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"... we've scaled to 30 million in annual revenue and Jorim has been instrumental in helping navigate this incredible journey..."
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"I worked together with Jorim at the second edition of European Innovation Academy. Jorim took on the vital role of a life coach for all the participants which means coaching them both in professional and personal development as well as helping them in managing their team dynamics and cooperation. He was a very valuable addition to the line up of high quality of mentors to help the teams achieve their highest potential and enjoy the experience."
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Helping You Heal, Grow, and Prosper
At Emerge To Prosper, we believe that every individual and organization holds the potential to evolve into their best selves. Our mission is to guide you on this journey, helping you heal from the past, strengthen your present, and build a future filled with purpose.
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At Emerge To Prosper, our values are the foundation of who we are. They guide how we connect, how we work, and how we create a meaningful impact on every individual and organization we support.
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Lasting growth begins with strong foundations. Like the seasons, we adapt and balance deepening stability with the courage to evolve and welcome new growth.
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Nurture Your Mind
Connect & Lead with Heart
Embracing the Benefits of a Digital Detox: Rediscovering Life Beyond Screens
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Digital detoxing breaks tech dependency, allowing deeper human connections, personal clarity, and natural well-being.
Why this Matters
While our digital devices promise endless information, connectivity, and entertainment, they often deliver the opposite—information overload, confusion, and reactivity. As our reliance on technology grows, it's crucial to step back and see the value of living in the moment and experiencing the world beyond screens.Personally, I've stopped using my running watch because I noticed how it disconnected me from the enjoyment of the scenery. I used to check it to see my pace, kms, time, etc. when in reality, what mattered more was to be present and pay attention to my environment.On average, people spend upwards of 6h daily on screens, which has led "technostress", leading to increased stress, emotional exhaustion, and apathy.
Reconnecting with Nature
Our dependency on tech often insulates us from nature. “Technology’s tendency to insulate us from nature while we’re participating in it ultimately leads to us failing to absorb all it has to offer.” — Brian Mackenzie, UnpluggedSpending time outdoors cultivates an awareness that digital devices can’t replicate, offering a true sense of being fully alive. Our gadgets frequently distract us, causing us to miss out on the experiential wisdom nature provides.Actionable Steps:
Engage in Nature-Based Activities: Choose activities that require minimal or no tech intervention, such as hiking or walking in a park, to foster deeper interaction with the natural world.
Scheduled Tech-Free Time: Start with a specific, achievable window, like 1 hour before bed or a no-phone Sunday.
Immersive Experiences: Practice sensory engagement while outdoors—for example, notice five sounds, four textures, and three colors during a mindful walk.
I've scheduled one day a week to be without anything digital: no phone, no laptop, no music, no ebooks. It's just me interacting with my physical environment, going for walks, spending time with friends, and recharging.
Restoring Personal Connections and Instincts
We've increasingly sacrificed real human interactions for artificial connections offered by online platforms. This trend risks not only emotional but societal havoc. Our instinctual cues about our health and how we interact with our environment become suppressed when we rely heavily on gadgets.“If you wear a device 24/7, you begin relying on it to tell you how your body is performing...now millions of people are content to hand over their self-monitoring and decision-making to a machine.” — Brian Mackenzie, UnpluggedActionable Steps
Cultivate Interpersonal Relationships: Prioritize face-to-face interactions with friends and family. Engage in conversations without the interruption of notifications.
Trust Your Instincts: During physical activities, reflect on how your body feels instead of checking devices for feedback. Try yoga or stretching for enhanced body awareness.
Reflect on Tech Dependency: Journal experiences during tech-free times using prompts like “How did my mood change after unplugging today?”
After my digital detox day, I feel alive and motivated to go back to work, which wasn't always the case before.
