Friction, quite simply, means “resistance to motion.” 

We see friction in organizations when the desired outcome is somehow bogged down along the way. There are many causes for bottlenecks and a leader’s job is to reduce (or eliminate) friction for the team. 

Sometimes friction is a result of logistics, sometimes it’s about decision-making, and sometimes it’s about clarity of the vision for the outcome. 

Friction creates resistance to motion. 

In your life, the same holds true. The cause is clearer, though. Ultimately, the greatest friction you’ll ever face is in your own thinking.

Take a moment to reflect a bit. There are so many things that have gone well for you. There are also things you’ve put off doing or having. How many times have you caught yourself denying yourself something you really wanted?  You might tell yourself that you’ll get to it later. Ahhh, that elusive “someday.” 

The truth remains: when the desire is there and the movement isn’t, that’s friction. 

You tell yourself that you don’t have the time, money, or opportunity. Sometimes, your current circumstances show up as real obstacles. None of those should stop you from taking a step, any step, closer to enjoying life more fully. 

All too often, the greatest resistance comes from inside. You don’t act because you’ve never done it before. Or you tell yourself that you’re not the one to do the thing you said you wanted to do. If it’s your desire, it’s showing up for you for a reason! 

People stall, or don’t start, because they’re afraid of failing or of being judged badly. Those thoughts create far more drag than most external obstacles ever could. Your subconscious is remarkably efficient. It repeats yesterday’s patterns because they’re familiar, not because they’re the best. It keeps you moving along the path you’ve already proven you can survive, even when another path could lead to far greater fulfillment.

Your mind quietly works to keep your current identity intact. Your subconscious might be sabotaging your desires by trying to keep your world predictable. 

The good news is that identity can change. Your perspective can change. Your patterns and habits can change. 

Be deliberate about training your mind through intentional, repeated thoughts and actions. In doing so, you reduce the friction that has been slowing you down. Small, consistent shifts create momentum. Momentum builds confidence. Confidence makes the next step easier.

Eventually, what once felt impossible simply feels like who you are.

Remember that the greatest friction shows up when who you are no longer matches the future you’re trying to create. Aligning your identity with your future self allows momentum to feel natural.

So, what’s creating the most friction in your life right now? And what would happen if you believed that you could actually get what you wanted? Yes, it is possible to enjoy your life more fully.

And yes, you deserve it.

Keep making your magic!

See you here next week.

= Wayne = 
About to close the doors on my signature mastermind in October where a small group of good people come together to build their Next Big Next. If you want in, there are literally just a few seats left. 

Click to check out the Exponential Success Summit.