I’ve been in this game for a while now, and overall, it’s been good. Mostly smooth sailing, with a few longer days and early mornings thrown in for good measure. And let’s be honest, the pay’s been decent—no complaints there.

But let me tell you a little story that might sound familiar. There's this guy, a seasoned expert, called in to fix a very expensive piece of equipment. He spends 30 minutes inspecting it, finds the exact spot that needs a little hammering, and voilà—problem solved. He writes up an invoice for $50,000. The boss, naturally, balks at the cost, questioning how such a simple fix could justify such a high fee. The expert breaks it down: "$50 for the 30 minutes of work, and $49,950 for knowing exactly where to hammer."

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Now, I’m no stranger to that kind of value. I’ve been around the block, I know this stuff, and I’ve done it before. But there’s a new twist in my story: I’ve got a new boss. She’s good—she knows her stuff, no question. But she’s also a workaholic, burning the midnight oil, and probably the candle at both ends.

Just yesterday, fresh out of day surgery, we had a 90-minute debrief call—late into the evening. I rolled with it, as I usually do. But here’s where it gets a bit intense: a dozen or so emails over the weekend. Now, she doesn’t expect immediate responses, but just seeing those emails pop up during my downtime adds a layer of stress - and to all the others cc. Not to you: don’t do that, the research shows that one needs 2-3 hours after an work email to get back in weekend mode. Note to self: I need to introduce her to the wonders of the "schedule send" function.

Fast forward to tonight—it's past 9 PM, and we're still exchanging emails and messages. I get it—she’s new, driven, and shouldering a lot of responsibility. But here's the thing: this is a marathon, not a sprint. We’re looking at a transformation that will take 3-4 years to complete. Going full throttle from day one isn’t sustainable. I've seen this play out before. Burnout isn’t a badge of honour; it’s a roadblock to long-term success.

Now, here’s the kicker. They want to extend my contract by six months, which on the surface sounds great—steady income and all that. But there's a catch: they’re offering it at a considerably lower rate. That’s annoying, to say the least. I’m the guy they throw into any situation because I know exactly where to hammer. But because you’re giving me a longer contract, you think I should take a pay cut? It’s not exactly motivating, especially now that I’m working for a boss who’s redefining the term “workaholic.” More work, less pay—yeah, that’s not the ideal scenario.

So, where do I draw the line? We’re hiring new people, and we should be encouraging them to stick to the 9-5, not pushing them to the brink. If they start burning out, they’ll leave—it’s that simple. We’re not fostering a culture of hard work; we’re teetering on the edge of burnout culture.

I’ve got some thinking to do. Am I really ready to step back into the consulting grind, where Monday to Thursday, you’re owned by the client? I’m not so sure anymore.

It’s time to reassess, set some boundaries, and decide what really matters. After all, knowing where to hammer is just part of the equation. Knowing when to step back might be even more important.

Walter

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August 12th

Today’s entry is going to be a bit different - short and to the point, but important nonetheless. I finally faced something I’ve been putting off for a long time. We all have those things, don’t we? The tasks or issues that we know we need to address but somehow manage to push to the back of our minds. For me, it was a day surgery. And not just any surgery, but something that I had been avoiding for over three years.

Now, I’m not sure if you’re like me, but I had managed to “procrastinate” this procedure for far too long. It wasn’t an emergency, not yet at least, but it was annoying - an ever-present, lurking nuisance that could flare up at any moment. And when it did, the pain was excruciating. You couldn’t sit, couldn’t lie down, couldn’t do much of anything without feeling it.

The culprit? An anal fistula. A rather unpleasant companion, to say the least. It’s one of those things you just get, and, unfortunately, it doesn’t heal on its own - not 99% of the time. Once it gets infected, it’s like a ticking time bomb. The pain is so intense it’s almost impossible to ignore, and that’s when you realize you’re in serious trouble.

Here’s the thing: treating it isn’t as simple as you might think. You can’t just numb the area with local anaesthesia and call it a day. No, this particular procedure requires you to be fully knocked out. It’s a big effort and, of course, it comes with a hefty price tag. But before anything can be done, the doctor needs to check if the fistula’s channel is passing through the inner and outer muscles. If it’s the latter, well, let’s just say you’re in deep trouble - literally.

To make matters worse, the initial check is often inconclusive. To be sure, you’d need an MRI, which means even more cost and time. But here’s where I got lucky. My fistula was only affecting the inner muscle, so they were able to cut it open and let it heal naturally. That was the procedure today.

At the moment, I’m pain-free - a welcome relief. They’ve given me plenty of painkillers, with strict instructions to take them if the pain becomes severe. We’ll see how it goes.

So, here’s to finally getting things done, even when it’s something as uncomfortable as this. It’s a reminder to take care of yourself, even if it’s a pain in the butt… pun very much intended.

Walter

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Thrity-Four (34)

Understanding the Anal Fistula: What It Is and How to Treat It

For those curious (and perhaps a bit brave), let’s dive into what exactly an anal fistula is and how it’s treated.

An anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus. It’s usually the result of an infection in the anal glands that didn’t heal properly. When these glands become blocked, an abscess can form. If the abscess doesn’t heal completely, it can leave behind a channel that connects the infected gland to the skin—this is the fistula.

Unfortunately, once you have a fistula, it doesn’t typically go away on its own. Treatment usually involves surgery, and the type of surgery depends on the fistula’s location and complexity.

In simple cases, like mine, where the fistula only affects the inner muscle, the procedure is straightforward. The surgeon will cut open the fistula to allow it to heal from the inside out. This method, known as a fistulotomy, is highly effective but requires you to be under general anaesthesia.

For more complex fistulas, particularly those involving the outer muscle, the treatment options become more complicated. Sometimes, a seton stitch is used to keep the fistula tract open, allowing it to drain and gradually heal. In other cases, advanced procedures like LIFT (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract) or even more invasive surgeries might be necessary.

Recovery varies depending on the procedure. For a simple fistulotomy, most people recover within a few weeks, but it’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions to avoid complications. Pain management is an important aspect of recovery, and patients are often prescribed painkillers to manage discomfort in the days following surgery.

In short, while an anal fistula is an unwelcome and painful condition, it’s treatable. The key is not to procrastinate (as I did for so long) and to address it before it becomes a bigger problem. If you think you might have a fistula, consult with a healthcare professional and discuss the best treatment options for your situation.

Remember, taking care of your health is always worth the effort—even if it’s a pain in the butt.

August 11th

Our smartphones have become an extension of ourselves. It is the first thing we reach for in the morning and the last thing we glance at before bed - sometimes even in the middle of the night - is that small, glowing screen. If you’re anything like me, you’re guilty as charged. But let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves: isn’t this just nuts?