Embarking on a digital detox is not just about relearning to live without constant connectivity; it’s about rediscovering the richness of life that often goes unnoticed when viewed through a screen. By detaching from devices and diving into nature, we foster creativity, improve well-being, and build a foundation for meaningful relationships.Today, try setting a 1-hour phone-free window or going for a 15-minute tech-free walk. Notice how you feel afterward, and reflect on how even small steps can create space for deeper connection and clarity.
How to Give Candid Yet Compassionate Feedback
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
In a startup environment, change is the norm, and the ability to navigate that landscape swiftly is critical. Fusing compassion with candidness in feedback is essential for maintaining momentum while cultivating a growth-oriented culture with high trust.
Why this Matters
Startups thrive on rapid innovation and adaptability, requiring leaders to nurture a culture where teams feel supported yet challenged to perform at their peak. Leaders adept in balancing compassion with direct feedback create spaces where this growth can flourish efficiently.
Balancing Candour and Compassion
Compassionate leadership, particularly in the fast-paced world of startups, is about aligning empathy with purposeful action. It's about more than just understanding your team's challenges; it's about proactively addressing them to drive both individual and collective success.What is Compassionate Leadership?
Empathy and Understanding: At its core, compassionate leadership emphasizes empathy—understanding and sharing the feelings of team members. Leaders need to recognize the challenges their teams face and be present in their interactions.
Action-Oriented Empathy: It's not just about feeling empathy but taking actions that align with that empathy to improve team dynamics and outcomes. This involves making informed decisions that consider the well-being of team members.
Providing Context and Clarity: Effective leaders provide context to help team members understand the rationale behind decisions and feedback. Clarifying how individual roles and performances align with organizational goals fosters a sense of purpose and motivation.
Clear, Constructive Feedback: Compassionate leaders provide feedback that is clear, direct, and constructive. They focus on behaviours and outcomes and avoid personal criticisms, fostering a safe environment for growth.
Focusing on Individual and Collective Benefit: The feedback process should always highlight how individual improvements contribute to personal growth and the success of the team and organization. This reinforces a shared vision and collaborative spirit.
By integrating compassionate leadership with candid communication, startups can maintain agility and foster a culture of continuous improvement and resilience.
Actionable Steps
Practice Clarity as Kindness: Be direct and transparent. Clear feedback, given swiftly, helps keep everyone aligned and propels the team forward.
Be Present and Engaged: In fast-paced settings, emotional and mental presence during exchanges enhances connection and understanding, vital for effective communication.
Find the Balance: In your interactions, focus on outcomes that benefit both the individual and the team. Prioritize meaningful improvements over trying to be liked.
Embrace Necessary Confrontations: In startups, avoiding issues can slow progress. Cultivate the courage to tackle problems head-on and address them decisively.
For startups, the agility to adapt and grow is driven by leaders who can seamlessly integrate empathy with straightforward communication. Begin by shedding traditional constraints and embrace a more human-centric leadership style. Experiment with these strategies, share your experiences, and watch how they can catalyze a culture of growth and resilience.
Lead with Agreements, Not Expectations
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Shifting from expectations to mutual agreements has a transformative power.It improves workplace dynamics, boosts productivity, and strengthens personal connections.
Why this Matters
Poor communication and unmet expectations can severely damage relationships, both in professional and personal contexts. By understanding the impact of expectations and learning to cultivate agreements, individuals and leaders can foster healthier relationships and improve productivity, morale, and personal fulfilment.
Shift from Expectations to Agreements
Key Insight: Expectations lead to disappointment and anxiety, whereas agreements foster collaboration and satisfaction. In business, unsaid expectations often create hidden tensions and ruin workplace harmony. For example, a foreman expecting his team to complete a project without explicitly agreeing on terms can lead to friction. Instead, agreeing on deadlines and responsibilities helps all parties feel respected and committed to achieving the objectives.Actionable Steps:
Identify Current Expectations: Reflect on areas in your life where expectations are silently set. Are there assumed duties at work or unstated desires in your personal life?
Transform Expectations into Agreements: Initiate conversations where expectations exist and collaborate to turn them into explicit agreements. This can start with as small as renegotiating a household chore.
