Growth Instigators Hotline

#478 Paint: Bright Blue

• Aaron Havens • Season 5 • Episode 478

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A single can of paint can reset a room—and the same is true for the choices that color a life. Today we explore how intention beats default, why direction must be chosen not inherited, and how to live with the boldness to stand by your shade even when others don’t get it. Using the image of a bright blue house on the corner, we unpack the tension between preference and judgment, and we challenge ourselves to practice freedom both ways: pick your color and let others pick theirs.

We walk through the practical steps of setting direction with clarity—naming what you’re building toward, deciding what you will no longer tolerate, and accepting that progress brings mixed feelings. Some days the hue feels wrong. Other days you feel fully alive and proud of your choice. Instead of stalling, we lean into iteration: test small, learn fast, repaint when needed. That’s how leaders, creators, and teams move from vague goals to real momentum without losing their voice.

We also talk about ditching comparison for curiosity. Your life and leadership sit on a unique palette of values, constraints, and timing. Resilience grows when you hold conviction in one hand and humility in the other—owning your path while staying open to feedback. And when the fog hits, invite another set of eyes. A trusted perspective can reveal the undertone you’ve been missing and help you choose the next right move. If you’re ready to stop coasting and start choosing, this conversation is your nudge to pick a color, roll the first coat, and let intention transform your space.

If this resonated, subscribe, share it with someone who needs the push, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Need help seeing or setting direction? Email Aaron at Growth Instigators.com and let’s build toward what matters.

https://growthinstigators.com/


SPEAKER_00:

Welcome to message 478 of the Growth Instigators Hotline where we examine an everyday normal object and assign it a deeper meaning. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach. What can paint remind us of today? Color choice is intentional. Paint doesn't pick itself, neither does direction. If you don't decide what you're building towards, you'll live with whatever shows up. And guess what? Just like the bright blue house on the corner of your street, you know, remember that one? The one that makes you wonder why anyone would pick that color? Yeah, you're free to have that thought just as much as the owner of that house is free to pick that color. Don't judge them for their color. Truth is, they probably think your house color is boring and bland. The thing about color is that there is something like 29 zillion options, right? Someone correct me on the actual number. What is your favorite? This is your one life. So paint your house whatever color you like. And yes, choose to live your life however you want. It's your life, it's your direction. You get to build towards whatever you want. And along this journey, fully embrace whatever shows up along the way. Some days will be hard, and some days you will feel free and fully alive. Some days you'll absolutely hate the choice of paint you chose to color your house, and other days you'll smile, beat your chest, and let out a loud howl. Yep, you did that. You are doing that. So the challenge today is to fully own the direction you've chosen to go in life. You don't owe it to anyone to go any direction. Go for it. And also, may today's message serve as a reminder to not judge others for the paint slash color slash purpose they have chosen in life. Wish them well on their journey, even if you don't understand. Hey, and if you need help seeing or setting direction in your life and leadership, I can help. Your life is too valuable just to coast along. Sometimes we just need another another set of ears or eyes on something to help growth happen. Shoot me a text or send me an email at Aaron at Growth Instigators.com if that's you. Here's to living a bright life today. Here's to growth.