I grew up in a time when the telephone was a physical object - solid, tethered by a cord, with a rotary dial at my grandparents' place (see image above). It was a time when making a call wasn’t just a casual gesture; it was an event. That phone, leased from Deutsche Telekom, was our lifeline to the world, and it was outrageously expensive to use. If you needed to call someone while out and about, you had better have a pocketful of coins—and good luck finding an intact phone book in those public phone booths, often victims of mischief. And then, an innovation: the prepaid card. Suddenly, the coin problem was solved. But even then, if you wanted to meet someone, you planned it out—a week in advance, no less—nailing down the date, time, and place. If you were late, even by 20 minutes, the other person would be livid. Punctuality, especially in Germany, isn’t just a courtesy; it is a rule.

Ah, yes the good old days… and yes, that makes me an old fart.

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Today, I can barely remember more than three phone numbers: mine, my mother’s, and my late dad’s. The rest? All stored on that little device I carry everywhere, like a digital appendage. I listen to music, podcasts, talk to people, read emails, scroll through social media, do my banking, and more—often trying to juggle it all at once, even though I know it doesn’t really work. When I want to meet someone now, it’s, “Sure, let’s hang out next week. I’ll text you closer to the day.” And what happens? Either one of us forgets, or something better comes up, and one of us cancels. Or we meet up an hour late but think it’s all fine because we texted five minutes before. Sound familiar? I assume I’m not alone in this—if you’re different, please, tell me in the comments and restore my faith in humanity.

That brings me to a conversation I had with my seven-year-old son this morning. He told me that my narcissitic ex-partner—first time I’ve used the term “ex-partner” and I must admit, it feels pretty good—wants to buy him a flip phone. Now, I’m relieved it’s not a smartphone, but still, what does a seven-year-old need with a phone to be honest? He’s not allowed to go anywhere without an adult, so why the necessity? I can’t help but wonder what , author of The Anxious Generation (here on Substack with ), would say about this. I’m going to try and put my foot down on this one, but I don’t have much hope. It feels like just another way for her to exert control.

Last weekend, I took my son to his school fair. We did some rides together, and then he asked if he could go on a ride with his friend. Now, we’re at his school, surrounded by teachers, friends, and family. It’s a safe environment, so I said yes, gave him ten bucks for a drink or ice cream, and told him where I’d be. It felt like a good step towards teaching him independence, a chance to be a bit less of a helicopter parent. But wouldn’t you know it, five minutes later, my ex shows up, asking where our son is, why I left him alone, why I’m not with him. Ten minutes later, I get a text: “He was alone with his friend without a parent.” It’s frustrating beyond belief. I’m trying to let my son grow, to let him breathe, but it feels like she’s trying to neuter him before he can even defend himself.

Just yesterday, we had another spat. She was going to take a shower and asked me to “watch” the kids. I said sure, I’d take them, and they were playing in my older son’s room, but I won’t go and watch them in his room - if something happens sure I will hear it. And boom, a fight she wants me to watch them 24/7. Am I wrong here? Or is this just plain nuts?

I told her she’s going to raise immature children with this behaviour. She fired back with the school fair incident. But let’s be real here - things are safer now than they were 30 years ago when we played outside without supervision, ALL THE TIME. She ignored me, of course. Unfortunately, I know she won’t change, it’s hopeless, she’s a narcissist.

I’ve been thinking on all of this, and I stumbled upon something intriguing. I was listening to a BBC podcast on my way to a morning run, and they mentioned the Amsterdam Offline Club. The idea is brilliant. Here I am, always glued to my phone, and I thought, let’s try something different. So, I went for a run without earphones, without music - just me and my thoughts

And you know what? It was amazing. I ran along the beach near my house, a windy, wet 5 km. Everything was alive with sounds: dogs barking, seagulls crying, waves crashing. And then, there were my thoughts - those pesky, sometimes frightening thoughts. But it felt good to face them, to actually listen. I even came up with a new idea I’m eager to try out. It was my offline moment, my “me time.” Next time, I’ll leave my phone in the car. I promise.

And the best part? The narc can’t text or call me then… well, she can, but I’ll be offline.

Walter

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Thrity-Three (33)

Meeting Oscar was like stepping into the heart of a fighter. His dyslexia diagnosis helped him manage his condition and complete college. Despite ongoing struggles, Oscar remains determined to put in the work and figure it out.

Oscar’s dyslexia journey began in school, where a perceptive teacher noticed his struggles with reading and writing despite excelling in subjects like science and geography. At 14, a formal diagnosis confirmed what had been a lingering question for years. Reflecting on that moment, Oscar shared, “It answered questions on why I struggled so much with some things but excelled at others. It gave me a sense of relief that I wasn’t being lazy or a failure.” The diagnosis was a pivotal moment, bringing clarity and a sense of validation. Yet, it also marked the beginning of a lifelong struggle.

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Growing up, Oscar faced significant challenges. Negative attention from teachers and peers left scars that still influence his life. “I put up a wall, which led to me not really asking for help, I felt unwelcome and unwanted,” he recounted. This defensive mechanism, while understandable, isolated him further in his struggles. Support came in the form of accommodations during exams in high school and university, but it wasn’t enough. “In uni, there wasn’t really the help I needed,” he said. The lack of adequate support continued to impact his professional life, especially in areas requiring strong writing and formatting skills. Oscar’s family had a mixed reaction. They knew something was wrong but didn’t fully grasp the reality of dyslexia. This lack of understanding only added to his burden.

Oscar’s experience in the workplace has been challenging. “It has still created great difficulty at my jobs as I struggle with formatting and grammar. For example I write reports but the reviewers state the sentences appear incomplete or are outright unreadable,” he admitted. Interestingly, Oscar acknowledged some strengths associated with his dyslexia. His ability to visualize concepts and his excellent memory are assets he leverages, even if the benefits sometimes seem overshadowed by the difficulties.

Oscar’s advice to others newly diagnosed with dyslexia is straightforward yet profound: “Ask for help and see what coping mechanisms people use.” This plea for understanding and patience is echoed in his message to those without dyslexia: “I am trying, I’m not stupid, be patient.” Despite the hardships, Oscar remains hopeful and determined. Therapy has become a crucial part of his journey, helping him address long-standing self-doubt and teaching him to seek the help he needs.

Oscar’s story is far from over. His move from Northern Ireland to America marked a new chapter, bringing with it renewed challenges but also opportunities for growth. Dyslexia continues to make aspects of life hard, but Oscar’s determination to “keep going till I figure out how to best handle it and work with it” is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience.

Oscar’s journey with dyslexia is a poignant illustration of the struggles many face but also a beacon of hope and persistence. His story encourages us to foster understanding, patience, and support for those navigating similar paths.

