Why Playing Small is Holding You Back
Mindset Rebuild Weekly
Hi, it’s Warren.
Welcome to Mindset Rebuild Weekly. In today’s issue:
Why Playing Small is Holding You Back
Favourite Links
Weekly Recap
and more …
Thought for the Week
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” (Neale Donald Walsch)
Growth doesn’t live where it’s cozy. It’s in the awkward conversations, the bold moves, and the failures that sting just enough to teach you something.
The question isn’t “How do I stay comfortable?” but rather, “What am I willing to risk for the life I want?”
Deep Dive: Why Playing Small is Holding You Back
Warning: While I try not to overdo it, this post does contain the odd bit of profanity. If that offends you, I apologize … but I’m still going to use the profanity anyway.
Playing it safe is the quickest way to stay stuck.
I know that sounds harsh, but hear me out. For years, I believed working harder and aiming lower would help me succeed.
Spoiler alert: It didn’t.
Staying in my comfort zone felt safe—until it didn’t. The truth? Playing small isn’t safe; it’s suffocating.
If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and ready to step into a bigger, bolder version of yourself, today’s deep dive topic is for you.
Why Growth Feels Like Walking Through Mud
Do you ever feel like you’re trying so damn hard, but life keeps throwing bricks in your face?
Yeah, me too.
Growth is hard. Not because you don’t want it—but because the way you’ve been taught to think about it is straight-up broken.
Back when I first started focusing on personal development, I thought growth meant hustle harder or think positive thoughts 24/7.
But here’s the kicker: Those strategies only worked for so long before they left me burned out (which for me really means bored) and frustrated.
What actually worked? Mindset shifts—small changes in how I thought about myself and the challenges around me.
Today, I’m sharing three powerful mindset shifts that helped me level up in life and business.
Spoiler: They might piss you off a little because they’ll challenge everything you’ve been taught about playing it safe.
Shift 1: Stop Setting “Realistic” Goals—They’re Killing Your Ambition
I used to set goals I thought I could achieve.
You know, the ones that feel safe. “Let’s not dream too big because failure will hurt too much,” I’d tell myself.
Sound familiar?
Here’s what I learned: Realistic goals are for the mediocre version of yourself.
The real you? The badass version buried under layers of fear and excuses? That person is capable of goals that scare the hell out of you.
👉 Action Step: Write down one goal that feels out of reach. Something so big it makes your stomach turn. Now, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do today to move 1% closer to it?
Shift 2: Embrace the Ugly Truth—Comfort Zones Are Death Traps
Yeah, I said it.
Comfort zones are cozy, but they’re the enemy of growth. If you’ve been chilling in your comfort zone, thinking, “Things aren’t that bad,” let me tell you this: You’re settling.
Growth doesn’t come wrapped in a warm blanket. It’s messy. It’s uncomfortable. It’s standing in the rain wondering if you’re crazy for stepping out.
But you know what? It’s also where all the good stuff happens.
When I started pushing myself beyond what felt easy, I saw my life transform. Was it terrifying?
Fuck yes. But it was worth it.
👉 Action Step: Identify one thing you’ve been avoiding because it feels hard. Do it. Today. Even if it’s imperfect.
Shift 3: Fail Fast, Fail Often—Perfectionism is a Lie
Raise your hand if you’ve ever said, “I’ll start when I’m ready.”
Yeah, me too.
Here’s the ugly truth: “Ready” is bullshit. You’ll never be ready. Life doesn’t wait for you to feel confident or prepared.
When I embraced failure as part of the process, everything changed. I stopped overthinking, started experimenting, and learned faster than ever before.
Every “failure” became a lesson.
👉 Action Step: Pick one thing you’ve been procrastinating on because you’re afraid to fail. Now, commit to doing it badly. Just get it done.
Up for the Challenge?
The truth is, you’ve got everything you need to grow—you’re just holding yourself back with old, limiting beliefs.
So here’s your challenge: Stop playing small. Take one action today that scares you, pushes you, or makes you feel uncomfortable. Growth doesn’t happen when you wait—it happens when you move.
Want more practical tools and real talk to help you grow? Subscribe to my paid newsletter where I go deeper into actionable strategies for building an unstoppable mindset.
Because here’s the thing: Your best self is waiting. Are you ready to meet them?
And so, on that note …
Limited Time Thanksgiving Special Offer
Struggling to push past your limits? Mindset Rebuild is your go-to resource for honest, no-BS insights that help you think bigger and grow faster.
Until Thanksgiving, grab a 35% discount when you upgrade to a paid subscription. Offer expires November 28—don’t miss it.
Weekly Recap
In Case You Missed It
It’s been a busy week here at Mindset Rebuild. Here’s a recap of what you may have missed:
Podcasts (available to everyone)
Mindset Minute (available to everyone)
Small Wins for Big Confidence: Building Belief in Yourself Daily
The Science of Reframing Stress: Turning Anxiety Into Action
Subscriber Posts (available to paid subscribers)
Truth Bombs (available to founding subscribers)
Breaking Free From Victim Mentality
Favourite Links to Explore
"How to Stop Playing Small and Start Living Authentically"
Description: This article explores the concept of "playing small," offering insights and strategies to help individuals embrace their true potential and live authentically.
"Stop Playing Small: Embrace Your Inner Power"
Description: Published in Psychology Today, this piece discusses the psychological barriers that lead individuals to "play small" and provides guidance on overcoming these limitations to harness one's inner power.
"Stop Playing Small at Life and Work"
Link: https://wardgreengroup.com/blog/stop-playing-small-at-life-and-work/
Description: This article offers 12 practical tips for building confidence and personal power, encouraging readers to stop limiting themselves in both personal and professional spheres.
"Set Goals To Boost Your Happiness - Not Just Your Career"
Link: https://www.investors.com/news/management/leaders-and-success/set-goals-boost-your-happiness/
Description: This article discusses the importance of setting personal goals aimed at enhancing happiness and mental well-being, rather than focusing solely on career advancement.
"How Limitless Flow Code Promises to Transform Focus and Creativity – Our Full Review"
Description: This review explores the Limitless Flow Code, a personal development tool designed to enhance mental and emotional landscapes, leading to improved focus and creativity.
Limited Time Thanksgiving Upgrade Offer
Struggling to push past your limits? Mindset Rebuild is your go-to resource for honest, no-BS insights that help you think bigger and grow faster.
Until Thanksgiving, grab a 35% discount when you upgrade to a paid subscriptions. Offer expires November 28—don’t miss it.
Wrapping Up
Here’s what you’ve learned today:
Playing small is not the safe option—it’s the stagnant one.
Bold goals and discomfort are essential for growth.
Failure is a tool, not an end.
The only thing standing between you and your next level is action. Start small, stay consistent, and embrace the messiness of the journey.
Action Step: Write down one audacious goal today. Next, break it into tiny steps and commit to completing just one by the end of the day.
Let’s grow together,
Warren
P.S.
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Thanks for the information!
One of my favorite quotes- “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” (Neale Donald Walsch)