Practice Active Listening: Engage the other person in dialogue and listen to their input on what agreeable terms might look like. Make adjustments until both parties are satisfied.
Regular Review and Adaptation: Agreements are meant to evolve. Periodically check in to ensure that they are still relevant and beneficial.
Personal Relationships & Emotional Health
Key Insight: Expectations in personal relationships often cause resentment and disappointment. Steve Chandler transformed his 15-year marriage by focusing on mutual agreements rather than unspoken expectations, preventing disagreements and fostering a nurturing environment.Actionable Steps:
Open Dialogue with Loved Ones: Discuss what each person expects versus what agreements can be made instead.
Create a Relationship Charter: Outline key areas where mutual agreements are necessary to avoid assumptions – such as financial planning or holiday arrangements.
Surprise with Flexibility: While agreements provide a clear path, allow room for pleasant surprises by not rigidly sticking to agreements, where flexibility can enhance the bond.
Reflect on your relationships with both colleagues and loved ones. Where can you transform expectations into agreements? By doing so, you create a collaborative space that nurtures understanding and reduces tension. Share this article with someone you think might benefit from the shift towards agreements, and challenge them to explore this in their own life.
Journalling for Healing
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Journalling about traumatic or stressful events over 4 sessions can improve emotional processing, reduce anxiety, and promote long-term healing. This structured method, backed by extensive research, helps reframe negative experiences and increase emotional clarity.
Why this Matters
Writing about difficult experiences has been shown to improve physical and emotional health. This journaling protocol provides a simple, research-based approach to reduce pain, improve sleep, and process unresolved trauma effectively.
The Writing Session
Writing deeply about the most traumatic or stressful experiences for 15-30 minutes, spread over 4 sessions, allows the brain to reprocess emotions and thoughts constructively.Actionable Steps:
Structure Your Writing Sessions
Write for 15-30 minutes, but not less.
Focus on the facts of the event, emotions you felt then and now, and any connections from the past or future (e.g., people, events).
Use complete sentences and write continuously, even if it’s emotional.
Frequency
Write 4 times in a month. These can be consecutive days, once a week, or spaced as needed.
After Writing
Take 10-15 minutes to decompress in a quiet place.
Expect to feel emotional immediately after writing; this is normal and temporary.
Key Guidelines for Effective Journalling
The process works best when approached with honesty and structure while allowing flexibility to explore emotions at your own pace.Actionable Steps:
Choose the Right Setting: Write in a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. Avoid doing this exercise just before bed as it can disrupt sleep.
Write Continuously: Don’t stop to censor or edit your thoughts—keep the flow going. It’s okay to pause for emotions (e.g., tears), but resume writing without judgment.
Optional Analysis: If you wish, review your writing later to observe the shift from negative to more positive language and coherence over the sessions. You can also tear up the writing afterward if that feels right for you.
Managing the Emotional Impact
It’s normal to feel sadness, fatigue, or even mild depression immediately after writing, but long-term benefits far outweigh short-term discomfort.Actionable Steps:
Recognize Emotional Responses: Understand that feeling worse temporarily is part of the healing process. Trust that long-term clarity and reduced emotional burden will follow.
Consider Starting Small: If writing about the most traumatic event feels overwhelming, begin with a less intense stressful experience.
Optional Sharing: While this exercise is personal, you can choose to share your writing with a therapist for deeper exploration. Avoid sharing casually to prevent re-traumatization.
This protocol is a powerful, evidence-based tool for emotional healing and clarity. Commit to your first 15-minute writing session this week, and trust the process. Whether you choose to analyse it later or let it go, journalling can be a vital step toward healing and self-understanding.
Antifragility: Grow Stronger Through Chaos
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Antifragility is the capability to thrive and grow stronger in the face of stressors, change, and chaos. Embracing change as the only constant can transform challenges into opportunities for development, helping us evolve beyond mere resilience.
