Life’s been busier than ever and in the chaos I haven’t published anything here for a few weeks. I promise that all is well and that I’m still here, still writing, still working and still pursuing what matters most. For those that keep up with this blog I want to share a collection of thoughts from the previous few weeks.
___________________________________________________
Conversations
I did some math and realized that over the past three years, I’ve recorded 300+ hours worth of conversations (through podcasts). In addition, I spend upwards of 30 hours each week having conversations with clients that no one sees. I share this because to me, conversations (and stories) are the cornerstone of learning. Each person on this earth is a book we’ve never read, a movie we’ve never seen and a story we’ve never heard. Don’t take interactions for granted – there’s always a chance to learn and opportunities to connect. We’re all humans under the surface and we share more in common than we see on the surface. Every stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.
Go make some friends and go listen to the podcast for impactful stories.
Underrated Skills
I see so many people trying to become better [insert profession] without putting effort toward being a better human. You can’t be a great [insert job title] without being a great person first (exceptions exist).
Three underrated skills.
1. Being authentic: if you can’t be yourself, you can’t be your best.
2. Being consistent: if you can’t be consistent, you can’t be trusted.
3. Being intentional: if you can’t be intentional, you can’t be effective.
Be a good person first. Be a good [whatever else] second.
Hard Work, Works
Most people doubt this when the results don’t match their expectations. These people miss the true magic of hard work – that it transforms who we are and that is the only guaranteed “reward.” It’s not about the outcome; it’s about who we become in the process. It’s that simple and for that reason, hard work always works.
In addition, the quiet work matters. You have to be willing to work without an attachment to the attention; without the need for a reward. The best in the world can embrace the process behind closed doors and show up even when motivation is missing. What we do in the dark shows in the light.
___________________________________________________
There’s something beautiful about having this space to share what’s going on between my ears and I hope that some intermittent absence makes the heart grow fonder. While you navigate the chaos of life, I hope this quote helps…
“To straddle that fundamental duality is to be balanced: to have one foot firmly planted in order and security, and the other in chaos, possibility, growth and adventure. When life suddenly reveals itself as intense, gripping and meaningful; when time passes and you’re so engrossed in what you’re doing you don’t notice–it is there and then that you are located precisely on the border between order and chaos.”
Jordan Peterson
Straddle that line.
Joe Rinaldi
IG: @joearinaldi
P.S. If you enjoy my content and want to support me while getting access to my exclusive email and audio newsletter, please click here. I appreciate your time, consideration and support so much!