Charles Doublet

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Stuck in a dead-end job? This might be your wake-up call.

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You, the Unlikely Hero:
How Personal Leadership is Your Epic Adventure

Ever feel lost, stuck in a routine, unsure of your next move?

That’s the call to adventure, warrior.

It’s the itch that tells you there’s more to this life than the daily grind.

Welcome to your hero’s journey – a path of personal leadership that will forge you into the leader you were meant to be.

This journey, inspired by Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey” and Christopher Vogler’s “The Writer’s Journey,” is a roadmap for anyone ready to break free and achieve success, both personally and professionally.

Ordinary World:
The Discontent You Already Know

Your hero’s journey begins in your ordinary world – your current reality. Maybe you feel stuck in a dead-end job, unfulfilled in your relationships, or unsure of your purpose. This discontent is the hero’s “call to adventure,” a nudge towards something bigger.

  • Action Step: Identify your discontent. What nags at you? Is it a lack of direction, a stifled ambition, or a yearning for a more fulfilling life?

Refusal of the Call:
Fear is the Dragon at the Gate

Fear, the first enemy on your path, might try to hold you back. It whispers doubts like “What if I fail?” or “This is too hard.” But remember, every hero faces a guardian at the threshold.

  • Reframing Fear: Fear is simply excitement in disguise. It’s a sign you’re stepping outside your comfort zone, which is exactly where growth happens.

Meeting the Mentor:
Find Your Tribe

Just like Luke Skywalker needed Obi-Wan Kenobi, find your mentors – people who believe in you and guide your journey. Look for leaders you admire, teachers, or even online communities.

  • Action Step: Who are the leaders you respect? Reach out for mentorship, or join online groups focused on personal development.

Crossing the Threshold:
Taking That First Step

This is the point of no return. You commit to your journey, take action towards your goals, and leave your ordinary world behind.

  • Action Step: Set clear goals that excite you. Write them down, visualize achieving them, and take that first concrete step, no matter how small.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies:
The Battlefield of Growth

Your journey is a training ground. You’ll face challenges (tests), find allies (supportive people), and encounter enemies (doubts and negativity).

  • Tests: See setbacks as opportunities to learn and adapt. Each challenge strengthens your resolve.

  • Allies: Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you. Let their encouragement be your fuel.

  • Enemies: Identify your inner critic and negativity from others. Silence them with action and focus on your vision.

Approach to the Innermost Cave:
Confronting Your Weaknesses

Every hero faces their greatest fear. Here, you confront your deepest doubts and limitations. This is your chance to shed old versions of yourself and embrace your true potential.

  • Action Step: Practice self-reflection. Journal about your fears and insecurities. Then, develop strategies to overcome them.

Ordeal:
The Crucible Forges the Leader

This is the toughest part of the journey. You’ll be pushed to your limits, and tested mentally and emotionally. But remember, champions are forged in fire.

Perseverance: Don’t give up! Focus on your goals, visualize success, and celebrate small victories.

Reward:
Seizing Your Destiny

You’ve conquered your challenges, faced your fears, and emerged stronger. Now, claim your reward – the success you’ve earned through your leadership journey.

  • Action Step: It’s amazing that when so many get close to the goal, they stop. This is not the time to stop, you’ve worked too hard. Finish the race and take your reward!

The Road Back:
Sharing Your Wisdom

A true hero doesn’t keep their victory to themselves. Now, it’s your turn to inspire others. Share your story, mentor those starting their own journeys, and use your leadership to uplift others.

  • Action Step: Become a mentor or volunteer your skills to help others. Share your learnings and guide them on their own paths.

Resurrection:
The Never-Ending Journey

The hero’s journey isn’t a one-time event. It’s a continuous process of growth and leadership. Embrace new challenges, keep learning, and inspire others on their own heroic journeys.

Remember, warrior-in-training, you have the power to be the leader of your own life. Embrace the adventure, conquer your fears, and use these tools to write your own epic story of success.

P.S. This is your heroic journey.

But only if you stand up and take the first steps. No one else can take them for you.

If you need help on your journey, get my FREE 3-week email course, Learn to Lead. That, plus my daily emails, The Daily Dojo will give you all you need to help you be the hero you were meant to be.

Get it here: Learn to Lead

The “Lazy Man’s” Guide to Success: How Tiny Habits Can Crush Your Goals

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One Small Step: The Compound Effect That Builds Empires

Imagine this, leader-in-training.