Why this Matters
In an ever-evolving world, change can often feel overwhelming. Many individuals face stress and fear when dealing with unpredictable circumstances. By understanding and embodying the principle of antifragility, we can shift our mindset to perceive change not as a threat but as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Shift in Perspective
Antifragility, a term coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, refers to systems, organisations, or individuals that not only withstand changes but actually benefit from them. Where resilience means bouncing back from hardship, antifragility involves getting better because of it — thriving amidst the chaos. Consider a plant thriving in various weather conditions because it adapts to unpredictable climates. Similarly, our ability to adapt, learn, and evolve is crucial in becoming antifragile.Actionable Steps
Embrace Uncertainty: Begin viewing unpredictability as an opportunity. Each challenge or disruption is a chance to learn and evolve.
Build Diverse Skills: Enhance adaptability by acquiring various skills and experiences. This helps you pivot as situations change.
Reflect with Intent: After every major challenge, conduct a structured review by asking, "What worked? What failed? What can I do differently next time?" Turn lessons into actionable improvements.
Cultivate Strong Networks: Surround yourself with diverse, resilient individuals who can offer support, insights, and opportunities during turbulent times. Collaboration amplifies adaptability. For this, read the article on social support.
Adopting an antifragile mindset allows us to harness the transformative power of change. As we learn to perceive changes as drivers of innovation rather than obstacles, we unlock our potential to thrive. Start evaluating challenges differently today, recognising each one as a stepping stone for growth and innovation. Share this perspective with others, fostering a community that views change as an opportunity for collective evolution.
Listen to Your Emotions: A Roadmap to Personal Growth
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Emotions are not our adversaries; rather, they are allies that help us navigate life's complexities and understand ourselves better. By recognizing, understanding, and accepting emotions without judgment, we can harness their power to navigate challenges and grow.
Why this Matters
Many people view their emotions as obstacles, often feeling conflicted or overwhelmed. However, reinterpreting emotions as signals or guides can empower us to respond constructively. By taking small actions, we can often find the drive needed to persist.
Shift in Perspective
Emotions are valuable signals to help us understand ourselves and the world. For instance, sadness may indicate a need for change, while anxiety can signal a need for caution or preparedness.Actionable Steps
Start Small: Break down goals into tiny actions that can be accomplished easily, triggering a momentum of achievement.
Build a Routine: Establish consistent patterns or rituals that encourage taking action even when motivation is low.
Reflect on Your Progress: Regularly assess your achievements to build a sense of accomplishment, which can be inherently motivating.
Next time you experience a strong emotion, pause and listen—what is it trying to tell you? Practice naming your emotions and reflecting on their messages. The more you embrace them as guides, the better you’ll navigate life’s complexities. Start today by journaling one recent emotional experience and what you learned from it.
Stop Waiting for Motivation: Create It
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Motivation doesn’t come first—action does. Taking even small steps toward your goals can spark the motivation you need, transforming inertia into progress and creating lasting momentum.
Why this Matters
Many people view their emotions as obstacles, often feeling conflicted or overwhelmed. However, reinterpreting emotions as signals or guides can empower us to respond constructively. By taking small actions, we can often find the drive needed to persist.
Shift in Perspective
Rather than waiting for inspiration to strike, taking small steps can often fuel motivation. Behaviour often precedes and shapes emotions, a principle rooted in behavioural psychology.Actionable Steps:
Acknowledge Your Emotions: Instead of suppressing your feelings, recognise and name them. This can be the first step in understanding their source and what they might be telling you.
Reflect on Emotions' Messages: Consider what each emotion might be signaling about your needs or circumstances. Journaling can be a good tool for this.
Validate Without Judgement: Accept your emotions without labelling them as 'good' or 'bad.' This can foster a better relationship with your emotional self.
Feeling stuck? Take one small action toward your goal today, no matter how unmotivated you feel. Progress fuels motivation, not the other way around. Choose one simple step you can take now, and watch how momentum builds from there.
