April 19, 2026
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I try, but it’s not always there.
Most days it is. That’s all you can really ask for. Even with the best ideas, projects, companies.
Part of being a leader is carrying the belief for the rest of the team.
It’s easy on your good days. You’re excited. You want to share the good news. Progress turns into momentum which turns into belief.
But on the hard days. The hard days feel impossible. Who wants to share bad news? Tell the team how you’re really feeling? Tell them you’re struggling to believe?
But that’s exactly what you must do.
Not wait until the next big update. Until things are more certain. Until things feel better.
What I’m talking about isn’t blind optimism. Or spinning. Or lying.
The leader has the most information in the company. Good and bad. When things are trending down, it’s up to you to find the silver lining. Don’t bury the lead. But give the team a reason to believe, despite the bad news.
MINI WINS:
Find the small wins across the company. It doesn’t matter how small. Call them out. Momentum is happening. You just have to look.
PERSPECTIVE:
Zoom out. Where were you a year ago? Two years ago? Progress is happening, even if it’s hard to see in the day-to-day.
RE-FOCUS:
Belief dies when you’re spread too thin. Sharpen priorities and cut the noise. Relay progress against the few things that matter most.
IN SYNC:
A reliable operating rhythm creates natural check-ins that make it easier for people to see the positive momentum across the company.
THE FUTURE:
Don’t keep the vision trapped inside your head. Tease new products, announcements, hires, funding. Let your team see the future.
No force is more powerful than belief.
Don’t assume it’s high.
Make it high.
⁂
Till next time,
Never say die 🏴☠️
Scot
→ scotchisholm.com
→ highlandacademy.com
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P.S. I recently wrote an article about building resilience. It’ll help you keep belief up when times are tough. See you next week!
🐐🏔️