  • You wake up feeling energized, a roadmap clear in your mind.
  • At work, you lead with confidence, ideas flowing freely.
  • Your relationships thrive, built on open communication and unwavering support.

This, my friend, is the power you hold within.

But how do you get there?

The secret lies in a concept so simple, yet so revolutionary:

​James Clear graph of the 1% Compounding Effect​

The 1% Compound Effect

Think of it like this.

You wouldn’t expect to build a skyscraper overnight, would you?

Brick by brick, floor by floor, that steel giant rises.

The 1% Compound Effect works the same way.

It’s about taking small, consistent actions that, over time, create massive transformations.

Let’s bust a myth: achieving big things doesn’t require superhuman effort.

Look at the pull-up bar hanging lonely in your gym.

You might scoff at the thought of knocking out 2 pull-ups, let alone 10.

But here’s the magic – with the 1% Effect, you can conquer that bar and unlock a level of strength you never thought possible.

Here’s how: Imagine doing just one pull-up a day to your routine.

Sounds manageable, right?

For the first 40 days, that’s all you do.

One.

But here’s the crazy part: by the end of the year, you’ll be cranking out a staggering 37 pull-ups.

That’s right, 37!

Think about it. From barely hanging to achieving near-superhero status – all from a single, daily action.

The 1% Compound Effect of 1 Pull-Up

Here’s what that progression looks like of doing 1% more every day:

  • Days 1 – 41: 1 Pull-up
  • Days 42 – 93: 2 Pull-ups
  • Days 94 – 126: 3 Pull-ups (3 months in, only doing 3)
  • Days 127 – 152: 4 Pull-ups
  • Days 153 – 172: 5 Pull-ups
  • Days 173 – 189: 6 Pull-ups (6 months, 6 pull-ups!)
  • Days 190 – 203: 7 Pull-ups
  • Days 204 – 216: 8 Pull-ups
  • Days 217 – 227: 9 Pull-ups
  • Days 228 – 237: 10 Pull-ups
  • Days 238 – 246: 11 Pull-ups
  • Days 247 – 254: 12 Pull-ups
  • Days 255 – 262: 13 Pull-ups
  • Days 263 – 269: 14 Pull-ups
  • Days 270 – 276: 15 Pull-ups (9 months, 15 pull-ups)
  • Days 277 – 282: 16 Pull-ups
  • Days 283 – 288: 17 Pull-ups
  • Days 289 – 294: 18 Pull-ups
  • Days 295 – 299: 19 Pull-ups
  • Days 300 – 304: 20 Pull-ups
  • Days 305 – 309: 21 Pull-ups
  • Days 310 – 313: 22 Pull-ups
  • Days 314 – 318: 23 Pull-ups
  • Days 319 – 322: 24 Pull-ups
  • Days 323 – 326: 25 Pull-ups
  • Days 327 – 330: 26 Pull-ups
  • Days 331 – 334: 27 Pull-ups (1 month to go!)
  • Days 335 – 337: 28 Pull-ups
  • Days 338 – 341: 29 Pull-ups
  • Days 342 – 344: 30 Pull-ups
  • Days 345 – 347: 31 Pull-ups
  • Days 348 – 350: 32 Pull-ups
  • Days 351 – 353: 33 Pull-ups
  • Days 354 – 356: 34 Pull-ups
  • Days 357 – 359: 35 Pull-ups
  • Days 360 – 362: 36 Pull-ups
  • Days 363 – 365: 37 Pull-ups (10 pull-ups in 1 month!)

That’s the compounding effect in motion.

Your small wins snowball, building momentum and propelling you towards your goals.

It’s the quiet hum of the engine that drives you to success, not the explosive roar of a one-time burst.

So how do you harness this power in your own life?

Here are your action steps:

  • Pick your “pull-up bar”: Identify a goal you deem “impossible.” Is it that promotion? Mastering a new skill? Public speaking like a pro? The choice is yours, leader.
  • Start small, ridiculously small: Maybe it’s reading 5 pages a day for your promotion, practicing a presentation for 10 minutes, or simply researching public speaking tips.
  • Be relentless: Consistency is key. Life will throw curveballs, but recommit to that small action every single day. Even tiny progress builds momentum.
  • Celebrate the wins: Did you hit your daily goal? Awesome! Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small.

The 1% Effect extends beyond physical feats. It applies to every aspect of your life:

  • Personal Growth: Dedicate 15 minutes daily to learning a new skill. In a year, you’ll have invested over 90 hours!
  • Relationships: Send one thoughtful text a day to a loved one. Over a year, that’s 365 reminders of how much they matter.
  • Finances: Invest 1% of your income every day. Watch your savings snowball over time.

