Happy Sunday, !

I hope you’re taking a moment to step back from the daily grind and reflect on your business’s growth. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into today’s topic—how you might be unknowingly holding your business back.

But before we get into the newsletter, here are some treats for you…

• In this week’s Pay or Quit Podcast, Peter Hernandez, founder of myPMH.com, and I discuss how strong employee relationships can set your company apart. Listen here or click the thumbnail below!

• If you’re a big fan of learning on YouTube, like I am, check out my channel @ShawnAustinJohnson 

Are You Stuck Without Realizing It? Here’s How to Fix It.

Most business owners and CEOs don’t fail because of external forces like market conditions or competition. They fail because they unknowingly sabotage their own success. What’s worse is that these self-sabotaging behaviors often feel like normal business challenges, making them hard to recognize. As a result, many leaders stay stuck in the same patterns for months or even years—without realizing they are the ones holding their business back.

John Maxwell calls this The Law of the Lid, which states that a business will never outgrow the leadership ability of its owner. In other words, you are the ceiling of your business. If you aren’t growing, neither is your company. If you feel like you’re constantly working but not gaining real momentum, it might be time for a reality check.

Here are five ways business owners and CEOs sabotage their own success—and how to break free.