Your First 300 Reps: What Happens After the Excitement Fades.
Most people stop before 100 reps.
Not because they can’t keep going, but because they don’t understand what’s really happening when growth starts to get hard.
We’ll use working out as the example, but this isn’t about workouts.
It’s about what it feels like to build anything that lasts.
Every habit follows a familiar path: excitement, resistance, rhythm, identity, and overflow. The reps you put in, and the intention behind them, are what shape you.
Let’s walk through what your first 300 reps will feel like.
Phase 1: The Spark (1-10 Reps)
You’re fired up. It’s new. You feel unstoppable.
The first workouts are fun. You leave the gym sweaty, proud, and sore — a good kind of sore that convinces you change is already taking shape.
Insight: This isn’t transformation yet. It’s adrenaline. You’re in love with the idea of growth.
Tip: Start small. Build consistency before intensity.
Phase 2: The Dip (11-30 Reps)
The soreness lingers. You miss a day. You start to wonder if it’s even working.
You compare yourself to others or to where you thought you’d be by now.
Insight: You’re building roots, not rewards. Most people quit here because they don’t feel results yet.
Tip: Lower the bar. A short, imperfect workout beats none at all. Showing up matters more than showing off.
Phase 3: The Disruption (31-60 Reps)
Life gets messy. Work piles up. You get sick. You miss a few days and start hearing that voice again. “Maybe I’ll restart next week.”
Insight: This is the real test. Life is testing whether your commitment is optional or essential.
Tip: Don’t start over. Start again. The power is in how fast you return.
Phase 4: The Shift (61-100 Reps)
Something clicks. You start to feel off when you skip.
The gym becomes your reset button, not your obligation.
Insight: You’re crossing from emotion to identity. You still resist it some days, but now you expect that feeling and move through it anyway.
Tip: Reflect daily/weekly. Notice what’s changing in your energy, focus, and confidence.
Phase 5: The Integration (101-200 Reps)
Your workouts start fitting naturally into your day.
You plan around them instead of trying to squeeze them in.
Insight: You’ve built a rhythm that survives real life. It’s not fragile anymore.
Tip: Be flexible, not rigid. Swap time or location if you have to. Just keep the reps alive.
Phase 6: The Identity (201-300 Reps)
You rearrange your day to protect your workouts.
You don’t need motivation anymore. It’s just part of who you are.
Insight: This is what integrity looks like — doing what you said you would do, long after the feeling fades.
Tip: Help someone else start. Bringing others in strengthens your own consistency.
Phase 7: The Overflow (300+ Reps)
This is where it truly changes you.
You can be sick, tired, busy, or traveling, and you’ll still find a way to move.
You invite others into what you’re doing because it’s easy to share.
You adjust your schedule without stress.
Missing once is fine. Missing twice feels off. Not from guilt, but because you know how much better you are when you show up.
It’s not about the workout anymore.
It’s about how it shapes the way you live, lead, and serve others.
Imagine 1,000 Reps…
At 1,000 reps, you’re not forcing it. It flows.
You don’t lose your rhythm when life gets chaotic.
You bring people into your routines naturally.
You’re grounded, steady, and peaceful.
It’s not about personal progress anymore.
It’s about who you’ve become for the people around you.
The People You Don’t Want to Become (When It Comes to Growth)
When you start stacking real reps, you’ll notice something. Not everyone who looks disciplined is still growing.
Some people are experienced, but they’ve stopped evolving. Others look consistent, but they’ve stopped paying attention.
These aren’t bad people. They’re just stuck in old versions of themselves.
Here’s what it looks like when maturity turns into maintenance.
1. The “Used To” Person
They’ve done the work before. They built habits, achieved goals, and have stories to prove it. But a lot of their stories start with the same line.
What they say: “I used to…”
They talk about the season they used to be hungry, focused, or intentional, but not the one they’re living in now.
What’s missing: Hunger. They stopped pushing to become better.
2. The Talker
They know the language of growth. They can tell you exactly what to do and how to do it, but they aren’t doing it themselves.
What they say: “I’ve done it before. I know what works for me.”
