#1 Takeaway: Givers can still give without getting taken advantage of, and when we give the right way, we are more successful (in so many ways) in the long term.
#1 Takeaway: The best leaders (the ones who enjoy strong, trusting relationships) are the ones who learn how to drop their armor and see vulnerability as strength.
#1 Takeaway: Angela sounds like my mom! There is so much value in doing something that’s hard - value that extends far beyond the thing itself.
#1 Takeaway: There is a new takeaway EVERY DAY! But mostly that the word “stoic” means something totally different than what most people think it means. This book is an incredible resource, designed to be read one page/idea per day. It draws on quotes from writings of the Stoics (Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus etc.) and the authors comment on each one and how they still apply in our time. SO. GOOD.
#1 Takeaway: “Perfecting the personal regularly leads to success as a professional, but rarely the other way around.” This is not about self help. This is about self awareness so we can show up at our best for others. We all have so much to give, if we’ll just drop our ego and get out of our own way.
#1 Takeaway: Love is the most powerful force in the universe. This story of trusting before it’s deserved, putting self and family through tremendous discomfort all for the benefit of those who are hurting is one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever read. P.S. I had a chance to tour City of Refuge and meet Bruce Deel. What he and his family/team are doing for Atlanta is humbling and awe-inspiring.
#1 Takeaway: What hinders your task becomes your task. Viewing obstacles as things that stand in the way of our goals devalues what those obstacles can teach us. We would do well to embrace the obstacles, allow them to make us stronger and better prepared for the next challenge that will inevitably arise.