A lot to catch up on. First off, I no longer work at DoorDash. After 4.5 years, it was time to move on. I learned many lessons along the way and highlighted four of them here. Thank you, DoorDash.
Second, I joined Neighbor, a self-storage marketplace based in Lehi, UT, as their VP of People. I wasn’t actively looking for a new role, but after meeting Joseph and the leadership team, and after hearing the vision for the future, I was sold.
Neighbor recently raised $53 million and we’re hiring quickly so let me know if you or someone you know is interested!
Third, this is my first email since February. Not good. Sure, I’ve been busy the last few months (who hasn’t?), but but hasn’t kept me from hitting *publish* in the past. I’ve found that I often dread writing passages for the books I’ve read. I’ve thought about shortening them, but they’re not that long to begin with. Maybe it’s time to make a change to this format. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What do you think?
Books, articles, etc.
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins (Book)
This may be the 3rd or 4th Navy Seal book I’ve read so take this recommendation with a grain of salt… But, wow. David Goggins is one intense man.
I read this book while training for the St. George Ironman 70.3 (that was in early May) and it gave me motivation to push harder on numerous workouts. He shares some unbelievable stories but my favorite is when he duct taped his entire leg so he could battle through a broken knee and finish Seal training. If you’re looking for inspiration, or need a swift kick to get you going, Goggins is your guy. I should add that the language is strong so consider the clean edition if that’s a concern.
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant (Book)
The timing of this book is impeccable. Truth seeking has never been more important. We think we know everything. Our conviction is strong. But, as the title suggests, we often don’t know what we don’t know and need to be humble enough to question our beliefs. One of my rules for life — when Adam Grant writes a book, I read it. This one is no exception to the rule.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgensen (Book)
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, philosopher, and investor who has grown a massive following by sharing his principles for building wealth and creating long-term happiness. This book is a collection of his wisdom and experience from the last ten years, shared as a curation of his most insightful interviews and reflections.
A few favorite passages:
“No one can compete with you on being you. Most of life is a search for who and what needs you the most.”
“If you’re not willing to do a wholesale, 24/7, 100 percent swap with who that person is, then there is no point in being jealous.”
“Specific knowledge is found much more by pursuing your innate talents, your genuine curiosity, and your passion. It’s not by going to school for whatever is the hottest job; it’s not by going into whatever field investors say is the hottest.”
Observations
The Calming Power of Three Deep Breaths (Blog)
When was the last time you tossed aside your phone, closed your laptop, and just breathed? Deep breathing has a calming effect. It helps us relax our fight or flight response and it’s an exercise that can take as little as 60 seconds.
How To Make Room for Inspiration in Your Career (Podcast)
Some of the best career moves we'll ever make come from opportunities we didn't foresee. In the latest episode of The Not Your Parents’ Workplace Podcast, I share two different stories that teach how we can find more inspiration in our careers.
Gratitudes
I’ve found power in regularly expressing gratitude so I’ll continue the habit. I’m grateful for DoorDash. I experienced a range of emotions while reflecting on the last four and a half years, but the one I felt deepest is gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to join this great company. Gratitude to work with so many wonderful people. Gratitude for the insanely difficult moments that regularly pushed me to my limits and sometimes beyond. It wasn’t always easy and there were times throughout the journey when I wanted to throw in the towel, but there’s still very much to be grateful for.
If you've read anything worth sharing I'd love to hear about it. And do let me know if there's anything I can do to help you.
Nathan
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