They sound confident, but that confidence has turned into complacency.
What’s missing: Follow through. Their understanding outgrew their discipline.
3. The Specialist
They’ve built real skill in one lane — maybe fitness, business, or a specific area of life. But they’ve stopped expanding beyond it, repeating what works instead of growing into who they could become.
What they say: “I’ve been doing this the same way for years. It works.”
They mistake stability for progress, staying where they’re comfortable instead of reaching for more.
What’s missing: Adaptation. They’ve stayed loyal to what’s familiar instead of faithful to who they're becoming.
4. The Shortcut Seeker
They’re always looking for the easier route. A faster hack, a better tool, a new system.
What they say: “There’s a quicker way to do that.”
They want the results without the resistance.
What’s missing: Depth. They avoid the struggle that builds staying power.
5. The Maintainer
They still do the habit, but they’re just going through the motions.
What they say: “I still do it every day. It’s just part of my routine now.”
They sound steady, but there’s no stretch behind it.
What’s missing: Purpose. They’re consistent, but not connected to who they’re becoming through it.
The Person You Want to Become: The Builder
The Builder isn’t perfect. They’re just present.
They keep showing up, keep learning, and keep refining. They’re humble enough to grow again and honest enough to know they still need to.
What they say: “I’m still learning.”
What makes them different:
They don’t just do reps. They do them with awareness.
They evolve across every area of life, not just one.
They stay teachable, even when they’re strong.
The Builder keeps becoming.
And that’s who you want to model your growth after.
Keep Building
Reps build rhythm. Intention turns rhythm into growth.
You can log hundreds of reps and still stay the same, or you can bring full attention to every one and never be the same again.
Don’t rush it. Every rep is building something deeper than progress. It’s shaping the foundation you’ll stand on later.
Keep going until it feels strange not to.
That’s where real growth starts to overflow. 💯
What Are You Really Doing With Your Time?
Our lives look a lot more alike than we think. It might seem like some people are living these wildly exciting lives, but when you look at the numbers, our routines look strikingly similar.
The American Time Use Survey (ATUS), run by the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, tracks how people in America actually spend their hours each day—on work, household tasks, leisure, and more.
Here’s what the data shows:
In every age group—20s, 30s, 40s, 50s—there are blocks of time dedicated to work (or school), household responsibilities, and personal care.
But one category stands out for how consistent it is: leisure and sports. Across almost every age bracket, people average 4 to 5+ hours a day on leisure activities.
Work hours may rise and fall, family needs may shift, and even health demands change, but that block of unstructured free time shows up in every stage of life.
So yes, the details shift. But the overlap is undeniable: we all have leisure time. And that’s where the opportunity lies.
If we all have 4–5 hours of leisure every day, what are you really doing with yours?
What 14 Minutes Can Do
Now imagine if you took just 1% of that leisure time and made it intentional. One percent of your day is 14.4 minutes. Even that tiny slice could help you grow.
And before you roll your eyes at the whole “1% better” talk, let’s put it in perspective. The top leisure activity in America? *Drum roll.*
Watching TV and video—2.6 hours a day on average.
If we can give more than two hours a day to screens, we can give 14 minutes to growth.
Let’s break it down:
If you spent 14 minutes reading every day and hit it 80% of the time, you’d finish 10–12 books in a year.
If you used that time to encourage someone every day, that’s over 200 encouragements in a year.
If you used it to reflect, journal, or practice a new skill, you’d build a consistent habit that reshapes your life.
Over a year, 14 minutes a day adds up to nearly 90 hours. That’s the equivalent of a college course or training for and running multiple marathons. What could you do with 90 hours?
It’s not about massive overhauls. It’s about small, mindful shifts that compound. Over time, that 1% becomes a steady force that changes your relationships, your mindset, and your actions.
Fifteen Minutes That Changed Everything
A habit that has completely changed my life is stretching for 10–15 minutes a day. For years, I made excuses. I knew I needed to stretch, but I never stuck with it. Then in 2019, I read Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins. One of his running stories freaked me out enough to finally take stretching seriously.