Remember, leader: Big dreams require small, consistent steps.

The 1% Effect empowers you to take control, build the life you desire, and become the best version of yourself.

So, what are you waiting for?

Grab your metaphorical brick, and start building your success, one powerful 1% at a time.

Bonus Tip: Track your progress! Seeing your daily wins visualized is a powerful motivator.

From Apprentice to Leader: Master the Skills to Take Charge of Your Future

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Forge Your Own Path: How Personal Leadership Becomes Your Success Blueprint

Imagine this, warrior.

One year from now.

  • You confidently walk into the office, colleagues respect your ideas, and your presentation nails that promotion.

  • Fearlessly, you ask out that captivating woman, your head held high.

  • Satisfaction radiates from you — a life built on your own terms.

Sounds pretty good, right?

This, leader, is the power of personal leadership.

It’s not about fancy titles or barking orders.

It’s about taking charge of your life, setting your own goals, and crushing them with unwavering focus.

It’s the first step to achieving anything you set your sights on, both personally and professionally.

Think of yourself as the foreman on a construction site.

You have the vision, the blueprint (your goals!), and the crew (your skills and determination).

But without leadership, the project goes nowhere.

Personal leadership is the foundation, the unshakeable belief in yourself that fuels your every move.

Why Is Personal Leadership So Important?

Here’s the deal:

  • You become the captain of your ship. No more drifting aimlessly, waiting for opportunities to fall in your lap. You chart the course, decide your destination, and navigate the storms that life throws your way.

  • Self-doubt gets KO’d. That nagging voice whispering limitations? You learn to shut it out. Personal leadership empowers you to believe in your abilities and conquer fear.

  • Goals transform from dreams to reality. You break down your aspirations into actionable steps, taking consistent moves towards that dream promotion, that cross-country trip, or that perfect relationship.

So, how do you grab the mantle of personal leadership and build your success blueprint?

young man drawing out his blueprint

Here’s your action plan:

1. Know Your Why: Unveiling the Inner Compass

  • Action: Before you build, you need a blueprint. What are your core values? What truly motivates you?

  • Dig Deep: Is it financial security? Recognition? Leaving a positive impact? Identify your driving force.

  • Example: Maybe it’s providing for your family that sets your soul on fire. That becomes your guiding star, pushing you to excel in your career.

2. Vision Boarding: Painting Your Dream Future

  • Action: Visualize your ideal life. What does success look like for you? Create a vision board (physical or digital) filled with images that represent your goals. Seeing is believing, leader.

  • Get Specific: Include images of your dream career, your desired lifestyle, and the experiences you crave. The more detailed, the more powerful.

  • Example: If you dream of traveling the world, pin pictures of breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cultures. Let it fuel your ambition.

3. Embrace the Grind: Building Your Skill Arsenal

  • Action: No champion becomes great overnight. You need to hone your skills. Identify areas you need to strengthen and actively work on them.

  • Continuous Learning: Take courses, read books, seek mentors. Every skill you learn becomes another tool in your success toolbox.

  • Example: Aspiring to be a leader at work? Develop your communication skills, learn to delegate tasks effectively, and become a master problem solver.

4. Silence the Doubters: Building a Fortress of Confidence

  • Action: Self-doubt is a sneaky enemy. Recognize it, then shut it down. Surround yourself with positive influences who believe in you.

  • Positive Affirmations: Start your day with affirmations like “I am capable” or “I will achieve my goals.” Repetition builds belief.

  • Action Step: Track your progress! Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Each accomplishment fuels your confidence and silences negativity.

5. Take Action: Brick by Brick, Building Your Success

  • Action: Enough planning! It’s time to build. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and break them down into daily tasks.

  • Consistency is Key: Small, consistent actions lead to big results. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment.” Start today, even with baby steps.

  • Example: Want to learn a new language? Commit to 30 minutes of practice daily. Consistency is the secret weapon, leader.

Remember, taking charge of your life is a journey, not a destination.

There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and unexpected detours.

But with unwavering personal leadership, you’ll weather any storm.

You’ll learn, adapt, and emerge stronger.

So, pick up your tools, warrior.

The blueprint for your success is waiting to be built.

Lead the way.

P.S. If you’re still struggling to let your leadership shine, I have a FREE 3-week email course that will help you, get it here: Learn to Lead.

