The Surprising Pickleball Lesson That Taught Me How to Identify Blind Spots in Business

I didn’t expect pickleball to teach me that I needed to learn how to identify blind spots in business, but here we are.

I’ve been playing for a few years now. At first, it was just harmless fun — a way to move my body, hang out with my husband, and laugh with my kids. No pressure. Just something light.

Then I started playing more often… and, of course, I started collecting all the cute accoutrements. Because for me, it’s all about the experience.

I bought the shoes. The cute outfits that didn’t make my butt look big. The cool paddle and matching water bottle. And when I was gifted a luxury pickleball bag (the kind you hang on the fence because, apparently, real players don’t put their bags on the ground), I was in.

I had the look, the gear, and the winning attitude.
And now I wanted the game to match.

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How a Simple Game Exposed What I Didn’t Know I Didn’t Know

So I started showing up more often, even in 100-degree heat. The heat was not going to get the best of me. And when it rained? I had my leaf blower ready to dry the courts. Yes, really. Because when I’m committed, I’m committed.

I was out there sweating, showing up, doing the work… and I still stuck with other beginners like me, hoping to pair up with players who were gentle but still motivated. But as I watched the more advanced players, I couldn’t help but notice… they were really getting after it.

Part of me wanted to join them. The other part of me just didn’t want to be “that person” no one wanted to partner with. You know what I mean?

The more I played, the better I got, but also, the worse it felt. Because now I could see all the things I didn’t know.

And when I tried to fix them, that’s when things really got messy.

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When Working Harder Stops Working

Here’s where it got real.

I was showing up consistently, putting in the time, doing all the things… and still feeling stuck.

Sound familiar? Because that’s what happens in business too. There are hidden skills we need as entrepreneurs but aren’t seeing, and it’s honestly slowing us down.

We start with excitement, we get the gear, we join the right groups, we read the books… and then one day, we realize that effort alone isn’t the problem. Awareness is.

That’s where I found myself. Working hard, but on the wrong things.

If that’s you, listen to my podcast Fix This Grow Fast on sustainable business growth: The Hustle Hangover Fix (or watch it here) breaks down how to build momentum without burning out.

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The Problem with “Just Keep Practicing” or “Just Keep Showing Up”

Everyone loves to tell you to “just keep practicing.” But practicing what, exactly?
Here’s the truth: practice doesn’t make perfect — it makes permanent (even the wrong things).

I tried learning from people who were better than me. But I quickly realized: not every good player is a good teacher.

Some could play well but had no idea why what they were doing worked. Others meant well but gave me advice that didn’t actually help. So I just kept showing up, watching, mimicking, hoping something would click.

It didn’t.

And the harder I tried, the more frustrated I became.

Honestly, I almost gave up. But I loved the game too much to quit.

So I finally did something different, I found a real coach.
Someone who could actually break things down, explain the mechanics, and help me understand the why behind my mistakes.

After a few, very embarrassing lessons, something clicked.
I started learning faster and seeing results. Surprisingly, everything changed for the better.
A few small tweaks, a little feedback, and suddenly the ball went where I wanted it to go.

What’s more, I wasn’t the girl afraid to show up. I was more confident and present. I stopped worrying and started really enjoying.

But here’s the thing, it wasn’t luck. It was awareness.

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The Pickleball Epiphany: Blind Spots Are the Real Bottleneck

That moment hit me like a serve to the shin.

I realized that I hadn’t been failing, I’d just been blind. UGH! Those damn blind spots!

I didn’t need more hustle. I needed someone who could see what I couldn’t.
And that, my friend, is exactly what happens in business.

You can hustle for years and still feel stuck, “do all the right things” and still not grow, and copy strategies from people you admire and still not get traction.

Why?
Because you can’t fix what you can’t see.

Blind spots in business are sneaky. They hide inside your habits, your messaging, your assumptions — even your confidence. And until you build a way to spot them on purpose, you’ll keep hitting the same wall, just with different wallpaper.

If you’ve ever wondered how to uncover them, I walk through practical examples in my post on how to build confidence that converts.

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How to Identify Blind Spots in Business

If you want consistent growth, you need a system that helps you see what you’re missing.
Not just a marketing strategy. Not just more effort.
A feedback system.

Here’s how you build one:

1. Prioritize Personal Development — Every Single Day

If you want to stay sharp, you’ve got to stay self-aware, because there are hidden skills every entrepreneur needs to know.

