Breakout Spotlight: When Hard Work Stops Working
By Andrea Andree
There's a version of you that already operates at your next level.
That gap – who you are today versus who you're capable of becoming – creates tension. Your body registers it before your mind does.
It shows up as the sense that you're “here for something bigger," or that you're “not living up to your potential."
We've been trained to meet that tension by working harder – to seek out the next leadership opportunity, or take another course that prepares us for the next level. We think that if we learn enough and do enough, someday we'll make it.
But we humans don't act from our potential. We act from who we believe we are.
And most of us don’t even realize we’re making decisions from an outdated version of us – which works against our growth.
The year after I left corporate to go full-time into my coaching business, I kept seeing myself as a "new coach." That led me to make "new coach" decisions.
✔️I kept my rates low because I was still “gaining skills."
✔️ I was timid on social media, and shy to introduce myself because I didn't have the perfect "I help" statement.
I spent that time thinking that, if I coached enough people, I'd eventually feel successful. Then I could graduate to "experienced coach."
Later that year, I was introduced to a mentor who offered a different approach: start thinking, acting, and believing like the version of yourself who's already made it.
Through her guidance, I got clear on where I wanted to go. I saw myself as highly sought after, both as a coach and a speaker.
Then I asked myself: How would she see herself? What would she say yes or no to? What kind of action would she take? How confident would she be in her message? Even - what would she wear?
I started borrowing her confidence and decision-making before the clients and speaking opportunities ever showed up.
• She wouldn't be afraid to ask venues if she could use their space for speaking events. So I reached out and organized my own opportunities.
• She would wear clothes that complemented her body and reflected how she wanted to show up. So I worked with a stylist to find my best colors and most flattering fits.
• She would introduce herself confidently, trusting she'd be led to the right people at the right time. So I started networking with confidence instead of worrying about finding the perfect words.
• And she would be genuinely grateful for every single person who showed up. So whether five people were in the room or a hundred, I brought the same energy.
In April 2026, I stepped onto my first conference stage in front of 75 women. Before that, the biggest room I'd spoken to was fewer than 20 people (and that was an event I'd organized myself).
Yet as I stood on that stage, it felt familiar.
Like I'd been there before.
Because in many ways, I had. I'd spent months practicing the thoughts, decisions, and beliefs of the woman I wanted to become before the opportunity ever arrived.
Hard work still mattered. I still had to take action.
But eventually I realized my biggest limitation wasn't effort – it was identity.
That's what I'll be unpacking at the Women's Leadership Conference this fall: not another strategy for working harder, but how to become her first. I hope to see you in the room with me!
Meet the Author:
Andrea Andree is an Embodiment Coach for high-achieving women navigating growth, transition, and expansion. With a background in engineering and project management, she understands success built on discipline and responsibility—and the internal strain that often comes with it. Andrea now helps women leaders shift how they see themselves so their confidence, presence, and decision-making evolve alongside their responsibilities, enabling success that feels sustainable, embodied, and true to who they’re becoming.
Website: https://andreaandree.com/
Register today to join us at the Women’s Leadership Conference on October 7.