015: “What Happens When You Finally Ask the Real Questions?” (lessons from Kyle Nelson & Eli Libby)
🧠 Erik’s Take
This reaction is more than a recap—it’s a confession. Erik shares his very real fear of solitude, of discovering he’s off course, and of what clarity might demand of him if he dares to seek it. It’s a vulnerable, reflective breakdown of the Kyle & Eli episode, and a deeper dive into why structured solitude might be the leadership development most of us are avoiding. The hardest part isn’t asking the questions, it’s what the answers will require of us.
🎯 Top Insights from the Interview
- Clarity Requires Commitment: Erik names what most people won’t: certainty obligates us. When you know what’s right, you can’t unknow it. And that’s terrifying.
- Solitude is the Shortcut to Alignment: ResetOS reframes solitude from scary to strategic. It’s all about intentional reflection.
- Conviction Is a Better Compass Than Momentum: When you’re already in motion, it’s hard to pause. But pausing might save you from racing in the wrong direction.
- We Overvalue Comfort and Undervalue Realignment: It’s easier to stay “kind of right” than to be forced into action by clarity.
🧩 The Personal Layer
Erik doesn't hide here. He talks openly about why he's afraid to do a solo retreat—not because he can’t face himself, but because he might realize he has to make changes he’s not ready to make. He also opens up about his admiration for Kyle & Eli’s partnership: the depth of mutual respect, the shared vision, the decision to build with each other, not just next to each other. And in his signature self-coaching tone, he invites listeners to examine the questions they might be running from—not because they're silly or unoriginal, but because they're real.
🧰 From Insight to Action
Here’s how Erik is thinking about applying the episode’s lessons:
- Schedule the Solo Time: Don’t wait for space—create it.
- Name the Fear: Articulate what you’re actually afraid of—action, not awareness, is often the culprit.
- Consider the Cost of Not Knowing: Wouldn’t you rather discover you’re on the wrong road early, before you’ve gone too far?
- Use What Ifs Strategically: Ask: “What if I had clarity?” instead of just “What if I’m wrong?”
- Don’t Disqualify Your Questions: Even the “unoriginal” ones matter deeply when they’re your questions.
🗣️ Notable Quotes
“Certainty demands something of us. That’s why we fear it.”
“I’d rather know I’m wrong than wish I had known.”
“You’re not afraid of what you’ll see—you’re afraid of what you’ll have to do about it.”
🔗 Links & Resources
- 🌐 ResetOS.co – Take the Clarity Assessment, join the Reset newsletter, or explore solo retreat options
- 👤 Kyle Nelson on LinkedIn
- 👤 Eli Libby on LinkedIn
