“Start a fight. Prove you're alive. If you don't claim your humanity you will become a statistic. You have been warned” -Tyler (Fight Club)

When was the last time you picked a fight?

Maybe that question brings to mind scenes of raised voices and quick tempers, but that's not the fight I mean.

I'm talking about deeper battles—the ones we take on with ourselves. The struggles that demand we confront our own limits, challenge old habits, and push through resistance.

Those are the fights that make a real difference.

These fights demand more of us:

Discipline over bravado.

Courage over consequence.

Intention over impulse.

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They’re fought in the quiet moments when we’re faced with choices: Do I push harder, or do I pause? Do I keep chasing, or do I step back and recalibrate?

The Courage to Step Away

Last week, I chose to step away. I attended an unplugged retreat—a few days without the constant buzz of notifications, the never-ending to-do lists, or the feeling that I need to be “on” all the time.

It felt uncomfortable. It felt counterintuitive. But that’s exactly why it’s necessary.

In leadership, we often think that more is more—that the longer we’re available, the more productive we’ll be. But the truth is, that constantly staying plugged in comes at a cost.

We lose clarity.

We lose focus.

And most importantly, we lose the ability to fight the internal battles that actually move us forward.

Why the Internal Fight Matters

When we’re always connected, the noise drowns out the signal. We react to emails, messages, and fires that need putting out, but we rarely stop to ask the bigger questions:

• Am I spending my energy on what matters most?

• Am I leading with intention, or just going through the motions?

• Am I setting the right example for my team—one of balance, clarity, and purpose?

Stepping away gives us the space to fight those battles. It allows us to reflect, to gain perspective, and to re-align with our core values and goals. That’s where discipline, courage, and intention come in—not in the hustle, but in the pause.
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The Fight Is Worth It

So, here’s my challenge to you: When was the last time you truly unplugged? When did you last give yourself the space to step back, fight those internal battles, and return with renewed focus?

The noise will still be there when you return.

But the clarity and strength you gain from stepping away? That’s what sets you apart.

It’s what makes you a better leader, a sharper decision-maker, and a more intentional human.

Until next time,
Shaun