Last year, I was on fire with my fitness routine, disciplined, consistent, relentless. Every morning, it was about waking up, hitting the workout, staying clean, and focusing purely on execution.
When I returned from Germany in early September, I consciously decided to let go of all those strict self-imposed rules. I chose to revisit my old habits, without guilt or self-judgment, to enjoy coffee freely, drink socially, and occasionally smoke.
Not because I lost control, but precisely because I wanted to let go of control, at least for a while.
Strange, perhaps, but I enjoy the challenge of climbing back from rock bottom. There's a thrill in seeing clearly where you stand and deciding to rise again.
The journey upward is exhilarating precisely because the struggle is real, tangible, and undeniably human.
Since Ash Wednesday on February 5th, I've returned to my disciplined approach, leaving alcohol, coffee, and smoking behind, and embracing healthy habits and structured workouts again.
This time, however, I made one significant change, I stopped looking in the mirror.
Anyone who exercises knows that sneaky temptation, catching your reflection mid-workout to check for immediate results. Let's be honest, it's an ego-boosting habit, reassuring us that our hard work is instantly paying off.
But this habit subtly shifts our motivation from disciplined execution to immediate gratification, undermining the deeper rewards of true consistency and long-term growth.
This year, I've consciously decided to avoid that quick fix of validation. No flexing in front of the mirror after workouts :).
Sure, I inevitably see myself occasionally, but the intentional avoidance makes those glimpses rare and impactful.
When I do catch my reflection after weeks of dedicated effort, the visible transformation is significantly more profound. It's a deeper satisfaction, a powerful reminder of how discipline and consistency quietly accumulate into undeniable change.
The parallels to leadership and business are clear. As consultants, strategic advisors, or business leaders, we too often seek validation by looking in the mirror.
We bask in short-term wins, glowing testimonials, or immediate recognition. But genuine leadership, and meaningful success, is less about how good we feel about ourselves and far more about the lasting impact we leave on others.
In my professional life, whether I'm advising clients, implementing software solutions, or optimizing business processes, the true metric of success isn't my reflection, it's theirs.
Did I empower my client to operate better, think differently, and create lasting improvements? Did my contribution shift their mindset in a meaningful, sustainable way?
This mindset shift, away from ego-driven validation and toward lasting impact, is the essence of true leadership.
Discipline, humility, and a relentless commitment to meaningful outcomes matter infinitely more than momentary praise.
So here's a challenge, stop looking in the mirror. Resist the instant gratification of immediate validation.
Instead, commit fully to the daily discipline of execution, and measure your true success by the enduring impact you create in others' lives and businesses.
The reflection that matters most is found not in a mirror, but in the growth and transformation of those we serve.