96 People who thrive have this in common—multiple identities (here’s how to build yours)
No. 96 – 17 Nov 2024
Welcome to the 96th edition of the True Progress Newsletter, a weekly newsletter on cultivating inner control and resilience for high performance.
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I'm excited to share that we've updated our website. Check it out here: trueprogresslab.com.
INSIGHTS
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When work defines you, losing it feels like losing yourself. Suddenly, you’re hunting for purpose in the relationships, hobbies, and chores that were hiding in plain sight all along.
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How do you reconcile people who have everything but complain that something's missing with people who have nothing but satsified with the simplicities of life? The formula: connection + service to others.
Don't be late to the real wonders of life or you'll find yourself disconnected, alone, and wondering what happened to the rest of your life.
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“Don’t confuse having a career with having a life.” Hillary Clinton
CHALLENGE
Objective: To expand your sense of purpose beyond professional titles by connecting with core values in other areas of life.
Step 1: Identify core values beyond work
List your top 3-5 values that don’t relate to work (e.g., growth, connection, service). Why are they important to you?
Step 2: Purposeful activity inventory
Write down 2-3 activities outside work that let you practice these values.
Volunteering your time at work or outside of it (service)
Spending quality time with family and expanding social network (connection)
Starting a new hobby (growth)
Step 3: Weekly action and reflection
Each week, engage in one of these activities. Treat these activities with the respect they deserve by giving them a time slot on your schedule. If it's not scheduled, it's not important enough.
SYSTEMS
Global Prioritization List.
Ever feel like your days are just Whac-A-Mole—putting out fires and crushing to-dos?
The best leaders don’t stay in the trenches. They zoom out, grab the big picture, and turn fires into candles.
Want to stop playing firefighter and start being a visionary? Think fewer checkboxes, bigger moves. Here's how to do it:
Create four columns: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4.
Assign your projects and deep work tasks to the appropriate quarter.
Add your Global Prioritization List review to your monthly or quarterly routine.
Keep the list flexible—shift projects and tasks as needed. It should give a quick snapshot of what’s done, in progress, and coming up.
BOOK REC
Mastering Stand-Up by Stephen Rosenfield
Want to be more persuasive and influential? Humor is your secret weapon. This book reveals how a well-timed joke can forge instant connections and win people over with laughter.
Stephen Rosenfield, founder of the American Comedy Institute, offers a masterclass in crafting relatable, original humor. With actionable steps, he’ll teach you how to turn wit into your ultimate power move.
Till next week,
— Carlos & Stef
