How to Crush Imposter Syndrome and Lead with Character-Driven Confidence

 

You’re Not Alone in This Battle

Ever feel like you’re just one mistake away from being “found out”?

Like no matter how much success you’ve had, deep down, you’re still questioning if you’re really the right person for the job?

That’s Imposter Syndrome, and guess what? You’re NOT alone.

I’ve been there.

Every great leader I know has been there.

But here’s the truth...

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you’re growing.

And the key to overcoming it isn’t faking confidence. It’s something WAY deeper.

It’s building the kind of character-driven leadership that makes you unshakable.

The Leadership Lie That’s Holding You Back

Somewhere along the way, we started believing that leadership was all about skills, titles, and results.

And while those things matter, they are NOT what create real confidence.

Think about when you learned to ride a bike...

Did your parents just hand you a two-wheeled bike and say, “Good luck”?

Of course not!

They started you on a tricycle—because you needed to build strength, coordination, and confidence before you could balance on two wheels.

And here’s the thing…

Leadership, success, and business growth work the same way.

But most people are trying to skip the tricycle and jump straight onto the two-wheeled bike with success.

Then, when they wobble (or fall), they think:

❌ “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”
❌ “Maybe I’m a fraud.”
❌ “Maybe I should just quit.”

But falling doesn’t mean you’re failing.

It means you need a stronger foundation before you can truly balance.

That’s where The Tricycle Effect comes in.

The Tricycle Effect: A Framework for Leadership That Lasts

Most people are leading on a shaky foundation.

They focus on technical skills and people skills—but they forget the ONE thing that holds it all together…

👉 Character Skills.

Here’s how it works:

🚴 The Front Wheel (Character Skills) – This is your steering wheel. It’s your integrity, resilience, and mindset. Without it, you’re going nowhere.

🚴 The Back Left Wheel (People Skills) – Leadership is about influence, not control. You need to connect with people to create real impact.

🚴 The Back Right Wheel (Technical Skills) – Yes, expertise matters. But skills alone won’t make you successful if you don’t know how to lead yourself.

🪑 The Seat of Courage – This is what holds everything together. It’s the boldness to keep pedaling forward—even when you doubt yourself.

Here’s the truth:

Before you can coach others, before you can overcome imposter syndrome, before you can lead a team or grow a business, YOU have to lead yourself first.

And that starts with character-driven leadership.

The #1 Reason People Stay Stuck in Imposter Syndrome

I once had a gymnast who was working on a difficult skill.

I had been spotting her, but at this point, I was barely touching her. She was doing it herself.

So I asked her:

"Can’t you believe you can do this skill? I’m hardly spotting you anymore!"

And she looked at me and said:

"That would be a lie."

Wow.

She actually thought that believing in herself before she had "proven it" was lying to herself.

But here’s the thing...

She was already capable. She just hadn’t done it alone yet.

And that’s the key to overcoming imposter syndrome.

It’s not about proving yourself first.

It’s about trusting the process and stepping into confidence BEFORE you feel ready.

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5 Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Lead with Character

Ready to step up and lead with confidence?

Here’s what you need to do TODAY:

1. Add the Word "Yet" to Your Thinking

❌ “I can’t do this.”
✅ “I can’t do this YET.”

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Write down 3 things you feel you can’t do.
• Add “yet” to each of them.
• Read them every morning for the next 7 days.

Watch how this tiny shift changes your confidence.

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2. Trust the Process – Focus on Systems, Not Goals

Most people set big goals but don’t focus on the daily habits that actually make those goals happen.

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Identify one key habit that, if done consistently, would change everything.
• Focus on mastering that habit, not just the end goal.
• Example: Instead of saying, “I need to get 100 clients,” focus on “I will connect with 5 new people every day.”

If you trust the process, success takes care of itself.

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3. Fail Forward – Every Fall is a Step Forward

🔥 John Maxwell said it best:

"The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure."

