Breaking Through What’s Holding You Back
By Brian Buffini
Many of us eagerly look forward to a new year and what we hope will be a fresh start. We start off strong and promise ourselves this year will be different. But there’s a reason many abandon their resolutions by mid-January. The calendar may change, but the habits holding us back often don’t. And if our habits are the same, our results will be too.
I’ve taught on this subject a lot over the years, so I thought it would be a great topic for our recent Buffini Coaching LIVE™ event held in Las Vegas. I was thrilled that two of my favorite guests from over the past few years, Dr. Henry Cloud and Jon Acuff, agreed to join me in a discussion on “Breaking Through What’s Holding You Back.” The conversation was brilliantly moderated by Ken Coleman, a three-time bestselling author and co-host of The Ramsey Show.
Here are some of the key highlights I came away with from the session:
Are You Burned Out or Just Tired?
I know for myself it’s easy to work nonstop, especially when there are a lot of people relying on you and there’s so much on the line.
So I was interested to hear Ken note that the number one challenge business professionals face is “burnout.”
Henry offered an interesting perspective on this, suggesting that you ask yourself, “Am I burned out? Or am I just tired?”
Being tired is not a bad thing, he added. “It means you took on the mountain.”
But just as important, you need periods of rest, recreation and unplugging so you can refresh.
This discussion reinforces why the Work by Referral system is the best (and in my opinion!) only way to run your business. Rather than running yourself ragged and chasing after dead leads, you’re building a fantastic business working with people you know and like. Many of our clients work hard but also take up to 8 weeks a year off!
Overcome the Narrative Holding You Back
Like myself, Henry and Jon grew up in modest households. Success was not something they were necessarily taught to reach for in their careers. And for Henry, a comment from a teacher made to him when he was a young student really derailed his confidence for many years after. A chance encounter with a pastor helped him realize that he had gifts and an obligation to share them.
Henry and Jon shared that it’s important to shut out those negative voices (both internally and externally) and focus on what you can control. It’s also important to surround yourself with people who not only cheer you on but remind you of what you’ve overcome.
For our Members, we have so many opportunities to tap into those who have your back when your internal soundtrack is playing a bit too negatively. Our coaches and the Buffini Member Community — they’re all here for you to cheer you on.
Don’t Let Comparison Steal Your Joy
In today’s competitive world, it’s really hard not to compare yourself, and your success (or lack of it) to others. That’s why I really try to remember to celebrate others’ joy. And that’s easier to do when you’re not attached to things.
In our session, Jon agreed, adding, “I feel better when I’m cheering for others. And when I focus on my own goals, I don’t have the time, energy or creativity to worry about competing with others.”
“One of the worst comparisons you can make is comparing yourself to who you used to be,” he wisely said. “New seasons deserve new scorecards.”
That’s just a taste of the great insights Dr. Cloud and Jon Acuff shared in our session. Be sure to watch the full replay where you’ll get even more tips and strategies that will help you move past the roadblocks holding you back.
And don’t forget to register for our next Buffini Coaching LIVE on April 9, 2026. We’re busy working on a program filled with inspirational and motivational content that you won’t want to miss!