I made myself a deal: I wouldn’t work out until I stretched. That one boundary shifted everything. I found a solid stretching routine and I’ve been consistent ever since. For over six years now, those 10-15 minutes a day have improved my workouts, increased my mobility, and saved me from injuries.
That’s what 15 minutes has done for me. Now imagine what 15 minutes could do for you.
And stretching is just one habit. Over time, small 15-minute choices like this have stacked into a morning routine that now fuels my entire day. It didn’t happen overnight. It started with 1%.
That’s the compounding power of time invested well.
The Choice Is Yours
Here’s what I know: growth doesn’t just happen. You have to own the process. You have to make the intentional choice every single day.
So what’s holding you back from giving 1%? We know the time is there. Now it’s up to you to be intentional with it.
Don’t waste the time you already have. 💯
The Power of Reps
For years, I lived on autopilot. I wasn’t being intentional, I was just reacting to whatever came my way. Then one day, it hit me like a ton of bricks: if I don’t take ownership of my days, someone else will.
That’s when I started thinking about growth differently. It wasn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or relying on bursts of motivation. It was about stacking reps day after day, week after week.
Growth is rarely convenient. If you try to make it convenient, you will stall your growth.
That’s why I live by this: I want to grow every day. Not one or two, not when it’s easy, not when I feel like it—every day. It’s exactly what Grow or Die means.
When I say Grow Every Day, it isn’t just an inspirational phrase. It’s a framework built on three parts:
Action + Consistency + Self-Awareness
Action — What am I doing?
Consistency — Is it sustainable?
Self-Awareness — What kind of growth am I experiencing from doing it?
But here’s the key: none of this works without intentionality.
Without intentionality, you’ll only grow when it feels easy or when you’re motivated. Motivation fades, and convenience in growth is rare. Intentionality is what keeps you consistent—even when it’s hard.
Think of it like this:
Convenience — 7 reps this month. Feels good in the moment, but no real progress.
Intensity — 30 days straight, then back to old patterns. A quick high, no lasting change.
Intentionality — 28 reps this month, carried into the next. A streak doesn’t matter. What matters is building a rhythm you can sustain.
Ron’s Story
Ron has been tracking his reps in Growdie since January 2025. So far this year, he has logged over 404 reps in People Development—404 intentional actions to grow in his relationships.
His top two activities?
Quality time with his kids — 187 reps
Quality time with his spouse — 159 reps
If you sat down with Ron, you’d quickly hear his love for his family. He would also tell you that not every rep is easy. But one of his core values is to be Famous at Home—and for him, that value isn’t abstract, it’s tangible. He prioritizes his family daily. He gets reps daily.
Ask him why, and he’ll tell you he needs the accountability. He wants to be held accountable to who he says he wants to be.
That’s the power of reps. They don’t just stack actions; they shape identity. Because of his reps, Ron is a better listener. He communicates better. He asks better questions. He’s more supportive. He’s more present.
The Bigger Picture
Ron’s story shows what intentional reps look like in practice. Intentional reps don’t just build habits, they build who you become.
Growth isn’t seen in action alone. It’s the combination of action, consistency, and self-awareness:
Action → Building habits and setting priorities.
Consistency → Sustaining your habits and completing your priorities 80% of the time.
Self-Awareness → Knowing who you are and who you are becoming in every season and having the language to articulate it.
Here’s what happens when you commit to reps:
Reps reveal patterns — You start to see what’s working and what’s not.
Reps compound — One builds on another, momentum takes over.
Reps normalize difficulty — What was once hard becomes second nature.
Reps build identity — You don’t just do the action, you become the kind of person who does it.
Reps create opportunity — With enough practice, you’re ready when bigger doors open.
At the end of the day, I don’t just want to look back and see moments of growth here and there. I want to know I grew every day. That only happens when I show up, stack my reps, and let them shape who I become.
Growth isn’t built on convenience. It’s built on intentional reps, every day.
