Listening to him speak, I knew what he was inviting me on to was the opportunity. Something I had long felt it was high time I entered into. I just didn't know how. But there it was before me, seemingly unfolding as he pitched the idea. "To say yes or not to say yes?" And so it seeped in, impostor syndrome my old friend. This time, however, I was prepared.
Snippet of my reading journal
Perhaps thinking I needed some time to contemplate the offer, "So think about it and you could let me know at the end of the day," he concluded. But I already knew my right answer halfway through the conversation, although wrestling with bits of doubt. The right answer had been inspired by an anecdote I had recently read.
Realizing that I was expected to actually take time to ponder the offer, and to maintain composure, I obliged to respond later on. In those few hours, it hit me. I wasn't perplexed as I would have been long ago. I had a strong grip on my ambitions and the plan to attain my goals so it was clear to me what to do with the offer and why the right answer was to "commit first--figure out later."
Chances are it was going to be another framework, a different stack from what I work with. Yet it was also something I needed -- the chance to scale up and work with an even larger team, and also learn how certain things are done. The decision-making process was swift -- also to counter my doubts -- and I realized something paid off right there.
I stopped fussing about remembering every single thing I read in books a while back. Hardly do I even use highlighter pen. Just a sticky note to note some new words to check out after a reading session. With the consciousness that my mind's becomes more renewed and better sharpened, I immerse myself in the pages.
Having lived vicariously through Grant in his book (The 10x Rule) with some of his experiences, it became clearer to me how the bridge between "the next level" and one is sometimes "yes." And in a different book by Cal Newport, So Good They Can't Ignore You, there are even more in-depth insights on how to make better informed and timely decisions in such times. Without having to draw a web of how many ideas from many books connect, I think you get the idea.
I didn't have to give in to Sir Imposter and figure out months later than I passed on an opportunity, then "learn from experience." Some post-experience lessons can be costly. Drawing from other's experience and knowledge seems to be the more economical option, especially those between pages of books.
It wasn't more than a simple response hours later, "Thank you for the consideration... I'm in. So when do we start?" Reminiscing that there's this one habit that pays off this big, I jumped out of bed and paused yet another book to hand you this quick tour in my head.
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Damn!!🥺 all these books are 🔥 Jay. Sometimes the best growth comes when we say yes to things that scare us just enough to mean we’re stepping forward.
You're right, not every lesson needs to be learned the hard way....Really love how you highlighted learning through others' experiences. Glad to stumble on your post, it really a nice one.Thanks so much for your support during my mom’s illness...I truly appreciate it and will never forget. Just getting back online after all this time; we did the transplant last November, but she’s still Recovering. Curated ❤️
Fear is a signal, you know, and courage isn't always without it. I see you've read Deep Work yourself... something you'd recommend, yeah?
I'm glad your mom's doing well now. Can't imagine the journey so far, yet here you are with good news.
Deep Work was a game changer for me. It's one of those books that quietly reshapes how you think about focus and time.
It’s been a heavy road, but we’re finally seeing some light. I’m currently broke with a lot of bills to pay.. both for her post-care and everything else. Just here trying to earn what little I can. Feels like I don’t even know how to fix my life anymore, since I’ve also exhausted all my savings.
I understand. One step at a time, I believe... Might seem bleak, but the future what you make it anyway.