Hey Reader,
Most high achievers love being the strongest, smartest, most experienced, or most accomplished person in their circle.
It’s validating.
It’s comforting.
The attention is exciting but it’s also limiting.
If you’re always the best in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room.
Most people fail to realize this because it’s uncomfortable to admit they’re not the best, and they don’t want to feel exposed.
Today, we’ll explore why stepping into spaces where you’re outmatched can be a great way to unleash your potential.
🗯️ The room where it happens
I’ve been in groups of people who were light-years ahead of me in business and life.
At first, it was intimidating.
I felt out of place like I didn’t belong.
My ideas felt small and my achievements looked insignificant compared to theirs.
I started listening more than I spoke. I asked questions instead of giving answers. I absorbed their strategies, their mindset, and their way of thinking.
Gradually, I began to see gaps in my own approach that I hadn’t noticed before.
I adopted new habits that transformed my business, and I grew faster in those few months than I had in years.
That’s the power of being the weakest in the room.
Even though you’re not literally weak.
But there’s a problem.
🧠 The trap of being the best
Your team, clients, and peers all want your input, expertise, and leadership.
It feels good, doesn’t it? To be the one everyone relies on.
Over time, you’ll notice conversations feeling repetitive and ideas feeling safe.
But your business is still running, your team is still performing, and you’re still hitting your goals, so everything appears fine.
Soon enough, you’ll feel like you’re running on autopilot.
Like you’re capable of so much more, but you’re not sure how to get there.
And this perceived underperformance starts to show up in your decisions.
You’re playing it safe because no one’s pushing you to think bigger.
You’ll rather stick to old habits, strategies, and beliefs instead of trying new things.
You don’t want to ask questions because, well, you’re supposed to have all the answers.
Your confidence gets hit too.
You second-guess yourself more now.
You procrastinate on big decisions more than you take action.
Now you’re probably wondering if you’re still the leader you used to be.
Crazy how the very thing that made you successful (being the strongest in the room) is now holding you back.
❤️ The courage to be a beginner again
Growth needs friction.
It demands that you give up your experience and admit you need more.
Putting yourself in environments where you no longer have it all figured out.
Easier said than done, right?
But when you’re surrounded by people who are ahead of you, you’re forced to level up.
You’re pushed to rethink your assumptions, challenge your limits, and embrace new ways of doing things.
Besides, you also have burning questions you’ve been dying to ask.
You’ll be open to ideas, strategies, and perspectives that you may never encounter in your usual circles.
You start thinking bigger, dreaming bolder, and acting with more intention.
You’ll rediscover your curiosity and energy to get back to that dream you’ve buried in fear and doubts.
And the good thing is that people who are ahead of you have been where you are.
They know what it’s like to feel out of place, and they’ll respect you for having the guts to show up anyway.
🤲 How to step into uncomfortable rooms
If you keep being afraid of feeling behind, you’ll stagnate your potential.
Here are ways that helped me overcome that fear and should help you too:
- Crash the right party: Stop hanging out in rooms where you’re the smartest one. Find the spaces where you feel like the rookie. It could be a high-level mastermind, an industry event, an elite retreat, or even a small group of people who are crushing it in areas where you’re still figuring it out. Walk in, own your “newbie” status, and start absorbing. You’ll be surprised how comfortable it actually is.
- Get comfortable with “I don’t know”: C’mon, don’t linger in that vulnerability trap. Admit when you’re clueless. It’s not a weakness. It even sounds more like confidence when you know where you’re headed, that you’re here to grow, and not pretend you’ve got it all figured out.
- Steal like an artist (but do it right): When you’re in a room with people who are ahead of you, pay attention to how they think, not just what they do. What’s their mindset? How do they approach problems? What’s their process? Then, take those ideas and make them your own in a way that aligns with your dreams and values.
- Create a growth circle: Build a small, intentional group of people who are ahead of you in different areas: business, mindset, health, or relationships. You can meet regularly to share insights, challenge each other, and hold each other accountable. It’s a proven way to be surrounded by people who inspire you to raise your standards.
🎯 Are you ready to get uncomfortable?
So, what will you choose?
Comfort or challenge?
Validation or transformation?
The greatest leaders aren’t afraid to be beginners.
They’re not afraid to ask for help.
They admit they have more to learn.
As the legendary Kobe Bryant once said, “The moment you give up being teachable, you’ve given up your ability to be great.”
With appreciation,
Huw
P.S.: Struggling to find the right tribe to grow with? My exclusive mastermind concept coming up in July is designed to connect you with people and activities that will challenge and inspire your potential. Reply to this email if you’ll like to know more.
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Huw Edwards
Founder & CEO, h3.xyz
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