Ben Thinking: Don't look back.

We can only go one way.

(Originally released 7.20.26)

I used to be one of those people who treated summer vacations as the half time of the year. I’d look back, reflect on how things have gone…think about what I wanted to accomplish, needed to focus on, holes that had to be filled, etc., to make it through the back half of the year.

I don’t do that anymore.

A few reasons:

As Freddie Mercury sang, time waits for nobody. What you were trying to solve for in February doesn’t even exist in June.
Unless I can learn from it, I’m not looking back. Everything forward. And by forward, I mean the moment right in front of me.
Jack of all, master of none has never fit more than it does today. Be certain about your thing v. hedging on many.

I share this now because I think a lot of people are feeling that. It’s not that they won’t…it’s that they can’t. No one is meant to process everything. So when we have these moments and these feelings, it’s even more important to focus on what we do know. The blocking and tackling. The foundation. If we can build on that, we just need to worry about being flexible enough to take what’s thrown at us.

For example, you don’t have to learn everything there is to know about AI. But you do need to understand how your skills, your capabilities and your business co-exists with it. This thinking isn’t driven by the latest and greatest; it’s rooted in living your purpose.

Don’t waste time on what won’t be there. Invest in what always will be.

Onto what I’ve ‘Ben Thinking’ about:

You don’t have to take my word for it.

“The job has changed, here’s what I’ve learned leading through it” is a new piece in Chief Executive.

The subhead: in an age of abundant information, good judgement may become the most valuable skill in business.

You’re doing such great work! Please don’t leave – here’s more work!

I’m not sure why, but some employers/managers think the best way to keep a star employee is to reward them with more work…without realizing that’s the very thing burning them out. In fact, it increases their chances of looking for a new job by 40%.

Read more in Quartz: The real costs of an uneven workload.

Good news? How did that make in here?

U.S. manufacturing has reported its 6^th straight month of growth.

What’s a four-letter word for branding?

YETI. Great example of a brand leveraging itself to connect with its audience.

4 hidden traps of team dynamics. 6 ways to avoid them.

My favorite fix (from the HBR article): “Strong teams don’t think alike. They think together.”

(Ok Mike…I see you and your nod to The Odyssey.)

Extreme heat is becoming a workplace hazard.

The long-term effects on workers cannot be ignored. Companies that take an aggressive step towards protecting their employees are creating employer brand differentiation.

For the pod squad.

8 Things to Tell Yourself Every Morning. – Mel Robbins.

I promise you, the first one will mess with your head.

This is supposed to be fun.

The Avengers: Doomsday trailer is here.

A few Cliff Clavins for ya.

Are you traveling this summer? Here are gas prices, by state.
“Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)” by The Eagles is the number one selling album in the U.S. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Witchy Woman is on that album.
The World Cup final broke viewership records (63M)…which is half of the last Super Bowl’s viewership (125.6M)

A few Ben Bruglers for ya.

The Odyssey is everything you hear about it. Literally, everything. I don’t have words and need to see it again to start forming some thoughts. But Christopher Nolan, you win.
Side note: I also saw The Invite this weekend and it is quite the gem.
The World Cup was awesome. And…in answer to the question ‘did it need a halftime show?’ What kind of question is that? Do we need to see Madonna rocking it out at 67? Yes. Shakira at 49? Hell yes. Although, Biebs, the song selection could use some work.
I finished Dutton Ranch. Man, Beth and Rip…you guys rock. There’s nothing you can’t do. Taking on a Mexican drug cartel? Man, Ozark made that shit look hard but you guys? Ain’t no thang. I have to wait HOW long for season 2??
I started Marshalls. Man, Casey…you suck.

Thanks for reading!

-Ben