Connecting the Contours: 11
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At 19, I was ready to cash in my chips. I didn’t want to be here anymore and didn’t have the coping skills to navigate it. At 30, I’ve found gratitude to be the common thread in my journey from that place.
“We find what we look for” is a belief that intersects many modes of therapy, sobriety, stoicism, and mindfulness.
The good news is that a better life starts by looking for one. Once we believe it’s a place we can reach, ownership is the vehicle and gratitude is the accelerator.
hey. hi. hello.
Welcome back or welcome to the Connecting the Contours newsletter.
I first heard the phrase “sick and tired of being sick and tired” when I got sober.
That definitely summed it up. We don’t change until the pain cant be ignored — when inaction finally outweighs the scariness of doing something about it.
In those moments, the realization is never new. But making a decision and taking action? That’s new.
here’s what to know from below.
CtC updates to subscriptions and chat threads.
authenticity as the root of resonance.
explore more of CtC here.
some quick updates.
new CtC chat threads.
There’s a new addition to Connecting the Contours: a subscriber-only chat.
A group chat of sorts, for subscribers like you, in the Substack app. I'll drop new threads in there throughout each week and you can chime in on the topic du jour.
*please note: your inbox is safe — new chat threads will *not* be sent sent via email.
new paid subscription options: what to know.
what’s not changing: creating work weeks that don’t suck.
That’s my mission to all subscribers of this newsletter. To help you link together days and weeks where you actually cross things off of your to-do list.
That hasn’t changed. Neither has your access to the resources shared here that help you to:
define clear and actionable goals.
build systems of accountability that grow with you.
prioritize where and how you spend your time.
strengthen your ability to make stressful decisions.
what is changing: new paid-only posts and offers.
In my mission to create work weeks that don’t suck, I offer courses, workshops, and consulting to overwhelmed tech leaders so they can build effective teams, systems, and sales cycles.
Paid subscribers will receive:
Subscriber-only posts and access to the full post archive.
Enhanced contributor access to our subscriber community.
Early, member-only pricing on my marketing & sales courses.
This is a choose-your-own adventure. Whichever level of subscription fits you best, I appreciate that you’re here. Thanks for being part of the journey.
the latest | from the blog.
you may also enjoy.
the latest | from my own rotation.
watch.
Your Insecurity is a Superpower with Andrew.
The science behind dramatically better conversations with Charles Duhigg.
Running Australia’s hardest 100km while needing a hip replacement with Beau Miles.
listen.
Matt Lerner on how to scale your startup with Ali Abdaal.
Parvarti Shallow on status vs power and success with Adam Grant.
Teddy Swims on his “overnight success” story with Armchair Expert.
read.
Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley.
Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute.
Unmask Imposter Syndrome: Stop Feeling Like A Fraud And Own Your True Strengths by Sabrina Ahmed.
spotlight.
Van Neistat is a filmmaker. Oh, um… excuse me. He’s an artist.
Van and Casey Neistat gained career traction together, working on the HBO series The Neistat Brothers. With a legendary artist like Tom Sachs as his mentor, Van’s methods highlight a deep appreciation for purposeful functionality. Known for using a unique storytelling style, he commonly combines vlogging with self-reflective narration.
A lot of Van’s work includes recurring themes like creativity, self-reliance, and the artistic process. I’m, personally, a fan of the dry delivery + shit-eating grin that frequent his videos.
His wisdom is almost hidden within the art he makes.
Almost.
talk soon.
Thank for being here. See you next time.
onward.
-dm
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Derek, it's a joy coming across your newsletter. I almost called you a "youngling", then I Googled the updated definition - from infancy to adulthood. So that doesn't fit.
You have arrived! and you are willing to share how to have a week that doesn't suck. I love that.
Be proud. You have an advocate and fan in someone who is more than twice your age.
BTW I got here because you restacked the Corporate Dropout Manual. You are wise and smart, Derek.