Reflection: The Art & Science of Progress

I've noticed a pattern in myself... one that coincides with moments of immense growth.
It appeared to be insignificant at first, yet turned out to be a source of expansion.

As I sit here and think about it, it's fairly obvious...
... yet it has not been part of my routine in the past.

It first happened almost four years ago when I launched Systems for Success (Podcast).
... but in truth, it's been presenting itself at key moments my entire life.

I have a bias for action, I know this, and I often throw caution to the wind.
In this scenario, I started creating content without really thinking it through.

What I did know was that it needed to be perfect - the definition of which is ever changing.

Reflecting back, the content was not what I would have required it to be today...
... but there's something to be said for getting it done and learning out loud.

The pattern I noticed is the same one I've utilized today: Reflection

It's why this newsletter has provided me so many invaluable insights...
It's why the launch of the Inputs Only Podcast has done the same...
It's why sharing/learning out loud is incredibly important - regardless of the quality...
... because anything done consistently will compound (and improve over time).

To make very clear...
It's not the act of creating, sharing, or publishing that is most important.
It is the reflection -> iteration -> improve process.

If all you do is create, sure, you'll improve in proportion to the frequency you do so.
Increase that frequency and reflect & obsess over what could be - you soon won't recognize your work.

Deduced down to the input... you're only ever as good as your level of awareness of the output.

--

In tandem with the above, I've realized that I obsess over the little details for a few reasons:

1. I care deeply and that leads to an OCD level of perfectionism.
2. I care deeply about what others think - to a fault.

We all want to be loved, accepted, and cherished... and there's nothing wrong with that...
Yet the work I create, publish, and promote for myself always performs the best.

If I've learned anything thus far...
... do it for you - everything else is irrelevant.

2024 Retreat Raffle Winner:

Big congrats to Gabby Mattson for winning our annual retreat raffle. 
She won an all-inclusive retreat to Kefalonia, Greece because she is a subscriber to our new YouTube channel.

If you'd like to be entered into future drawings, subscribe by tapping here.

Inputs Only Podcast:

Dom Cianciotto is the Director of Community and Experiences for Plunge, a brand consultant and is a masterful experiential event facilitator.

Why do some brands thrive and others fail to survive?

In this episode, expect to learn where most business fall short on branding, how to think about throwing an event to build community, why immersing yourself in cold water is the healthiest thing you can do… and more. Including my personal favorite, how to find community anywhere in the world.

The Only Way To Build A Bulletproof Brand - Dom Cianciotto | E06
Tap here to watch on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple

Quote On My Mind:

"How can I be guaranteed to be involved in projects that are critical to the strategic future of this organization?"

﹣Chris Voss

When negotiating, it's imperative you know not only what the other party wants, but what you want as well.
Without this, you'll often accept terms that you don't actually want - leading to unfulfilling work.

Translate this questions to fit your future negotiations to ensure you're getting the meaningful work you desire.

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In Case You Missed It:

In last weeks edition, I wrote about the most profound question to ask yourself if you feel stuck.

In the past, I found myself blaming others for my circumstances... it's what led me to default to booze.
What changed my beliefs was a variation of the question I shared in last weeks Inputs Only Newsletter.

Tap here to read the full article.