Are You Blocking Your Business Growth?

You’ve taken the leap. You’ve put your idea into motion.

You have a vision in mind: the ideal life you want to live and the impactful business you want to create.

But as you reflect on your growth, you realise that while you aren’t where you used to be, you’re also not yet where you want to be.

Something—or someone—seems to be standing in your way, keeping you from moving closer to your goal.

You aren’t alone.

I’ve felt this many times in my life and more frequently (and deeply) on my entrepreneurial journey.

The first time I can recall feeling like I wasn’t where I wanted to be in life was when I came back to the UK after living in Mallorca for a year.

I’ve shared this before in past letters (you can read past letters here), but, my time spent on the beautiful island of Mallorca wasn’t what I’d hoped.

I was in a tumultuous relationship. Recently engaged. A new Dad and a stepdad.

We lived in a beautiful three-bedroom house with a pool and private gardener in a quiet town called Llucmajor.

I grew up in South London, where police sirens, shouting, and the smell of fried chicken and chips were part of daily life. So living in a peaceful foreign country, surrounded by large houses (including an all-glass villa just around the corner), took some adjusting to.

Despite being surrounded by wealth in a foreign country, money was scarce for me.

I was financially supported by my fiance and her mum’s income from their UK-based business. Meanwhile, I was making around 400 EUR a month teaching dance to kids who spoke very little English.

I felt pathetic.

Not because I was teaching — I loved that.

I felt pathetic because I couldn’t provide for my family financially in the way I wanted to. This chipped away at my confidence and my perception of what a “real man” and partner should be.

Eventually, the relationship broke down (for the final time). The cracks were always there—moving to another country only made them more obvious.

I returned to the UK, packing what I could into my suitcase and dragging the weight of my emotions with me.

After a year away, I felt like I had to play catch-up. So, I grabbed every opportunity I could to make money, to survive, and to feel like my efforts were amounting to something.

This was in 2016.

Thankfully, a lot has changed since then.

Now, I’m building my online coaching business alongside my 9 to 5 as a Membership Manager.

Writing. Serving. Learning.

I’m in a loving relationship, I enjoy my job, and I’m back in the UK.

(And yes, I miss the sun, alioli, bread and sangria.)

Although I’m not where I used to be 9 years ago — I’m honouring the fact that I’m not where I’d like to be in my business or life.

What does this look like for me?

Being financially free, working solely for myself, birthing my creative projects, serving clients who inspire me, and travelling the world with my family.

For years, I subconsciously blamed my circumstances for where I found myself in life.

My upbringing. My failed relationship. The area and country I was raised in.

But, here’s the thing…

As a child, there are many choices you can’t make for yourself.

Your caregiver has a responsibility to guide you, provide for you, and help you make decisions.

But, as an adult, you have responsibility over your life.

You can’t blame someone else for the choices you’ve made and how your life is unfolding.

The harsh truth:

Often, we’re the ones standing in the way of our progression.

Mike Simon

@themikegsimon

It hurts to realise that you're the only one standing in the way of what you desire.
Use the pain you feel as fuel. 
Take action.

9:59 PM • Feb 18, 2025

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When you’re caught up in the rush of day-to-day life, it’s hard to see that the problem you're facing isn’t something outside of you — it’s often within. We project our problems into our external world (intentionally or unintentionally) so we can see them clearer.

Life gives subtle signals to remind us when we’re in our own way.

That is exactly what happened to me this week…

An Encounter With The Laughing Buddha Toddler

I walked back from the local Co-Op with my lunch — a packet of BBQ chicken to go with my leftover creamy prawn pasta linguine.

On the way, I saw a man walking a few steps ahead of his toddler daughter.

As I passed him, his daughter stopped right in front of me.

She stood in my path—on purpose.

Just like in life, sometimes something small and unexpected stands right in front of us, making us pause.

Wrapped in her onesie, this pint-sized toddler boldly blocked me, giggling at my hesitation.

She knew exactly what she was doing. She refused to budge. She wasn’t scared at all. She just stood there, staring and laughing in my face.

Her Dad prompted her to say hello, but she just kept laughing.

Eventually, I walked around her, waving goodbye while carrying my chicken, a smile on my face, and a belly full of laughter.

This brief Monday afternoon encounter made me think…

Kids find playfulness in simple things.

Many adults struggle to keep things simple, with little time to play.

Kids fear very little—they are explorers.

Many adults fear the unknown and avoid exploring it.

We can learn a lot from how kids experience life.

Their fearlessness. Their curiosity. Their joy. These are all great characteristics to embody in business.

Fearlessness in taking aligned action.

Curiosity in exploring your interests and signals from what you put out into the world.

And, finding the glimmers of joy amidst the moments of temporary challenge.

Later, as I shared the wholesome story with my partner, a question came to mind:

How often do we find ourselves in life, face-to-face with a past version of ourselves "blocking" the way? That old story that no longer aligns. That old pattern that no longer serves us.

As you continue to build your business — I invite you to take a moment to reflect:

Where might I be standing in my own way?
What old stories or patterns no longer serve me?
How might I meet that version of myself with joy, maybe even laughter, instead of resistance?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply and share—what’s one way you’re choosing to step forward this week?

You've likely seen many creators and gurus heavily focusing on the mindset element of business building.

Mindset is one part of the puzzle. You must honour the emotional aspect of your being whilst you build, which includes your body and the wisdom that is available there.

Often, facing parts of yourself comes with an emotional charge that is easily avoided due to the discomfort that the emotions bring.

But, your emotions aren't to be avoided—they’re to be acknowledged. And then, the insights that they bring up can be integrated.

As always—thank you for reading.

Big love & gratitude.

Coach Mike

P.S.

Whenever you're ready to lock arms, get personalised support and level up without burning yourself out — here's how I can help:

Somatic Shift Session — a 90-minute call to focus on a key issue that’s in the way of you experiencing the business and life you deeply desire. Learn more and book here.
Build & Become — my 1:1 signature coaching for ambitious entrepreneurs who want to build an impactful business that fills their hearts and bank accounts and are ready to overcome the obstacles in the way of making this a reality. Keen to learn more? Book a no-pressure connection call here