Your environments either serve you or harm you
*
Habits make us who we are.
They’re more our “identity” than any title ever will be.
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We change our environments when they’re not serving the version of ourselves we want to become.
Environments are people [friends, coworkers, managers, etc.], jobs, workplaces, living quarters, choices…to name a few.
Some environments are easier to change than others.
So we map our environments and correlate them to who we want to become, then we make the changes required.
But not all environments are created equal.
***
Be a person people are grateful for their presence.
Insights
Maya Angelou on growth:
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
Mark Twain on taking action:
"The secret to getting ahead is simply to begin."
A Chinese proverb:
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
Reflection of the week
The everyday superpower
It’s the second edition of the month. So to keep the self-development habit of 2026 going, we’ll reflect on the superpower you chose for the past month and deciding on which superpower you’ll focus on in May. You get to choose only one superpower per month—so it’s actually attainable and not just an empty aspiration.
So first -
What superpower did you choose for April?
How did it go and can you say it’s become a superpower for you yet? Try to reflect on specific situations where you practiced and displayed that superpower.
Now, what superpower do you choose to focus on in May?
The ability to change your mind when new information shows up
Staying calm when things around you aren’t
Being okay with being uncomfortable instead of running from it
Thinking for yourself, even when it’s unpopular
Not needing to win every argument or prove you’re right
Choosing your relationships intentionally, not by default
Being able to sit alone without feeling lonely
Not taking things personally
Responding instead of reacting
Letting go of ego when it gets in the way
Saying “I don’t know” without feeling smaller
Creating space before making decisions
Being consistent, not intense
Listening to understand, not to reply
Walking away from things that cost you your peace
We do this once a month. Make it a checklist, with the intention to hone one superpower a month. So by December 2026, you’’ll have 12 everyday superpowers that put you ahead of everyone else.
Before you close this newsletter, pick one and take note of it.
A good read
Human behavior. It can’t always be explained.
When it comes to making decisions in our lives, we think we're in control. We think we're making smart, rational choices. But are we?
This and more is covered in this read, Predictably Irrational.
And if you’d prefer to not read the book—if you’re a little more visual/just don’t have the time—Dan Ariely gave an 18-minute TED talk about it, watch it here.
The on:becoming podcast
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How can I help?
I also happen to coach people. I learned from one of the world’s best, Robert Ellis.
Would you like to have a coaching conversation? Sometimes all it takes is a 30-minute deep conversation to point you in the right direction. Or give you a little nudge. Maybe you just need someone to hear you out. I’m here for you.