Being Intentionally more Intentional
I’m a believer, I’m a great dad, and I’m good at many things (and now I know what they are).
July 19, 2024
The Daily Huddle
Well folks, today was a good day. I worked from home again, but this time, I felt way more energized (despite not catching much sleep). Looks like my client is extending me for another six months – puh, what a relief! I can save up and ease some of that financial stress. Plus, the work is interesting, so it’s a double win.
Our new CTO is doing a fantastic job, and I’ve contributed to moving things forward too. It’s amazing what a sense of purpose can do. Sometimes work can feel so meaningless, like you’re just wasting your time. But today wasn’t one of those days.
I received great feedback from the Big Boss (the CEO), who really likes my work and wants to keep me around. More work, great day rate, and travel opportunities to SEA and North America – not too shabby! I’m also building a team, and I can see the positive changes in people. They’re more hopeful and productive. Great to see… and I believe!
Sifting Through the Scraps
I’m getting more into this writing thing, and it feels good to clear my mind at the end of the day. Got my first three subscribers today – thanks, folks
, and Wolfgang! Special shoutout to for restacking my post from yesterday. The feedback I received was wonderful and encouraging. They suggested I share more personal anecdotes and practical advice. Yes, sir!As the father of two boys, ages six and three, life is a whirlwind of farts, slime, wet toilets, poop, play, fights, and Pokémon. My older son is a nerdy scientist type, while the younger one is still figuring himself out. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a reminder to be intentional with my time. Before I know it, they’ll be grown and off doing their own thing. Scary thought, right? From now till they are 18 years is most likely 90% of the time I will have left with them - think about that.
Let’s all be more intentional and enjoy our time with loved ones. Friends and family are what truly matter, not jobs or followers. Every morning, my boys wake me up at the crack of dawn. I’d love to sleep in, but I remind myself to enjoy these moments. After all, in a few years, they won’t be waking me up anymore. So, I start tickling them until one of them cries – beautiful chaos!
Lessons from the Trenches
I’m a curious person who loves trying new things, but sometimes I get ahead of myself. On the flip side, I get bored easily and don’t always give my full attention, leading to underperformance. I’ve learned the hard way that you need to do the work. No shortcuts.
It’s important to know your strengths. Can you list what you’re good at? It’s hard, right? But we can easily list our weaknesses. We need to celebrate our strengths more. I’m good at project management, tech, and motivating leaders. A McKinsey partner once told me, “You have a talent for turning people around and getting them to work.” I didn’t get it at the time, but now I see it.
How can I harness this “magic” intentionally? If you have any techniques, let me know. I’m focusing on enabling the people around me to be their best selves. Think like Coach Wooden – it’s about the people, not just the problem.
One area I want to improve is celebrating success. I’m German, so sometimes I’m a bit cold and stiff. But I can already see the change – a better mood in the team, faster turnarounds, and more hope. I’m proud of the tiny bit I’ve done to make it happen.
So long, and remember, it’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.
Walter
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Current Books in Parallel Reading:
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Pyramid of Success by Coach Wooden
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: nope not today - 2nd strike
• 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: yes sticking to it atm
• Writing: Practice, practice, practice—daily diary entries, no excuses.
Mindset: one more
• Weight: 112 kg
Mindset: I’m a healthy and control my weight to feel better
Consecutive Post on Walter’s Diary:
Ten (10)
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“Let’s all be more intentional and enjoy our time with loved ones.” - great advice!