That’s what we’re doing inside Growdie. We are showing up every single day to grow. If you’re ready to take your growth to the next level, there is no better high-accountability tool out there. If you can put your ego aside and commit to showing up and doing the work, just like Ron, you can experience growth in ways you’ve never experienced before. 💯
From Living in Your Head to Using Your Brain: A Guide to Being More Present
In our busy world, it’s easy to find ourselves living in our heads. We replay conversations, worry about what might happen tomorrow, and lose touch with the present moment. But what if we could shift from just living in our brain to truly using it? The difference is the gap between feeling stuck and actually moving forward.
Definitions
Living in Your Brain — Getting caught in endless loops of rumination, worry, and self-doubt. You feel like you’re busy, but you’re not actually moving forward.
Using Your Brain — Being present, reflective, and intentional. You think to learn, talk with others to connect, and take action with purpose.
Why People Live in Their Brain
Why do so many people stay trapped in their head? Honestly, it feels easier. It feels safe. Thinking about every scenario gives us the illusion of control. It can even feel productive, like we’re working on something by running it over in our mind. But the truth is, it’s often a form of avoidance. It keeps us from actually engaging with life, people, and growth in front of us.
Everyday Scenarios
Thinking
Imagine you make a mistake in a meeting. If you’re living in your brain, you leave replaying every word you said. On the drive home, you’re stuck in a spiral of “I should’ve said this” or “They probably think I’m incompetent.” By the time you walk in the door, you’re exhausted, and nothing has actually changed.
If you’re using your brain, you acknowledge the mistake, reflect on how to handle it better next time, and maybe even draft a quick follow-up email to clarify. You turn a mistake into growth instead of into anxiety.
Talking with Others
Picture yourself catching up with a friend. Living in your brain, you dominate the conversation. You’re talking, but not really listening, because in your head you’re rehearsing what you’ll say next. They leave feeling unseen.
Using your brain looks different: you ask questions, pay attention to their tone and words, and respond thoughtfully. The conversation becomes a connection, not just an exchange of words.
Taking Action
You decide you want to start running. If you’re living in your brain, you spend weeks researching the perfect shoes, debating the best training program, and imagining how great it will feel. But when the alarm goes off at 6 a.m., you hit snooze.
Using your brain means you pick a simple plan, put on whatever shoes you have, and start moving. No overthinking. Just steady action that builds momentum.
What the Science Says
Research shows that rumination is strongly linked to anxiety and depression (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2000). Reflection, however, helps regulate emotions and improves problem-solving. Studies on mindfulness reveal that staying in the present moment improves relationships, sharpens decision-making, and reduces stress (Keng, Smoski, & Robins, 2011).
In other words: the science confirms what we feel. Living in your brain drains you. Using your brain builds resilience, clarity, and stronger connections.
Long-Term Impact Across Seven Focus Areas
If you continue living in your brain, you limit your growth potential and miss out on the man or woman you could become. Over time, this choice seeps into every area of life. But when you learn to use your brain with presence and purpose, the same areas open up with opportunity.
Personal Development
Living in your brain stalls growth as you replay mistakes instead of learning.
Using your brain fuels lifelong learning, wisdom, and steady growth.
Professional Development
Living in your brain leads to hesitation and missed opportunities.
Using your brain builds confidence, sharper decision-making, and stronger leadership.
People Development
Living in your brain keeps you distant, present in body but not in spirit.
Using your brain deepens relationships through real listening and connection.
Play and Experiential
Living in your brain steals joy from the moment.
Using your brain helps you fully savor experiences and create lasting memories.
Health and Fitness
Living in your brain leads to excuses and inconsistency.
Using your brain drives intentional care for your body and sustainable health.
Financial Health
Living in your brain delays or avoids money decisions.
Using your brain brings clarity, discipline, and alignment with values.
Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health
Living in your brain erodes purpose and leaves you disconnected.
Using your brain grounds you in meaning and strengthens resilience.
My heart for every leader is healthy, sustainable growth. When you use your brain, you don’t just get by, you move forward with consistency across every area of life. Over a lifetime, that’s the difference between being stuck and becoming who you were meant to be.
