BUSINESS SPIRIT - The real life behind scaling a business

Why Your 2026 Planning is Failing (and How to Fix It)

Topic: The Psychology of Goal Setting, Identity-Based Planning, and the "Dopamine Hangover." As the year ends, the media is flooded with New Year’s resolutions and planning methods. Yet, most people fail to reach their goals. In this episode, Markus Tebel dives deep into the psychology of why traditional planning often keeps us stuck. He explains why setting "reasonable" goals is a trap and why you need to shift your identity—not just your to-do list—to achieve extraordinary results in 2026. * The Planning Trap & The Dopamine Hangover: Planning feels good because our brain releases dopamine when we visualize a successful future. However, once the "high" wears off, we are left with a "Dopamine Hangover"—feeling overwhelmed by the gap between where we are and where we want to be. * The Safety of Small Goals: Our nervous system views the unknown as a threat. We often set low goals based on past experiences to stay "safe," but these goals don't drive the radical change required for an extraordinary life. * Vision vs. Plan: For entrepreneurs, traditional step-by-step planning often fails because the vision is so large we don't yet know how to get there. The focus should be on who you must become. * Reverse Engineering Identity: Instead of asking "What do I need to do?", ask "What if my vision were already a reality? Who am I in that future? How do I think, act, and move?" * The 8-Week Cycle (Pathways): Markus discusses why 12-month plans are too long to maintain momentum. He advocates for 2-month cycles: 2 weeks of regulation and planning followed by 6 weeks of high-intensity "future identity" work. Episode SummaryKey Takeaways "Planning is the foundation of why you are still where you are. It feels safe, but safety doesn't lead to extraordinary results." "You must set goals so big that you have no damn idea how to reach them. That is what forces you to think outside the box." "The future must decide how you act in the present, not your past." * [00:27] The obsession with New Year’s resolutions and why the psychology of planning is flawed. * [03:10] Markus shares his personal story: Planning to become a millionaire and the 10-year plan that changed his career. * [05:40] Why we set goals too low: The nervous system’s need for safety and certainty. * [09:25] The "Dopamine Hangover": Why planning feels like a drug and why the "crash" leads to procrastination. * [12:34] Extraordinary goals vs. Ordinary planning: Shifting from "How" to "What if?" * [15:10] The Runner Analogy: Moving from "trying to run" to "being a runner." * [17:17] How to avoid system shutdown: Reverse engineering your identity in smaller increments. * [18:30] Introduction to the Pathways 8-Week Cycle. * The Pathway Program: https://service.markustebel.com/pathway/ – A year-long program focused on 8-week identity-shift cycles. * Subscribe: Don’t forget to give a thumbs up and subscribe for more insights on entrepreneurship and psychology. Timeline/ChaptersLinks & Resources

The Misconception of 'Be, Do, Have' S2E1

entrepreneurship, business growth, identity, vision, mindset, coaching, personal development, strategy, clarity, successSummaryIn this episode, Markus Tebel reflects on his journey as an entrepreneur, discussing the cyclical nature of business growth and the importance of clarity and identity in achieving success. He critiques the common 'Be, Do, Have' mindset, proposing instead a 'See, BE, Expand' approach that emphasizes gradual growth and enjoying the process. Tebel shares insights on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the necessity of aligning one's identity with their goals to foster a successful business environment.TakeawaysThis first episode feels like a new start.Entrepreneurship goes through various cycles.What is needed was really to come back to clarity.A lot of entrepreneurs gave up this year.You need to step into the identity of somebody.You need to be that version of yourself.Your subconscious mind is a predicting machine.Hard is not what we want; we want an easy life.See, Be, Expand: A new approach to growth.Enjoying the process is key to achieving your vision.

Your Strategy Isn’t the Problem — You’re Just Playing Too Small

This episode was recorded straight from the island of Rhodes—sun, soul shifts, and all. (And sorry for the bad sound quality) What started as a vacation turned into a full-body realization: the strategy still works, but the version of me running it? Bored. Disconnected. Ready for more. In this episode, I share what really sparked the idea for ENOUGH (my upcoming free masterclass), why your vision will always feel out of reach if you keep trying to “plan” your way there, and how to move when your next level isn't just about business—it’s about becoming. You’ll hear the truth about: * Why strategy isn’t the problem * How identity creates momentum * And what happens when you finally stop fixing and start becoming Let’s go there. Together. Join ENOUGH (free 4-day masterclass in July): https://service.markustebel.com/ENOUGH/ More from me: markustebel.com [https://www.markustebel.com]

Momentum Is Your Missing Strategy - EP006

You want consistent sales — but your business still feels like a rollercoaster? In this episode, I talk about the one thing most entrepreneurs ignore once things start working: momentum. Not more hustle. Not more strategy. But knowing how to hold the energy, keep showing up, and not self-sabotage when it finally starts flowing. If you’re tired of the stop-start cycle — this one's for you. More from me: markustebel.com [https://www.markustebel.com] Instagram: @markus.tebel

Why “Be Authentic” Is Keeping You Small - EP005

Everyone in the coaching world says “just be authentic” — but let’s be real... most of that advice is just another strategy in disguise. In this episode, I’m calling out the authenticity game and breaking down why “being yourself” isn’t always the answer — especially when the version you’re being isn’t who you’re becoming. ⚡ What authenticity really means when your identity is evolving ⚡ Why chasing “authentic” is just the new people-pleasing ⚡ The difference between showing up as you are vs. leading from who you’re here to be ⚡ And why your future self isn’t fake — it’s embodied leadership If you’ve been stuck in overthinking how to be “real” online… this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. You don’t have to brand yourself as authentic. You have to embody the identity of the business you’re building. Let’s go beyond the buzzwords. 🎧 Listen in and remember who you are. 💻 More about me & how we work: markustebel.com [https://www.markustebel.com]