Some theft doesn’t happen in the dark.It happens in the daylight; slow, quiet, polite;and you don’t even notice it until entire seasons of your life are gone.

You think waiting is safe… until you realize it’s been quietly robbing you blind.

In today’s episode of Daily Power Boost, we’re calling out the hidden costs of waiting, drifting, or letting others steer your choices; and reframing self-leadership as non-negotiable if you want to avoid regret.

This isn’t about reckless action.It’s about finally owning your role as the one who decides; without apology, without delay, and without handing the wheel to someone else’s urgency.

In This Episode:

* Why “getting ready” can be a form of rehearsing powerlessness

* The neuroscience of hesitation and how it rewires your brain for inaction

* What regret research reveals about long-term happiness

* A simple question to cut through perfectionism and move now

* Three action steps to reclaim your decision-making power this week

✦ Reflection Prompts:

* Where am I waiting for conditions to be perfect before I move?

* Who or what have I unconsciously handed my steering wheel to?

* What am I loyal to that no longer deserves my loyalty?

* If I knew the clock was running out, what would I stop postponing?

✦ Action Steps:

* Audit the Loyalty – Write down one area you’ve been waiting. Ask: Am I being patient… or loyal to the version of me that thinks I need permission?

* 48-Hour Rule – For meaningful decisions, take the first step within 48 hours. Not to finish… to start.

* Claim Your Steering Wheel – Say: “I don’t wait for permission to run my own life. I am qualified to make my own calls.”

Book your No-Cost Identity Clarity CallLet’s pinpoint exactly where you’ve been outsourcing your power, so you can take it back and lead from who you actually are.

✦ On the Next Episode:

Break Free from Comparison: Your Unique Journey MattersComparison isn’t inspiration, it’s identity erosion. We’ll explore how measuring yourself against others quietly rewires your sense of self, and how to reclaim your own pace, milestones, and wins.

✦ Engage With Me Online:

* Instagram: @coachshawnmichael

* TikTok: @coachshawnmichael

* YouTube: @coachshawnmichael

* LinkedIn: @coachinguatemala

✦ References & Influences:

* Joseph R. Ferrari – North American Journal of Psychology (2018)Research on decisional procrastination and how inaction creates regret through delayed or avoided decision-making.

* Regret Theory – Kahneman & TverskyOn how the anticipation of regret leads to status quo bias and decision avoidance.

* Neuroscience of Procrastination – Piers Steel, Timothy A. PychylFindings on the limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex conflict, and how inaction can train the brain to prefer short-term comfort over long-term alignment.

* Brené Brown – Dare to LeadOn how courage in decision-making builds trust with yourself and others.

* Daniel Kahneman – Thinking, Fast and SlowOn cognitive biases, including loss aversion and status quo bias, that keep people stuck in inaction.

* Steve Andreas – Transforming Your SelfOn how identity drives action, and why self-concept must shift to sustain new behaviors.

* Steven Pressfield – The War of ArtOn “Resistance” as the invisible force behind procrastination and hesitation.

* Michael Gervais – Finding Mastery PodcastOn the psychology of high performance and the necessity of decisive self-leadership.

* Angela Duckworth – GritOn sustained effort and commitment to long-term goals as a predictor of achievement.

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