From Hesitation to High Performance: The DOER Framework That Helps You Win Your Day

#LeadandLift | Episode 142 | Michael Pope Jr

Have you ever stared at your to-do list, feeling overwhelmed, unsure of where to start… and then did nothing at all? You know you could make progress, but hesitation, excuses, and lack of focus keep holding you back.

You’re not alone. Even high achievers struggle with hesitation but there’s a framework to break free and start winning every day.

In this inspiring episode of Lead and Lift, host Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath talks with Michael Pope Jr, international keynote speaker, leadership coach, and executive director with Maxwell Leadership. Known as the hesitation breaker, Michael shares his signature DOER Framework, designed to help high achievers overcome doubt, eliminate excuses, and take purposeful action toward their goals.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate leader, or aspiring high performer, this episode provides actionable insights to start winning your day, every day.

Discovering Leadership Beyond Titles

Michael opens up about his journey to leadership, explaining that he never saw himself as a leader growing up. It wasn’t until he read John Maxwell’s Developing the Leader Within You that he realized leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about influence.

The DOER Framework: From Hesitation to Action

Michael’s signature DOER Framework helps high achievers move from hesitation to high performance by focusing on four key principles: Discipline, One Thing, Eliminate Excuses, and Responsibility.

D — Discipline

Discipline means taking action consistently, even when you don’t feel motivated. High performers rely on discipline rather than waiting for inspiration.

“Sometimes it’s Monday morning, and you just don’t feel like it, but discipline pushes you to win the day.” - Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

O — One Thing

Focus on the one most important task that will move the needle in your day or your projects. Michael emphasizes the power of prioritization for productivity and momentum.

“Completing that one big needle-moving task gives you the momentum to knock out everything else.” - Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

E — Eliminate Excuses

Excuses are the silent barriers that hold you back. Michael shares his personal experience of overcoming excuses through mentorship and intentional growth.

“Excuses become a habit, a blind spot. Once you notice them, you can take ownership and find solutions instead of roadblocks.” - Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

“Every failure in my life was a direct result of the excuses I made. I had to focus on reasons why I can, not why I can’t.” - Michael Pope Jr

R — Responsibility

Taking personal responsibility for your attitude, actions, and growth is the final piece. Ownership empowers you to break hesitation and lead yourself effectively.

“Before we can lead anyone else, we’ve got to lead ourselves first. People mimic our behaviors, so self-leadership matters.” - Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

The Cost of Hesitation

Hesitation affects both personal and professional growth. Michael explains that employees and high achievers often hold back ideas due to fear or self-doubt, costing opportunities and progress.

“Hesitation costs companies money too.  Employees have amazing ideas, but fear stops them from raising their hand.” - Michale Pope Jr

High Performance Starts with Small Wins

A crucial takeaway is winning the day through small, intentional actions. From morning routines to prioritizing your top tasks, these small wins compound into confidence, momentum, and long-term success.

“If you start your day without structure, you’re reacting to everyone else’s agenda. Winning starts when you take control first.” - Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

Powerful Daily Affirmation

“I’m a doer. I don’t wait for perfect; I take purposeful action. I rise with discipline, focused on what matters most. I choose one thing and give it my best. I silence distraction and excuses.”  Michael Pope Jr

Incorporating this affirmation into your morning routine reinforces your identity as a doer and helps you overcome excuses and hesitation.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is about influence, not titles.
• Discipline and focus create high performance.
• Excuses are roadblocks.  Eliminate them consciously.
• Take personal responsibility for your growth and actions.
• Small wins compound into confidence, momentum, and long-term success.

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• Michael Pope Jr Facebook
• Michael Pope Jr LinkedIn
•  Michael Pope Jr Website
• Free Chapter of Book:  DO-ERs Win The Day

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• Chabidaye Facebook
• Chabidaye Instagram
• Chabidaye LinkedIn
• Chabidaye Website