Something to Read

One year ago, I posted the first collection for Talking Points.

I wasn’t sure what I was doing. In fact, I was pretty sure it wasn’t necessary—there are already so many voices, so much content, so many newsletters. Did the world really need one more? It felt, at best, self-indulgent and, at worst, like more noise.

And yet, here we are, one year later – and I’m glad I pushed passed the discomfort to find myself writing this month’s post.

This month, I read The Atlantic article “The Benefit of Doing Things You Are Bad At” by Arthur Brooks. The article makes the case that deliberately stepping into areas where we lack confidence—or outright struggle—can unlock growth, creativity, and a deeper connection with ourselves and others. Writing and sharing my thoughts each month in Talking Points felt unnatural at first, but over time, it’s become a space for reflection, exploration, and—most importantly—connection.

A friend (or rather, a “frient”—that perfect hybrid of friend and client) told me last year that this newsletter was the “sorbet in his inbox” each month. Something fresh and light that cleared the palate before diving into the heavy lifting of the rest of an inbox. That was the most memorable compliment I received in 2024. It reminded me that stepping into discomfort has its rewards—not just in personal growth but in the small joys and connections we create along the way.

So, in the spirit of doing things we’re bad at, let’s keep pushing into the uncomfortable, the unfamiliar, and the uncertain. Who knows what kind of “sorbet moments” we might create?

Read the article here: The Benefit of Doing Things You Are Bad At or wherever you access The Atlantic.

Something to Hear

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from writing this newsletter over the past year, it’s that imperfection is not just unavoidable—it’s necessary.

Dr. Laurie Santos, host of The Happiness Lab, kicks off 2025 with an episode titled “How to Embrace Imperfection.” She explores how our obsession with getting things just right often holds us back from growth, creativity, and meaningful connection. Perfectionism, she explains, isn’t a sign of high standards—it’s often a defense mechanism that keeps us stuck.

Listening to this episode felt like an extension of what I’ve been reflecting on: the discomfort of doing something we’re bad at, the vulnerability of putting our voice into an already crowded space, and the unexpected joy when we can peel our grip off the drive for perfection.

One of my favorite takeaways from the episode was the idea that imperfection fosters connection. Dr. Santos describes research showing that we actually like people more when they make small mistakes. It makes them more relatable, more human. This really struck a chord with me—so much of my hesitation in writing Talking Points came from feeling like every post needed to have profound impact on the person reading. I now know that it’s a moment of connection and I’m happy to have that with you all. This episode is a reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do is step forward before we feel ready.

Hear it: Spend less than an hour learning from Dr. Laurie Santos on the January 1, 2025 episode “How to Embrace Imperfection” on The Happiness Lab wherever you get your podcasts.

Something to Do

Try a “Start-Stop-Continue” Reflection

This year I added to my annual Top 10 list to think about a reflection used in coaching and leadership development. I did one reflection in four areas of my life: work, family, friends, and self.

Take 10 minutes and ask yourself:

Start – What is something new I want to bring into my life this year? (A habit, a mindset, a way of connecting with others?)

Stop – What is something that no longer serves me? (A routine, a limiting belief, a distraction?)

Continue – What am I already doing that brings me joy, energy, or purpose that I want to keep nurturing?

For my work, here was my reflection:

  • Start: Putting my ideas/processes to paper. (Done is better than perfect.)
  • Stop: The belief that every idea needs to be big to be worth sharing.
  • Continue: Being a human in my approach to communication training – it may not be polished and perfect, but it’s real and it builds connection.

Try this exercise and let me know what’s on your list. Here’s to a thoughtful, intentional start to 2025.  

Something to See

The start of the new year brings with it a challenge from my fitness trainer Jamie Gillooly that also includes a whole-life approach to new-year wellness. A bingo game where you check off activities of well-being. This photo shows my now wonderfully organized junk drawer. It took me 15 minutes – why had I spent 2 years letting it annoy me when it could be resolved so quickly!? Such is life.