Letters / 16 so far
Letters to my kid.
Names changed, details withheld. Pulled live from a Notion database.
Letter 05 / Pinned
Success is a standard, not a comparison
Keep in mind: All people have desire, few have ambition. I guestimate that 2% are truly ambitious.
With that - Most people define success wrong. When it comes to success most use outside comparisons to gauge if they’re successful. Success isn’t being better than you were yesterday or any of that cheesy jargon either. Success is living to your potential. Setting your standard of excellence and maintaining that day in and day out. It’s always doing what you know you’re capable of. You should be harder on yourself than others will be of you. Character gets you out of bed, commitment puts you into action and discipline is the follow through.
All letters
- 01
A day is what you're trading
What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.
- 02
Always ask why
Without a clear reason for doing something, even the most committed person will eventually give up on it.
- 03
Having less is mental health
The less you have to maintain, the more clarity you will have.
- 04
Do it excellently, or don't
If it's not excellent, it won't be profitable or fun.
- 05 / pinned
Success is a standard, not a comparison
Success is living to your potential, and holding that standard day in and day out.
- 06
Serve people
A job is to serve: customers, coworkers, people. That's why it rewards you the way it does.
- 07
Hurt people hurt people
Combat hurt with empathy, understanding and conversation.
- 08
Nobody's word is 100% true
The only wrong answer is having no solution, or taking zero action.
- 09
We reward answers, not questions
Be different. Stop and ask, even when the thing seems simple.
- 10
Question everything
What's real for someone else probably isn't real for you. Make your view include other views.
- 11
This too shall pass
Slow down. Notice the colors, smells and sounds. Most of these moments you'll want back.
- 12
Good things land nearby
What you wish for rarely falls in your lap. It falls close, and you have to stand up and get it.
- 13
Chase the intangible
It's usually the intangible that matters most, and what people are really after.
- 14
Speak their language
Use the right lingo. It tells people you get it and can be trusted.
- 15
Be as good as your word
It takes twice as long to rebuild a bridge you've burned.
- 16
The small daily acts
What changes things is every day, small acts of service and love beyond what's expected.