It’s Not What You Say—It’s What They Hear: Mastering Effective Communication
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Effective communication isn't judged by what is said but by the impact it has on the recipient. By focusing on the results of our communication rather than simply what we express, we can create deeper understanding and stronger connections.
Why this Matters
All too often, we find ourselves misunderstood or unable to convey our intentions clearly, leading to frustration and miscommunication. By shifting our focus to how our messages are received and understood, we can enhance personal and professional relationships and achieve better outcomes.
From Expression to Impact
The real measure of successful communication is not in the clarity of your message but in how it influences the thoughts and behaviours of those you are communicating with. Instead of focusing purely on expression, pay attention to the effects.Actionable Steps:
Observe Reactions: Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues in your audience to gauge understanding and impact.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback to understand how your communication is being perceived.
Adapt and Adjust: Be flexible in your approach. If the initial message doesn't land well, be prepared to try a different strategy.
Cultivating Responsive Communication
Communication should be a two-way street where both speaking and actively listening are equally valued. Emphasising the responsiveness instead of the delivery enhances the overall impact.Actionable Steps:
Practise Active Listening: Focus on truly understanding what the other person is conveying without formulating responses prematurely.
Clarify and Reflect: Use reflective responses to ensure understanding, repeating back what the other person has said in your own words.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where questions and clarifications are welcome, thereby ensuring the message is correctly received and interpreted.
Consider the difference between what's spoken and what's heard in your interactions. Evaluate your communication by the response it evokes. How will you adapt your approach to ensure your messages have the desired impact? Share this perspective with a colleague or friend who might benefit from recalibrating their communication skills.
Fuelling Startup Innovation Through Agility and Autonomy
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Startups thrive when agility meets self-management. By embracing adaptability and empowering team members with decision-making authority, startups can maintain a fast-paced, innovative environment that continuously evolves.
Why this Matters
In the startup world, constant change is the norm. Rigid processes can stifle creativity, while agile practices and self-management empower teams to adapt quickly, test ideas, and scale what works. This dynamic balance drives breakthrough innovation in competitive markets.
Agility as a Startup Superpower
Agility in startups means more than just responding to change—it’s about proactively seeking opportunities through experimentation. Agile startups can outpace competitors by testing, learning, and pivoting faster.Actionable Steps:
Adopt Lean Startup Methods: Use principles from The Lean Startup by Eric Ries to build, measure, and learn continuously.
Launch MVPs Fast: Build Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) to test assumptions quickly with real users.
Hold Weekly Sprints or Retrospectives: Use short, focused sprints to stay adaptable while learning from past results.
Self-Management for Startup Teams
Startups succeed when teams aren’t micromanaged but trusted with autonomy. Self-managed teams take initiative, solve problems creatively, and share accountability—key traits in fast-growing environments.Actionable Steps:
Define Startup-Level Goals Clearly: Use shared OKRs to align teams on startup goals while leaving execution up to them.
Empower Decision-Making on the Frontlines: Allow team leads and specialists to make key decisions without unnecessary approvals.
Foster Learning Through Fail-Forward Culture: View failures as experiments. Celebrate lessons learned to boost team confidence and resilience.
Agility and self-management aren’t just buzzwords—they’re lifelines for startups navigating uncertainty. Take one actionable idea from this article and apply it to your startup this week. Consider how trusting your team’s autonomy or launching a quick experiment could spark innovation and drive success.
The Secrets to Good Sleep No Matter Your Shift
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
No matter your work schedule, you can achieve quality sleep by creating a consistent routine, managing your environment, and supporting your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. These strategies ensure better rest even with rotating or night shifts.
Why this Matters
Irregular work shifts disrupt the body's internal clock, making restful sleep difficult. However, by adopting proven strategies, shift workers can align their routines with their body's needs, improving rest, focus, and overall well-being.
Build a Consistent Sleep Routine
Consistency signals the body that it’s time to rest, even if sleep hours are unconventional. By keeping a steady sleep schedule, the body can adjust more effectively.Actionable Steps:
Stick to a Fixed Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same times daily, even on days off.
