Curiosity In Motion

Welcome to this edition of Curiosity in Motion! This week, we're diving into the mindset shifts that separate top performers, how to recognize invisible growth as a leader, and the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian businesses. Whether you’re refining how you work, scaling your business, or preparing for economic shifts, these insights will help you stay ahead. Let’s dive in.

➡️ How Top Performers Think Differently

Top performers don’t just work harder—they think strategically. While most professionals chase efficiency by adding more, high achievers remove unnecessary complexity and focus only on high-impact actions.

Here’s what separates them:

✅ Time Mastery

• They invest time rather than just managing it.

• 90-minute deep work blocks drive better results than an 8-hour grind.

• They protect mental energy as much as their schedules.

✅ The 1% Rule

• Progress compounds over time—tracking micro-improvements creates momentum.

• They celebrate small wins, reinforcing habits that lead to exponential growth.

✅ Strategic Ignorance

• Not everything deserves attention.

• They ruthlessly filter distractions, focusing only on what moves the needle.

✅ Recovery as a Competitive Edge

• They treat downtime as seriously as execution—because sustained performance demands rest.

• Burnout isn't a badge of honor; it's a business risk..

💡 Takeaway: Success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about what you stop doing. The ability to remove low-value tasks and focus on high-leverage work is what sets top performers apart.

➡️ Signs You’re Leveling Up as a Leader

Growth isn’t always obvious. Often, the biggest shifts happen internally long before they’re reflected in external success.

Here’s how to recognize that you're evolving as a leader:

🔹 You handle criticism differently → Instead of reacting defensively, you see feedback as data, filtering useful insights without taking things personally.

🔹 You’re more comfortable with silence → You no longer rush to fill gaps in conversations. Silence has become a tool for negotiation, deep thinking, and presence.

🔹 You focus on quality over quantity → Whether it’s team members, clients, or projects, you’ve become more selective, recognizing that not all growth is good growth.

🔹 You operate with long-term patience → Instead of seeking quick wins, you’re playing the long game, making decisions based on 5-year impact rather than immediate validation.

➡️ 📈 Success often happens beneath the surface before the world sees it. If these shifts sound familiar, you’re already on the right path. Keep going.

U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Goods—What Business Owners Need to Know

With policy shifts under the new U.S. administration, Canadian businesses must prepare for potential changes in trade regulations and tariffs.

What’s Changing?

🇺🇸 Sectors Likely to Be Affected

• Steel & Aluminum → Expected tariff increases could raise costs for Canadian manufacturers.

• Lumber & Agriculture → Ongoing trade tensions may impact exports to the U.S.

• Automotive & Parts → Tariff policies could affect supply chains, increasing vehicle and part costs.

Key Risks for Businesses

📉 Rising Costs → Increased tariffs could raise the cost of raw materials, impacting pricing strategies and profit margins.

⚠️ Supply Chain Disruptions → Canadian businesses that rely on U.S. suppliers or export goods to the U.S. should reassess their sourcing strategies.

What You Can Do
 ✅ Review Supplier Agreements → Lock in pricing with key suppliers before cost increases.
✅ Diversify Supply Chains → Look at alternate suppliers outside of the U.S. where possible.
✅ Monitor Trade Policy Updates → Staying ahead of policy shifts allows businesses to adapt before changes take effect.

💡 Takeaway: Policy shifts create both risks and opportunities—the businesses that adapt first will have the advantage. Now is the time to assess your exposure and make proactive adjustments.

From sharpening your decision-making as a leader to navigating global economic shifts, staying ahead isn’t just about reacting—it’s about anticipating what’s next.

What’s one area you’re refining in 2025? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them.

Let’s keep the conversation going—follow me on LinkedIn for more insights!