A good position allows you to think clearly

A good position allows you to think clearly rather than be forced by circumstances into a decision. One reason the best in the world make consistently good decisions is that they rarely find themselves forced into a decision by circumstances. You don’t need to be smarter than others to outperform them if you can out-position them. Anyone looks like a genius when they’re in a good position, and even the smartest person looks like an idiot when they’re in a bad one.

Rehearsing possibility

Most of us would like to live with wonder, grace, and optimism. Perhaps it pays to practice this in advance. When considering any given moment, is there a glimmer of good worth focusing on, even making a comment about? Our narrative of reality often becomes our reality.

Every opportunity you want comes through a person

Every opportunity you want comes through a person. To get the opportunity you want, find the person who can give it to you. If you want someone to help you with something, don’t rely on goodwill; instead, think of an incentive for them.

There’s a distinctive signature to authentic people

There’s a distinctive signature to authentic people: they prefer meaningful conversations with a few over shallow exchanges with many. Their love is demonstrated rather than declared. Their words and actions align, even when no one’s watching. They bring a quality of presence that makes you feel truly seen, and carry a sense of peace and joy that doesn’t depend on external validation.

People don't evaluate your reasoning

People don't evaluate your reasoning. They evaluate you. We reject a recommendation from someone we don't like but embrace it from someone we admire. If you want to persuade, sell yourself before you sell your ideas.

Everyone is doing their best

It’s amazing how strong a hold our pasts can have on us. We often carry around a form of resentment for something we did or for what someone did to us. Either way, this lack of forgiveness is hurting us the most. We can’t be fully ourselves this way. You must take some time out to resolve this. You forgive yourself by finding compassion for what you did. If you look deeply, you will find a way to understand. Everyone is doing their best, given the thinking they hold to be true. Including the younger you.

A good yes and a bad yes

Saying yes to one thing is always saying no to something else. The cost of a bad yes isn't just the time it takes. It's whatever could have grown in that space instead. The point isn't to say no to everything, but simply to recognize the difference between a good yes and a bad yes. Then, try to improve the ratio in your life.