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Thirty-two (32)

As I anticipated, finalizing this parental agreement is proving to be anything but straightforward. The document she sent over seems simple at first glance, but when you read it carefully, the implications are disheartening.

The agreement essentially grants her sole custody of our two boys. Additionally, she can notify me of her new address within 48 hours of moving—anywhere. I’m permitted to see them every other weekend. Theoretically, she could relocate to her mother’s place, which might be 10,000 miles from where I live, and I’d still have to pick up and drop off the kids from her address. And I couldn’t do anything about that.

This is simply unacceptable.

Then there’s a clause stating that the children must always sleep at home. Even if I have them for the weekend, I’d be required to return them each night and pick them up in the morning. I’ve made it clear that I won’t agree to this. I want a fair arrangement from Friday evening to Sunday evening. If they want to sleep at home, I’m willing to bring them back, but I refuse to sign away my rights in such a limiting manner. She wants to control every aspect—it’s astonishingly manipulative, if not downright heart-wrenching.

What frustrates me even more is her belief that the boys are too young to spend nights away from her, citing psychological concerns. Yet, over the past six months, she’s taken several week-long work trips, leaving the kids without any apparent issues. She even went off to New York for two weeks last year to party with friends, leaving me to care for them. They were much younger then, and she didn’t seem to worry about their psychological well-being.

I told her I won’t sign this agreement without significant changes. I refuse to be in constant breach of a contract that demands permission for what should be routine parenting decisions. As the kids grow older, I don’t want to renegotiate this plan repeatedly.

I’ll be sending this to my lawyer to see what she has to say.

What do you think? Any advice?

Walter

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Thrity-One (31)

Chuck struggled his entire educational journey. He only discovered he had dyslexia in his junior year of college. Up until that point, he simply believed he wasn’t “book smart.” Reading was a challenge he had to overcome by cutting corners and accepting lower grades. Curiosity led him to take an assessment at the campus learning center, and that was when the pieces finally started fitting together. As Chuck recalls, “I always thought it was because I wasn't very 'book smart'. I navigated through school, but I had to cut corners and deal with lower grades. It was mainly because I never had enough time to get the work done.”

The discovery that he had dyslexia was a tremendous relief for him. Dyslexia had negatively impacted his self-image and confidence because he didn’t understand the reason why reading and writing was so difficult for him. Learning that his brain just worked differently allowed him to embrace his condition and finally see that he wasn’t dumb. He felt also disappointed by the diagnosis. “The discovery of my dyslexia was a huge relief for me. I just didn’t know what was wrong with me, and my self-image and confidence was severely impacted.,” Chuck shared. “I was a little disappointed no one ever made this connection before. It would have made growing up a little easier.”

Chuck’s childhood was tough for him with his undiagnosed dyslexia. He had the typical symptoms, his writing was full of mistakes and he couldn’t read well. These struggles led to poor grades and a reputation as a distraction in class. Surprisingly, Chuck preferred staying in during recess to finish assignments because it gave him the extra time he needed. He found ways to get by, often receiving remarks from teachers that he was smart but didn’t apply himself. “My grades suffered. I gave up trying and became a distraction to the other students. I secretly liked being forced to stay in at recess to finish my assignments because it gave me the extra time I needed,” he admitted.

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When Chuck finally learned about his dyslexia, his mother was confused, seemingly having a different memory of his school experience. This reaction wasn’t very encouraging for Chuck, who felt his own mother had accepted he wasn’t as smart as others. “My mom was confused, apparently she had a different memory of my school experience than I did. It wasn't very encouraging to think my own mother just accepted I wasn't as smart as other people,” Chuck revealed. His brother, who had ADHD, assumed Chuck already knew something was different and had figured it out long ago. Unfortunately, Chuck never received professional help beyond the initial assessment.

Chuck's primary strategy for managing his dyslexia was avoidance. He deliberately chose situations where his learning disability wouldn’t be a weakness and focused on his strengths instead. When avoidance wasn’t possible, he ensured he took extra time to read and respond accurately. “Avoidance is the biggest tool I use to address my dyslexia. I try to avoid situations where my learning disability is a weakness. Instead, I focus on things I know I'm good at and make sure I excel in those,” he explained. Audiobooks became a game-changer for Chuck, allowing him to enjoy stories without the struggle of reading words. “I've read so many books in my adult life I never would have attempted when I was younger. I always thought I didn't like reading. Turns out I just don't like looking at words.”

Dyslexia significantly influenced Chuck’s career path. He chose to become a police officer, a role that emphasizes verbal and in-person communication over extensive reading or writing. By focusing on a career that didn’t require advanced degrees, Chuck found a profession where he could excel despite his dyslexia. “My career (police officer) focuses on my verbal and in-person communication skills. I have developed my abilities to articulate clearly. I focus on my strengths and work on my weaknesses when necessary,” he said.

Chuck’s advice to those newly diagnosed with dyslexia is simple yet powerful: "You are not dumb; your brain is just wired differently. Take advantage of the tools and assistance available, learn what works for you, and use those skills to excel."

Chuck wants people without dyslexia to understand that dyslexics often develop unique problem-solving abilities. They think differently, which can sometimes be the exact answer to a problem others might face. “Don't underestimate us. We dyslexics have often learned alternate ways to solve similar problems. We think differently, not better or worse. Sometimes being able to think around the box is the exact answer to a problem you might be facing.”

The late diagnosis of Chuck’s dyslexia impacted his whole journey to adulthood. It left him angry and frustrated and he wished that someone made the connection earlier. However, he managed to live with his disability and started the reflection process, he also focused on his strength and avoided paper heavy work.

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Hey there, folks. Welcome back to another edition of Walter’s Diary. Buckle up, because today was a whirlwind of corporate chaos, sprinkled with a bit of success and a dash of soul-searching.

Now, things got real interesting today. My IT project finally got the green light, and let me tell you, nothing says action like a room full of execs nodding at your slide deck. I even got the honor of holding the pen on strategy day next month, which means I’ll be interviewing the top dogs, sifting through their golden nuggets (and tossing the crap), and sprinkling in a bit of my own wisdom.

Today, though, the real kicker was getting asked to contribute to the annual report. Yup, you heard right. Little ol’ me, writing a piece for the big boys. The Head of Corporate Communication threw me a curveball, asking for a paragraph on the disaster project we’re knee-deep in. I, the good consultant, had to of course they “yes” no worries I got it.

First off, I got my hands on the board papers with the latest status report. Pro tip: never use their numbers without verification. Then I pinged the project manager, a hot blonde who, thankfully, knows her stuff. We set up a call, and I straight-up asked her to spill the beans on each point. Trust but verify, right? In this business, you learn to dig for the truth. Seen too much smoke and mirrors to take anything at face value.

