As a CEO, one of the hardest but most important things I’ve learned is this: We must be radically honest with ourselves.
Not with the world. Not with our peers. But with ourselves.
Too often, when something isn’t working whether it’s a strategy, a person in the wrong role, or even our own habits we hold on too long.
We sugarcoat the reality.
We call problems “phases.”
We tell ourselves, “Maybe it’ll improve next month.”
But deep down, we already know the truth.
There’s an old parable called the Dead Horse Theory.
It says: “If you realize you’re riding a dead horse, the best thing you can do is get off.”
But here’s what most people do instead:
- They try a bigger whip (more pressure, more stress).
- They rename the problem to make it sound better.
- They call another meeting to “analyze the dead horse.”
- Or worse… they promote the dead horse to inspire others.
The real lesson?
When something isn’t working — stop pretending.
Don’t pour more effort into excuses.
Don’t make the problem look prettier.
Accept it. Face it. Then act.
As a leader, I’ve made some of my best decisions right after I chose to be brutally honest with myself. It’s not always comfortable — but clarity never is.
🔹 What’s not working in your business right now?
🔹 Where are you pushing a dead strategy because it’s “comfortable”?
🔹 What tough decision are you avoiding?
Leadership starts with honesty — and the courage to act on it.
Let’s be honest with ourselves — and let go of what’s not serving us.
