April 2023

Here’s a quote from Seth Godin that’s been on mind recently.

“If you’re not prepared to sing alone, it’s difficult to get to the point where people sing along with you.” – Seth Godin

“Extreme Ownership How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win” by John Gretton “Jocko” Willink is one of my favorite books ever, and one I have handed out more than any other book.

John Gretton “Jocko” Willink author, podcaster, and retired United States Navy Officer served in the Navy SEALs.

Jocko Willink’s Extreme Ownership book will make you think about almost all of your relationships. Simply put, you will catch yourself blaming others and after reading this book your opinion may change drastically. 

I am amazed how this has helped me see things more clearly.

If an employee makes a mistake my normal reaction used to be blaming them right away, but after reading this book I can see what precipitated the choice. Often it was lack of clear communication from me, poor training, and lack of accountability.

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Podcast Recommended

“The Knowledge Project” Podcast hosted by Shane Parrish had a great episode recently. Featuring guest Marshall Goldsmith, author of “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” and will be the next book I read. 

This podcast will help you listen and communicate better. When implemented, it will give ideas that will help improve your interpersonal relationships.

Its target audience is leaders, but you certainly don’t need to be a leader to benefit.
 
“How many times did you try to be right yesterday?” That question should hit most people in the gut. I’ve decided I’m going to lose way more arguments now because I don’t grow if I think I am always right.
 
One final quote from Marshall that hit home with me, “Quit worrying about things you’re not going to change.”
 
Click here to listen to the podcast episode with Marshall Goldsmith.

Its target audience is leaders, but you certainly don’t need to be a leader to benefit.
 
“How many times did you try to be right yesterday?” That question should hit most people in the gut. I’ve decided I’m going to lose way more arguments now because I don’t grow if I think I am always right.
 
One final quote from Marshall that hit home with me, “Quit worrying about things you’re not going to change.”
 
Click here to listen to the podcast episode with Marshall Goldsmith.

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Memento Mori Revisted

In a past blog, I talked about the Stoic Idea. In its simplest form, I believe it says to live each day like it may be your last.

Over spring break, I had two moments: one good and the other not so good.

My son, his friends and my wife were going to do an obstacle course called TreeUmph in Florida. I highly recommend the experience.

The day prior, I had warned them that I had a lot of work to do and most likely would not be going. As the event grew closer, I was about to tell them I was going to stay back.

Instead, I said to myself, “You stupid asshole. Get your ass up and go with them!”

Thanks to Marshall’s points and ideas in his podcast I decided to change my mind and spend time with my family.

This was a good moment, but I can still think of so many times where work took precedent. If you have opportunities with friends and family take advantage of them, because you never know what day may be your last.

If an employee makes a mistake my normal reaction used to be blaming them right away, but after reading this book I can see what precipitated the choice.  Often it was lack of clear communication from me,  poor training, and lack of accountability.