Rule 1 | Get Out of Your Own Way

Power and performance together will get you much further ahead than either one separately.

Challenge Your Perceptions of Power

To achieve true success, you need both power and performance working together. Many people struggle with self-promotion, but downplaying your accomplishments can hold you back and make you doubt your own abilities. Develop a mindset of power and competence, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and pursue power intentionally without worrying about authenticity or being liked.

Mindset Matters

The way you view yourself greatly affects how others see you. If you think of yourself as powerful and deserving of success, you’ll project that confidence and influence others.

• Embrace self-promotion: It’s okay to promote your achievements and advocate for what you want. Don’t diminish your success by being overly modest.
• Think powerfully: Shift your mindset to one of competence and authority. Recognize that you deserve to succeed.
• Fight imposter syndrome: Avoid downplaying your abilities, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

A powerful mindset helps you take control of your career and ensures that your achievements are recognized.

Persistence Matters

Building power takes time and effort. Along the way, you will face criticism, obstacles, and setbacks—but persistence is key.

• Stay resilient: Don’t give up on your goals in the face of challenges. Instead, adjust your approach and keep pushing forward.
• Toughen up: The road to power is not always easy, but staying committed to your goals will help you overcome the barriers in your way.

Power doesn’t come overnight. You need to stay focused and persistent to build long-lasting influence.

The Curse of Authenticity

Many people shy away from seeking power because they feel that doing what it takes to acquire it feels inauthentic. However, the idea of authenticity is misleading.

• Authenticity is a myth: No one presents their “true self” all the time. We often tell small white lies or adjust our behavior to suit the situation.
• Learn power skills: Think of power as a set of behaviors that you can learn and use strategically, rather than something that contradicts your authentic self.

You don’t have to worry about always being authentic—focus instead on building the skills you need to navigate power dynamics effectively.

Competence Over Likability

You won’t always be liked by everyone, but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing power. People judge you by your ability to get things done, not by how nice you are.

• Focus on results: People value competence and the ability to accomplish tasks. This is more important than being liked.
• Understand others’ agendas: Everyone has their own needs and insecurities. Take the time to learn what others want, and build alliances based on mutual benefit.

Being liked isn’t as crucial as being respected for your abilities. To succeed, build the alliances you need by understanding and supporting the goals of others.

Key Themes

• Self-Promotion is Essential: Avoid downplaying your accomplishments. Embrace the idea of promoting yourself and your achievements to gain recognition and power.
• Mindset of Power: Adopting a powerful mindset is crucial. Think of yourself as deserving of success, and project confidence in your abilities.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Stop doubting your abilities and avoid self-deprecating language that can reinforce feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome.
• Persistence and Resilience: Building power takes time and effort. Stay committed to your goals despite setbacks and challenges, adjusting your strategies when necessary.
• Authenticity is Flexible: The notion of being “authentic” can sometimes hold people back. Power is about learning and applying the right behaviors and skills, even if they don’t always feel entirely natural.

Reflection Activities

1. In what areas of your career have you downplayed your achievements? How can you promote yourself more effectively?
2. How can you adjust your mindset to view yourself as deserving of power and success?
3. What strategies can you implement to push through obstacles and persist toward your goals?

Action Steps

To achieve power and success, you need to step out of your own way. Embrace a mindset of competence, promote your achievements, and stay persistent despite challenges. Authenticity is not a barrier to power—it’s about learning how to act strategically and confidently. By focusing on results and building alliances, you’ll be able to achieve your goals and advance in your career.