Create a Wind-Down Routine: Develop a calming pre-sleep ritual like reading or meditating to prepare the mind for rest.
Avoid “Revenge Bedtime Procrastination”: Skip the urge to stay up late catching up on personal time after a shift.
Optimize Your Sleep Environment
A sleep-friendly environment can counteract shift-related sleep disruptions, helping the body relax and sustain deeper rest.Actionable Steps:
Control Light Exposure: Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask to simulate nighttime, even during daylight hours.
Manage Sound: Use earplugs, white noise machines, or calming sound apps to block disruptive noises.
Regulate Temperature: Keep the room cool for optimal sleep conditions.
Optimize Your Sleep Environment
Even with changing shifts, supporting the body’s circadian rhythm can enhance sleep quality and energy levels.Actionable Steps:
Get Natural Light Exposure: Spend time outside during daylight hours to reset your internal clock.
Limit Caffeine & Stimulants: Avoid these within six hours of your intended sleep time.
Use Melatonin Wisely: Consider melatonin supplements with professional advice to regulate sleep timing.
Shift work doesn’t have to mean poor sleep. Choose one strategy from this list and apply it this week. Consistency, a sleep-friendly environment, and mindful habits can help you rest better and stay energized. What action will you take today for better sleep, no matter your shift?
5 Things High Achievers Should Do For Their Mental Wellbeing (But Usually Don’t Do)
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
I’ve written this article based on my own personal experience as well as my experience of coaching high achievers. Many of the high achievers I’ve coached were sceptical regarding the five tips I describe below but have, upon implementing them in their routines, started leading a more joyful life full of exciting opportunities.
1. Take time to relax
Yes, I know, you probably want to fit more into your day and taking time to relax seems counterproductive… but bear with me for a moment! The single most important piece in your life is that you yourself function well. Stephen Covey wrote in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that “most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.”There will be tasks that seem more urgent to you than taking time to relax but I ask you to think more long-term. Be aware of prioritising not-so-important but seemingly urgent tasks over the truly important things. Michael Neill, author and coach of high performers even goes so far as to say “the feeling urgency is one of the most reliable indicators that what you actually need to do is slow down and take a break.”So, how does taking time to relax look like? I'd like to invite you to properly take time to relax. I would like you to go “all in” – no half-way relaxing, no relaxing but doing something else on the side, just relaxing: Going for a walk or meditation could be examples of this.If you have no experience of meditation, look for a guided meditation. Otherwise, you can just put a timer, close your eyes, and let go of any desire to control anything.
2. Enjoy yourself
Building on the theme of 1. (that your highest goal is to function well), we have to admit that any human functions better when they feel good. We are most productive when we feel positively challenged and excited, we connect best with others when we enjoy our life and love ourselves, etc.One simple yet powerful technique I do frequently with my clients is asking them to write a list of things that give them joy. Commonly they write down things like being around friends and family, reading, listening to music, dancing, being in nature, eating good food, etc.I'd like you to create such a list. Take 10 minutes or however long it takes you to write down 10-20 items. If you like homework, the homework for you is to engage in one or more of these activities each and every day from now on.
3. Close mental chapters
This point is sometimes mentioned in business literature but with a different twist. Traumas of any severity exist because of stories that haven’t been completed, that still have an open end to it (either in reality or in the mind of the person). Looked at it from another side, I have noticed that I am most productive when I can focus in on one single task and don’t have to think about anything else - I’m sure you can relate to that.The way to become more productive and to recover from traumas is to close these mental chapters. Sometimes,
these mental chapters are conversations:
Something you still have to tell your parents, an unfinished argument with your partner, an email that you haven’t received a reply to yet, etc.
50% of these you can directly influence by taking the initiative to bring the conversation to an end. The other 50% of conversations are those, in which you are waiting for a reply. Here, I recommend Tim Ferriss’ tip to be specific and assertive to avoid unnecessary back and forth.