Once I had the real scoop, whipping up the write-up was a breeze. Thirty minutes later, I had a draft. Sent it off, and lo and behold, minimal changes. First part of my writing now sits in an annual report of a listed company. Not too shabby for a day’s work.

Until now, I was always the one reading those dry-as-dust reports, never thought I’d be on the creation side. It’s a different beast entirely, but it felt good. A small victory in a sea of corporate insanity.

So long, keep reading these annual report.

Walter

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Current Books in Parallel Reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden

• Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Habits I’m Working On:

• Fitness & Health: More sports, healthy eating, no junk food, lots of veggies, and less sugar. Aim: Sports 4 times a week (weights and running).
Mindset: I’m a runner and I’m healthy.
Status: slept in

• Dental Health: Flossing daily to avoid crowns and root canals.
Mindset: I have healthy teeth and I don’t hear the drill sound anymore
Status: yep I’m flossing

• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: had drinks with the crew (and the hot blonde was there as well) so hard to get this article written up but hey I did it

• Weight: 112 kg (still still no scale)
Mindset: back at the hotel no scale

Consecutive Days Posting on Walter’s Diary:

Twenty-Nine (29)

Read Part 1

As part of my preparation for the CEO of the Future event, I needed to complete some online tests. One was math. I had always been good at math, but being out of school for a while had made me rusty. The second test included some symbol-related questions, which I found easy. I planned to take the test on a Saturday morning before going out for breakfast with my girlfriend. Wanting to avoid making her wait, I rushed through it. The symbol test was a breeze, but the math section required a lot of reading, and I didn’t give it my full attention. Nonetheless, I finished the test and headed out for breakfast.

The Event: Teamwork and Presentation Challenges

The CEO of the Future event was a mix of team exercises and presentations. The team exercise involved building a bridge with paper that needed to be stable enough for an egg to roll over without cracking. Our team built the longest bridge by constructing it on the floor with tiny pillars instead of between two tables, thus conserving materials and a much easier built. There was some team friction, which I helped resolve. One teammate wanted to boast about our success, but I asked him to refrain, maintaining our team’s focus and professionalism. Each team had an observer, and ours was a McKinsey partner who later hired me.

The presentation exercise was intriguing. Divided into small groups, we were assigned a room and instructed to present on the essay we had submitted. I hadn’t reviewed my essay since submitting it and had no copy with me. Luckily, the facilitator had a copy and handed it to me, noting my lack of preparation. I had just five minutes to skim through it and get ready. This turned out to be an advantage. My competitors were overly rehearsed and lacked authenticity. In contrast, my spontaneous presentation was engaging and memorable. I read the room correctly and connected well with the decision-makers, especially a representative from Bayer.

Feedback and Realization

After the presentations, I received feedback from the McKinsey partner. Nervous, as I hadn’t received much constructive feedback in the past, I was stunned by his praise. He described me as a natural leader who excelled in the team exercise and delivered an excellent presentation. However, my math test results were abysmal—16%. In contrast, my performance on the figure test was in the 98th percentile. The partner dismissed the math test results, assuming I hadn’t done much written math recently. I was relieved and thrilled to be among the final 20 out of 20,000 applicants.

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To spill the bean, I didn’t win the competition, the experience was invaluable. Over three weekend events spread over six months, I met amazing leaders and learned a lot about consulting. My preconceived notions about consultants being arrogant and aloof were debunked. I found the McKinsey team supportive and encouraging, a stark contrast to my own workplace, where feedback was scarce and opportunities for advancement limited.

The Turning Point

Despite my frustrations at work, I remained committed. However, the lack of feedback and growth opportunities became unbearable. One morning, after the final presentation and celebrations, I saw the McKinsey partner with his family at breakfast. Summoning all my courage, I approached him and expressed my interest in joining McKinsey. He grilled me on my motivations and was satisfied with my answers. He promised to put my name forward for an interview. As a McKinsey partner he has one wildcard a year and he used it for me.

A day later, I sent him my CV. Within days, McKinsey’s recruiting team contacted me to schedule the interview day. Determined not to drag it into the new year, I opted for an early December date, giving me four weeks to prepare for what is known as the “interview marathon.”

Preparing for the Marathon

The interview marathon includes a written test followed by two interviews. If successful, you continue with two more interviews and a final one with a partner. I practiced for the written test with exercises my math teacher friend provided, and though I never completed it within the 60-minute time limit, I aimed to do my best. For the interviews, I meticulously prepared personal fit questions, writing detailed stories that demonstrated my leadership and impact. Just google for the personal fit question in a McKinsey interview you will find the categories they are probing for,

With two coaching calls, one from a partner and one from the head of personal development, I felt well-prepared. These calls provided invaluable insights, particularly on the famous Golden Gate Bridge case.

D-Day: The Interview Marathon

The day of the interview arrived… to be continued.

Stay tuned for the next part of the story, where I detail the interview process, the challenges I faced, and the unexpected six-month break in Australia that followed. Subscribe to hear the rest of this story.

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Current Books in Parallel Reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden

• Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Habits I’m Working On:

• Fitness & Health: More sports, healthy eating, no junk food, lots of veggies, and less sugar. Aim: Sports 4 times a week (weights and running).
Mindset: I’m a runner and I’m healthy.
Status: got a run in (gym 5k)

• Dental Health: Flossing daily to avoid crowns and root canals.
Mindset: I have healthy teeth and I don’t hear the drill sound anymore
Status: yep I’m flossing

• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: thinking how I got here part 2

• Weight: 112 kg (still still no scale)
Mindset: back at the hotel no scale

Consecutive Days Posting on Walter’s Diary:

Twenty-Eight (28)

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I’m dyslexic. Reading and writing have always been my nemesis, causing me to lag behind in school and struggle with severe self-confidence issues. Despite these challenges, I landed a job as an Associate at McKinsey & Company, the world’s most prestigious consulting firm. How did I achieve this seemingly impossible feat? Here’s my story.

A Rough Start

Fresh out of university, I found myself thrust into the role of an IT project manager at an automobile company, responsible for a colossal ERP replacement project. Young and inexperienced, I battled imposter syndrome daily. The managers had no other option, so the project fell to me. Somehow, I managed to implement the project successfully, learning a great deal along the way. While my tech skills were solid, I realized I lacked knowledge in project finances, accounting, and management principles.

