Lessons from old posts

Embracing growth by rediscovering the past rhythm

Non, si quid turbida Roma Elevet, accedas examenque impiobum in ilia Casliges trutina, nee te quaesiveris extra.

(No, if Rome raises something turbulent, go and examine the impious in that Casliges balance, and do not ask yourself outside.)

— Charles William Stoker, The Satires of Persius and Juvenal

---

I’ve spent the past few weeks revisiting my old articles—sitting with each one like an old friend, peeling back the layers of who I was when I wrote them.

There’s something magical about rediscovering the past—sometimes comforting, sometimes challenging.

It’s fascinating how words that felt monumental then can hold new meanings now, each piece acting as a time capsule of my thoughts, reflections, and a roadmap to the person I’ve become.

If you’d like to see the original articles, I've linked them in the title headings.

Lead with Empathy, Openness, and Collaboration

One article I revisited explored compassionate leadership through insights from Ronald Reagan, Satya Nadella, and Ed Catmull.

Their influence on my thoughts back then was significant, and today, as I reread my reflections, I realize those lessons were more than just interesting ideas—they were seeds of change that have since grown roots in my life.

In his 1984 State of the Union address, Ronald Reagan emphasized the importance of unity and empathy—qualities I once saw as optional in leadership.

Now, I realize that empathy is not a luxury but the foundation of progress, a truth I strive to apply every day.

Satya Nadella echoed this sentiment in Hit Refresh, highlighting how empathy drives innovation by truly understanding others' unspoken needs.

His work on Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller is a testament to this principle, showing that real innovation is built on human connection, making empathy both practical and essential.

Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, wrote in Creativity, Inc. about the importance of openness and honesty, fostering this through Braintrust meetings that encouraged fearless feedback.

Though vulnerability once scared me, I’ve come to understand that it builds trust—and trust is where creativity, connection, and growth truly thrive.

These leaders teach that empathy, openness, and vulnerability are essential for progress.

Reagan showed empathy's power to unite, Nadella proved that understanding others drives impactful innovation, and Catmull emphasized vulnerability as the foundation for creativity and growth.

Their lessons on genuine connection and leading with humanity have shaped how I strive to lead, write, and live, evolving alongside me.

How I (Almost) Dodged Burnout and Lived to Tell the Tale

I was overwhelmed by trying to be everything to everyone.

The quote at the beginning for the original article stated, "You can do anything, but not everything."

This stuck with me, but looking back, I can’t find it in David Allen’s Getting Things Done, so I must have misattributed it, but the sentiment still feels the same today.

From the book, I have learned many things though:

• The value of resting the mind and embracing uncertainty.

• Anxiety feeds on lack of control, while progress requires courage to adapt.

• True effectiveness comes from mindful action, setting boundaries, and saying no without guilt.

• Life is not about perfection but progress; finding balance, and moving forward step by step.

Saying no used to feel like failure, but I’ve learned it’s an act of self-care.

Embracing imperfection has been key; striving for perfection led to burnout, but adopting "done is better than perfect¹" has allowed me to see each flaw as progress—a sign of growth.

Morning Routines: The Myth of the Perfect Start

Another old favorite was about mornings, inspired by Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning.

At one point, I believed the hype: if I could just crack the perfect morning routine, I’d transform into my ideal self.

I tried it all—journaling, sunrise meditations, workouts—but it felt hollow, like I was living someone else’s life.

What I’ve learned is that letting go—of ideals, expectations, desire—has energized me, allowing me a space to take on the world with full effort. I learned to let go of ideals.

I’ve learned to let go of rigid routines and find what works for me; mornings are now about listening to myself and doing what I need, not doing it all.

Some mornings, making coffee is a struggle; other times, it feels like a refreshing new start, and sometimes it's simply about savoring it without distractions..

Super Productive Sunday: When Ambition Meets Reality

I once believed in the myth of the perfect day—imagining Sundays where I’d wake early, conquer every task, and end feeling victorious.

Spoiler alert: it never happened.

The wisdom of Epictetus and Peter Drucker helped me see why this mattered.

Epictetus taught me to embrace simple pleasures², and Peter Drucker taught me that plans are only good intentions unless they lead to action³.

Does this realization imply we should throw in the towel — view productivity as simply being present and making mistakes?

These roads to recovery brings salvation from impossible standards, and maybe it can do the same for you.

Finding My Rhythm: The Art of Dancing Through Chaos

One of the most personal pieces I reread was about finding my own rhythm in life.

Inspired by John Lubbock’s reminder that “rest is not idleness,” I explored what it means to live authentically.

I used to obsess over others' opinions, feeling guilty for resting instead of being productive, but now I realize the beauty in slowing down with intention.

I’ve learned to ditch the perfect plan.

Some days are for sprinting, but others are for slow walks, reflection, and breathing deeply.

I’ve started to move with purpose, not speed, finding power in deliberate, slow actions.

Leaning into my groove—accepting the times when I’m productive and the times when I’m not—has brought me a surprising sense of peace.

It’s all rhythm, all part of the music of life, and I’m learning to dance to it, step by step.

Reflections and Moving Forward

Reading these old articles again was like looking in a mirror that shows not just the surface but the depths of change beneath: we don’t see ourselves change in the mirror daily, but then, one day, we wake up and say, “Wow! Who is that person?”

It’s a reminder that things happen over time, and whether it’s about leadership, burnout, morning routines, or finding rhythm, I see now that growth isn’t linear: it’s messy, full of false starts and surprises.

I’ve learned there is beauty in the struggle; about something lingering in our hearts and minds—it isn’t in doing everything, but in choosing where our time is spent.

Things don’t need to be perfect—they just need to be ours—not by grand accomplishments but by the small, steady steps forward: the gift of seeing rest as an essential part of living well.

You’ll never be happy until you love your life, and that’s something I’m still learning.

I don’t have it all figured out, but I’ve learned that I don’t need to; instead, I focus each day on finding my own rhythm, leading with empathy, and embracing imperfections.

And that, for me, is enough.

Maybe you’re also learning to let go of perfection, to dance in your own rhythm, and to lead with compassion.

Maybe you’re finding that being human—being beautifully, messily human—is the best way to truly live.

And if so, then we’re both on the right path, figuring it out, one imperfect day at a time.

I’m left to wonder, how might your life change if you let go of the pursuit of perfection and instead embraced your own unique rhythm, allowing yourself to rest, make mistakes, and lead with empathy?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

1. This quote, which I am trying to not misattribute, is found in Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In:

• “Another one of my favorite posters at Facebook declares in big red letters, “Done is better than perfect.”” (106)

• “Long before I saw the poster, I began to adopt the mantra “Done is better than perfect.”” (109)

2. Two places I found insights from Epictetus:

• The Enchiridion, Section XIII:

  “If you would improve be content to be thought foolish and dull with regard to externals. Do not desire to be thought to know anything; and though you should appear to others to be somebody, distrust yourself. For be assured, it is not easy at once to keep your will in harmony with nature, and to secure externals; but while you are absorbed in the one, you must of necessity neglect the other.”

• The Discourse, Book 1, Chapter 6:

  Epictetus teaches that appreciating life's interconnected elements requires both observation and gratitude, encouraging us to adapt to challenges with resilience and view them as opportunities for growth rather than sources of complaint.

3. For more information of the thoughts I’ve expressed about Peter Drucker, check out Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices.

Particularly between pages 73-77.