Take the meat, spit the bones…Walk good. 28all. Eya. *GC, PR*

The Warm-Up: 

“I don’t think we invest in friendships enough as a society relative to romantic relationships.” ~Vedika Jain

The Core: 

“I bear the wounds of all the battles I avoided.” ~Fernando Pessoa

“Think like an artist. Execute like a machine. Rest like an athlete.” ~Shane Parrish

“Being ‘colorblind’ is not the solution to racism. See people fully. Love people deeply. ‘I don’t see color’ doesn’t eradicate racism.” ~Bernice King

“Not all feedback is an attack. Being quick to shift to warrior mode is a trauma response that can sabotage your friendships and relationships.” ~Dr. Thema Bryant

“Don’t force other people to learn it the hard way just because you did…Don’t waste your time with people who don’t respect you, that’s basic self-respect.” ~Orange Book

“Pressure is a privilege…You’re not gonna find greatness on a beach. You’re gonna find it in the struggle.” ~Monty Williams, the Suns’ coaches’ message to players during the playoffs

“Money buys happiness in the same way drugs bring pleasure: Incredible if done right, dangerous if used to mask a weakness, and disastrous when no amount is enough.” ~Morgan Housel, The Highest Forms of Wealth

“Racism has no regard for respectability. Sagging pants or suit. Senate or street. Reminder: My father was assassinated, while wearing a suit, for challenging racism, poverty and militarism with a nonviolent strategy.” ~Bernice King

“Leverage University: Writing. Speaking. Coding. Raising money. Storytelling. Recruiting. Management. Reputation. Saving. Health. Systems. Media/content. Positioning. Float financing…Wish someone would start this college.” ~Patrick O’Shaughnessy

“Three major pathways to success: Be very good at kissing ass and playing politics / Becoming so elite at a specific skill that you’re always valued / Being a tough and patient person, willing to adapt and outlive career and social discomforts as your skills and vision develop.” ~Nait Jones

“Being clear about ‘who’s it for?’ and ‘what’s it for?’ is the actual hard work of developing customers. And if you’re not gaining traction, deciding to hype harder is not the right choice. Traction doesn’t come from more social posting or working your network and asking for favors. Traction comes from accompanying the customers you’ve chosen on a journey that they’re eager to go on.” ~Seth Godin, Customer Development

“I don’t have the slightest idea how you processed the whispers—how/if/when you managed to eke out the appreciation of your worth. It’s hard out here for a Black girl. Harder still for a Black girl in a white world. I know I don’t have to tell you that, Kam. I certainly had a hard enough time as a Black boy. I too know how unworthiness feels. I’m sorry I didn’t step in to remind you of your glory. I expect you’re on to wondrous things now. Teenage gossip cuts shallow, biting wounds. Most recover. My sister is doing well today…It makes them special, not unique. They give me confidence that you’re excelling, by your own standards if not theirs. I hope you’re told you matter by those who matter to you. If not, my line’s always open.” ~Cole Brown, Greyboy

Last Set: 

“If you want to create a lot of value you have to do. Value isn’t created by coming up with ideas, commenting at meetings, forwarding emails, making PowerPoints, reading social media, getting organized, etc. At best, these are low value. Value is created by doing.” ~Shane Parrish

Food for Thought:

This is a special FFT not simply because the message resonates with me for a litany of reasons, but also due to how I received it. Some may say it’s the grace of God. Yet, as I’m sitting here listening to DONDA, I’m again reminded that there is a higher power at work. Thank you, GC, for sharing this article, but also sharing the MML with folk that are close to you. Nonetheless, I’d be remiss if I aint thank Poppa Christ—…the MML has long been about all of—us.

“ ‘Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy,’ wrote F. Scott Fitzgerald. But the heroism of Black athletes is also a story of resilience. For many African American athletes — and the Black fans watching them — winning isn't just crossing the finish line. It's a symbol of every Black American hurdling and dodging the multitude of cultural, economic, educational, health and other obstacles launched like grenades in their lane, meant to stop them…Athletes always wonder what their legacy will be. But they can make choices during and after their career to ensure their legacy reflects their values and their cultural history. We just have to remember that sports records come and go, but social justice can change lives forever.” ~Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Continues His Fight for Racial Equality

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