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Write down a recent failure.
• Instead of focusing on what went wrong, ask:
  • What did I learn?
  • How can I improve?
  • What will I do differently next time?

By doing this, you’ll train your brain to see failure as growth instead of defeat.

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4. Play Before Perfection

Somewhere along the way, we stopped playing.

As kids, we learned by playing, exploring, falling, and getting back up.

But as adults, we become so obsessed with getting things right that we stop experimenting, failing, and enjoying the process.

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Instead of asking, "Am I good at this?" ask, "Am I enjoying this?"
• Shift your focus from perfecting to playing, and watch your fear of failure disappear.

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5. Find a Character Coach

The best athletes, CEOs, and leaders all have COACHES.

A Character Coach helps you:
✅ Strengthen your mindset
✅ Develop unshakable integrity
✅ Lead with confidence—no matter what

👉 ACTION STEP:

• Find a mentor, coach, or trusted leader who will challenge you to grow.

Success isn’t about going it alone.

It’s about learning from those who’ve already walked the path.

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The Next Step – Will You Take It?

Right now, you have two choices.

❌ Stay stuck in imposter syndrome, doubting yourself, and waiting for "proof" that you’re good enough.

✅ Or step into character-driven leadership and start leading with confidence.

If you’re ready for real growth, I invite you to join the 90-Day Leadership Blueprint here:

https://optin.coach-ability.com/leadership-blueprint

🚀 Sign up today and start leading with confidence: [Insert Link]

Let’s make leadership more than a skill—let’s make it a legacy.

Because the world needs your leadership. And that’s the truth. 🚀

Trike On!

Coach Dane

Entrepreneurial Resilience: The Character-Driven Path to Success

 

What Was the First Hardship You Overcame, and What Did You Decide to Do About It?

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your journey—whether as an entrepreneur, a leader, or just someone striving for success—you’re not alone. Every great leader faces hardship. The difference between those who break through and those who break down is found in one word: resilience.

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about leading with character, aligning your values with your actions, and staying committed to growth even when things get tough. I want to take you through five pivotal moments in my Hero’s Journey—moments that shaped me as an entrepreneur and continue to define my mission today.

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1. The Call to Leadership – From Gymnastics Coach to Entrepreneur

My first leadership experience wasn’t in a boardroom—it was in a gymnastics training center. Coaching taught me that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about influence. I saw firsthand how trust, discipline, and belief could transform an athlete’s performance. That same truth applies to business. The greatest entrepreneurs don’t just build companies; they build people.

2. The Leap into Entrepreneurship – Turning Passion into a Business

Starting Deutsch’s Gymnastics Training Center was an enormous leap of faith. I had no blueprint, no guaranteed success—just a vision and a willingness to work. What I learned fast is that passion without discipline leads to burnout, and talent without character leads to failure. I had to become the leader my business needed, not just the technician running it.

3. The Struggles & Setbacks – When Leadership is Tested

Every entrepreneur will face moments that make them want to quit. For me, it was the reality of financial pressure, staffing struggles, and self-doubt. I had to ask myself: Do I really have what it takes? That’s when I learned my first great leadership truth—skills might get you started, but character keeps you going. Without a foundation of trust, resilience, and integrity, no business can stand the test of time.

Are You Struggling with These Leadership Challenges?

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running in circles, trying to lead a business, manage people, and stay motivated, you’re not alone. That’s why I wrote Coach-Ability: Leadership Begins with Character—to help leaders like you build a foundation that lasts.

➡️ Get Your Free Chapter Here: Coach-Ability Book

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4. The Breakthrough – The Tricycle Effect & Scaling My Impact

The breakthrough came when I developed The Tricycle Effect, my leadership framework based on balancing Character, People Skills, and Technical Skills. I realized that most leaders struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack alignment—their heart, thoughts, and actions are not in sync. That’s when my business, my leadership, and my mission began to grow exponentially.

