What’s Really Holding You Back? (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)

Hey everyone, it’s your buddy, super awesome Gabe from Window Ninjas! Today, I want to talk about something really important—something that might not be on your radar but should be. It’s a question I get asked a lot, and I figured it’s time to share my perspective with you. Here’s the question: Who’s really holding you back from the success you desire? Spoiler alert—it’s probably not who you think it is.

The simple truth is this: nobody can propel you further than yourself, and nobody can hold you back more than you. That may seem obvious at first, but it’s a lot deeper than you think. I want to explore that idea with you today. If you’re aiming for success—whether it’s personal or professional, for your family, or to achieve the life of your dreams—it all boils down to one thing. You. You are in control of your own destiny. You are the driver of your success.

A Personal Story

Here’s a personal story to help illustrate what I mean. Fresh out of high school, I was 17, a college dropout, and thought I knew it all. Surprise—I didn’t. I went to college young, mainly because I started school early. Who knows? Maybe my parents wanted me out of the house, but that’s irrelevant. I wasn’t a great student because I didn’t apply myself. Surprise, right? Once again, it was on me. College didn’t work out, and when I found myself at a crossroads, no one was going to bail me out. My mom wasn’t taking me back in, my sister couldn’t help, and I didn’t have a wide safety net of friends. I was on my own.

What saved me was something unexpected. Before college, I’d worked as a part-time window cleaner one summer. My sister had helped me get that job, introduced me to the guy running it, and I thought it was an okay gig. At the time, I didn’t realize how valuable it would become. When I dropped out of college and found myself without much of a plan, I knew one thing—I had at least some sort of skill to build on, however undeveloped it may have been.

Initially, I lived in this run-down place off Hillsborough Street in Raleigh. Holes in the walls, a front door that didn’t lock—yeah, it wasn’t glamorous. But it gave me a foundation. I went back to working for that window cleaning crew. My boss was an interesting guy. He was a 40-something, hardworking man who battled his demons but always showed up to work. He didn’t sugarcoat anything. From him, I learned perspective—and, eventually, a sense of gratitude.

He’d talk about tougher jobs he used to do, like working construction and coming home covered in drywall dust. He’d remind me how much worse other jobs could be, like being a painter and reeking of paint all day. That perspective shifted something in me. Cleaning windows? Not so bad after all. I started to feel ownership over what I was doing. I wasn’t just a window cleaner—I was someone learning how to show up, work hard, and make the best out of the situation I was in. I was in control. Nobody was going to fix my life or elevate me—except me.

Attitude and Effort Are Everything

The turning point for me came when I embraced two things—attitude and effort. Once I got that straight, things started to happen. I realized nobody owed me anything, and success wasn’t going to land in my lap. Those were hard truths, but they set me free. Instead of feeling stuck, I got focused.

I began to take my work seriously. I started learning about the window cleaning industry. I went to conferences and events, built relationships, and started to grow—not just professionally, but personally. Meeting people, talking to customers, and learning to sell became second nature to me. Before I knew it, I was elevating myself from where I started.

Now, take this lesson and apply it to your own life. What’s holding you back? Who’s holding you back? Spoiler alert again—it’s no one but you. That’s not meant to be discouraging; it’s actually empowering. If you stop blaming outside forces and start taking responsibility, you’re already on the path to success.

Learning to Work

Here’s a harsh reality most people don’t like to hear today. Many people don’t know how to work. It’s true! If you’re not willing to train, learn, and truly engage, you’re going to hold yourself back. Alex Hormozi talks about this all the time, and I agree with him completely. Success requires focus, discipline, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and go after it.

If you dream about doing something big, that’s great. Dreams can motivate and inspire us, but they won’t do the work for you. You need to get up every day and push. Learn what your job is. Master your craft. Sharpen your skills. And more than anything—learn how to work. That applies to everything, from flipping burgers to climbing the corporate ladder. Your effort is what sets you apart and propels you forward.

The moment you stop daydreaming and start doing, is the moment things will change. Success might come slow at first—it could be an inch, a mile, or even a few steps backward before you move forward. But the key is to start. It’s about consistent effort and determination.

Own Your Destiny

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s this—you are the key to your success. Nobody else can create the life you want for you. No one owes you your dreams, and no one is going to hand you a magic solution. But that’s the beauty of it. When you realize that you’re in control, it’s not scary—it’s empowering.

Learn every day. Build your skills. Push forward, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you put in the work and stay focused, the success you’re dreaming of will come. It may take time, but it’s worth it.

You’ve got this. You’re in the driver’s seat. Go out there, be great, and inspire yourself and those around you. I truly believe in you, and I know you can make it happen.

And hey, if this resonated with you, give me a thumbs up. If there’s something else I could improve on, tell me. I’m always looking to get better too. Keep shining, my friends!