificant—sometimes things matter more because they're quiet • Play, art, storytelling and walking aren't distractions but essential fuel for a fulfilling life • You're wired to make things that matter, even when no one is watching • It's okay to be silly and not be a professional at something you create • Challenge yourself to create something this weekend not for success but for joy Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a free discovery call if your team is too focused on output and disconnecting from meaning. I help leaders bring purpose back to the process.…
Shifting from fixing weaknesses to leveraging strengths creates more sustainable growth and fulfillment. Research shows the greatest performance gains come when we build on existing capabilities rather than trying to repair flaws. • True strengths aren't just skills but activities that provide sustainable enthusiasm • Most managers instinctively focus development on struggling employees, but data shows investing in strengths produces better results • High performers aren't balanced at everything—they're exceptional at specific things • The difference between good and great is often depth, not breadth • Well-roundedness is overrated; targeted excellence with complementary teams is more effective • Identify what energizes you, not just what you're competent at Pause and ask yourself: What strength have you been underusing, and how can you lean into it with intention this week? What growth efforts might you need to abandon? Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a call about unlocking your team's strengths and structuring around them.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Have you ever wondered why some teams achieve extraordinary results while others struggle just to function? It's a question that affects every organization, family, and community group. The answer lies not in talent alone, but in intentional leadership. Teamwork remains our ultimate competitive advantage in a world obsessed with strategy, technology, and financial resources. Drawing from Patrick Lencioni's wisdom and personal experience leading both phenomenal and difficult teams, this episode unpacks the critical elements that transform ordinary groups into high-performing powerhouses. We examine how clarity consistently outperforms charisma, why feedback functions as the oxygen teams need to thrive, and the unexpected importance of celebration and fun in sustaining excellence. Whether you're leading a corporate department, coaching a sports team, or simply trying to improve your family dynamics, these five essential leadership practices apply universally. The journey from "clunk" to "click" doesn't happen accidentally—it requires deliberate focus on creating environments where trust flourishes and collective achievement becomes possible. If you've experienced the frustration of deadlines missed, uncomfortable silences in meetings, or team members who seem disconnected from your mission, this episode offers practical guidance for transformation. What habit does your team need to strengthen right now, and what would a meaningful win look like this week? Visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a discovery call and learn how your leadership team can move from merely functional to truly exceptional.…
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Growth Instigators Hotline
Successful long-term goals aren't won by initial enthusiasm but by developing consistent stamina over time. Building endurance requires a different approach than the typical all-out sprint many of us attempt when starting something new. • Pacing yourself is crucial for sustainable growth rather than pushing too hard at the beginning • Finding the right balance between starting strong enough to commit and avoiding early burnout • The paradox of needing to invest enough initially to feel committed (like buying an expensive mountain bike) • Personal experience of starting a marathon too fast and barely finishing • Consistency beats sprints in the long-term achievement equation • Celebrating tiny wins that accumulate before becoming visible major progress • Anchoring to your "why" when motivation inevitably fades • The importance of showing up repeatedly when it's inconvenient or boring • Creating a sustainable rhythm physically, emotionally, and mentally Call us and share what long-term goal you're currently working toward and one way you can pace yourself better this week, or email Aaron at Aaron@growthinstigators.com. If your team needs help building stamina for important goals, visit growthinstigators.com to schedule a free discovery call.…
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