I Wrote This for Me, But Maybe It’s for You Too

Every once in a while, I pause and try to strip things back. I look at what’s really driving progress… and what’s just noise. This list comes from moments like that. Not from a book or a podcast. Just real experiences, good conversations, a few mistakes, and a few wins.

Some of these you’ll agree with. Some might not land right now. That’s fine.

Take what helps, skip the rest.

Movement beats motivation.

You can collect insights forever. Listen to the right podcasts, read the best books. Follow the right thought leaders. Nothing changes until you start. Even clumsy steps are better than standing still.

Not everything needs to be said.

You don’t always have to weigh in. The more I’ve learned to hold space instead of filling it, the clearer things get. Silence can be productive and strategic.

Drama fades when you stop feeding it.

If you want peace, don’t show up for every fire someone’s trying to start.

If someone knows more than you, don’t try to outshine them.

It’s tempting to compete. To prove yourself. But partnering with people who are ahead of you. This is the moment where growth happens. I’ve learned more from listening than I ever have from trying to “win.”

The people you choose matter more than the ones you were given.

Throughout your adult life, you get to build your inner circle. I’ve found the people I trust most are the ones who chose me back.

Your job is a big part of your life, but is not your life.

A role can be meaningful. Be careful not to lose yourself in it. I’ve seen people trade ambition for comfort and I’ve done it too in the past. That quiet cost adds up. Most importantly, love what you do. If you don't wake up in the morning and are excited for the problems you need to tackle that day... you're in the wrong job.

“It’s a lot of hard work, and it’s a lot of worrying constantly. You gotta love it, and you gotta have passion. If you don’t love it, you’re going to fail.” Steve Jobs

Be careful who you let influence your thinking.

Most people giving advice are figuring it out as they go. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s worth remembering. Use your own filter.

Influence doesn’t come from talking the loudest.

It comes from being able to read the room. To notice what others need. Most people drift. They aren’t clear on what they want. If you can help them get there, you’re already leading.

One genuinely supportive person is enough.

You don’t need a crowd. You need someone who’s actually invested. 99.9% of the time it's your partner. That kind of encouragement is rare. When you have it, hold onto it.

Your circle should make you want to level up.

If the people around you don’t challenge you, you’ll shrink to fit in. That’s not a critique. It’s just how we’re wired.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Jim Rohn

Let go of the blame.

Whatever happened, happened. Parents, coworkers, leadership, old mentors… it’s easy to stay stuck in that narrative. But it keeps you looking backward. You have control over your narrative.

No one’s coming to rescue you.

If you take away anything from what I have said today, this perhaps is the most important statement you will need to keep front and center every day. I don’t say that to sound harsh. You get to decide what happens next. You’re the one who moves the story forward and you are the one who can hold yourself back.

That’s it. No big takeaway here.

This is my list I keep coming back to whenever I feel like I’m drifting or getting pulled in too many directions. Maybe something here does the same for you. If you've read this far and have something to add to this list, hit me up on a LinkedIn message.