Cultivating Growth: Lessons from Martial Arts and Gardening

Quoting one of my martial arts instructors: Great teachers create an environment where learning reveals itself.

Plant lovers don't "grow" plants; they create an environment that encourages growth (water, sunlight, etc.).

This post is not about martial arts or plants. The most profound responsibility for anyone in a role of leadership or influence is to create the optimal environment where growth can occur.

The number one deathbed regret

By far, across every country, culture, demographic, the number one deathbed regret is some version of: "I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me."

A couple of useful definitions of wisdom: 

1) Having deathbed clarity long before you're on your deathbed

2) The ability to take the same advice you'd give others

"Smart" persistence is everything

We value hard work and tend to say things like “Persistence is everything.” But if you’re trying to get from L.A. to NY by heading west, harder work and more persistence isn’t the thing to optimize.

Work ethic and persistence are valuable traits. But only when applied to the right things.