Hi Reader, (Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here.) What I'm writing Saying no — The ability to say no is a superpower. It gives you the power to choose how to spend your time. What I'm learning Some of the calmest, most likable people I know maintain a deep sense of gratitude. They feel lucky to be alive. Their primary worry is not self-doubt. It’s about whether they might fail to maximize this privilege (of being alive). Inspiration: Kevin Kelly The only thing you can control...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, (Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here.) What I'm writing Getting back to basics — After a tough year, it’s tempting to reinvent everything. But recovering from a rough patch starts with getting back to basics. 2025 annual reflection and my plans for 2026 — I took some time to polish and publish notes from my annual reflection and planning. Notes on Neil Pasricha: Happy Habits — I updated my notes from this great podcast. What I'm learning Complaining and pushing back...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, (Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here.) What I'm writing Improve relationships using inversion — Relationship challenges are often easier to solve when viewed backward. Instead of focusing on what makes relationships better, focus on avoiding what makes them worse. What I'm learning Mastery can’t bought, inherited, or stolen. It can only be earned through hard work. Source: Morgan Housel [Tweet] Marcus Aurelius wrote to reflect on his thoughts, improve his character,...
4 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, This week, I share an article on first team principles, along with some notes and quotes on the importance of paying attention to where you invest your attention. (Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here.) What I'm writing First team principles — Management is not just about managing direct reports or driving your own department’s outcomes—it’s about aligning with peers to move the entire business forward. This is the essence of first team principles. What I'm learning...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week, I share some notes on picking the right tools to increase cooperation in teams (and families). (Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here.) What I'm writing The Tools of Cooperation and Change — This article discusses four types of tools for driving cooperation in organizations and how to assess when it’s appropriate to wield each type. Hint: The most effective cooperation tool in a given situation depends on the level at which people agree on where they want to...
12 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This is my first newsletter in 2025. I hope you are having a happy and healthy new year! (Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here.) What I'm writing How will you measure your life? — I revisited and updated my notes from Clayton Christensen's famous 2010 article. Money is not the most powerful motivator in our lives. The most powerful motivators are opportunities to learn, grow in responsibilities, contribute to others, and be recognized for achievements. There are some...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This is my first newsletter in almost a full year. My wife (Sable) and I had our second child (Avery) last June, and we also moved into a new house we've been building for the last 18+ months. Life is returning to normal. I'm excited to get back to my daily writing habit! (Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here.) What I'm writing Choosing a Speed: Fast vs Slow — Speed matters, but knowing when and where to apply it is crucial. When should you go slow vs fast? What I'm...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read