How to Spot the Real Issue (Not Just the Noisy One)
The thing you’ve been avoiding? It probably is an issue.
And the thing you’ve been pouring energy into? There’s a good chance it isn’t the real problem.
This happens all the time. We keep ourselves busy to feel productive, while avoiding the uncomfortable work that would actually move the needle.
How can you tell the difference? 🤔
One word: feedback.
Life is giving you feedback constantly—through results, conversations, friction points. Sometimes it’s as clear as a boss or colleague saying, “I need you to start doing X.” Sometimes it’s more subtle. Maybe it’s an email you sent that went unanswered. Or a project that keeps getting delayed. Or a client who’s suddenly less responsive.
The trick is staying open enough to recognize it.
One partner made this point perfectly in an interview for the Successful Junior Lawyer Project:
“When I first started getting feedback, I ignored it. I thought I knew better. I thought the people giving it didn’t really understand. But eventually, I had to admit things weren’t working. So I tried listening. I figured, worst case, I could always go back. But once I actually acted on the feedback, things started to improve. Now I see it as one of the most important parts of success—not just getting the right feedback, but giving it to others, too.”
So: what feedback have you been resisting? What signal is life sending you that you haven’t been ready to hear—until now?
I believe in you. 😊
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