We talk a lot about fear of failure.
But what if the real thing slowing you down… is loyalty?
Not to others.
To your past self.
In today’s Daily Power Boost, we unpack why high-functioning leaders get stuck not because they’re falling short, but because they’re still trying to honor the version of them that once succeeded.
If you’ve been filtering your growth through old wins, outdated expectations, or expired rhythms… this is your invitation to evolve without asking for permission.
Because evolution isn’t about abandoning your origin story.
It’s about not being ruled by it.
In This Episode
How excellence becomes a hidden anchor
Why nostalgia for past success slows current momentum
Signs you’re making decisions to avoid disappointing your past self
How to break the loyalty loop and build from your becoming
✦ Reflection Prompts
What version of me am I still trying to protect or preserve?
Where am I choosing based on who I was? Not who I am?
What past achievements feel too “sacred” to outgrow?
Am I more loyal to my former success than my current truth?
✦ Action Steps
1. Grieve the Glory
Write a thank-you letter to the old you. Acknowledge their strength. Then release the expectation to remain them.
2. Audit for Emotional Nostalgia
Ask yourself: “Would I be doing this if I hadn’t built my identity around the old result?”
3. Lead From Your Becoming
Say it aloud:
“I’m not here to preserve my origin story.
I’m here to lead from who I’ve become.”
✦ Bonus Resource
Book a Free Success Blockers Call
If you’ve been moving slow, not from fear, but from old attachments, let’s clear the emotional loyalty that’s caging your growth.
dailypowerboost.com/free-call
✦ On the Next Episode
The Clarity Cult: Why Overthinking Kills Momentum
Sometimes the search for clarity is just fear with a planner.
Next episode, we name the trap of “not ready yet” and show you how to act without over-explaining it to your ego.
✦ If You Loved Today’s Episode…
Here’s how to move deeper:
Share this episode with someone who’s still waiting to feel seen before they feel whole.
Subscribe to Daily Power Boost for raw, rhythm-based identity coaching every week.
Join the R.E.A.L. Mastery™ Hub – Where high-performance meets inner congruence.
realmasteryhub.com
Want to be coached live? Beyond the Boost Live Coaching is coming soon. Message me to be considered.
✦ Engage With Me Online
Instagram: @coachshawnmichael
TikTok: @coachshawnmichael
YouTube: @coachshawnmichael
LinkedIn: @coachinguatemala
✦ References & Influences
Gay Hendricks – The Big Leap
On the Upper Limit Problem and the unconscious fear of evolving beyond your “zone of excellence.”
Steve Andreas – Transforming Your Self
On how self-concept is constructed and how outdated identity anchors block present growth.
James Clear – Atomic Habits
On how behavior shifts aren’t enough without identity reinforcement behind them.
Steve Hardison – The Ultimate Coach
On identity as the root of leadership and how letting go of who you’ve been unlocks who you can become.
Martha Beck – The Way of Integrity
On releasing roles and expectations that no longer match your evolving self.
Michael Gervais – Finding Mastery Podcast
On the psychological cost of staying loyal to past personas.
Todd Herman – The Alter Ego Effect
On how we can consciously shift performance by shifting identity, not just effort.
Tara Mohr – Playing Big
On how women (and high achievers generally) get trapped in “good student” excellence that blocks bold reinvention.
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