Happy Wednesday!
You are reading my first of an email Newsletter I'm calling Words of Wisdom. I'll share specific words of wisdom on a particular topic, something I'm learning, perhaps a resource, and a question I'm asking.
Doing a consistent email newsletter is something I've wanted to start for a long time. Back when I co-founded rTribe, from 2015-2019, we built up an email list of more than 200,000 emails. But I didn't prioritize email with all the other duties that it took to run that business. This will be different, and I'm starting this newsletter from scratch. I plan to send this email newsletter out every Wednesday for the next 30 years. I hope you join me.
On to the newsletter!
On facing uncertainty
To grow in fortitude, learn to embrace taking bold action in the face of uncertainty. Outcomes are never guaranteed. Growth requires risk. Learning to accept the unknown is key to progress.
But how do you find clarity in the chaos of uncertainty? What can bring hope?
Principled action is how to focus your efforts and forge a path forward when the best choice is unclear. And the way is always uncertain.
To grow in fortitude, daily expose yourself to uncertainty. Learn not only to endure but to invite and embrace difficulty. Regularly face obstacles and challenges that require courage, hope, and curiosity.
Choose difficult things every day to grow your discipline, and in turn, you will increase your influence and freedom.
A question
Choose 3 difficulties and ask yourself: What is the opportunity here?
Books About Facing Uncertainty
With all the uncertainty that the last 18 months have brought, I decided to dig into history to remind myself that this is not the first time entire continents have undergone massive upheaval.
I've enjoyed two books recently that go into great detail on the challenges of facing uncertainty. In Grant Moves South and Grant Takes Command, author Bruce Catton insightfully recounts the gripping tale of U.S. Grant, his rise to become a General in the Civil War, and how he navigates the difficulties of leadership. War brings out complicated variables, many unforeseen challenges. Grant was a master at strategy and taking bold action in the face of the brutal reality of facing death and the uncertainty of war.
Another book helpful with facing uncertainty is the classic Man's Search for Meaning. It should be required reading for all humans. Viktor Frankl gives a stunning account of surviving the holocaust and what led some to survive and others to die in unspeakable deprivation and difficulty.
Endnote
If someone comes to mind who might enjoy getting a dose of weekly wisdom, I'd love it if you shared Words of Wisdom with a friend or three. You can send them here to sign up. I hope to make it one of the best emails you get each week!
Live wisely,
Josh
