Over the past 6 months, I have:
- Beat cancer
- Pivoted my business
- Become a first-time dad
All of these things have taught me a tremendous amount about what matters in life, and what doesn’t.
These are my new 5 rules for life:
1️⃣ My body is my greatest teacher 💪
Two weeks before my daughter was born I had cancer surgery. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified. So many sleepless nights. Bringing a new life into this world, amidst fears, instability, and poor health. Thankfully, we caught the melanoma before it spread to my lymph nodes. This isn’t the first time my health has humbled me, but every time I treat it like a “shadow initiation.” I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. Yet since this is here, what is it inviting me to pay attention to that I might not otherwise? Between cancer and fatherhood, both of these have softened me, in the best ways possible.
2️⃣ Choose the path of least permission ⛔️
Instead of depending on others approval, I prefer the Samurai's code, "decide and go." To recognize when external conditions have changed. To embrace reinvention. To adapt to new circumstances. Rather than fight or resist against presenting reality. You just can't push the river. But you can follow the current.
3️⃣ Create the life you're built for 🧙🏻♂️
I was running a 7-figure consulting business, and I was miserable. Stressed to the max, hating all the management responsibilities, and not enough in my zone of genius. So I downsized. It hasn't been easy or pretty. But by pivoting to storytelling courses, coaching, and community I now feel liberated. Still stressful as we get the new business model sorted out. But everyday I teach or coach is a happy day.
4️⃣ Process is freedom 🏗️
Look, I'm a messy creative. More of a non-linear thinker and than a straight line in a square box. But I do find the more I focus on process, systems, and structure the easier things get. Its both stabilizing and liberating. Whether its Notion pages for my health routines, a spectacular EA via Athena, or new workflows and tools. Just like tending to a garden, training my mind, my habits, and my time. Structured thinking, structured frameworks are how I bring clarity to complexity and overcome the chaos and uncertainty of my life.
5️⃣ Devote yourself to who/what truly matters 💕
When life goes sideways, relationships are who/what matter. My wife, my newborn daughter, my team members, my dearest friends, my advisors, my learning community. They have all been stabilizing forces amidst the turmoil. I've also relied on my faith and a deepened spiritual practice. Buddhist teachings are my refuge. Everything is creation of mind.
I also keep reminding myself:
The struggles are real, but suffering is a choice.
When I forget this or get overwhelmed...
My 6-week old daughter keeps showing me - how much I love pumpkin pie. 🥰
Curious about my cohorts?
NorthStar Narrative: 12 week sprint starts June 11
https://bit.ly/3WmTdEC