Is your environment shaping your growth, or limiting it? In this article, I’ll walk you through how to take charge of your relationships, your time, and your input. Because if you want to reach your full potential, you’ve got to stop letting your surroundings happen to you, and start happening to them.

“Fully accepting ourselves and unconditionally loving ourselves is not a good idea. It is our duty to mankind. For without a commitment to pursue this ideal, we cannot fully love the people we deeply care about or make the contribution to the world that we were destined to make. Disregarding this endeavor not only limits ourselves, we limit our full sphere of influence.” – Shane Jacob

There’s one thing that has the power to completely transform your life. It’s not luck. It’s not talent. It’s not your circumstances. This “one thing” influences your behavior, shapes your feelings, and determines your results. It’s at the root of every action you regret, every fear you can’t overcome, and every opportunity you let slip by.

We’ve all heard the sayings: “Lead by example,” “Actions speak louder than words,” and “Do as I say, not as I do is a recipe for disaster.” But what does this really mean in parenting? When I was younger, I’d hear advice from adults and think, “Why would I listen to you? You seem miserable, anxious, stressed, or resentful. Why would I want to be like you?” The truth is, the life you live, not the rules you enforce, is what resonates most with your kids.

Most of us are experts at pointing out what’s “wrong” with ourselves. We zero in on mistakes, second-guess our actions, and criticize what we wish we had done differently. This endless loop of self-doubt can leave us stuck, frustrated, and convinced we’ll never measure up. Here’s the truth: beating yourself up doesn’t help you improve. It keeps you trapped in a cycle of shame. But there’s a way out, a way to embrace your imperfections, understand your reactions, and turn self-criticism into powerful personal growth. Let me share a personal story to show you what I mean.

From my high school wrestling coach, who taught me to have a “fighting heart,” to horse trainers like Rick Steed, coaching has been how I made the most significant accomplishments in my life. Quitting alcohol after 23 years, running a half marathon at 55, and building an exceptional marriage, happened because I sought out skilled coaches.