A Simple Shift That Made My Work Feel Lighter

If your work is feeling heavier or harder than it should right now, this might be why: you’re trying to do it in solo mode.

In this Two-Minute Tip, I share a simple but powerful reframe I learned from John Meese — solo player mode vs. multi-player mode — and why high-achievers and leaders are especially prone to going it alone.

The longer we stay in solo mode, the heavier the work feels and the more isolated we become.

I also share how I’m experimenting with multi-player mode in my own work right now - and how it’s already impacting my energy and the quality of my work.

If you’re carrying more than you need to, this is your reminder: you don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes the most powerful move is inviting the right person into the problem with you.

• Read the video transcript

  If your work is feeling harder or heavier than you want it to right now, this might be why: you might be approaching it in "solo player mode" rather than "multi-player mode". This is a term that I recently learned from John Meese. And I will tell you, the high achievers, the leaders that I work with often, they tend to drift into solo mode.

  They feel pressure to have the answers, to not burden others, to be able to solve anything on their own.

  And so they slip into solo mode, and I will tell you, the longer they stay there, the harder it becomes. The burden grows and work just isn't fun anymore.

  If you're finding yourself there, it is time to invite somebody in to play multiplayer mode with you. A peer, a colleague, your boss, somebody to come help you sort through things and problem solve together.

  I am experimenting with this myself right now as a solopreneur. I recently formed a mastermind with other folks who care about leadership and effective organizations, and we're meeting regularly to help share thoughts and ideas and encourage each other. I also recently joined a group coaching program to be able to learn and grow through that with a community of other folks.

  I no longer want to play solo mode.

  And I can tell you that I'm already feeling so much more energized in my work, and I know I will be able to serve my clients even better as a result. So if you are finding yourself operating in solo mode, it is time to hit pause on that, invite somebody else into it and start to partner with somebody you trust to tackle the problem with a little bit more joy and some new ideas.