Whether we like it or not, we all have blind spots—weaknesses that quietly hold us back.

They keep us from unlocking our full potential and stop us from living the life we’re capable of.

To move forward, we first need to acknowledge those blind spots—and then take intentional steps to improve or work around them.

That’s exactly what I explored in a conversation with Bob Azelby, co-author of Kiss Your BUT Good-Bye, a book he wrote with his brother, Joe. Highly recommend checking it out.

Before becoming CEO of Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Bob held several leadership positions where he led teams of all sizes.

Over the years, he noticed a pattern—many professionals hit a ceiling in their career and just stay there.

And more often than not, they’re full of excuses.

He’d hear things like:

“I’m not political.”
“My manager plays favorites.”
“I didn’t have the time.”

Bob calls these “BUTs”—the excuses we tell ourselves that get in the way of real progress.

What separates high achievers from everyone else, he found, is simple:

They seek feedback. They ask their peers what they could be doing better.

They aren’t afraid to admit they’re not perfect. They don’t feel entitled.

They understand their weaknesses, play to their strengths, and constantly look for ways to grow.

So the question is:

Are you aware of your blind spots? And are you actively using your strengths to level up in your career?

Would love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments.