06/01/2026
Talks that make me think…
Happy 2026!
This past month, I listened to two talks that together offer a valuable reminder: ambition and adaptability must co-exist.
The first talk was one that I consciously decided to re-listen to, and that was Start with the End in Mind by Isaiah Hankel. I first came across this talk around ten years ago, and it has stayed with me ever since. Hankel explains how visualising the outcome we want, and then working backwards to build a roadmap, significantly increases our chances of success. I also love his insight into how our energy shifts when we clearly define what we are aiming for. https://lnkd.in/gzpXPFgs
But clearly defined goals are only half of what sustains us.
The second talk I listened to was 4 Car Accidents, a Concussion, and the Unpredictability of Life by Jeff Sanders from The 5AM Miracle. I love this in juxtaposition to the first talk. The message is unmistakable: life happens, and if we become too rigid, it can actually get in the way of achieving our goals. We can set a target and pursue it with laser focus, only to find that unexpected events, changing environments, shifting priorities, or unplanned opportunities require us to adapt. A flexible mindset allows us to recalibrate, adjust our strategies, and keep moving forward when life throws something unexpected our way. https://lnkd.in/ga3Xb-4S
For me, the connection between the two talks is powerful:
Goals help us define where we are headed
Flexibility determines how well we navigate the inevitable detours
Both are essential for our personal and professional growth.
When I undertook my 50 Books exercise, I received some amazing book recommendations and ended up reading some incredible books that I may not have come across otherwise. If you have a favourite TED Talk or Podcast, I would love to hear from you.
Feel free to reach out: [email protected]
