Letter 16: The 7 Ruse Types

Something to think about: Celebrate the stress and tribulation because it means if you keep going, you're about to transform.

Today's MVP: Overcoming the Ruse

Think about the last time you had a great idea. You got excited, felt motivated, and then... nothing. Suddenly, you convinced yourself it wasn’t the right time, it wouldn’t work, or it was just too hard. Sound familiar?

That is called The Ruse—the justifications and excuses that show up right when things get hard.

We all do it. We justify distractions as “opportunities.” We hire the wrong people because we convince ourselves they have “potential.” We quit strategies too soon and rationalize it as “cutting losses.”

The Ruse is what happens after the excitement fades and the excuses flood in. It’s the moment where most people quit. Sometimes that’s a good thing—bad ideas exist. But more often, it’s the only thing standing between you and the next level.

Here’s the good news: The Ruse is a pattern. And like any pattern, it can be broken.

7 Ruse Types & How to Interrupt Them

There are 7 Ruse Types that show up in different areas of life and business. Recognizing them is the first step to shutting them down.

1. The Victim

Blames others and avoids responsibility.

• Signs: Feels stuck, believes they have no control, constantly complains.

• Solution: Own your actions and outcomes—no excuses, just adjustments.

2. The Ditch Dweller

Quits when things get hard and falls back into old habits.

• Signs: Focuses only on what’s wrong, gives up too soon, looks for an easy way out.

• Solution: Take small, consistent steps forward and focus on solutions, not problems.

3. The Safety Seeker

Avoids change and sticks to what’s comfortable.

• Signs: Overthinks every decision, asks “Will this work?” too often, delays action.

• Solution: Accept uncertainty and commit to new strategies long enough to see results.

4. The Half-Done Hopper

Always chasing the next big thing instead of sticking with one plan.

• Signs: Starts strong but moves on too soon, constantly switches strategies.

• Solution: Pick a plan, stick with it, and trust the process.

5. The Avoider

Ignores problems instead of facing them head-on.

• Signs: Procrastinates, avoids hard conversations, waits for problems to “fix themselves.”

• Solution: Face the issue directly—problems don’t disappear, they compound.

6. The Pretender

Acts like everything is fine when it’s not.

• Signs: Avoids vulnerability, hides struggles, afraid of being “found out.”

• Solution: Get real with yourself and others. Progress starts with honesty.

7. The Overachiever

Pushes too hard and never feels satisfied.

• Signs: Burns out, sets unrealistic expectations, never stops to celebrate wins.

• Solution: Slow down, recognize progress, and enjoy the process.

The Fix

Breaking The Ruse starts with awareness. Recognize which pattern you fall into—and be honest. You might have different ruses in different areas of life.

Say it with me:
“My name is __________, and I tend to be a __________.”

Personally, I tend to be a Half-done Hopper and an Overachiever.

Good news: These behaviors aren’t who you are; they’re just habits your mind uses to avoid discomfort. Once you recognize them, you can shut them down and refocus.

Growth isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters and sticking with it. Recognize your Ruse, call it out, and take action anyway.

Pro tip: Share this with your team. Once they recognize these patterns, they’ll be more aware of them—and more committed to pushing through.

If you’re going to justify, justify success.

Cody