From the Book
The 17 Greatness Traps
Exits on the Goodness Journey that seem worth taking, but drift us from what makes us whole.
On the Goodness Journey, there are exits that seem worth taking. They usually look smart, strategic, even admirable. But the more time we spend in them, the further we drift from what makes us whole.
Recognition over Impact
Chasing applause or status instead of doing the work that matters. Validation becomes your compass, and you start shaping your identity around how others see you.
Are you building something meaningful, or something impressive?
Busy over Meaningful
Constant activity that gives the illusion of progress. You sacrifice depth for speed and run the risk of burnout.
Is your calendar full of things that matter, or just things?
More over Enough
Constant upgrading. Always wanting the next level. Satisfaction stays just out of reach, and enough is never enough.
When was the last time you paused to appreciate where you are?
Image over Integrity
Projecting what others want to see instead of being who you are. You become a character you created to be liked, not someone you respect.
Does the person people see match the person you actually are?
Comparison over Connection
Measuring your life against others rather than living your own. It isolates you and makes others your competition instead of your community.
Are the people around you allies or benchmarks?
Control over Trust
Clutching every decision, believing you're the only one who can do it right. You become the bottleneck and keep others from growing.
What would happen if you let go of one thing this week?
Comfort over Calling
Staying safe in roles or routines that no longer serve you. You stagnate. You stop becoming.
Is your comfort zone protecting you or holding you back?
Speed over Depth
Prioritizing fast results over lasting impact. What you build may not endure.
Are you building something that lasts, or just something that ships?
Action without Intention
Doing just to be doing. Checking boxes without a compass. You may be successful in the wrong direction.
Do you know why you're doing what you're doing today?
"No One Can Do It Like I Can"
Believing you're indispensable. You rob others of ownership and burn yourself out.
Are you empowering your team, or just doing their work?
Ego-Driven Achievement
Achieving to prove something, not to serve something. Your identity gets hijacked by your need to win.
Who are you trying to prove yourself to?
Turning Weaknesses into Strengths
Spending energy trying to be great at everything. You neglect your strengths and reduce collaboration to compensation.
What if you leaned into what you're already great at?
Recognition over Relationships
Seeking applause more than intimacy. You win crowds and lose connection.
Would you trade the spotlight for deeper relationships?
Arrogance after Accomplishment
Thinking success makes you immune to feedback. You stop learning and stop listening.
When was the last time you genuinely asked for feedback?
Distractions (Shiny Object Syndrome)
Constant pivoting toward the next big thing. You trade traction for novelty and leave value half-built.
How many unfinished ideas are you carrying right now?
Growth for Growth's Sake
Scaling because you can, not because it's strategic. You lose sight of your purpose and people.
Is your growth serving your mission, or just your ego?
Saving That Becomes Hoarding
Reluctance to invest, give, or enjoy what you've earned. Fear masquerades as wisdom, and you forget what the money was for.
Are you stewarding your resources, or just stockpiling them?
Each of these traps is a fork in the road. The path of goodness doesn't avoid greatness. It grounds it.
The book explores each trap in depth, with exercises and frameworks to help you reorient back to what matters.
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