Closing
Shifting from living in your brain to using it is about awareness and presence. With practice, you can break free from mental loops and step into clarity. You’ll think to learn, talk with others to connect, and take action with purpose. And that shift will touch every part of your life. 💯
The Stubborn Grip of Unhealthy Habits
The Reality of Stubborn Habits
Some habits feel unshakable. You win for a week, a month, even a year, then the old pattern pulls you back in. Science tells us this isn’t weakness, it’s wiring.
Habits form because your brain carves a neural pathway, making the behavior automatic. The longer you’ve repeated it, the deeper the pathway. Undoing that process takes time and repeated effort, because your brain is used to following the grooves it knows best.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Research shows it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit, but for deeply ingrained ones it can take much longer—sometimes six months to a year of consistent effort.
Studies on relapse reveal that 40–60% of people trying to change a behavior slip back within the first six months. That shows how much persistence it really takes to rewire old patterns.
Brain research shows that even after we stop a habit, the old pathways remain. That’s why urges can resurface years later when stress or triggers hit.
Change is possible, but it’s never instant.
The Grip That Holds You Back
Unhealthy habits don’t just hurt you in the moment, they rob you of what could be. Every time you fall back into the pattern, you lose time and energy that could have been used for something better.
The grip of an unhealthy habit takes up the very mental, emotional, and physical space where a healthy habit should live.
Think about it:
The hours you spend scrolling late at night are the hours that could’ve been filled with rest, clarity, and energy for the next day.
The money spent on impulse buys could have been invested in your future or your family’s future.
The energy drained by procrastination could have fueled a dream, a discipline, or a relationship.
Unhealthy habits block the space where greatness, discipline, and purpose are meant to grow.
Why We Quit Too Soon
Many people stop before they see lasting change because their reasons for starting are too shallow.
“I want to look good this summer.”
“Everyone else is doing it.”
“I just want to get ahead in my career.”
Shallow reasons create shallow roots. And shallow roots don’t last in the storm.
What Actually Holds You
The kind of change that lasts comes from identity.
“I want to be a father who shapes a legacy of presence, not pass down distraction.”
“I want to honor God with how I take care of my body.”
“I want to lead with vision that lasts, not recycle patterns that hold people back.”
This is where transformation begins. When the “why” runs deep enough, the “how” becomes sustainable.
The Pain and the Hope
The pain of breaking a habit is real. It’s failure after failure, and you can feel like you’ll never escape. But failure isn’t the end, it’s part of the rewiring. Every time you choose differently, even if you fall again tomorrow, you’re digging a new groove.
Over time, that groove gets deeper. And the old one starts to fade.
It’s not overnight. It’s not easy. But it’s possible. 💯
Navigating the Messy Middle: Why We Stumble and How to Keep Going
It’s easy to start strong. The launch of a new habit, project, or goal comes with a surge of excitement. But there’s a phase in every journey where that initial spark dims: the messy middle. This is the part where motivation fades, distractions creep in, and the path forward feels less clear.
So why do we stumble here, and what can we do about it? Let’s break down the real challenges of the middle and how to keep your momentum alive.
1. Losing Sight of the ‘Why’
In the beginning, your purpose is front and center. But as you get into the daily flow, that vision can get a bit cloudy. When you forget why you started, the middle feels like a drag. The key is to regularly re-anchor yourself to your deeper reason. Even a quick reflection can pull you back on track.
2. The Dip in Novelty
What started as fresh and exciting eventually becomes routine. The middle is where the novelty wears off, and boredom can creep in. The solution isn’t to chase newness but to find meaning in the routine. This might be where tracking comes in, not as the main focus, but just as a tool to notice small wins and keep yourself engaged.
3. The Long Game vs. Quick Wins
In the messy middle, we often get impatient. We’re not seeing instant results anymore, and it’s tempting to think we’re not making progress. This is where you shift focus to the long game. The middle is where slow, steady progress actually happens, even if it’s not flashy.
4. Building Systems and Finding Support
When motivation dips, that’s your cue to rely on simple systems and community support. This isn’t about making things complicated, it’s about having a routine that keeps you anchored and a few people who can encourage you along the way.
