How to Stop Career-Killing Blunders Before They Derail Your Success
By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer
What’s the one mistake that can sabotage your success—no matter how talented or hard-working you are?
Here it is: Once we taste success, we often stop doing the very things that got us there.
I know this because I’ve lived it. And I’m willing to bet you have too.
We’ve all had moments when we became confident, even complacent, after achieving something meaningful—a promotion, a major milestone, a fitness goal, a successful relationship. Then slowly, sometimes subtly, things start to slip. Why? Because we drift away from the fundamentals.
This insight didn’t originate with me. I learned it from Dave Hopla, one of the greatest basketball shooters in the world. Dave isn’t just good—he once sank 1,127 free throws in a row. That kind of precision comes from more than talent—it comes from relentless discipline and dedication to the basics.
And Dave’s words have stuck with me ever since:
“Once we have a certain amount of success, we have a tendency to eliminate the behaviors that made us successful.”
Success Isn’t a Destination—It’s Maintenance
Think about that. How many times in your life have you hit a goal, only to lose ground soon after?
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You crushed a work project… then relaxed your standards on the next one.
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You lost weight… then let go of your healthy habits.
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You earned a degree… then stopped learning.
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You built a great relationship… then stopped putting in the effort.
It’s not because you lack talent, ambition, or drive. It’s because success makes us comfortable. And comfort is the enemy of progress.
According to Hopla, the antidote to career (and life) stagnation is to recommit to the fundamentals every single day. Dave shoots 1,000 baskets a day. Even now. Even after proving himself again and again. Because he honors his success by continuing the habits that got him there.
The moment you stop doing the basics is the moment your momentum dies.
Reclaiming the Fundamentals in Your Career
This idea applies to every career and industry. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an entrepreneur, or just getting started, the truth remains the same: you can’t delegate excellence without first maintaining it yourself.
Sure, you need to trust your team. You can’t micromanage everything. But before you assign a task, ask yourself:
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Am I still modeling the standard I expect?
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Are my systems built on foundational practices—or have they drifted?
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Am I still as committed as I was on Day One?
If you’re seeing slippage—in performance, in motivation, in results—it’s probably because you’ve stopped doing what worked. Go back. Reset. Sharpen your edge.
Stop the Blunders Before They Start
Career-killing mistakes don’t usually come from one bad choice. They come from a slow erosion of discipline. It’s the little things you used to do instinctively—checking in, following up, triple-checking your work, investing in learning—that quietly vanish when you start coasting.
Want to prevent these blunders? Do what Dave Hopla does:
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Go back to the basics.
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Never take your skills for granted.
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Treat each day like it’s a tryout.
And if you’re ready to reignite your commitment to excellence, now is the time to act.
Final Thought: Your Fundamentals Are Your Foundation
The secret to long-term success isn’t more talent. It’s discipline. It’s showing up even when it’s boring. It’s mastering the mundane.
If things are slipping, don’t wait for a wake-up call. Look in the mirror and ask: Have I stopped doing the things that made me great? If so, you already know what to do. Start again. Go back to the fundamentals.
Want to Build a Culture That Doesn’t Settle?
Ross Shafer delivers dynamic, high-impact keynotes that help teams and organizations reconnect with the habits that drive success. His blend of humor, storytelling, and real-world business insight makes him a favorite speaker at leadership retreats, corporate events, and training conferences.
Ready to avoid the blunders and build a culture of relentless improvement?
👉 Hire Ross Shafer to speak at your next event.