Signing up will also give you, The Daily Dojo, your daily inspiration for living a life of the warrior-sage.

How I Went From Wimp To Warrior With One Mental Model

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The 80/20 Rule:
My Key to Unlocking My Leadership Growth

Years ago, I found myself stuck in a frustrating cycle.

From Wimp to Warrior

I was constantly hustling, putting in long hours, attending countless events, yet the needle on my personal leadership growth seemed barely to budge.

I felt busy, overwhelmed, and ineffective.

Sound familiar?

Feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled, I knew something had to change.

It was then that I stumbled upon the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule.

This principle states that, for many situations, roughly 80% of the outcomes come from 20% of the causes.

In simpler terms, a small number of inputs often produce a majority of the outputs.

Intrigued, I began applying this rule to my life, specifically focusing on personal leadership growth.

I Learned that I Could Achieve More by Doing Less

Here’s how it transformed my journey:

1. Identifying the High-Impact 20%:

The first step involved identifying the 20% of actions, people, and places that had the greatest impact on my leadership development.

This involved honest self-reflection and asking myself:

  • What activities truly challenged and stretched me as a leader?
  • Who were the mentors, colleagues, or communities that provided the most valuable guidance and support?
  • Where did I experience the most significant growth opportunities and breakthroughs?

Through this process, I discovered that:

  • Engaging in deep, focused conversations with experienced leaders yielded far more valuable insights than attending large networking events.
  • Investing time in personal development courses and workshops aligned with my specific goals was more effective than consuming a wide range of generic leadership content.
  • Actively seeking out challenging projects and volunteer opportunities provided me with practical learning experiences that no amount of theory could replicate.

Here’s How I Freed Up My Time and Attention

2. Minimizing the 80%:

Once I identified the “high-impact 20%,” the next crucial step was to minimize the 80%.

This didn’t necessarily mean complete elimination, but rather reducing the time, energy, and attention I devoted to them.

Here’s how I approached it:

  • Setting boundaries: I politely declined invitations to events or projects that didn’t align with my leadership goals, freeing up time for high-impact activities.
  • Curating my social media intake: I unfollowed accounts that provided limited value and instead followed individuals and communities that offered insightful leadership content and discussions.
  • Optimizing my learning process: I replaced skimming through generic leadership articles with focused reading and in-depth analysis of relevant materials.

And Here’s How I Didn’t Paint Myself into a Corner

3. Continuous Evaluation and Refinement:

The key to maximizing the 80/20 Rule is constant evaluation and refinement.

I regularly ask myself:

  • Are my current high-impact activities still relevant and effective?
  • Are there new opportunities or resources that could provide even greater growth?
  • Am I unintentionally slipping back into the 80% zone?

By continuously evaluating and adjusting my approach, I ensure that I’m always investing in the activities and people that truly propel me forward in my leadership journey.

The Impact:

Applying the 80/20 Rule wasn’t a quick fix, but it was a game-changer.

By focusing on the high-impact 20%, I:

  • Reduced feelings of overwhelm and frustration by eliminating unnecessary activities.
  • Increased my learning efficiency by focusing on the most valuable resources.
  • Experienced accelerated leadership growth by actively seeking out challenging opportunities and engaging with experienced mentors.
  • Developed a more intentional and strategic approach to my personal and professional development.

The 80/20 Rule isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s a powerful tool that can help you maximize your time, energy, and attention for explosive personal leadership growth.

By identifying your high-impact activities, minimizing distractions, and continuously refining your approach, you can take control of your development journey and unlock your full potential as a leader.

P.S. Be sure to check out my FREE 3-week 22-email course on personal leadership because if you can’t lead yourself, you will always be following someone else. And the view sucks. Get it here: Learn to Lead​

P.P.S. I cannot overstate the importance of the 80/20 Rule.

With it, I stopped going to sports bars and strip clubs hanging, out with people who weren’t going anywhere in their lives.

Instead, I joined a martial arts studio and took classes at the local community college, hanging out with people who were challenging themselves and growing daily.

That one decision made all the difference in the world for me and if you apply the 80/20 Rule, it will also change your life!

From White Belt to Black Belt: The Real Guide to Becoming a Leader (No Dojo Required)

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The Belts of Leadership: Mastering Yourself Before Leading Others

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a ​video of a skinny kid getting his ass kicked on YouTube​.

At first, I didn’t think anything of it.

I thought it was another silly video posted to get “likes.”