5. Combating Distraction with Intention
Distraction is one of the biggest reasons the middle feels messy. As life gets busy, your goals can easily slip into the background. The antidote is intention—a small daily check-in to remind yourself what you’re working toward. Whether through tracking or a simple moment of reflection, that consistency keeps you aligned.
Embrace the Middle as Part of the Journey
The messy middle is where real growth happens. By understanding why we stumble and using simple tools to stay intentional, you can turn that middle into the place where you build true resilience. 🧱
A Lot Can Change in a Year
When people think about a year, it feels like a long time. But when it comes to growth, most of us waste it. We imagine our circumstances will magically look different in twelve months, and in the process we underestimate how much we could change in that same time.
Too often, we focus on our circumstances changing instead of us changing.
Circumstances changing:
Once I get promoted, I’ll finally feel fulfilled.
If I move to a new city, things will fall into place.
When I find the right relationship, then I’ll be happy.
If the market shifts, my business will take off.
Us changing:
I built daily discipline, so now results come consistently.
I developed resilience—setbacks don’t knock me out like they used to.
I grew in how I lead and listen, and my relationships deepened.
I took ownership of my health, so I actually have the energy for opportunity.
Your circumstances may or may not change in a year, but you can always change. And the change in you is what prepares you to handle success when it comes. Because what’s the point of having all the success in the world if you’re dead on the inside?
The most meaningful changes often get overlooked because they don’t show up on a highlight reel:
Learning to be present with your family.
Building consistency in your habits.
Developing emotional maturity instead of reacting to everything.
Growing your faith and trusting God more than you did last year.
Choosing courage over comfort when no one is watching.
A year can go by in the blink of an eye, or it can be the year that changes everything about you. Don’t just hope your circumstances get better. Decide who you want to become, and grow into it.
A lot can change in a year. And the best thing that can happen is that you don’t stay the same. 💯
You’re Not Behind
It’s easy to look around and think, “I should be further along by now.” We see people younger than us crushing it online, making big money, or hitting milestones we thought we’d have by now. That comparison mindset can steal the joy of our own journey.
For most of us, the pressure shows up in the same places:
Career path
Marriage or relationships
Having kids
Buying a house
Financial stability
Starting a business
Finishing school
Personal growth or fitness
Faith or spiritual maturity
Knowing your life’s purpose
But here’s the truth: life isn’t a race. There’s no universal timeline. Many influential people didn’t hit their stride until much later in life:
Vera Wang — entered fashion design at 40
Ray Kroc — scaled McDonald’s at 52
Julia Child — published her first cookbook at 50
Samuel L. Jackson — had his breakout role at 46
Colonel Harland Sanders — built KFC at 62
Laura Ingalls Wilder — published her first book at 65
Grandma Moses — began painting at 78
Stan Lee — launched Marvel’s rise at 39
Henry Ford — introduced the Model T at 45
Momofuku Ando — invented instant ramen at 48
Morgan Freeman — became widely known at 52
If you’re feeling behind, start by redefining success based on who you want to be, not just what you accomplish.
The best thing you can do to prepare is to grow daily.
🧱 Set priorities and complete them.
🧱 Build healthy habits and sustain them.
🧱 Start challenges and finish them.
🧱 Set goals and see them through to the end.
This is what it looks like to stay ready and enjoy the journey.
So instead of rushing to “catch up,” embrace your own pace. Celebrate the stage you’re in. Because growth is not about beating a timeline, it’s about becoming the kind of person who’s ready when opportunity shows up. 💯
Are You Looking for an Accountability Partner or a Babysitter?
A lot of people ask for accountability but really want a babysitter.
A babysitter watches you, makes sure you do the bare minimum, and keeps you from drifting too far off course. They keep you safe — but they don’t push you forward.
True accountability is different.
It’s you owning the process and inviting someone to walk alongside you. It’s saying, “Here’s the standard I’ve set. Hold me to it.”
Being in the leadership space, I’ve seen this over and over.
Some people grow because they take full ownership. Others stall because they’re still waiting for someone else to drive the process.
A babysitter checks in on you. Real accountability makes you check in on yourself.