5. The Mission Today – Coaching Leaders to Build Character-Driven Success

Today, my mission is simple: help leaders develop Coach-Ability, so they can lead with character and create lasting impact. That’s why I created the 90-Day Leadership Blueprint, a step-by-step plan to transform your leadership approach, master resilience, and unlock your full potential.

Why the Law of Attraction Alone Doesn’t Work

Many entrepreneurs buy into the idea that if they just visualize success, it will happen. While visualization is powerful (I learned this from my gymnastics coach, AB Fredericks, who did his doctoral thesis on it), it’s not enough on its own. Why? Because success requires congruence—alignment between your heart, values, thoughts, and actions.

If a leader’s mindset and actions are not in alignment with their character, they may attract short-term success but struggle to sustain it. If you’re saying you want success but your habits, decisions, and leadership style lack integrity, trust, and authenticity, you create internal conflict. The subconscious mind recognizes this incongruence, leading to self-sabotage, hesitation, and failure to follow through.

True influence and success come when your external leadership aligns with your internal values. When you lead with character—honesty, discipline, humility, and service—you naturally attract opportunities, people, and success that match that energy. Character is the real magnet for meaningful success because it fosters trust, builds strong relationships, and ensures that when opportunities come, you're ready to sustain and grow them.

The Bible’s Answer to Entrepreneurial Resilience

One of the most powerful scriptures on this truth comes from:

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Your heart (values), your thoughts (mindset), and your actions (leadership decisions) must be in alignment. That’s why character-driven leadership is the foundation of true entrepreneurial resilience. When your heart is strong, your vision is clear, and your actions are intentional, you don’t just survive the hardships—you thrive through them.

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Final Thought – What’s Your Next Step?

So here’s my challenge for you: Where are you in your Hero’s Journey?

• Are you at the starting line, wondering if you have what it takes?
• Are you in the struggle, facing resistance and roadblocks?
• Are you ready for your breakthrough—but just need the right framework to get there?

Wherever you are, know this: resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.

That’s why I created the 90-Day Leadership Blueprint, a proven roadmap to help you develop resilience, overcome leadership challenges, and create lasting success.

➡️ Start Your Leadership Transformation Today: 90-Day Character-Driven Leadership Blueprint

Live, Lead, Love, and Trike On!

Dane Deutsch
#Leadership #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #CoachAbility #CharacterFirst

Personal Development isn't Just Practical Skills

 

Personal development doesn’t have to be all about practical skills. Personal development is about learning something new, and that can be anything! We haven’t talked much about hobbies, but taking time to do things we enjoy is essential to mental well-being.  Hobbies are especially good at helping us learn new skills to boost professional and personal development. People who regularly engage in hobbies have the opportunity to experience new things and interact with different people. The skills learned through hobbies can also lead to specialized knowledge that you can impart to people with similar interests.  In fact, having hobbies can have a meditative effect on your thoughts because, no matter what you are doing, your awareness becomes completely focused on the hobby. So if traditional meditation isn’t something that you’re interested in, taking up a hobby can have the same effects! What are some of your hobbies? If you don’t have any currently, when was the last time you took part in a hobby? There are many avenues to learn new skills these days. Whether you want to reconnect with a passion from your past or you’re up for learning something completely new, it’s easier than ever.  Many people use YouTube to share their knowledge. Whether you want to learn a craft such as painting or an activity like yoga, YouTube is a great place to start.  Additionally, websites such as skillshare.com offer hundreds of online classes for you to explore new skills and inspire creativity. We are motivated to educate as many people as possible which is why we host many events. From in-person educational experiences to virtual webinars and even parties to celebrate our clients, we encourage everyone to get involved with all of our offerings. Take a look at all of our exciting events here: https://www.lmdc.us/coming-events --- LMDC Call Us Here: 17159534844 Check Out Our Website: www.lmdc.us

The Heart of Connection: Character as the Front Wheel in The Tricycle Effect and Chicken Soup for the Soul

When was the last time a story touched your heart so deeply that it stayed with you long after you read it? It could be a tale of kindness, perseverance, or forgiveness. You know exactly what I mean if you’ve ever read a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. These stories connect with us on a profoundly emotional level, stirring something inside that resonates with our deepest values and aspirations. But why? What makes these stories so impactful? The answer lies in character.