Filling the Gaps

Determined to fill these gaps, I enrolled in an MBA program. Coincidentally, my employer had just launched a new initiative to encourage employees to pursue further education. I got accepted, with my employer covering a third of the cost, and I received another third back from the government through tax deductions (thankfully, second-degree studies are tax-deductible in Germany). I covered the remaining third myself. I completed the program with outstanding marks and was over the moon. However, my company’s reaction was underwhelming. When I asked HR, “What’s next?” during a meeting to discuss my success, I was met with confused looks and a dismissive response: “We have nothing else to offer.” The message was clear: return to your line job and stay quiet.

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Seizing the Opportunity

Around this time, I stumbled upon an article in “Der Spiegel” about the “CEO of the Future” Program, a joint initiative between McKinsey and their clients. The program targeted young business professionals and served as a recruiting event for McKinsey. I needed to write an essay to apply. Writing, my perennial weakness, posed a significant challenge. My ideas were solid, but my execution was poor. Nonetheless, I laid out my essay and wrote it up.

On a holiday trip with my best friend, who is exceptional with languages, I asked for his help in reviewing my essay. He obliged, but it wasn’t a pleasant experience for him. I also sought assistance from my former math teacher, now a friend. He helped too, albeit without much joy. With their help, I sent in my essay.

Years later, my math teacher reminisced about how terrible the essay was when I first gave it to him. My best friend, in a bar with us, nodded silently. I was embarrassed. I never told them about my dyslexia. I need to change that the next time I see them.

The Unexpected Twist

Returning to the McKinsey CEO of the Future competition: six weeks after submitting my essay, I received an email stating, “Thank you, but no, you haven’t been selected.” I was devastated. Not good enough, I thought. I was sad but decided to move on. About a month later, on a trip to Spain with my father, I asked to use our friend’s computer to check my emails. Usually, I never check my spam folder, but this time, for some reason, I did. There it was, an email from McKinsey. I clicked on it: “Congratulations, you have been selected for the next round of the CEO of the Future competition.” Out of 20,000 applicants, I was among the 200 chosen for the selection round, with only 20 making it to the final round.

Why did I receive two emails, one rejection and one acceptance? As it turns out, once I joined McKinsey, I learned that an analyst had mistakenly added my name to both the acceptance and rejection lists. McKinsey used a different email address to send acceptance letters, which is why it ended up in my spam folder. By sheer luck, I discovered the email, and by an even greater stroke of luck, one of the three possible event dates was still upcoming in two weeks. The other two dates had already passed. I couldn’t have cut it closer. You can’t make this stuff up.

Stay tuned for the next part of the story, where I share how I prepared for the CEO of the Future event, faced the challenges of the interview day, and enjoyed an unexpected six-month break in Australia. Subscribe to hear the rest of this journey and more insights into overcoming dyslexia and achieving success.

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**************************

Current Books in Parallel Reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden

• Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Habits I’m Working On:

• Fitness & Health: More sports, healthy eating, no junk food, lots of veggies, and less sugar. Aim: Sports 4 times a week (weights and running).
Mindset: I’m a runner and I’m healthy.
Status: got a run in (gym 3k)

• Dental Health: Flossing daily to avoid crowns and root canals.
Mindset: I have healthy teeth and I don’t hear the drill sound anymore
Status: yep I’m flossing

• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: thinking how I got here

• Weight: 112 kg (still still no scale)
Mindset: back at the hotel no scale

Consecutive Days Posting on Walter’s Diary:

Twenty-Seven (27)

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August 4, 2024

You ever sit back on a lazy Sunday, sip your coffee, and think, “What if I had a chip in my brain?” No? Just me? Well, buckle up because we’re diving into Neuralink—Elon Musk’s wild brainchild that aims to turn sci-fi into real life.

So, Neuralink. Yeah, the startup where Elon wants to implant a chip into our noggins, letting us communicate with computers. Sounds like something out of a Philip K. Dick novel, right? But here’s the kicker—they’ve already implanted a chip in a human, and it worked. The patient’s brain now chats with a computer like they’re old buddies.

I’m a huge fan of Lex Friedman and his podcast. The dude’s a genius, and his recent 8-hour marathon with Elon Musk and others from Neuralink had my brain buzzing. For the first hour, they dove into Neuralink and its potential. Basically, it’s starting with healing neurodamage—think paraplegics, the blind, and so on. The risk/reward is pretty clear there. But as more folks get these brain chips and they hit that sweet 99.9999% stability, it’s gonna be like driving a car. Sure, there’s risk, but it’s manageable.

Sci-fi’s been all over this idea for ages. Alastair Reynolds’ “Revelation Space,” Peter F. Hamilton’s “Pandora’s Star”—characters with chips in their brains gaining superhuman abilities. We’re talking uploading memories, superfast thinking, machine communication, the whole shebang. The real perks? Storing memories, faster communication, fewer misunderstandings. Sounds like a dream, especially for someone like me who struggles to get thoughts out clearly.

Elon and Lex didn’t shy away from the big questions either. They mulled over human-AI symbiosis. Humans will provide the “will” and “purpose” to the machines. I’m just thinking, if that is true will we need need 8 billion of us? Or maybe just a million? Less strain on the planet and can be managed easier, but still enough diversity of thought. But do we need bodies? Could we be like in those Skyline movies, just brains in jars?

Elon’s betting in 10-15 years, these chips will be ready for everyone. But will it be like Gattaca? If you don’t have one, you’re left in the dust? Honestly, I’m game to get one if the success rate hits that golden 99.99%. For me, a dyslexic who’s wrestled with words my whole life, it’d be a godsend. Imagine being able to clearly convey all the ideas and experiences bouncing around in my head. How often have I heard, “Great explanation, but that’s not what’s on the paper.” Written language is a beast, packing complex thoughts into a less info-dense form, then hoping the other person deciphers it right. With a chip, that whole mess gets streamlined.

Immortality’s another kicker. Storing memories, uploading your consciousness—that’s the dream, right? But only if I have control. Like in Dennis E. Taylor’s “We Are Legion,” where a guy’s mind gets replicated to control mining machines. No thanks. I want a kill switch. If things get boring or go south, I wanna be able to check out, no questions asked.

I’m in my early 40s, so it’s not crazy to think about. If Elon’s right, even if it takes 20 years, I’ll still be kicking and ready to plug in. My brain’s in decent shape, no major vices, so why not?

You might think I’m off my rocker, but is it really that wild? Neuralink could make life easier, faster, clearer. And for someone like me, it might just be the cure for my dyslexia, making me feel less like a fraud in so many situations.

Just some food for thought on this fine Sunday evening.

So long, live long and prosper.

Walter

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**************************

Current Books in Parallel Reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden

• Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Habits I’m Working On:

• Fitness & Health: More sports, healthy eating, no junk food, lots of veggies, and less sugar. Aim: Sports 4 times a week (weights and running).
Mindset: I’m a runner and I’m healthy.
Status: 3.5k run at the beach, sunny, nice and warm

• Dental Health: Flossing daily to avoid crowns and root canals.
Mindset: I have healthy teeth and I don’t hear the drill sound anymore
Status: found floss while packing so tonight is looking good

• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: When can I get a Neuralink Chip?

