Or are you working against yourself? 

 

Well of course, you’re backing your own business success! You’re not an idiot and only an idiot would work against oneself, right? The problem is we don’t know what we don’t know. So how will you know? Use your results as your feedback – are you enjoying the success that you should be considering the amount of time, energy, and effort that you put into your business.  

 

We love Jim Rohn’s remark: “There is nothing more irritating than people who are stupider than you, making more money than you”. 

 

Business knowledge and hard work must be backed by a mindset that supports success. The mindset we see that has the biggest impact on people’s businesses and lives, is what we refer to as being above or below the point of power. 

 

In this blog, we’ll explore what the Point of Power means, why it’s critical for business success, and how you can apply it in your daily decision-making. 

 

What is the Point of Power? 

 

There is a moment in time when life happens… Sometimes it’s great, often it’s not quite like we’d want it to be and sometimes it’s a flat-out disaster.  

 

Let’s represent that with a dot (you get to choose how the dot looks) and in that moment you will have a reaction. This reaction could either shift your mindset to one of power or you’ll go below the point of power. Either way you will live with the consequences of that reaction. 

 

Before we discuss the consequences of your decision, it will be useful to be clear on what it looks like above and below the point of power.  

 

Below the point is where you identify all the reasons why this is happening to you – the poor economy, your poor start in life, your team… (fill in the dots). What these reasons have in common is that they all blame what has happened on someone or something external from yourself.  

 

We often then back this up or explain it with some compelling reason, which, if you’re going to be perfectly honest with yourself, are just good or bad excuses. Of course, you might not be blaming or making excuses simply because you’re practicing your ostrich move and living in denial.  

 

The problem with blame, excuses and denial is that they keep you trapped and make you a victim of the circumstances that you find yourself in. You are going to have to wait for the circumstance you’re blaming or have identified to change so that you can achieve the results you want. Of course, if you’re in denial you won’t even know that you have a problem and this is the part of the Ostrich that is going to get railroaded rather unexpectedly! 

 

Above the point of power you take accountability, ownership and responsibility. When things are going well it’s easy to do this. It’s when things are not going so well that we tend to find ourselves below the point of power.  

 

Try it on for size, think of something in your life that is not going so well. Got it? Now take 100% responsibility for it. Where are you now? This is not a judgement, it doesn’t make you good or bad, it just is.  

Being above the point of power keeps you in the driving seat, it allows you to view your circumstances from a more powerful vantage point, which is never more needed than when things aren’t going well. It’s what Victor Frankle called “The last of the Human Freedoms”. 

Owning the problem will give you the best possible chance of finding a solution, of moving yourself forward and of getting better result. 

 

Why should you be above the point of power? 

 

When you operate below the point, you put yourself at the mercy of your circumstances. The results of that are a lack of progress, stagnant profits, and frustration. But when you operate above the point, you: 

1. Build resilience by focusing on what you can control. 

1. Empower your team to take responsibility for results. 

1. Develop a culture of continuous improvement. 

1. Accelerate decision-making and problem-solving. 

 

Above-the-point leadership creates an environment where people take initiative. They are focused on what they can do rather than focusing on what has caused the situation.  

 

The Business Impact of Shifting to the Point of Power 

 

Stronger Leadership 

When you as a leader take responsibility, your teams will follow suit. Employees model your behaviour. By demonstrating accountability, you inspire the same in your team. 

 

Increased Profitability 

Excuses don’t increase profits, but taking responsibility does. If you as business owner own your results, you are more likely to review numbers, spot inefficiencies, and make strategic changes that boost revenue. 

 

Better Team Performance 

A culture of blame will divide your teams. However, a culture of accountability will unite them. At the Point of Power, collaboration improves because everyone knows they have a part to play in success. 

 

Sustainable Growth 

 

Businesses built on responsibility adapt faster to challenges. Whether it’s new technology, changing customer demands, or global economic shifts, operating above the point of power helps you pivot instead of panic. 

 

Practical Steps to Apply the Point of Power in Your Business 

 

1. Pause and reflect – Before reacting to a challenge, ask yourself: ‘Am I above or below the point of power right now?’ 
2. Reframe the problem – Instead of saying “Why is this happening?” ask “What can I do to change this?” 
3. Take ownership – Accept full responsibility for the results, good or bad. 
4. Model accountability – Lead by example so your team sees the standard in action. 
5. Seek coaching support – A business coach keeps you accountable to your commitments and growth. 

 

Why the Point of Power Matters More Than Ever!

 

In today’s fast-changing economy, waiting for external factors to shift is a losing game. Your true competitive advantage lies in your ability to lead from the Point of Power. 

 

When you commit to responsibility, you unlock: 

1. Faster decision-making 
2. Greater resilience during crises 
3. Stronger team performance 
4. Consistent business growth 

 

This mindset is not a “nice to have.” It’s the foundation of sustainable success. 

 

The Point of Power is a choice every business owner must make daily… Do you take ownership, accountability, and responsibility, for everything that’s showing up in your life, the good the bad and the ugly? Or do you take refuge below the point of power pointing out how it’s not your fault, identifying what the reasons are, or perhaps just living in denial? 

 

At ActionCOACH iNala, we help business leaders step into their Point of Power and stay there. With expert coaching, proven frameworks, and accountability, you’ll not only transform your mindset but also your business results. 

 

Are you ready to move into your Point of Power? Let’s take the first step together.