<p>Just because you’re self-aware</p><p>doesn’t mean you’re self-correcting.</p><p>You can audit yourself all day.</p><p>You can reset when you notice drift.</p><p>But blind spots are blind spots for a reason.</p><p>Today, Shawn names the leadership truth most people resist:</p><p>you are not always the best judge of when you’re off track.</p><p>Through a moment when a close friend confronted him about becoming impatient and reactive, he reveals how easily drift becomes normalized when no one is willing or permitted to speak up.</p><p>This episode reframes accountability as one of the highest forms of care.</p><p>Not criticism.</p><p>Not control.</p><p>But protection of identity.</p><p>Because the people who speak truth to you aren’t trying to correct you.</p><p>They’re trying to keep you.</p><p><strong>In This Episode</strong></p><p>* Why self-awareness alone isn’t enough to prevent drift</p><p>* How leaders normalize misalignment without realizing it</p><p>* The real reason most people won’t speak truth to you</p><p>* A story of being called out by someone who cared enough to risk discomfort</p><p>* Why accountability isn’t policing behavior, but protecting identity</p><p>* How to invite truth without creating defensiveness</p><p>✦ <strong>Reflection Prompts</strong></p><p>* Who in my life sees me clearly enough to notice when I’m off track?</p><p>* Have I actually given anyone permission to speak hard truth to me?</p><p>* Where might I be rationalizing behavior that isn’t aligned with who I am?</p><p>* If someone said “you’re not acting like yourself,” how would I respond?</p><p>✦ <strong>The Boost (Action Step)</strong></p><p>Run the <strong>Accountability Question</strong>.</p><p>Think of 2–3 people who know you well.</p><p>People who’ve seen you at your best and your most depleted.</p><p>Then ask yourself:</p><p><strong>Have I explicitly given them permission to speak truth to me?</strong></p><p>If not, reach out this week and say:</p><p>“If you ever see me drifting from who I am, I need you to tell me. I trust you.”</p><p>Accountability doesn’t happen by accident.</p><p>It happens when you invite it.</p><p>If you’re ready to surround yourself with the right voices and strengthen the inner authority you’re building, book your <a target="_blank" href="https://go.successblueprintconsulting.com/widget/bookings/identity-clarity"><strong>No-Cost Identity Clarity Call</strong></a>. We’ll identify where drift is most likely to sneak in and who should be part of your personal accountability circle.</p><p>✦ <strong>On the Next Episode</strong></p><p><strong>Arc 2 Begins: The Sacred No</strong></p><p>You’ve rebuilt your identity.You’ve anchored your rituals.You’ve invited truth-tellers into your life.</p><p>Now comes the real test.Can you protect it?</p><p>Because alignment isn’t lost in chaos.It’s lost when you say yes to things that <em>almost</em> fit.</p><p>✦ <strong>If Today’s Episode Sparked Something…</strong></p><p>* Share it with someone who values honesty over comfort</p><p>* Subscribe to Daily Power Boost for rhythm-based identity resets</p><p>* Join the R.E.A.L. Mastery™ Hub → <a target="_blank" href="http://realmasteryhub.com">realmasteryhub.com</a></p><p>* Apply for Beyond the Boost live coaching</p><p>✦ <strong>Engage With Me Online</strong></p><p>* Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/coachshawnmichael">@coachshawnmichael</a></p><p>* TikTok: @coachshawnmichael</p><p>* YouTube: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@coachshawnmichael">@coachshawnmichael</a></p><p>* LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachinguatemala">@coachinguatemala</a> </p><p>✦ <strong>References & Influences</strong></p><p>* <strong>Brené Brown – </strong><strong><em>Dare to Lead</em></strong> on courageous conversations and trust</p><p>* <strong>Joe Hudson – </strong><strong><em>The Art of Accomplishment</em></strong> on truth-telling as care</p><p>* <strong>Parker Palmer – </strong><strong><em>Let Your Life Speak</em></strong> on integrity and wholeness</p><p>* <strong>Jim Collins – </strong><strong><em>Good to Great</em></strong> on disciplined leadership and accountability</p><p>* <strong>Marshall Rosenberg – </strong><strong><em>Nonviolent Communication</em></strong> on honest, compassionate feedback</p><p><strong>With strength and heart,</strong></p><p>❤️🔥 Shawn Michael</p><p>Stay close.</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to True North: Your guide to an intentional life at <a href="https://trunorth.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_4">trunorth.substack.com/subscribe</a>