Fifteen minutes a day. That’s all it takes.
Read something that stretches your thinking. Journal about what’s working and what’s not. Ask yourself where you might be wrong.

Growth doesn’t happen in the big leaps. It happens in those tiny daily moments when you stop reacting and start reflecting.

The most successful entrepreneurs I know don’t just do more — they notice more.

For inspiration, check out James Clear’s guide to building better habits. His approach to small, consistent improvement mirrors exactly what we need as business owners.

2. Pick a Skill to Master, Not Just “Learn”

Here’s the difference between amateurs and masters: amateurs collect information; masters collect results.

Mastery means you can explain it, teach it, and repeat it consistently. It means you’ve studied the small details, practiced with intention, and pushed through the awkward middle part where you feel like you’re failing.

In business, that might mean mastering one core skill like:

• Sales conversations that feel natural
• Messaging that converts
• Leadership that motivates instead of manages

Pick one. Get obsessed. Don’t move on until you own it.

3. Get a Coach Who Knows How to Teach, Not Just “Do”

This one’s the deal-breaker.

Not every high performer is a good teacher.
And not every coach who’s “just one step ahead of you” knows how to take you all the way.

You need someone with a proven framework and real results — not just a highlight reel.

A great coach doesn’t just show you what to do; they help you see what’s getting in your way. They shorten your learning curve, challenge your assumptions, and make sure you don’t spend years perfecting the wrong things.

If you’re looking for guidance, here’s a quick guide to find the right business coach. If you’re looking, I’d like to offer you the most incredible free gift a trial membership to my Savvy Selling Lounge because women sell different.

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Why Blind Spots Are Normal, and Necessary

Let me say this clearly: having blind spots doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re growing.

Every new level of business will reveal a new set of things you didn’t know you didn’t know. That’s not weakness, that’s wisdom.

But if you don’t have systems to spot those blind spots early, they’ll quietly drain your time, money, and momentum.

Awareness is your competitive edge.

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The Hidden Link Between Blind Spots and Resilience

Here’s what I’ve noticed after years of coaching entrepreneurs:
Blind spots aren’t just about strategy, they’re about resilience.

When you hit a wall in your business, it’s rarely just a skills gap. It’s often a pattern in how you respond to pressure, feedback, or uncertainty.

That’s where Resilience Mapping comes in.

It’s one of my favorite tools because it helps you see how you handle challenge — not just what triggers it.

• Do you overwork when things get hard?
• Do you freeze or overthink when something feels uncomfortable?
• Do you keep “pushing through,” even when what you really need is a reset or support?

Resilience Mapping reveals those patterns so you can respond differently next time. It’s the bridge between knowing your blind spots and doing something about them.

Because the truth is, awareness without resilience just leaves you spinning.
But awareness with resilience? That’s where sustainable confidence lives.

If this idea resonates, you’ll love my deep dive on resilience mapping for entrepreneurs or any one issue that you need to FIX.

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Final Thought

If you’re ready to stop winging it and start winning it, come hang out with me inside The Sales Confidence Studio.

It’s where we build the systems, the mindset, and the skills that help you uncover your blind spots, map your resilience, and grow with confidence, without the pushy tactics or guesswork.

Let’s make mastery your new normal.

FAQs About Blind Spots in Business

What are blind spots in business?
Blind spots are the areas of your business or mindset that you can’t see clearly because you’re too close to them. They often show up as repeated challenges, plateaus, or frustrations — even when you’re working hard.

How do I find my business blind spots?
Start by gathering feedback from trusted coaches, peers, or mentors who can see your patterns objectively. Then look for recurring challenges in your marketing, sales, or leadership habits — those often reveal hidden blind spots.

Why do blind spots matter for entrepreneurs?
Because you can’t fix what you can’t see. Blind spots slow down growth, drain energy, and limit results. Once you uncover them, you gain clarity, confidence, and faster momentum.

Can blind spots actually help me grow?
Yes! Blind spots aren’t weaknesses — they’re invitations to grow. Each one reveals a skill or mindset shift that moves you closer to mastery and sustainable success.

How can I build a system to catch my blind spots early?
Create regular reflection habits like journaling, seeking feedback, and working with a coach who helps you see what you can’t. Awareness is your competitive edge.

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Written by Genevieve Skory, Sales Confidence Coach & Business Growth Strategist for Female Entrepreneurs.
© 2025 Genevieve Skory