It may feel like you have a ton of experience.
You’ve been doing good work your entire career!
But if you’ve only been out of college for three years, your entire career is only three years.
It’s like a toddler saying they’re great at walking.
They might be. But drop them in an intersection in Midtown Manhattan and they’re gonna get crushed.
Point is this: enjoy your time as a toddler. You’ll be an adult dealing with toddlers before you know it.
If you’re having a drink with someone, don’t pass on the opportunity to make a simple toast.
Cheers! L’chaim! Prost!
Those are all fine enough.
But if you really want to make it special and memorable and meaningful, do this:
Think of the things most beloved by the person you’re drinking with.
It could be their business. Their dog. It could even be them.
Then drink to that:
So simple. So special. So good.
To life hacks!
Here’ to the things that matter.
Here’s to the things that don’t.
Here’s to the things that lie in the middle.
Here’s to saying I won’t.
Here’s to the things you want to keep.
Here’s to the things you don’t.
Here’s to the things sitting in storage.
Here’s to saying I won’t.
Here’s to the things you want to remember.
Here’s to the things you don’t.
Here’s to the junk that lurks around in your brain.
Here’s to saying I won’t.
It was supposed to be my last Tuesday with the company.
It turned out to be my last day ever.
My story didn’t help a few; although for most I hope it does.
There is life after consulting.
The ultra religious.
The vast majority of North Koreans.
The armies of traveling consultants.
They don’t know any different.
Different seems impossible.
Different seems scary.
Different seems illogical.
But different is out there. And it can be a whole lot better than the same.
At practice, there’s no way to fail. No worry about what might happen.
At practice, there’s no way to win. No guilt about succeeding.
At practice, it’s just for fun. No stress about anything.
But sometimes you gotta play for real.
And when you do, think of it as practice.
Tighten all the screws. Then tighten them again.
Every one matters, even if it seems like they don’t.
Check on them occasionally.
But don’t push them past their limit. They could strip and be done forever.
I think this may be an analogy for building a team.
So for those of you who feel like you’re a screw carrying too much weight or are just completely stripped from over-tightening, know it’s not your fault.
The instructions should have made it quite clear.
It might take an hour. Or a day.
Or maybe even a few weeks.
But when you look back at the questions you’re asked, eventually it becomes clear.
The question behind the question.
The sooner you find it, the happier everyone will be.
It’s okay to feel like you have nothing to say.
Just ask some questions and let them do the talking.
What do you think about what?
Some people hate their birthday.
It’s a reminder of time passing.
A forced look back at their progress in life.
To me, the dentist is the same thing.
Except the dentist is twice per year, is not fun, and instead of cake, you get bubble gum flavored fluoride.
Fuck birthdays?
No.
Fuck the dentist.