• Weight: 112 kg (still still no scale)
Mindset: back at the hotel no scale

Consecutive Days Posting on Walter’s Diary:

Twenty-Six (26)

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August 3rd, 2024

Well, folks, today’s tale is about frogs, stones, and that tricky business of making a jump. Yeah, you heard me right. We’re talking about how corporations often find themselves stuck in a swamp of indecision. I call it the “5 Frogs on a Stone” dilemma.

You see, in my line of work with big and mid-sized companies on transformation programs, there’s a pattern. A transformation has typically three phases. Phase one: sizing the prize. This is where we figure out the potential improvements over the next 24 months. This phase is like a crime scene investigation—lots of interviews with clients, experts, number-crunching, and getting to the bottom of what went wrong and what needs fixing.

Then comes the ideas phase. We toss around suggestions, and almost every time, the response is, “Great idea! We’ve been thinking about it.” Folks, thinking about it ain’t enough. It’s like five frogs sitting on a stone, thinking about jumping. How many are left? Five. Because thinking ain’t doing.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The people I work with know their stuff. They’ve been in the trenches for years, while I’m just parachuting in for a few weeks. But here’s the kicker: my job isn’t to be the smartest guy in the room. My job is to get things moving. I take those ideas, hand them to their rightful owners, and make sure they get done. I make heroes out of them.

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What these organizations often lack is the ability to make decisions and execute them relentlessly. Decision-making is like trying to get a cat to fetch a stick—painfully slow and often pointless. Too much red tape, too much fear of getting fired, and not enough guts to make bold moves. It takes courage to leap, and in transformation, we call it taking calculated risks.

After the initial phase, we dive into an eight-week sprint to build initiatives from the ground up. And here’s where my frog analogy comes back into play. I teach teams that thinking isn’t enough. We need to jump, to take action. It’s about making fast decisions and executing them without mercy.

Transformation is about working through countless ideas, making quick decisions on which ones to pursue, and then going after them with everything we’ve got. Not all initiatives will succeed, and that’s okay. We pivot and find another. There’s always room for improvement.

So, what’s the big takeaway? Organizations that embrace this approach outperform their competitors and often surprise themselves with what’s possible. Transformation is a rinse-and-repeat process, you never stop you always transforming.

I’ll be sharing more about these transformations and the battle-tested recipes that have led to astonishing results, including millions, if not billions, in bottom-line improvements for big corporations. Subscribe to my newsletter, and remember—don’t just think about it. Jump.

So long, and do jump.

Walter

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**************************

Current Books in Parallel Reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden

• Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Habits I’m Working On:

• Fitness & Health: More sports, healthy eating, no junk food, lots of veggies, and less sugar. Aim: Sports 4 times a week (weights and running).
Mindset: I’m a runner and I’m healthy.
Status: 4k run at the beach, super windy, tough, this run counts

• Dental Health: Flossing daily to avoid crowns and root canals.
Mindset: I have healthy teeth and I don’t hear the drill sound anymore
Status: no joy the 5th

• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: Peter’s Law

• Weight: 112 kg (still still no scale)
Mindset: Will go on the scale tomorrow

Consecutive Days Posting on Walter’s Diary:

Twenty-Five (25)

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August 2, 2024

Alright, y’all, pull up a chair, grab a biscuit, and let’s chat about a little something called Peter’s Laws. Now, everyone and their grandma knows Murphy’s Law—the one that’s all doom and gloom, predicting anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. But Peter’s Laws? They’re the rebel yell against that pessimism, the Rocky Balboa of rules. They say, “If anything can go wrong, fix it! … to hell with Murphy!” And boy, do they flip the script on ol’ Murphy.

Peter’s Laws aren’t just words; they’re a mindset, a way of tackling the chaos of life with the finesse of a dancer and the grit of a linebacker. Elon Musk, that wizard of the future, practically has these laws tattooed on his brain. You can see them in every rocket launch, every self-driving car, and every solar panel he births into existence. It’s the playbook for innovators, disruptors, and anyone with a pulse who wants to make waves in this big ol’ ocean of a world.

Now, I gotta say, Peter’s Laws are mostly spot on, but there’s one that needs a bit of tweaking: “Perfection is not optional.” Yeah, sure, it’s nice to aim high, but let’s be real here—chasing perfection is like trying to catch a greased pig at the county fair. I’d swap that for “Speed over Perfection.” Perfection’s a luxury we can’t always afford, and sometimes, good enough is, well, good enough. The Pareto principle tells us that last 20% of perfection comes with 80% of the work. And I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be 80% fabulous than 100% burnt out.

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One of my personal favorites is “Fail early, fail often.” Now, nobody likes to fail. It’s like biting into a chocolate chip cookie only to find out it’s raisin. But failing fast means you learn quicker, you iterate, you grow. It’s like planting more seeds in the garden; you don’t know which ones will sprout, but the more you plant, the better your odds.

And let’s not forget, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” That’s pure gold, folks. You’ve got to keep your eye on the ball, track those KPIs like a hawk. Otherwise, you’re just floundering around in the dark hoping you’ll hit the jackpot.

Back in the day, I had a poster of these laws hanging on my project room wall. It was my north star, my guiding light. But now, with my tweaks, it’s time for a new poster—Walter’s Way, if you will. And hey, if there’s interest, maybe I’ll whip up a few extras for y’all.

Here’s the full, uncut version of Peter’s Laws, with my special sauce sprinkled in:

1. If anything can go wrong, Fix It!… to hell with Murphy!

2. When given a choice… take both!!

3. Multiple projects lead to multiple successes.

4. Start at the top then work your way up.

5. Do it by the book … but be the author!

6. When forced to compromise, ask for more.

7. If you can’t win, change the rules.

8. If you can’t change the rules, then ignore them.

9. Perfection is not optional. Speed over Perfection.

10. When faced without a challenge, make one.

11. “No” simply means begin again at one level higher.

12. Don’t walk when you can run.

13. When in doubt: THINK!

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Hey everyone! Walter White here. Today, I have the honour of telling the story of Claire, an extraordinary woman whose journey with dyslexia is both inspiring and enlightening. Although we’ve changed her name to protect her privacy, the truth of her story remains completely genuine and unfiltered.

Discover how Claire turned her dyslexia from a perceived weakness into a powerful asset. In this post, you will learn about her journey from being diagnosed at 18 to becoming a successful tech consultant who sees her dyslexia as a superpower. “Oh hell yeah. It’s a superpower,” Claire declares, highlighting how her unique cognitive abilities enable her to solve problems faster and more creatively than others.

