, Are You Playing It Safe or Playing to Win?

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Hi !

Picture me with a smug grin right now. Last week, we explored the concept of boundaries and how they can help you avoid the meltdown zone I used to inhabit.

After you master the art of “no, not now,” what if that same skill douses the spark you need to blaze a trail?

The safest “boundaries” sometimes become comfort zones in disguise. That’s why this week, we’re stepping into the unknown, intentionally, on our own terms.

I’ve experienced burnout firsthand. I’m not about to hand you that map. Instead, I want to show you how to dance at the edge, where resilience and risk come together to produce real breakthroughs.

What’s In It For You:

• Out-of-the-Box Hacks: Forget the basic boundary tips. Let’s get radical with tangible strategies you can try tomorrow morning.

• Intellectual Ammo: We’ll decode why stepping beyond your safe zone is actually a smart move (if you want next-level success).

• Case Study: A look at a polarising entrepreneur who uses chaos like a superpower (while the rest of us watch with popcorn).

Let’s Talk Life (and Leadership) Outside the Lines

Remember those times you said, “I can’t,” and the pit in your stomach whispered, “But you could if you tried…”? That’s the energy we’re tapping into here.

Boundaries are gorgeous for sanity, but guess what? If you never pivot or flex, you might fence out the very things that skyrocket you to new heights.

Sounds dramatic? Fine. Guilty as charged.

But I know from personal experience that sometimes the biggest leaps come when you knock down your own walls.

Pro tip: The trick isn’t to fling open the gates all day, every day. That’s chaos incarnate, and you’ll end up with a meltdown. Instead, plan moments to blow your routine to smithereens on your own schedule.

Paradoxical, right? But that’s the sweet spot.

Hacks for the Brave (and Slightly Rebellious)

1. The “Chaos Slot” System
   Pencil in a weekly (or monthly) “chaos slot” that’s untouchable. No scheduled calls, no predictable tasks. It’s your creative playground for wacky, unrefined ideas. Sounds terrifying, right? Good.

2. Permission-to-Fail Challenges
   Rally your team, yes, even the ones who roll their eyes and ask for their worst, most outlandish proposals. The only caveat is that they must push the envelope hard. Give an award for “Best Flop.” Watch how that flips the vibe from safe to pioneering.

3. The Contrarian Mentor
   I love my cheerleaders, but find someone who thinks your processes are too cosy. Let them point out your blind spots with brutal honesty. Feels uncomfortable? That’s exactly the point.

Case Study: Elon Musk & Controlled Chaos

Yes, Elon Musk. Love him or hate him, the guy turned “pushing limits” into an art form.

Launching rockets on timelines everyone scoffed at?

Creating electric cars that made the giants scramble?

He’s the poster child for playing right on the edge of meltdown and still (mostly) winning.

Lesson Learned: If you never dance on the razor’s edge, you might avoid cuts. But you’ll also avoid the moonshots that redefine entire industries. Sometimes, a measured jolt of chaos is what you need to keep your mission alive and roaring.

“Think Again” by Adam Grant

Looking for a literary shot of adrenaline that’s not another boundaries manual? Adam Grant’s “Think Again” is your new jam.

It’s about questioning what you already believe, challenging your precious assumptions, and giving yourself permission to pivot because that’s where the real fireworks happen.

Quick Note: Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Clarity Call

Feel like you’re ready to break free of the “safe zone,” but worried about catapulting yourself back into burnout? I’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt (and the dark circles under my eyes).

Let’s design a custom approach that balances bold moves with self-care.

Ready to ditch the safe seats and step into the ring?

👉 Schedule your complimentary 30-minute clarity call here 

Let's Reflect:

1. When was the last time you intentionally messed with your routine?

2. Do you have a safe place for chaotic brainstorming?

3. Who challenges you to break your own rules (respectfully but firmly)?

Fun Corner

Ever tried a “Reverse Brainstorm”?

• Instead of solving a problem, gather your crew and brainstorm ways to make it worse.

• Twist those negative ideas upside down to spark fresh solutions.

Yes, it’s borderline madness. But trust me, some of my best breakthroughs came from staring at the “worst possible” paths and realising one of them could be flipped into gold.

Thank you to everyone who responded last week!

A Personal Reflection

I recently pitched a half-baked, borderline impossible idea to a potential partner, fully expecting them to laugh me out of the room.

Instead, they leaned forward and whispered, “Tell me more.”

We ended up launching a small pilot that ultimately led to a new opportunity and contract.

Would I have done that if I had stayed within my boundaries? Probably not. Sometimes, risking a little ego is exactly what you need.

The Final Word

Look, playing it safe never got anyone on the front page of epic success stories.

Sure, boundaries keep you from unravelling. But if that’s all you’ve got, you might be stalling your own breakthrough.

The real trick? Protect your energy, yes, but also leave a door open for the unexpected.

Share Your Thoughts

Which hack makes you nervous-excited? Chaos slots? Contrarian mentors? Hit reply and spill.

I want to hear the wildest thing you’re about to try and how you plan to use that energy for breakthroughs, not burnout.

How Else I Can Help

I also offer consulting services based on my senior leadership experience and am available for speaking engagements, including events, keynotes, podcasts, and course recordings.

For further details, contact me here or reply to this email.

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

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