Choose the Right Setting: Write in a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. Avoid doing this exercise just before bed as it can disrupt sleep.
Write Continuously: Don’t stop to censor or edit your thoughts—keep the flow going. It’s okay to pause for emotions (e.g., tears), but resume writing without judgment.
Optional Analysis: If you wish, review your writing later to observe the shift from negative to more positive language and coherence over the sessions. You can also tear up the writing afterward if that feels right for you.
4. Sleep a lot
The more active – physically or mentally – you are, the more important it is to have a proper rest. During sleep, memories are consolidated and your ability to concentrate is restored. Furthermore, muscles repair and recover. On the flipside, not resting enough will make you more prone to injury due to negligence (at home, in the traffic, etc.), experience depressive symptoms, difficulty concentrating, and cardiovascular diseases.How much sleep do you need? The average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day. The exact amount can vary from person to person though and can increase on exhausting days.
5. Prioritise relationships
High achievers are often lone wolves and work primarily independently – whether by themselves or in groups. This can be due to various reasons that I won’t explain here. What I want to draw your attention to is that being human is about collaboration. Yes, we might be efficient in working independently but ultimately, the human experience is about being together with others.I will, again, relate to Stephen Covey here. In the first chapters of the abovementioned book, he explains that we humans develop from being dependent (as a baby and child) to being independent (late teenage years). He then goes on explaining that Independence is not the highest level. Interdependence is.Interdependence requires a person to have known independence but also to have understood that living is about connecting with others and have chosen to relate to other people (knowing that they can go back to be independent whenever necessary).Please, start recognising this more in your life. Be kind to yourself and other people. Build quality relationships, express yourself vulnerably and ask for help.
Being Relentless: The Mindset of Unstoppable Success
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Being relentless means pushing beyond limits, embracing discomfort, and maintaining unwavering focus on your goals. Inspired by Tim Grover’s philosophy, this mindset separates elite performers from the rest by eliminating excuses and demanding excellence.
Why This Matters
Success isn’t about talent alone—it’s about an unyielding commitment to growth, discipline, and resilience. Tim Grover’s concept of being relentless is about cultivating a mental edge that allows you to thrive under pressure and outperform competition.
The Relentless Mindset
Relentless individuals don’t wait for motivation; they take action despite obstacles, fatigue, or doubt. This mindset is built through discipline, self-trust, and an obsession with improvement.Actionable Steps:
Eliminate Excuses: Identify common justifications for inaction and replace them with immediate execution.
Embrace Discomfort: View setbacks and resistance as necessary steps in the path to mastery.
Set Non-Negotiable Standards: Define clear personal expectations that you refuse to compromise.
Execution Over Emotion
Being relentless means taking action regardless of how you feel. Emotions fluctuate, but disciplined execution ensures progress.Actionable Steps:
Train Yourself to Show Up: Develop a habit of taking action even when motivation is low.
Detach From Feelings: Acknowledge emotions but don’t let them dictate decisions.
Create a Performance-Driven Routine: Structure your day around actions that build consistency.
The Relentless Approach to Competition
Relentless individuals don’t compete to participate; they compete to dominate. They analyze, adapt, and push beyond conventional limits to create undeniable success.Actionable Steps:
Study Your Competition Relentlessly: Learn their strengths and weaknesses to create a strategic edge.
Refuse to Settle: Push past “good enough” and aim for absolute mastery.
Develop an Obsession With Winning: Channel focus into continuous skill improvement and mental resilience.
Being relentless isn’t for everyone—it’s for those who refuse to settle for mediocrity. Decide today: What’s one excuse you’ll eliminate? What’s one action you’ll commit to daily, no matter how you feel? Take the first step and commit to relentless execution.
Break Free From Your Personality, It's Limiting You!
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Personality is not a fixed identity but a social construct largely created as a coping mechanism during by early life experiences. By questioning and redefining it, we open ourselves to limitless growth, transformation, and new ways of being.