Over the nearly 40 years she has lived with dyslexia, Claire has amassed a wealth of knowledge on how to manage and leverage it to her advantage. In the following chapters, we will delve into her life story, exploring the challenges she faced growing up, the strategies she employed to overcome them, and the valuable insights she offers to others with dyslexia.

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Claire’s journey with dyslexia began unexpectedly at the age of 18, just a month before her high school graduation. It was a time of anticipation and excitement, overshadowed by a sudden revelation. A first-year teacher, with a keen eye for details, noticed something different in Claire’s learning patterns and suggested that she get tested for dyslexia. This recommendation came as a surprise to Claire, who had never before considered the possibility.

“It was a month before high school graduation when a first-year teacher put it together and recommended I get tested,” Claire recalls. The suggestion led to a formal assessment, confirming the teacher’s suspicions.

Receiving a diagnosis at 18 was both a relief and a challenge for Claire. On one hand, it provided an explanation for the struggles she had faced throughout her schooling. On the other hand, it came with a mix of emotions—affirmation, embarrassment, and a sense of uncertainty about her future.

“I played it down and internalized it as not a bad case of dyslexia. Just a bit of dyslexia. I felt a bit affirmed and a bit embarrassed,” Claire admits. This duality of feelings marked the beginning of her journey towards understanding and managing her dyslexia.

Claire’s educational journey was fraught with difficulties, many of which stemmed from misconceptions and systemic shortcomings in the school system. From a young age, she found herself placed in classes for the “slowest learners,” while her friends were tracked into advanced courses. This segregation instilled a deep-seated belief that she was not as smart as her peers.

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“I constantly was put in tracked classes for those who were the slowest learners, and all my friends were tracked in advanced tracks,” Claire shares. “It was just the assumption and then internalized belief that I was not smart.” This belief was a heavy burden, shaping her self-image and her approach to learning.

At home, the diagnosis of dyslexia did not garner much attention or concern. By the time Claire was diagnosed, she had already been accepted to college, making the revelation seem less significant to her family.

“They mostly ignored it. I had already been accepted to college, so it was a non-factor for them,” she explains. This lack of acknowledgment extended to her broader social circle. Claire chose to keep her diagnosis to herself, wary of the potential stigma and misunderstanding.

“Those who I told when I was diagnosed didn’t care, but I avoided telling most people,” she notes. This decision to remain silent about her dyslexia was a protective measure, shielding her from the ignorance and indifference of others.

Despite these challenges, Claire developed a strong work ethic and a resilient mindset. She recognized that she had to put in extra effort to achieve the same results as her peers, especially in areas where she had some natural aptitude.

“Because I had a mental image of myself being not as smart as most people, I decided to work twice as hard, especially at the things that came easier,” Claire reflects. This determination became a cornerstone of her success, driving her to excel in her studies and later in her professional life.

One of the most powerful aspects of Claire’s story is the advice she offers to others who are newly diagnosed with dyslexia. Her perspective, shaped by years of experience and personal growth, is both empowering and practical.

“This is how your brain works; it’s not how it’s broken but how you are able to think differently,” Claire advises. “Some of the things you need to learn strategies and workarounds for, but some of what you need to learn is how to lean into the skills that dyslexics are great at.” 

Claire’s advice emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the development of personalized strategies to manage dyslexia. By recognizing and harnessing their strengths, individuals with dyslexia can achieve success and fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives.

Claire’s daily life at work has its own set of challenges. One particular anecdote highlights her approach to handling tasks that others might take for granted.

“As a professional in a document-heavy office culture, I get sent a document and given 10 minutes to read. I always need to say, ‘What do you want from me after reading this document, and what part can I focus on?’ I get there, but I really need to guide people every time,” Claire shares. This proactive communication ensures she meets expectations and manages her workload effectively.

Claire’s ability to navigate such situations with confidence and clarity is a testament to her resilience. She has learned to advocate for herself and ensure she has the necessary information to perform her tasks well. This self-advocacy is crucial in managing her dyslexia and maintaining her professional success.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Claire’s journey is her ability to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths. Her dyslexia, once a source of embarrassment and self-doubt, has become a powerful asset in her professional life. Claire’s problem-solving skills and creative thinking are now recognized and valued in her role as a tech consultant.

“I’m in a job that takes advantage of the great parts of my dyslexia. Oh hell yeah. It’s a superpower.” Claire emphasizes enthusiastically.

Her story underscores the importance of finding careers and environments that allow individuals to leverage their unique abilities. By embracing her strengths, Claire has built a successful career and established herself as a valuable asset in her field.

An important part of Claire’s journey is her ability to overcome the shame often associated with dyslexia. She openly acknowledges this challenge and how it affects others.

“I’m not someone that does have much shame. This is so hard for others to state. I’m just upfront”

If you or a family member are navigating dyslexia and would like to share your story, I’d be thrilled to help you do so. Diverse experiences foster understanding and support within our community. Please feel free to send me a message, and together, we can continue to raise awareness and provide inspiration to others on their journeys.

Thank you for taking the time to read Claire’s story. If his journey resonated with you, please feel free to leave a comment and share it with as many people as you can. Follow and subscribe to stay updated with more stories like Claire’s.

Stay curious, stay kind, and keep believing!

Walter

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August 1st, 2024

My kids love them, I love them, Skippy the Magnificent uses them to insult the monkeys (aka humans), I’m sure you love & eat them and you can buy them in every supermarket. We make cakes, ice cream, chips, and even use the leaves as hats, plates, or natural aluminum foil. Yep, it’s the banana.

Why write about bananas? I shared an image (see title image) on Substack Notes, cracked a joke about bananas and that led to an exchange with , and I thought, “Hey, this is actually an interesting topic.” So, let’s dive into the world of bananas.

Today, we eat 100 billion bananas per year. Get it? 100 billion! Let’s write this out for emphasis: 100,000,000,000 BANANAS PER YEAR. That’s a lot of potassium, folks.

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Here are ten interesting facts you didn’t know about bananas, perfect for your next trivia night:

1. Bananas Are Berries

Botanically speaking, bananas are classified as berries. They develop from a single ovary and have seeds embedded in the flesh, unlike strawberries and raspberries, which are not true berries. Mind blown, right?

2. They Don’t Grow on Trees

Despite their tree-like appearance, banana plants are actually large herbs. Their “trunks” are made of tightly packed leaf bases rather than wood.

3. They Come in Many Colors

While most people are familiar with yellow bananas, they can also be red, purple, green, and even brown when ripe. The inside, however, remains light yellow. A rainbow of bananas!

