The Curse of Competence

The Curse of Competence

Why Being Good at Many Things Isn’t Always Easy

For early-stage leaders, competence can feel like a gift. You’re capable, adaptable, and often able to make progress faster than those around you. But the very trait that opens up so many paths can also create its own unique form of pressure.

At Kaizen Summit, we call this the hidden weight of potential.

When Choice Becomes the Challenge

Having options is often framed as freedom. And in many ways, it is. But when every direction seems viable, choosing just one can feel paralysing. This is what psychologist Barry Schwartz called The Paradox of Choice, more options don’t always mean more satisfaction. In fact, they can lead to hesitation, regret, and self-doubt.

For those just starting their leadership journey, this abundance of potential can be quietly overwhelming. Not because you’re incapable, but because you’re unsure which strength to bet on.

From Clarity to Confusion

Imagine standing at a crossroads with five good options. None are wrong. All could work. And yet, the very absence of clear constraints makes the decision heavier. If things go wrong, you can’t blame a lack of opportunity, only your discernment.

This is the burden of competence. You don’t just carry the responsibility to perform, you carry the responsibility to decide. That decision, more than any single skill, defines the trajectory of your personal growth.

The Kaizen Way Forward

At Kaizen Summit, we teach that structure isn’t about restriction, it’s about clarity. That’s why one of our core Pillars of Performance is Structured Guidance. When choices are many, we don’t seek more freedom. We seek clearer frameworks.

The solution isn’t to eliminate options, it’s to adopt a mindset grounded in Continuous Improvement. Start with one path. Commit to progress. Learn. Reassess. Adjust. Then move forward again. That’s Kaizen in practice.

Leadership Means Discernment

Strong leaders don’t wait for perfect clarity. They make decisions with limited information, take ownership of the outcomes, and refine their direction as they go. It’s less about having the right answer upfront, and more about having the discipline to shape the journey through action.

Community Connection plays a critical role here. Mentors, teammates, and trusted peers can help hold the mirror up, challenge your blind spots, and remind you that progress, however small, is always better than being stuck in indecision.

Final Reflection

If you’re someone who can do many things, know this: you don’t have to do them all at once. You don’t need to figure it all out today. But you do need to start.

Because leadership isn’t about having all the options, it’s about having the courage to choose, the humility to adjust, and the resilience to keep going.

Your path will emerge through disciplined action. Not just through talent, but through ownership.

Keep climbing.

— Kaizen Summit