17 Comments
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Ellen Boeder's avatar

I'm so appreciating everything you write, just now discovering your books and Substack. Thank you for the effort to put all this into words on a page! It's very valuable to us as your readers! Your wisdom is hard earned and thank you for continuing to gain more and share it with us.

Steve Magness's avatar

Wow. Thanks so much. Just trying my best to put good stuff into the world to help people.

Tyler's avatar

Couldn't have said this any better myself! I also love Steve's writing. I aspire to be even a fifth as good as him one day in putting my stuff out there. Keep it coming, Steve and thank you!

Rodrigo's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this! There are many of us who strongly believe in these ideas or similar ideas, and it's comforting to know that others belive in them and share them. Not feeling alone in certain convictions fosters even more conviction.

Steve Magness's avatar

You’re welcome. Thanks for the support.

Fernando Fagundes's avatar

Real quality writing. Lessons for a lifetime. Thanks you Steve

Steve Magness's avatar

Thanks so much. So glad they resonated.

Shain Suzy's avatar

Outstanding!

James Marshall's avatar

I'd add, 'Always take time to enjoy every sandwich.' It's easy to rush past the little things, instead of savouring them as they come along.

Evidence Matters's avatar

Steve, your list is so true it’s almost too good. I had trouble picking my favorites because they are many. But I think my favorites are: (1) no one cares (so easy to forget that, especially for young people), (2) surround yourself wisely (easier said than done, but it matters), and (3) normal is relative (because we adapt to the norms we slowly build). Congratulations on your Alumni of the Year award; GMU made a smart choice every time they bet on you!

Irina Strobl's avatar

I’m printing this out! It is going to be my daily read at the start of the day. I love and appreciate your work.

Steve Magness's avatar

Wow. Thanks so much!! Appreciate the support

Tanvi 😊's avatar

As someone who constantly self-sabotages and under-prepares to create room for excuses instead of facing my true potential; this list offers is a much-needed reality check.

Running is one of the things that is teaching me to go and see what’s out there with honesty and face the outcomes with self-kindness (and not self-flagellation).

Thanks you for posting this list that I keep coming back to when the negative voices get too loud.

Steve Magness's avatar

Yes! Running is one of the best teachers we have. I’ve learned so much that transfers over to every other aspect of life.

Scott Dunlap's avatar

👏👏👏

Tyler's avatar

Legit wisdom here! I had to read this over a few different sessions as it takes time to absorb them all. Thanks so much as always for sharing, and keep the awesome writing coming Steve!! Take care.

Karl Rysted's avatar

Congrats! I was more of a bum so I loved that story about the professor. I got into law school at the last minute way past the deadlines and ended up with a honored career.