When Success Becomes a Limitation

What if some of the ways you've learned to be successful are now limiting what else is possible for you?

So, here's my recent realisation…

Apparently, my old "busy executive" identity hasn't quite left the building. 😅

Even though I left my crazy corporate days behind years ago, it seems that parts of that identity are still very much alive in me.

And expressing themselves in ways I hadn't even noticed.

Take my personal style, for example.

I tend to alternate between two extremes: the classic executive look — formal trousers, shirts and jackets — and the complete opposite: sporty, casual, comfy ;)

Not much happening in between.

So, the other day, someone suggested that perhaps adding a bit more colour and a more "feminine" touch to my wardrobe might do me good.

RRRight! 😏

Ten years ago, I would have laughed out loud and dismissed the idea as utterly ridiculous.

Because, let's face it…

I'm definitely NOT some esoteric hippie dancing in sunflower fields with feathers in her hair.

Nor am I a glamorous diva in sky-high stilettos, bright red lipstick and a dangerously low-cut satin blouse.

Can you spot the prejudices in my words? 😅

Well, today I know better.

And guess what? I'm taking that suggestion to heart! :)

Expect to see me floating around in long, flowery satin dresses any day now.

P.S. I'm still considering the feathers. 🪶

But here's why I'm sharing this.

We are what we practise…

Our habits, patterns and identities become so familiar that we stop noticing them.

We repeat them, reinforce them and, without even realising it, may end up keeping ourselves stuck in ways of being that no longer serve us.

Take, for instance, an executive who has learned to be efficient, composed, serious and constantly in control.

She may continue expressing these qualities through her body, voice and behaviour, even in situations that call for a completely different way of being.

Think intimate relationships, for instance! 😉

The very identity that once helped her succeed professionally may now be restricting her range of expression, spontaneity, connection and even influence — at work and beyond. 

Ever wondered why you keep getting similar results at work or in your relationships?

Well, some of your deeply ingrained patterns may have something to do with it. :)

And here's where things get really interesting.

If we want to keep growing as leaders and human beings, we need to be willing to experiment with new ways of being.

🚩 When you step outside your habitual ways of being, you may discover parts of yourself that you've been suppressing or simply haven't explored.

🚩 Different ways of moving through the world.

🚩 Different ways of relating to others.

🚩 Different ways of showing up as a leader.

And sometimes, these discoveries can change far more than you ever imagined.

What feels natural and familiar to you isn't necessarily all that's possible for you.

This isn't about abandoning who you are, but rather expanding your repertoire — so you have more choices about how you show up in different situations.

And this is one of the things I absolutely LOVE about embodied leadership.

In my new workshops and programs, we explore our habitual ways of being — not just intellectually, but through our bodies.

And then we experiment.

We try out different ways of being, moving, standing, speaking, relating and taking up space.

And the discoveries can be quite extraordinary!

Because we begin to realise that there may be much more of ourselves available to us than we've been expressing. And that can make a tremendous difference to how we lead, communicate, influence and experience life.

I'm incredibly excited to bring this work into SHELeads.

Intrigued?

Glad you are! 😏

If you'd love to experience what I'm talking about, come and join us in Prague on Monday, 23 November, for my half-day workshop Personal Power for Leaders.

We're bringing together a small group of experienced women leaders to explore exactly this kind of work.

👉 Learn more about Personal Power for Leaders

And perhaps, the next time you catch yourself thinking, "That's just who I am," pause for a moment.

Is it really who you are?

Or is it simply who you've practised being for so long that you've forgotten there might be other possibilities?

Now, isn't that worth exploring? 😉