And it was.

But I didn’t like it.

After seeing a ​breakdown by Hard2Hurt​ it reinforced for me that too many people seek public recognition before they’ve developed personal acceptance.

You can’t get from others what you don’t already give yourself and it reminded me of my own martial arts journey.

The martial arts analogy serves a powerful purpose:

The journey to mastery is a relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Earning a black belt isn’t an overnight achievement;

It demands years of dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.

Similarly, true leadership, whether in your personal life, career, or public sphere, follows a similar path of progressive development.

Mastering Yourself: The White Belt of Personal Leadership

The Belt Colors of my Hapkido journey
The belt colors of my Hapkido journey

Your personal leadership foundation is where it all begins.

This white belt phase is about understanding and developing your core values, principles, and character.

It’s about building self-awareness, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, and actively working on self-improvement.

This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about confronting your limitations and taking responsibility for your actions and emotions.

Think of it like this:

Before you can effectively control an opponent in martial arts, you must master your own body and mind.

You need to understand your limitations, your weaknesses, and how to push yourself beyond them.

The Sneako-Strickland Fiasco: A Cautionary Tale

The recent incident between social media personality Sneako and UFC fighter Sean Strickland serves as a cautionary tale.

Sneako, hoping to secure an interview for his podcast, challenged Strickland to a sparring session.

The outcome was widely documented, showcasing a significant skill disparity.

While the specifics of their personal relationship are not the focus, this scenario highlights the potential pitfalls of neglecting personal leadership.

Sneako, in his attempt to establish himself as a public leader, seemingly disregarded the importance of personal development.

Entering a challenging situation without the necessary skill or preparation reflects a lack of self-awareness and ultimately leads to an undesirable outcome.

If you haven’t seen the beatdown, ​here is the video and a great breakdown by Hard2Hurt​, one of my favorite YouTube creators.

Earning Your Stripes: The Blue and Brown Belts of Professional Leadership

As you solidify your personal leadership foundation, you can begin exploring professional leadership.

Here, you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to inspire and guide others within a professional setting.

This involves effective communication, delegation, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive work environment.

Imagine this:

Having mastered your body and basic fighting techniques, you now learn more advanced moves and strategies.

You practice applying your skills with others, learning to work together and adapt to different situations.

Building Your Voice: The Black Belt of Public Leadership

Finally, with a strong foundation in personal and professional leadership, you can consider public leadership.

This stage involves influencing and inspiring a broader audience, often beyond your immediate professional circle.

It requires the ability to articulate a clear vision, connect with diverse individuals, and earn their trust and respect.

Public leadership isn’t about demanding attention or forcing your ideas onto others.

It’s about earning your stripes through genuine leadership qualities and building a voice that resonates with your audience.

Remember:

Even black belts in martial arts can be defeated by a more skilled opponent.

Public leadership, like any other skill, requires constant refinement and adaptation to maintain trust and influence.

The Takeaway: A Journey, Not a Destination

Leadership development is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

Whether you aspire to be a better partner, a more effective manager, or a public figure, remember the importance of mastering yourself first.

Invest in personal growth, hone your professional skills, and build your leadership voice authentically.

The journey will be challenging, but the rewards of inspiring and empowering others are truly remarkable.

By understanding the different “belts” of leadership and prioritizing your personal growth,

You can avoid the pitfalls exemplified by the Sneako-Strickland situation and embark on a path toward becoming a true leader,

One who inspires and empowers others to reach their full potential.

Black Belt Leadership: Are You Committed to Putting in the Work?

Last year, I decided to start an online presence with social media, blogging, and digital product creation.

I wasn’t doing this for the money or fame but as a new way to challenge myself to grow and learn.

For a guy, who for most of his life, mostly kept to himself, busily and happily pursuing his life, this was a big change for me.

But, I had already set the stage by building my personal leadership through self-work and self-awareness, therapy, journaling, meditation, and deep work.

I had also built my foundation of professional leadership on the mat in Hapkido as a 2nd-degree black belt and a supervisor in construction, running crews on multi-billion dollar projects.

So I’m better prepared for the challenges, trolls, and rollercoaster ride of building an online brand of public leadership.

And, I’m not needing the approval of anybody else to help boost my ego, progress, and growth.

If you’re struggling with your own leadership, look within.

Where are you not leading yourself?

That’s what’s holding you back from leading others.

P.S. If you haven’t already received my FREE 3-week course on Personal Leadership, you can get it here: ​Learn to Lead