by Mandy Green, Busy Coach
One of my mentors, Darren Hardy, wrote one of my favorite books, The Compound Effect. Every morning, he shares a piece of advice, and this past Friday, he dropped a powerful reminder that I want to pass on to you.
First, some context. Hardy was the editor of Success Magazine for years. His job? To study and interview the most successful people in the world—people like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Oprah. He spent a quarter of a century figuring out what separated them from the rest of us.
And here’s what he found:
Most people assume that the ultra-successful do incredible things at an incredible level. But that’s not it. The difference isn’t in what they do—it’s in what they’re willing not to do.
The Power of Subtraction
Hardy’s insight is simple but profound. Success isn’t just about what you add to your routine—it’s about what you remove.
- What they’re willing not to consume mentally.
- What they’re willing not to eat or drink.
- What they’re willing not to think.
- What they’re willing not to say.
- What they’re willing not to do.
Let’s take Olympic athletes as an example. Everyone competing for a spot in the Olympics is talented. Everyone trains hard. Talent and effort are not the separator. What separates the best from the rest? The things they refuse to do.
To be an Olympic athlete, they don’t have a choice. The list of things they must remove from their life is long. If they indulge in those things, they don’t make the team. They don’t get on the podium. They don’t win gold.
Now, apply that to your coaching career.
What Are You Willing Not to Do?
If you want to be an elite coach, you don’t really have a choice either. Want to build a powerhouse program? Be an elite recruiter? Inspire your athletes? Then you have to start subtracting.
- You cannot mainline negative news and expect to stay positive.
- You cannot scroll social media for hours and expect to have deep focus.
- You cannot binge Netflix and expect to be a high performer.
- You cannot surround yourself with complainers and expect to be a leader.
- You cannot eat junk food and expect to have high energy.
Success requires sacrifice. You cannot have both.
The Hard Truth: Choice is an Illusion
You don’t get to choose success and still do the things that hold you back. To gain one, you must eliminate the other. Are you following me here?
Your greater success as a coach isn’t about adding more to your plate. You’re already working hard. You’re already pushing yourself. Your breakthrough will come from deciding what you’re willing not to do anymore.
So, here’s your challenge:
- Declare what you want to be an Olympian in—whether it’s coaching, recruiting, leadership, parenting, or something else.
- Create your Not-To-Do List by writing down at least three things you are willing to stop doing, starting today.
High-level success doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from choosing less, but better.
So, Coach, what’s on your list?