[antifragile 4 🔥] 🇺🇸 an election thought, the power of defining "old", US Gymnastics coach on patience, a hard question from Friedrich Nietzsche, "having to" vs "getting to"

#21: a weekly 4-item newsletter created to inspire dads to use the challenges of fatherhood as fuel for building an incredible life & an antifragile mind.

🇺🇸 An Unwarranted Election Thought

I choose to believe we live in a country full of loving people who care deeply for their families and the communities around them. We may disagree (strongly) on the “how” of moving forward, but hate & disgust only lead us down dangerous roads.

This moment is painful for many and joyous for others. I plan to have love for and seek connection with both.

Be curious. Not judgmental. ❤️

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Welcome to the 21st edition of the antifragile 4 🔥.

It’s a weekly 4-item newsletter from The Antifragile Dad created to inspire dads to use the challenges of fatherhood as fuel for building an incredible life & an antifragile mind. Some weeks will have a theme, others will meander. Expect it every Friday.

Here’s this week’s antifragile 4 🔥:

1. a reminder 💪 about the power your definition of “old” holds

2. an email 🤸🏽 from a US Gymnastics coach on patience & performance

3. a hard question 🤔 from Friedrich Nietzsche

4. an idea ⚛ from Atomic Habits on “having to” vs “getting to”

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1.) a reminder 💪 about the power your definition of “old” holds

Jokes about “getting old” at our age are everpresent.

We’re always aging, there’s no escaping that. But getting “old” is a decision.

Instead, can you decide to be young/energized/strong?

2.) an email 🤸🏽 from a US Gymnastics coach on patience & performance

I love this email from Christopher Sommer, former US gymnastics team coach. It speaks directly to the impatience that has plagued my life in so many areas.

Dealing with the temporary frustration of not making progress is an integral part of the path towards excellence. In fact, it is essential and something that every single elite athlete has had to learn to deal with. If the pursuit of excellence was easy, everyone would do it.

In fact, this impatience in dealing with frustration is the primary reason that most people fail to achieve their goals. Unreasonable expectations timewise, resulting in unnecessary frustration, due to a perceived feeling of failure. Achieving the extraordinary is not a linear process.

The secret is to show up, do the work, and go home.

-Christopher Sommer

Thanks to Alex G for reminding me of this one!

3.) a hard question 🤔 from Friedrich Nietzsche

4.) an idea ⚛ from Atomic Habits on “having to” vs “getting to”

I remember reading this idea, from James Clear, years ago. It’s a powerful reframe.

That you don’t “have to” do something, but rather “get to” do something.

You don’t:

• “have to” wake up early

• “have to” go for a run

• “have to” read a book instead of TV

• “have to” abstain from crappy foods

Instead, you:

• “get to” wake up early

• “get to” go for a run

• “get to” read a book instead of TV

• “get to” abstain from crappy foods

Wow. How lucky are you? 😉

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Two last things for you this week:

1. Find something redeeming about someone you vehemently disagree with. Extra credit points are awarded if you tell them to their face.

2. Be fire and wish for the wind 🔥

With love,
Chris