4. Banana Plants Are Cloned

Bananas are sterile and cannot reproduce through seeds. Instead, they are propagated by planting a piece of the plant, making the bananas we eat today genetically identical to those from previous generations.

5. Bananas Are Radioactive

Bananas contain potassium-40, a radioactive isotope. But don’t worry, you’d need to eat about 700 bananas a day for 80 years to get a harmful dose of radiation.

6. Historical Cultivation

Bananas have been cultivated for thousands of years. Evidence suggests they were first grown in Papua New Guinea as far back as 5000-8000 BC.

7. Cultural Significance

In Hinduism, the banana plant symbolizes the goddesses Parvati and Lakshmi and represents eternal knowledge. In some cultures, banana fibers are used to make fabric and paper.

8. Banana Republics

The term “banana republic” originated to describe Central American countries that were economically dependent on banana exports and often controlled by foreign corporations.

9. Banana Beer and Wine

In some parts of the world, bananas are used to make alcoholic beverages like banana beer and wine, showcasing their versatility beyond just being a fruit.

10. The Yellow Color

The yellow bananas we commonly see are a result of selective breeding. The original wild bananas were not yellow and had large seeds. The familiar yellow variety, known as Cavendish, became popular after the Gros Michel variety was decimated by disease in the 20th century.

Let’s dive deeper into number 10. Gros Michel was actually the better banana. Cavendish couldn’t compete. The Panama disease, a fungus, eradicated the Gros Michel banana plant. You can still taste the Gros Michel in the artificial banana flavor we use for cooking.

Gros Michel was creamier, larger, and more robust. Our current banana, the Cavendish, needs a tremendous amount of cooling to land nicely on our supermarket shelves.

The fungus wiped out Gros Michel due to monoculture and the fact that Gros Michel was also a clone. Once the fungus infected one plant, it spread like wildfire, killing all plants.

But wait, you said the Cavendish is also a clone (see fun fact number 4). Could what happened to Gros Michel also happen to our beloved Cavendish? Unfortunately, yes. And it’s already happening. The same fungus that killed Gros Michel is now threatening our Cavendish, albeit a different strain. The fungus is active in over 20 countries and leads to 100% yield loss, contaminates water and soil, and can survive up to 20 years in the soil. So, it’s impossible to eradicate.

Bummer alert: Scientists believe that in 10 years, the Cavendish banana could be gone. They are working on countermeasures, and we’ll see if they succeed.

Enjoy your bananas, monkeys!

So long, yum yum,

Walter

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**************************

Current Books in Parallel Reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden

• Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Habits I’m Working On:

• Fitness & Health: More sports, healthy eating, no junk food, lots of veggies, and less sugar. Aim: Sports 4 times a week (weights and running).
Mindset: I’m a runner and I’m healthy.
Status: not today did some gymnastic this morning

• Dental Health: Flossing daily to avoid crowns and root canals.
Mindset: I have healthy teeth and I don’t hear the drill sound anymore
Status: no joy the 3rd

• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: Today Bananas you Monkeys

• Weight: 112 kg (still still no scale)
Mindset: Will go on the scale tomorrow

Consecutive Days Posting on Walter’s Diary:

Twenty-Three (23)

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July 31, 2024

Podcast version

Well, folks, today I’m diving deep into a subject that’s near and dear to my…well, near and dear to my rear. Let’s talk colonoscopies! Now, before you clench up and run for the hills, let me assure you that this is gonna be a wild ride, and if you’re over 40, it’s a journey you need to take.

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First off, did you hear the FDA just approved a blood test for screening colon cancer? Yep, you heard right. It’s a step forward, but it doesn’t replace the granddaddy of them all – the colonoscopy. The blood test catches about 83% of colon cancers but only 13% of those pesky early polyps. So, you still need to brave the rod-up-your-butthole thing. And let me tell you, it’s one heck of an adventure.

Did you know that it’s estimated 50,000 Americans will die of colon cancer in 2024? That’s a staggering number. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is doing us no favors either, packed with processed, fiber-free junk. The correlation between diet and cancer is as clear as a sunny Miami sky. But I’m not here to lecture you on diet – let’s be real, changing what you eat is as hard as convincing Roy Kent to crack a smile.

So why am I here? To share my own colonoscopy saga. A few months ago, after years of saying, “I’ll do it in the next six months,” I finally bit the bullet. Now, with cancer running rampant in my family – prostate, cervix, melanoma, colon – I knew I had to do it. My granddad caught his prostate cancer early and lived till 95. My aunt, on the other hand, ignored screenings and died within two months of a stage 4 cervix cancer diagnosis. Dad battled melanoma for a decade before it claimed him. And Mom? She got lucky with a stage 3 colon cancer that didn’t spread.

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So, with all that in mind and being over 40, I got myself a GP referral and an appointment with a specialist. The wait was four to six months, but I managed to get in a bit earlier thanks to a waitlist. The days leading up to D-day, or as I like to call it, “Rod-Butthole-Looki-Looki” (RBLL) day, were a blast. Two days before, I had to go on a light diet. One day before, it was all about laxatives. And folks, let me tell you, it was a volcanic experience. I spent more time on the toilet than a teenager on their phone.

RBLL day was here. No food, just water. I was nervous. Would they find something? I’m a high-risk case. And before I went mostly vegan seven years ago, I was a heavy meat eater. Bacon, eggs, chicken, steak – you name it. But off I went to the hospital. Everyone was professional and kind. They guided me through every step. The worst part? Getting the needle for anaesthesia.

Next thing I know, I’m counting to ten…and then waking up in another room. Nothing hurt. The doc came in, said all was clean – no polyps. We’ll do it again in five years. Relief washed over me. Sure, it’s weird to think someone had a camera up my smokestack, but it was worth it.

Awkward moments? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. If you’re over 40, just do it. It might save your life. If this story gets one person to book a colonoscopy, then it was worth sharing.

So, folks, when’s your next colonoscopy? Let’s tackle this head-on, or should I say, butt-first.

Eat healthy and get screened,

Walter

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**************************

Current Books in Parallel Reading:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden

• Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Habits I’m Working On:

• Fitness & Health: More sports, healthy eating, no junk food, lots of veggies, and less sugar. Aim: Sports 4 times a week (weights and running).
Mindset: I’m a runner and I’m healthy.
Status: not today did some gymnastic this morning

• Dental Health: Flossing daily to avoid crowns and root canals.
Mindset: I have healthy teeth and I don’t hear the drill sound anymore
Status: no joy the 2nd

• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: nice next story I think - comments? Pulled it right out of my butt

• Weight: 112 kg (still still no scale)
Mindset: Will go on the scale tomorrow

Consecutive Days Posting on Walter’s Diary:

Twenty-Two (22)