Still Peaking: January 2025

Mike Enos
Jan 6
4 min read

Read Time: 4 minutes and 13 seconds

Welcome to Still Peaking, a newsletter for those who believe growth has no finish line. Here, we explore strategies to break through limits, embrace bold choices, and live a life of purpose and intention.

Each month, we bring you actionable insights, hard-earned lessons, and stories of transformation—because the edge of your comfort zone is where the real magic happens.

Here’s what’s in this issue:

Challenge of the Month: The Compliment Effect
Don’t Think, Just Do: Send the Message
Green & Growing: Break the Script
Hero Spotlight: Breaking Through the Comfort Zone

Let’s dive in!

Challenge of the Month: The Compliment Effect

The Research: Studies show that giving compliments not only makes the recipient feel good but also strengthens social bonds and increases your own sense of well-being. Yet, many people avoid giving compliments, fearing they’ll come across as awkward or insincere. (Check out this study for more insights.)

The Challenge: For the next 30 days, give one genuine compliment every day. It could be to a boss, colleague, friend, or stranger. Keep it simple and authentic—something like, “I admire how you handled that challenge,” or “You have an amazing ability to light up the room.”

What You’ll Gain: A more connected, positive outlook on the people around you and the chance to strengthen relationships in ways that matter.

💡 Pro Tip: Flattery works, especially in the workplace. I learned this in a Stanford business course—it’s not just about boosting others; it can elevate your own influence. For more on this, check out Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book, Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don’t.

Don’t Think, Just Do: Send the Message

This section is about taking quick action without overthinking.

This month’s prompt: Send the message you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s an email to a mentor, a text to reconnect with a friend, or reaching out to someone you admire, stop waiting. Write it now and hit send before the excuses creep in.

The result? Momentum, clarity, and often, an opportunity you didn’t expect.

Green & Growing: Break the Script

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned since leaving my executive career is this: you don’t have to follow society’s script.

For decades, I followed the traditional roadmap—work hard, climb the ladder, chase the promotions, and build a “successful” life. But the higher I climbed, the more I realized that success, as society defines it, doesn’t always equal fulfillment. So, I made the decision to rewrite my life on my own terms.

What I discovered is that breaking the script isn’t about rebellion—it’s about alignment. It’s about asking yourself what truly lights you up and having the courage to pursue it, even when it feels risky. For me, that meant stepping away from a stable role and prioritizing the things that bring me joy: coaching others, being outdoors, and creating a life filled with intentionality and growth.

Takeaway: Don’t let the script define your story. The best chapters are written when you align your life with your values and embrace the discomfort of rewriting what’s “normal.” Life is too short to live by someone else’s playbook.

Hero Spotlight: Breaking Through the Comfort Zone

The best part of being an executive coach is witnessing clients take bold actions and transform their lives.

Take Kevin, for example. In his late 50s, after serving nearly two decades as a leader of a Fortune 500 company, he found himself at a crossroads. Despite rising from Director to Global Vice President, he wasn’t happy. Though successful, he felt a part of him was dying each day in an unfulfilling role.

Dedicated and loyal almost to a fault, Kevin faced a tough decision: stay with the company or seek new opportunities that could reignite him. Many in his position would take the conservative route, enduring the grind until retirement.

Kevin chose a different path. A passive job search led him to a promising opportunity at an emerging company in a new industry with a different product line. The company was focused on growth, the team was energized, and the role required significantly less travel. Kevin had the expertise they needed and received an offer.

Yet, leaving his older, more stable company was daunting, filled with anxiety and mixed emotions. Was it too much of a risk?

After weighing the pros and cons, and considering his long-term career aspirations and personal growth, Kevin decided to take the leap. It was a difficult decision but ultimately the right one.

As he reflected, the decision has since proved to be one of the most rewarding in his career, opening doors to new challenges and growth in a completely different industry.

Kevin's story is a testament to the power of making bold decisions. It’s never too late to rediscover your fire, embrace new opportunities, and transform your life in a profound way.

Still Peaking

Each day is a chance to stretch your edges and live more intentionally.

What will you do this month to grow? Let me know if you’re taking on the Challenge of the Month or embracing the Don’t Think, Just Do prompt—I’d love to hear your stories.

Until next time, keep growing, keep doing, and keep living with purpose.

— Mike

Michael Enos

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