Let’s start with something that sounds obvious: truth.
We’re usually taught that truth means “in accordance with fact or reality.”
But that definition is incomplete — and in your career, it can actually be dangerous.
Because there are plenty of facts we accept as truth that quietly work against us. Today, lets deconstruct them and replace them with truths that can set us apart and move us closer to our goal. (and if you hate reading, click here and watch the video)
When Facts Become the Wrong Truth
Here are some facts you’ve probably heard recently:
- 1.1 million people were laid off in 2025
- The U.S. is experiencing the highest unemployment since the pandemic
Those statements may be accurate. But accuracy alone doesn’t make something useful.
The real question is this:
How does the truth you believe make you act?
When you internalize those facts as your truth, something subtle shifts.
You hesitate, play smaller, and start wondering:
- What’s the point of putting in extra effort?
- Why stand out when everything feels stacked against you?
You take facts that describe other people’s circumstances and turn them into a personal operating belief.
And what you believe drives your behavior.
Why Belief Matters More Than Data
Think about how we treat development milestones with kids.
If you hear that most kids potty train at 18 months, you might not even try before then — and surprise, that becomes true for your child. You’ve just unintentionally created the ‘truth’ because you believed it would take that long.
Meanwhile, there are parents who potty train infants. Thousands of parents out there are avoiding diapers and wipes all because they worked off of a different truth that contradicted yours.
Same world. Same reality.
Different belief → different action → different result.
This isn’t about denial. It’s about understanding there are facts to support anything.
Truth is only useful if it moves you forward.
What Kids on Christmas Eve Still Understand
Now think about a kid on Christmas Eve.
To them, the truth is absolute:
Tomorrow morning, there will be gifts.
The cookies will be eaten.
The carrots will be nibbled.
They know these facts on Christmas Eve and in the morning, there will be evidence to support them. Those kids know there are logistical issues but their belief in the truth as they know it outshines those questions every time.
There are too many kids for one person to create for and deliver to.
There are not enough hours in the night for an army of elves to get to everyone.
Not nearly enough chimneys to get to every person.
And yet, none of that matters.
They don’t track logistics.
They don’t question feasibility.
Those kids act in accordance with expectation.
They put out the cookies.
They go to bed even though they want to stay up all night.
Because there’s too much to risk by not believing.
Somewhere along the way, we lost that. We lost the faith in the evidence that is right in front of us and twisted the fear. The fear of tempting fate that gets kids tucked in early on Christmas Eve because of the anticipation of what’s to come. We turn that fear into anxiety that something good could never happen to us.
As adults we stop believing truths that get us what we want and prioritize truths that support our hesitation.
We focus on stress, scarcity, and why things won’t work — especially in our careers.
A Better Definition of Truth (Especially for Your Career)
Here’s a more useful definition:
Truth is what is supported by fact and moves you toward your goals.
With that in mind, let’s talk about three truths you can choose to believe — all of which are supported by reality and all of which change how you show up.
Truth #1: People Are Promoted Every Single Day
This isn’t aspirational. It’s observable.
Every day, someone gets promoted.
They are smart. They are capable.
And sometimes, they are… fine.
They’re not always the most skilled person in the room.
But they can communicate their value.
If it’s happening for them, there is no logical reason it can’t happen for you.
Truth #2: Someone Worse Than You Is Doing the Job You Wan
You probably already pictured them.
Less skill.
Lower bandwidth.
Worse innovation.
And yet — they’re there.
Not because they’re flawless, but because they expected to be.
Here’s the hard truth most people avoid:
When you don’t step into your abilities, you leave the people who need strong leadership with a weaker version.
Your hesitation doesn’t create safety — it creates mediocrity.
Truth #3: Expectation Changes Behavior
People aren’t promoted because they wait patiently.
They’re promoted because they have the audacity to expect more.
When you believe:
- People are promoted every day
- Someone worse than you is already doing it
- Roles go to those who expect they can handle them
You start acting differently. Your behavior starts to align with that belief.
Suddenly, you stop hiding your accomplishments.
You compare your results to people above you, not around you. You’re elite, not just another statistic.
You raise the bar for your team.
You build evidence — not hope — that you’re overdue for the next step.
Just like the kid with the cookies and milk, you act because belief has always paid off before.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Operating from these truths changes everything:
- Performance reviews become strategic conversations, not defensive ones
- Your work is framed around impact, not activity
- Minimum effort becomes unacceptable — for you and for others
- Promotion becomes a logical next step, not a risky ask
At that point, giving you more authority and compensation isn’t a favor.
It’s a smart business decision.
The Energy I Want You to Leave With
The goal isn’t arrogance.
It’s confidence rooted in reality.
The same confidence kids have on Christmas Eve:
We’re not tracking logistics.
We’re not obsessing over odds.
The expectation is that what we asked for — and more — is coming.
If you want that feeling in your career — even in uncertain times — it starts with choosing better truths.
What’s Coming Next
In January, I’m launching a hybrid course and coaching experience designed to help you turn these beliefs into real career outcomes — promotions, influence, and healthier team cultures.
It’s not available yet.
But if you want early access and a chance to help shape it, click here and tell me what you need to make this truth your reality. Give me your feedback of the roadblocks and red tape that get in your way of the career you want and we’ll build support just for you right in.