What I Learned From Being Told “Not Good Enough”
Bringing you a video version of the Leadership Brief! Let's keep the momentum up in Q1 of 2025!
As expected, here is a list of leadership thoughts I'm pondering, products/services I'm using daily, topics I'm studying, and sometimes (just for fun) what I'm currently listening to.
I hope you're doing well and that this content levels up your leadership at home and at the office. If so, feel free to forward this along to anyone who would also find it helpful. If not, tell me what would be more helpful!
What I Am Thinking
Focus on your path. There's a deep satisfaction in a job well done, and it eliminates the need for comparison. We are each responsible for our actions.
A thought from the group this morning: We talked about our place in the world, our "puzzle piece." Sometimes, we feel insignificant, like just a piece of sky. But are you the best version of your piece? Are you trying to be someone else's?
Are you living your own life or trying to emulate another's? Don't compare yourself to others. Focus on being the best you can be, using your unique gifts. Are you supporting those around you?
Want to hear more? Check out the full video
What I Am Using Daily
We recently got back from visiting my sister in Florida, and I stumbled upon something interesting—a new honey dispenser. Melissa loves leaving the honey out, and I find myself putting it away multiple times a day. This new dispenser is a game-changer. Easy to use, convenient, and keeps things tidy! Granted, I did notice it’s “frequently returned,” so we’ll see how long it lasts. But for now—so far, so good!
What I Am Listening To
I’m loving Zach Bryan’s new single! His music just has that sing-along, sit-around-the-campfire vibe that makes you feel good. Even if some of his songs lean a little sad, there’s something about them that brings people together. I’m also enjoying Josiah Queen’s music—it’s in that same heartfelt, singable style.
If you’re a fan of raw, heartfelt storytelling, Zach Bryan’s latest release, “Dear Miss,” is a must-listen. With his signature blend of gritty folk, country soul, and poetic lyricism, Bryan delivers a track that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
This song captures the essence of longing and reflection, with stripped-down instrumentals that let the lyrics take center stage. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or taking a moment to appreciate life’s ups and downs, Dear Miss is the perfect soundtrack.
?? Listen here: Dear Miss – Zach Bryan
What’s on your playlist this week? Hit reply and share your current favorite track—we’d love to hear what’s keeping you inspired! ???
What I Am Studying
Putting in the work for excellence. Mastery = Excellence + Uniqueness. Getting pushed to take things up several notches and getting out of my comfort zone when it’s paired with my superpower.
I recently shared some thoughts on mastery—which I define as excellence paired with your unique ability. This concept has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect.
I was working on a major project, and I brought in a partner to help refine it. He pushed me hard—telling me my content, formatting, and messaging weren’t good enough. I initially resisted, thinking, That’s not my superpower, but then I realized: that sometimes, in order to fully express your strengths, you need to grow in areas of weakness.
This reminded me of the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The servant who multiplied what he was given heard, Well done, good and faithful servant. That’s what I want to hear at the end of my time here on Earth. To achieve mastery, we must pursue excellence in areas that complement our unique strengths.
What I Am YOKED To
Playing off of what I’m studying above, I want to be a 5-talent servant. Two verses stood out to me this week:
Hebrews 12:11 –
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Romans 12:6-8 –
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
So let’s make this a year of excellence and mastery, not just in what we’re naturally good at, but also in the areas that refine us and make us better.
What’s one area where you feel stretched right now? How could growing in that area help you maximize your unique ability? Hit reply and let me know!
I hope this edition is helpful to you. Please hit reply to let me know what you want more of (or less of). Other suggestions? Please let me know.
Here’s to leading with purpose,
Peter and the White Stone Coaching Team