The 3-Legged Stool of Self-Leadership: Focus, Action & Success

Picture this: you’re sitting on a stool with one leg shorter than the others. Wobbly, unstable, and a little bit uncomfortable, right? That’s what trying to lead yourself—or others—feels like when one of the key pillars of self-leadership is missing.

Over the years, whether coaching professionals navigating career crossroads or helping business Imagine for a moment: you’re sitting on a stool with one leg shorter than the others. Wobbly, unstable, and a little bit uncomfortable, right? That’s what trying to lead yourself - or others - feels like when one of the key pillars of self-leadership is missing.

Over the years, whether coaching professionals navigating career crossroads or helping business leaders realign their teams, I’ve found one golden truth: your success sits on a 3-legged stool. And those three legs? Focus, Action and Success.

Let’s break it down, and see where yours might need a little strengthening.

🎯 1. Focus: Where Are You Aiming?

Ever found yourself halfway through a week and realised you’ve been flat out… but not necessarily moving forward? Focus is your filter. It’s about knowing what matters most right now, and having the courage to say no to the noise.

Without focus, you’re busy, but not effective.

Whether you’re a leader juggling people problems, or a professional stuck in analysis paralysis over your next career step - clarity is your best friend. Ask yourself:

• What’s my bigger vision?

• What’s the one thing I can do this week that moves me closer to it?

• What am I tolerating that’s draining my energy?

🛠️ Coaching tip: Keep a ‘Focus 3’ list - just 3 priorities each day. That’s it. Everything else is a bonus.

⚡ 2. Action: Are You Moving or Just Thinking?

Focus without action is like setting the sat nav but never turning on the engine.

This is where so many people get stuck - they wait for motivation, for confidence, for a sign from the universe. But the truth is, clarity comes through action. Tiny steps, messy progress, and all.

Action is the bridge between ideas and results.

The professionals I coach often realise they don’t need a full plan - they just need a starting point. The business leaders I work with see real traction when they stop overthinking and start experimenting.

Ask yourself:

• What’s one small thing I can do today?

• What am I avoiding because it feels uncomfortable?

• What would Future Me thank me for doing this week?

🛠️ Coaching tip: Borrow the 5-minute rule: if it takes less than 5 minutes, do it now. Momentum breeds motivation.

🏆 3. Success: Are You Noticing the Wins?

Let’s talk about the leg that often gets ignored. Because we’re living In a world that celebrates hustle and big wins, we're always chasing the next thing - making it easy to overlook the progress we’re making day by day.

The truth is: success isn’t something that happens later - it’s something you practise now.

If you never pause to acknowledge what is working, your brain defaults to what’s not. That’s not just demotivating, it’s rewiring you to see lack instead of growth.

Success is about reinforcing belief through evidence - no matter how small. Every time you take action, face a fear, or stick to a commitment, you’re showing your brain, “I can do hard things.” That’s how confidence compounds.

You don’t need permission or a promotion to feel successful. You need proof. And the best person to show that proof to? Yourself.

Ask yourself:

• What actions have I taken that Future Me would be proud of?

• What can I celebrate today that proves I’m growing?

• Where am I already successful, but not recognising it?

🛠️ Coaching tip: Create a “Self-Proof” list. Every time you show up, take action, or make progress - log it. You’re building your own case for success.

When the Stool Is Balanced…

…You stop second-guessing yourself.
…You start making decisions from a place of confidence, not chaos.
…And you show up as the version of yourself you want to be - at home, at work, and everywhere in between.

Because here’s the thing: Self-leadership is the foundation of everything else. Whether you’re managing a team or managing your own mindset through change, these three legs; Focus, Action and Success - keep you grounded, clear, and moving forward.

Want Help Strengthening Your Self-Leadership Muscles?

If you're ready to stop wobbling and start leading (yourself and others) with clarity and confidence, let’s talk. My 1:1 coaching programme helps professionals like you get laser-focused, take brave action, and define success on your terms.

👉 Book a free clarity call here or explore my coaching programme.