The Power of Starting with Mindset: Why You’re Wasting Time and Don’t Even Know It

Last week, I asked a client one of my favorite questions in front of his entire team:

“What do you do better than anyone else?”

He froze. He squirmed. He stammered something about “not being comfortable with that kind of question.” And the room got awkward.

But you know what happened next? That awkward moment shifted into clarity. He owned his brilliance. He admitted what he was uniquely good at, and when he did, something clicked for his team. The energy shifted. Conversations got sharper. Everyone got laser-focused on what really mattered.

Here’s the point: most people don’t ask themselves hard questions like this—ever. And that’s why so many of us end up spending our days doing stuff that doesn’t matter. We’re crossing things off checklists, answering emails, and jumping into meetings like we’re saving the world, but none of it actually aligns with what we want to build.

It’s insanity. And it’s killing your potential.

The Real Problem with Your To-Do List

Here’s the thing: when you wake up and start your day by asking, “What do I need to get done today?” you’ve already lost. Why? Because that question assumes everything on your plate is equally important. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

When was the last time you paused to ask:

• What am I building?
• What’s the ONE thing I can do this week to make everything else easier or unnecessary?
• Who do I need to become to make my vision a reality?

If your answer is “never” or “not recently,” congratulations—you’re officially running on autopilot. But let me tell you something: autopilot doesn’t get you to extraordinary.

The System That Keeps Visionary Leaders Focused

My system is simple—because complexity is where good intentions go to die.

1. Start with mindset. Who are you? What’s the energy you’re bringing into the day? Leadership starts with YOU. If you’re walking into Monday in “firefighter mode,” you’re not leading—you’re reacting.
2. Then, move to vision. What’s the big picture? Where do you want to be three months, six months, or a year from now? Everything you do should point toward that.
3. Next, structure. What needs to be in place to support that vision? Do you need better systems, clearer roles, or fewer meetings that could’ve been emails? (Hint: the answer is always fewer meetings.)
4. Finally, strategy. Now, and only now, do you ask: What’s my plan to execute? The key is to make sure your strategy supports the vision—not the other way around.

This is the framework I use with clients. It’s disruptive because it forces you to rethink how you spend your time. It’s blunt because it has to be—your potential is too important to waste on the wrong things.

Why It’s Time to Stop Playing Small

Let me be blunt: most people play small because it’s easier. It’s easier to stay busy than it is to ask, “What do I want to be known for?” It’s easier to cross things off a list than it is to admit you’ve been working on the wrong list for years.

If that makes you uncomfortable, good. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones.

So here’s what I want you to do: ask yourself these three questions right now:

1. What do I want to be known for?
2. What’s the biggest problem I solve?
3. What do I do better than anyone else?

Sit with your answers. If you don’t know, that’s a problem—and a sign you’ve been playing it too safe for too long.

Let’s Get Real About Your Leadership

If you’re ready to stop wasting time and start building something that matters, let’s talk. This week only, I’m offering 50% off the first month of coaching with no startup fees, no matter how big your team is.

This isn’t just about your team or your business—it’s about you. Who you are. What you bring. What you want to be known for.

Click here to book a free discovery call. We’ll dig into your mindset, clarify your vision, and build the structure and strategy to make it happen.

This offer ends Cyber Monday. Don’t wait. Stop playing small and start leading with the clarity, focus, and energy your vision deserves.

You’re better than a checklist. Let’s act like it.

- Michael