how to build trust and connection

Focus is crucial not just for work or learning but for connecting with others. Attention is more valuable than time.

Try it: be fully present with someone and give them your full attention. It's so rare and unexpected that it quickly builds trust and connection.

By analogy, being "present" means to treat attention like an on/off switch, not a dimmer.

this phrase holds you back the most

We often inhibit our own growth by delaying habits that would benefit us immediately. My vote for the biggest culprit are the words "as soon as..."

I've been guilty of postponing valuable actions, thinking I'd do them as soon as things calm down (when will that happen?) or some event occurs.

The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now.

more isn't better...

Better is better. Period.

Our instinct when we prepare for a speech, sales pitch, TV interview, or any kind of "performance" is to feel that two hours of stage time is better than one, and ten minutes is better than five.

Better to plan your delivery based on greatest impact. Better to leave them wanting more. Prep your content and then ask: what would make this better? The answer is almost never "more."

"Doing more with less is not vain, but wise."

- William of Occam (1300-1350)