Character is the heart of connection; in The Tricycle Effect, it’s the front wheel of the leadership framework. Just like the front wheel guides and directs the tricycle, character steers our lives and relationships. It’s what makes the Chicken Soup for the Soul series so universally beloved—every story reflects character traits like kindness, courage, forgiveness, and empathy. These stories don’t just entertain; they inspire us to be better people.

Why Stories Rooted in Character Connect to the Heart

Reading about someone overcoming adversity with resilience or showing compassion in a difficult moment reminds us of the power of good character in action. These stories resonate because they speak to what is most human in all of us. They highlight what we strive to be: trustworthy, caring, loyal, and empathetic. They show us that even in the face of challenges, we can choose the high road, build bridges, and leave a positive impact on others.

In The Tricycle Effect, character is described as a skill—one that can be grown, developed, and practiced every day. Similarly, Chicken Soup for the Soul stories showcase ordinary people choosing extraordinary character in pivotal moments. They teach us that character isn’t something we’re born with—it’s something we cultivate through our choices and actions. Just as the character wheel on the tricycle supports and directs leadership, these stories guide us toward living with purpose and significance.

The Front Wheel: Character in Action

Imagine a tricycle with three wheels. The front wheel—the largest—is character, while the two back wheels represent technical and people skills. Without a strong front wheel, and spokes on that wheel to make sure it can spin "true" without wobbling, the tricycle cannot move forward or stay balanced. It’s the same in life and leadership. Your character sets the course and keeps everything aligned.

When we read stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul, we see character in action. We see people leaning into the spokes of the character wheel—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, empathy, and more. These spokes hold the wheel together, just as they hold our lives together. Every decision, every relationship, and every leadership moment is guided by this front wheel.

Why Character Is Universal

What makes Chicken Soup for the Soul so widely read across generations and cultures is the universal nature of character. Traits like kindness, courage, and forgiveness aren’t bound by geography or status. They are human qualities that unite us all. They remind us that no matter our differences, we all share the same capacity to choose character over convenience, courage over fear, and connection over isolation.

Bringing It Back to You: Your Own Character Wheel

So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or your own personal journey, the stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul are a reminder that character is the foundation of everything, especially leadership. They show us that no act of kindness is too small, no moment of courage is wasted, and no effort to build trust and empathy goes unnoticed.

If you’re ready to grow your own character wheel and lead with integrity and purpose, I invite you to explore The Tricycle Effect framework. My book, Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect, dives deep into how you can develop character as a skill and use it as the foundation of your leadership and life.

Call to Action

Want to take the first step toward strengthening your character wheel? Download a FREE Foreword and Chapter 1 of Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect to see how your character can transform your life and leadership. 

Click here to start your journey today.

Remember, just like the stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul, your own story can inspire, lead, and connect. It all starts with character. Trike On!

Teachability vs. Coachability: The Two Keys to Growth and Leadership

When it comes to personal and professional development, two qualities stand out: teachability and coachability. While they may seem similar, these two traits serve distinct purposes in helping you grow, lead, and thrive in all areas of life. Understanding the difference between them—and cultivating both—can unlock your potential and transform your leadership.

What is Teachability?

Teachability is your willingness to learn. It’s an attitude that embraces new ideas, seeks knowledge, and stays curious. Being teachable means you’re open to exploring perspectives that challenge your current way of thinking and eager to acquire new skills.

Teachability happens independently. You might read books, watch tutorials, or experiment on your own to grow. It’s an essential trait for adapting to change and improving over time. Leaders who are teachable continuously learn and evolve, staying relevant and innovative in their fields.

What is Coachability?

While teachability is about your internal drive to learn, coachability is about your ability to accept guidance, feedback, and support from someone else. It’s the willingness to trust a coach or mentor to help you grow, even when their feedback might be uncomfortable to hear.

