Over the last several months, I’ve been on a self-prescribed crash course in personal and professional development. I listened to countless podcasts, devoured books on business and leadership, binge-watched motivational YouTube videos, and yes, even downloaded one too many self-help audiobooks.
At first, it felt groundbreaking—like every nugget of wisdom was this shiny new secret to success. But eventually, something started to happen. I’d open a new book or press play on a podcast and think, “Haven’t I heard this before?”
Spoiler alert: I had.
Here’s the thing no one tells you about "success content"—it’s all saying the same thing, just with different packaging. And that’s okay! Different mediums resonate with different people, depending on your personality and how you like to receive information.
But for me, I hit a wall. I didn’t need another nugget of advice. I didn’t need another “secret formula.” I needed to do something with all the wisdom I’d already gathered.
Knowing Is Not the Same as Doing
I’ve always believed that knowledge isn’t power until it’s put into action. Sure, you can memorize a hundred motivational quotes or bookmark a dozen productivity hacks, but none of it matters if you’re not actually implementing it.
And let me be honest—this realization hit me harder than I expected. I’m an accountant by trade, so systems and processes are kind of my thing. Yet when I started my business, I wasn’t fully walking the walk.
I had checked all the boxes:✔ Researched my industry✔ Built a plan✔ Launched my business with confidence
But I quickly realized that being great at your craft (in my case, accounting) is one thing. Building a sustainable, thriving business around it is an entirely different beast.
Why We Struggle with Action
At first, I chalked it up to fear. You’ve probably heard this before, right? “Fear holds us back.” But for me, that explanation felt… incomplete. I wanted to understand what was really happening.

After some reflection (and many cups of coffee), I realized this: The real reason we get stuck is because taking action exposes us.
When you’re just planning, dreaming, or talking about your goals, it’s easy to feel invincible. But when you actually take the leap—when you go from theory to execution—that’s when reality kicks in.
And reality? It has no problem humbling you.
You start to notice all the things you don’t know. You realize your systems aren’t as strong as you thought. You bump into obstacles that weren’t in your neat little plan. And for many people, this is where they stop.
But here’s the thing: Reality is meant to challenge you. It’s part of the process.
The Process is the Point
This brings me back to systems, the foundation of my business and my philosophy.
Everything in life has a process, whether we acknowledge it or not. And the quality of that process determines where you end up. A strong process gives you structure, clarity, and direction. A weak process? Well, that’s what leaves you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and unsure of your next step.
For me, success isn’t about flashy achievements or quick wins. It’s about building systems that can support your vision—whether it’s in your business, finances, or personal life.
Here’s what I know to be true:
You already have more knowledge than you give yourself credit for.
You are capable of far more than you think.
The only thing standing between you and your next level is your willingness to push through the process.
So, What’s Holding You Back?
Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s the discomfort of starting something new. Maybe it’s the weight of realizing that success isn’t just about what you do but how you do it.
Whatever it is, remember this: Reality isn’t permanent.
The challenges you face today don’t have to define you tomorrow. The systems you put in place right now can completely transform your future. And the process—while uncomfortable—is where the real growth happens.
Erington Boyd, CEO & Founder
The Black Diamond Accounting Group
She Builds, She Leads, She Owns - Guiding women to success!
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