Why We Default to a Babysitter
It’s easier.
Building your own structure takes work. It’s simpler to say, “Remind me to do this,” than to create a system where the action is non-negotiable.
But when life gets hard, quick fixes fall apart. If you’ve built your growth on vision, it holds.
Vision Changes Everything
Without vision, accountability burns out fast. Vision gives accountability something to protect. Without it, you’re just chasing short-term wins that fade.
My Sleep Story
In 2016, I lived on four hours of sleep. People told me to rest more, but it never stuck. I’d ask for accountability, but really I just wanted a babysitter to nag me.
By 2023, my thinking changed. One of my core values is to be a healthy and active man for the rest of my life. That shifted my focus to the long term and made me ask, What could stop me from living that way?
Sleep topped the list. Books like Outlive and Why We Sleep showed me how much rest impacts clarity, health, and longevity.
This time, I owned the process: I wanted to average seven hours a night. I told my accountability partner, “I’ll send you my average every day. I don’t need you to chase me, I just need someone to see it.”
Since August 2023, I’ve hit that goal 95% of the time — not because someone babysat me, but because I took ownership.
Why Accountability Works
According to the American Society of Training and Development, you have a 65% chance of completing a goal if you commit to someone — and 95% if you set a specific accountability appointment.
But those numbers only matter if the accountability is built on your vision, not someone else’s checklist.
The Takeaway
Before you ask for accountability, ask yourself — do you want a partner, or a babysitter?
Real accountability starts with you.
Set the vision. Build the structure. Own the process. Invite the right people to keep you on track.
When you combine ownership with vision, you don’t just hit goals — you build a life that can sustain growth for decades. 🧱
The Lone Wolf Trap
I’ve seen it over and over in leadership.
People try to white-knuckle their way to growth. They grind alone, stack goals, push hard… but deep down, they’re stuck.
And I get it. I used to think the same way. I didn’t say it out loud, but I lived like it: head down, hyper-focused, no need for help.
There’s something appealing about that story. You feel strong. Independent. Self-made.
But it’s also lonely. And it’s limiting.
Because without people around you, who’s calling out your blind spots? Who’s holding you accountable when you start to drift? Who’s reminding you there’s more in you than you see?
The lone wolf might survive for a while. But they rarely thrive.
What People Are Really Craving
I’ve had more and more conversations lately with leaders who are realizing they’ve been growing in isolation and it’s not working.
They’re craving more than motivation. They want real connection.
They want a crew they can be honest with, grow alongside, and be challenged by.
This is exactly why I built Grow or Die. The points, the feed, the leaderboards—they’re all tools to push you forward.
But tools alone won’t carry you for a lifetime.
If you want to grow for the rest of your life, you can’t do it alone. You need people alongside you who will challenge you, hold you accountable, and push you past the limits you’d settle for on your own.
Because leaders who try to grow in isolation eventually plateau. But leaders who grow in community keep climbing.
Why It’s Hard to Step In
Wanting community and stepping into it are two different things.
It’s easy to show up when you’re winning. It’s harder when life feels messy, when you don’t have the answers, or when you’re not at your best.
That’s usually when people pull back.
Not because they don’t want to grow, but because they’re afraid of being seen in the in-between.
And then pride steps in:
“You don’t need help.”
“You should be further along.”
“Keep that to yourself.”
But pride doesn’t protect your growth. It blocks it.
The Kind of Growth That Last
I’ve learned this watching leaders in Grow or Die: community growth is slower, scarier, and messier, but it’s deeper and it sticks.
You get mirrors.
You get encouragement.
You get accountability.
You get challenged in ways you never would on your own.
That’s why we track habits, log wins, and celebrate milestones. Because when you can see your growth and have people cheering you on in it, quitting gets a whole lot harder.
If You’ve Been Doing It Alone
Don’t wait until life forces you to look for your crew.
Find them now. Let them in before you feel ready.
It’s not about joining a crowd. It’s about finding the right people who see you, believe in you, and will push you to grow.
That’s what we do every day in Grow or Die.
And it’s the best kind of growth there is.