Last weekend, I had the opportunity to race on a Viper 640—a fast, dynamic boat unlike anything I’d sailed before. It was a thrilling challenge that pulled me out of my comfort zone, pushing me to learn new tacking and heel angles, how to communicate with new people quickly, and make split-second decisions. As I was processing how the day had gone, I heard Bonnie Evangelista at the DoD use a brilliant expression, the “do loop.”

For leaders, the “do loop” is when we’re no longer growing and are simply “doing”—stuck in a comfortable, familiar pattern. We might still be moving, but we’re not moving forward in ways that bring growth. Sailing the Viper 640 brought me face-to-face with the importance of constantly challenging ourselves, both on and off the water.

What is the “Do Loop” for Leaders?

The do loop can show up in our leadership when we’re busy checking boxes and fulfilling expectations but aren’t stretching ourselves or our teams. Great leaders are growing leaders, and recognizing when we’re just “doing” is a powerful step toward meaningful growth.

Signs You Might Be in a “Do Loop”

As I navigated new waters on the Viper 640, I thought about how easily leaders can slip into do loops without even realizing it. Here are a few signs to watch for:

• Routine Over Purpose: Work becomes about getting through the day-to-day rather than driving a bigger vision.
• Missing Enthusiasm: There’s no thrill or excitement, only familiar tasks on repeat.
• Stagnation in the Team: When a leader isn’t growing, the team may start to feel uninspired as well.

Steps to Break Out of the “Do Loop”

Breaking free means embracing new challenges and taking active steps toward growth:

1. Push Your Boundaries: Seek experiences that take you out of your comfort zone. Just like sailing a faster, more dynamic boat, new challenges keep us sharp.
2. Pursue New Learning: Invest in skills or knowledge that fuel your growth and inspire your team.
3. Reconnect with Your Why: Remind yourself of your bigger purpose and goals as a leader.

Are You in a “Do Loop”?

Sailing the Viper 640 reminded me that growth often begins where comfort ends. If you’re feeling the pull of the familiar, consider the possibility that you may be in a do loop—and that it’s time to break free.

Curious about breaking free from the ‘do loop’ and growing as a leader? This concept and more are woven into our leadership development programs, designed to help leaders reconnect with purpose, drive growth, and inspire their teams. If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, let’s talk.