Why This Matters
Many people feel confined by their personality, believing it defines who they are. However, personality is not innate—it is a learned response to external influences. When we stop identifying with these self-imposed limitations, we gain the freedom to choose how we show up in the world.
Personality as a Coping Mechanism
What we call personality is often a collection of habits and defenses we formed to navigate our formative years. It’s not who we are—it’s who we learned to be.Actionable Steps:
Observe Your Patterns: Notice recurring behaviours and ask, “Is this truly me, or is this how I’ve learned to protect myself?”
Challenge Your Labels: Replace statements like “I’m just not confident” with “What if I chose confidence in this moment?”
Experiment With New Ways of Being: Act outside your usual tendencies and see what changes (see below).
Breaking Free from Personality Constraints
Since personality is constructed, it can also be deconstructed. You are not obligated to remain the person you’ve always been.Actionable Steps:
Observe Your Patterns: Notice recurring behaviours and ask, “Is this truly me, or is this how I’ve learned to protect myself?”
Adopt the Creator Mindset: Instead of thinking, “This is just who I am,” shift to “I am whoever I decide to be.”
Use Language to Reshape Identity: Speak in ways that reinforce possibility, e.g., “I am becoming more…” rather than “I’ve never been good at…”
Commit to Fluidity: Allow yourself to change, grow, and reinvent without attachment to past versions of yourself.
Your personality is not your prison—it’s just a habit. What would change in your life if you no longer let an old story define you? Choose today to break free from outdated identity constructs and step into who you truly want to become.
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Success Through the 4 Types of Social Support
by Jorim Holtey-Weber
TL;DR
Social support comes in four key forms: emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal. Understanding these types helps build meaningful connections by offering the right support when it’s needed most.
Why this Matters
Navigating life’s challenges is easier when we have supportive people around us. Each type of social support serves a unique role in fostering resilience, enhancing well-being, and strengthening relationships. By understanding these forms, we can better support others and seek the help we need.
Emotional Support
Emotional support provides empathy, love, and understanding. It’s about being present, listening without judgment, and validating emotions.Actionable Steps:
Give Support: Be present by offering a listening ear without trying to fix the problem.
Give Support: Use affirming phrases like “I’m here for you” or “That sounds really hard.”
Request Support: Let trusted individuals know when you need someone to listen without offering solutions.
Request Support: Ask for emotional validation by expressing how you feel and what kind of support you need.
Instrumental Support
Instrumental support involves providing tangible help. It’s about offering resources, practical assistance, or services that ease someone’s burden.Actionable Steps:
Give Support: Share actionable insights rather than overwhelming someone with too much information.
Request Support: Seek clear and specific advice when facing uncertainty or complex decisions.
Give Support: Share relevant examples or experiences to make guidance more relatable.
Request Support: Ask others for examples or experiences to better understand your options.
Informational Support
Informational support involves sharing knowledge, advice, or guidance to help someone solve problems or make decisions.Actionable Steps:
Give Support: Share actionable insights rather than overwhelming someone with too much information.
Request Support: Seek clear and specific advice when facing uncertainty or complex decisions.
Give Support: Share relevant examples or experiences to make guidance more relatable.
Request Support: Ask others for examples or experiences to better understand your options.
Appraisal Support
Appraisal support focuses on offering constructive feedback, encouragement, and validation. It helps individuals recognize their strengths and build confidence.Actionable Steps:
Give Support: Recognize accomplishments clearly, e.g., “Your presentation was well-researched and engaging.”
Request Support: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for constructive feedback to help you improve.
Give Support: Use a supportive tone and focus on how to improve without criticism.
Request Support: Request specific feedback on strengths and areas for growth when preparing for challenges.
Social support strengthens our ability to thrive in life’s ups and downs. Reflect on which type of support you give most often and where you might improve. Also, consider where you could be more proactive in asking for support. What type of support will you engage with today to make a meaningful impact?