Increase your capacity for growth by shifting from “how” to “who”

Mixed paints with text overlay Increase Your Capacity for Growth with this one mental shift by Rikki Goldenberg, Executive Leadership Coach, Career Coach

Here we are! Another edition of the Learn Something New(sletter)! Never want to miss one? Sign up to get these in your inbox!

Did I ever tell you how much I frikkin love these? It’s a wild amount of effort to research new topics and theories, reflect, and bring forward my favorite learnings that you can apply right now to your (work) life. 

Taking a moment for gratitude that it’s been such a pleasure to share this stuff with you. I love to nerd out on it! Enough being a mush, let’s get on with it.

I first heard about Who Not How from Leah Gooch who runs Four Minutes a Day (sign up to receive her Monday meditations right in your inbox!) and it’s been a bit of headtrip. 

Biggest whoa moment: Switch from “How can I accomplish this” to “Who can help me achieve this?” That’s basically the entire book’s purpose. And it’s wild. 

So often we’re stuck in our zone that we forget we don’t have to do it all ourselves. At work, home, with friends and family - we’re able to shift out of “I have to do it all!” into “Who can help me do this more effectively?”


Are you already struggling with this? “I like to do it myself! How else will I learn?!” You say.


In response to that, I’ll offer this quote from the book:

It takes wisdom to recognize that 1) other people are more than capable enough to handle much of the Hows, and 2) that your efforts and contributions (your “hows”) should be focused exclusively where your greatest passion and impact are. Your attention and energy should not be spread thin, but purposefully directed where you can experience extreme flow and creativity.

It’s simple. You’re beginning to recognize where your energy and desires should be focused towards. Of course you can do it all yourself. It just may take more time, and a couple more tries to get it right. And yet, it’s also perfectly okay to decide to delegate the things that aren’t your superpowers, or desired superpowers.


Put it into practice now: Select something that’s been plaguing you with procrastination or avoidance. Who could help you achieve that task? Even if it’s something you enjoy doing. Give yourself freedom to let someone else do it. Surgeons don’t perform surgery on themselves - unless absolutely necessary, right? Just because you can do all those things doesn’t mean you have to. 

Some ideas if you’re feeling overwhelmed to go from Goal > Who

  • Get in better shape > Find a personal trainer or a free youtuber you jive with

  • Start meditating > Sign up for Leah’s emails, download InsightTimer and listen to a pre-recorded guided meditation, join an in-person mindfulness session near you

  • Snag a promotion > Identify and connect with your advocates - whether that is your manager, a senior leader, or colleague to talk about your intentions and get aligned on how to get you there

  • Switch industries > Reach out to someone who you’re slightly connected with for a 15-minute coffee chat. Come prepared with questions, and ready to offer your own support, too.

  • Get clear on how to craft a more value-aligned approach to work and life > Set up a discovery call with me! 


We want to do everything ourselves. 

There’s power in choosing to find the support we need.

If you’re looking for a partner in crime to help you get closer to a value-driven approach to your unique life… reach out. I’d love to be that WHO for you. It’s hard to do that type of work by ourselves or with folks who have their own opinions of what you should be doing.

Dive deeper:

Read the book yourself: Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork

Check out their Impact Filter to help you get clear on the support you need: Impact Filter

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Multitasking isn’t helping you get more done. It’s breaking your brain instead.