Coachability requires humility and vulnerability. It’s not always easy to admit where you need help or to let someone else point out blind spots in your leadership. But those who embrace coaching improve faster and achieve higher levels of performance because they leverage the wisdom and experience of others.

You can learn more about Coachability in my new Amazon Best Seller book:  Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect.  Download the Foreword by Tom Ziglar (Zig Ziglar's son and CEO of Ziglar Corp) and Chapter 1 for FREE here:  https://coach.lmdc.us/coachability-book

The Key Differences

Let’s break it down:

1. Teachability is an independent quality—you can develop it on your own by being open to learning.
2. Coachability requires a relationship with a coach or mentor—it’s about being receptive to personalized guidance and constructive feedback.
3. Teachability helps you grow at your own pace, while coachability accelerates your progress by providing expert insight and targeted advice.

Why You Need Both - Teachability and Coachability

Here’s the truth: being teachable is the foundation of growth, but being coachable takes you further, faster. When you’re teachable, you open the door to new possibilities and self-improvement. When you’re coachable, you work smarter—not just harder—because you gain access to the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of others.

Leaders who are both teachable and coachable are unstoppable. They know how to learn from every situation and seek out guidance when they need it most. This combination builds resilience, adaptability, and trust—qualities that form the foundation of character-driven leadership.

How to Build Teachability and Coachability

• Stay Curious: Make a habit of asking questions and seeking new perspectives.
• Embrace Feedback: View constructive criticism as an opportunity, not a threat.
• Be Open to Change: Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone.
• Trust the Process: Build relationships with mentors or coaches who can guide you.

Take the Next Step

Character is the foundation of leadership, and teachability and coachability are the tools that bring it to life. When you lead with character, you inspire trust, foster growth, and create lasting impact.

If you’re ready to grow in your coachability and start building character as the foundation of your leadership, I invite you to download The Tricycle Effect Framework for FREE. This Infographic will show you how to balance character, competence, and courage to transform your leadership.

Download The Tricycle Effect Framework Now

You can also schedule a complimentary call with Dane here:  https://coach.lmdc.us/dane

Remember: leadership isn’t just about achieving success—it’s about making a difference. Start leading with character today!

Trike On,
Coach Dane

Kindness is a Character Skill & Habit that is Contagious: Lead with Character First

Kindness is Contagious: Lead with Character First

Walking into a movie theater or convenience store may seem like an ordinary experience, but sometimes, these simple moments offer profound lessons. Recently, I visited Harkins Theaters in Phoenix with my family. 

At the entrance, I noticed the ticket taker wearing a button that read, “Kindness is contagious.” Its message was emphasized with the letters “US” highlighted inside the heart symbol, symbolizing that kindness starts with all of us.

Curious, I spoke with a manager who also wore the button and explained that the theater introduced this kindness initiative just two months ago. Since then, they've noticed a remarkable shift—customers are kinder to the staff and one another. 

Although there aren’t statistics to share, the manager said that the change in atmosphere was undeniable. This simple reminder of kindness set the tone for a more positive environment.

Similarly, Kwik Trip convenience stores display character-building messages like empathy, care, and teamwork near their facilities. These small yet meaningful gestures influence customer behavior, encouraging them to be their best selves. 

These efforts highlight an essential truth: when character skills and habits like kindness and empathy take center stage, everyone benefits.

Kindness and empathy are critical spokes in the Character Wheel of The Tricycle Effect, alongside virtues like trustworthiness, integrity, and fairness. We unlock our true leadership potential when we actively practice these character skills. Leadership is about influence, and influence grows when we lead with character first.

Now, it’s your turn to take action. Start your journey toward character-driven leadership today. Download the Foreword and Chapter 1 of my new book, Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect, for FREE here. Let’s develop kindness, empathy, and other character skills in our habits and form the foundation of leadership in how we lead and live.

Trike On!

Coach Dane

www.lmdc.us

Embracing the "X" of Character: Life Lessons from Melchizedek and the Tricycle Framework

Finding stability and direction is essential in our pursuit of a purposeful life. The ancient figure of Melchizedek—known as the King of Salem and a symbol of peace and wisdom—teaches us about living with integrity and completeness. And when we look at the humble structure of a tricycle, we find a powerful metaphor for building a life framework based on *Courage*, *Competence*, and *Character*. Together, these values create an “X” framework for a life marked by balance, strength, and lasting impact

Melchizedek and the Symbolic "X" in Hebrew: Completeness, Fulfillment, and Truth

In Hebrew symbolism, the letter *Tav* (ת) resembles an "X" in ancient scripts and carries deep meanings of fulfillment, truth, and covenant. As the last letter in the Hebrew alphabet, *Tav* signifies completeness, the ultimate mark of something reaching its intended fulfillment. In mystical traditions, *Tav* is linked to the Hebrew word *emet* (truth), conveying a concept that encompasses the beginning and the end, a complete cycle of truth.

In the book of *Ezekiel* (9:4), this "X"-like *Tav* was a protective mark placed on the faithful, symbolizing a seal of authenticity, trust, and covenant with divine purpose. Much like the “X” framework of the tricycle, *Tav* reminds us that a life marked by character and truth is one rooted in completion and integrity. This Hebrew symbolism ties to Melchizedek’s example as a leader whose life reflected wholeness and divine alignment.

The Tricycle’s "X" Frame: A Foundation of Courage, Competence, and Character

When viewed from the side, a tricycle’s frame forms an “X.” This shape is more than practical; it represents the balanced intersection of courage, competence, and character. Each part of the tricycle reflects an essential component of a meaningful, character-led life:

- Courage as Vision (The Seat)**: The seat represents courage, the vision to make decisions grounded in values and purpose. This courageous vision enables us to choose the right path, guiding each step of our journey with integrity and resilience. True courage is not just boldness; it is the willingness to act in alignment with what is right, to lead by example, and to remain grounded when faced with challenges.

- Character as the Front Wheel**: The front wheel, representing our character, leads the tricycle forward, much like our values guide our lives. Character includes empathy, integrity, humility, and resilience. By putting values at the forefront of all we do, we make choices that reflect our deepest principles, aligning our actions with our beliefs and allowing our character to shape each interaction and decision.

- Competence as the Rear Wheels**: The two back wheels support the tricycle’s movement, representing essential skills. One wheel symbolizes *People Skills* (such as leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and organization), while the other represents *Technical Skills* (such as typing, baking, driving, and operating a computer). Together, these competencies provide balance, enabling us to engage effectively and fulfill our goals. Like the tricycle’s rear wheels, competence stabilizes us, allowing us to make a meaningful impact through practical skills.

Living the "X": Aligning Courage, Competence, and Character

The “X” of the tricycle frame isn’t just a structure; it’s a powerful reminder that a fulfilling life requires aligning courage, character, and competence. When character forms our foundation of values, courage forms our vision, and competence gives us the practical skills to take action, we create a balanced, purpose-driven life. 

As the saying goes, *everything rises and falls on leadership,* and *leadership rises and falls on character.* The “X” reminds us that true leadership and fulfillment are built on a foundation of integrity and that our influence and impact grow as we align our vision, skills, and character.

Answering the Call to Lead with Courage, Character, and Competence

The “X” framework and Melchizedek’s example both call us to live with intentionality, courage, and purpose. Imagine a life where your vision guides your choices, your character directs your actions, and your competence enables you to make a meaningful impact. This is the path of a character-led life—a journey marked by resilience, purpose, and positive influence.

Are you ready to embrace this framework? Take the next step by exploring resources that guide you in building character, resilience, and skillful leadership. Begin your journey by visiting https://coach.lmdc.us/coachability-book and discover how leading with courage, character, and competence can transform your life and positively impact those around you. Embrace the “X” and create a legacy of true leadership.