9 powerful ways to level up your thinking:

1. 10-Year Horizon
↳ "Plan in decades, think in years, work in months, live in days."

2. SWOT Analysis
↳ Before any major decision, map your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

3. Second-Order Thinking
↳ Think beyond what happens next by asking “And then what?”

4. Inversion
↳ Imagine the worst possible outcome, then work backwards to prevent it.

5. Kaizen and Kaikaku
↳ Balance incremental improvements with breakthrough innovations.

6. Category of One
↳ Create something so unique that you escape competition entirely.

7. Skill Stacking
↳ Become top 10% in several skills, and you create a rare combination that opens top 1% opportunities.

8. Barbell Strategy
↳ Place 90% of your time, money, and energy into low-risk bets and 10% into high-risk, high-upside opportunities.

9. Regret Minimization
↳ When facing tough decisions, ask: "Will I regret not trying this in 10 years?"

The best part?

You can apply these to your career, business, and life.

Start with one. Master it. Then move to the next.

You’ll be thinking strategically in no time.

Navigate away from toxic leadership with these 7 steps
(your career will thank you):

Earlier this week, I posted about positive vs. toxic leadership.

As part of my research, I found that 56% of employees report having "toxic" workplace leaders! *

That is wild!

Toxic leadership can cast a long shadow on workplace culture.

Recognizing toxic traits is the first step towards illumination:

➟ Arrogance and Self-interest
➟ Lack of Confidence and Incompetence
➟ Inconsistent Expectations and Discrimination
➟ Overemphasis on Hierarchy and Ignoring Feedback

The fallout is real—workplace bullying, unproductive behavior, psychological distress, and more.


Here's how you can deal with it:

1️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
↳ Attempt to help rather than passing judgment. It can transform perspectives.

2️⃣ 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
↳ Stay composed. Controlling your reactions preserves your professionalism.

3️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:
↳ Keep records. It’s your safety net when memory fails or disputes arise.

4️⃣ 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀:
↳ Draw clear lines. Professional boundaries protect your mental space and well-being.

5️⃣ 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲:
↳ Engage in honest conversations. Candidness can be the catalyst for change.

6️⃣ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆:
↳ Clarify expectations and instructions. Misunderstandings breed discontent.

7️⃣ 𝗘𝗴𝗼 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲:
↳ Focus on the job. Invest your energy in your work, not in clashing egos.


We spend a significant slice of life at work; don't let toxicity darken it.

Steering clear of toxic traits and handling challenging leadership with grace can light up your path to career success.

Have you ever faced toxic leadership, and how did you navigate through it?

* From a research study by workplace consulting firm, Life Meets Work
______________

Feeling good makes you 12% more productive. Stress does the opposite.”

Most people think productivity is about working harder.

But the real secret? Feeling good.

Positive emotions don’t just lift your mood – they drive performance.

Here’s why:
More energy → Positivity generates momentum.
Less stress → Positive feelings undo the damage stress causes.
Better results → People who feel good are more creative, focused, and productive.

So, how can you feel good and get more done?

PLAY → Approach work with lightness and creativity.
POWER → Take ownership of your job and life balance.
PEOPLE → Surround yourself with those who energise and support you.
Success doesn’t lead to happiness.
Happiness leads to success.

Revenge is a waste of time.Your energy is better spent on this:

Most people think “getting back” at someone means winning.

But Marcus Aurelius said it best:

“The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.”

Here’s what that looks like in practice

Stay calm in conflict
↳ Losing your temper only gives them control

Keep your integrity
↳ Don’t compromise your values just to “win”

Focus on your goals
↳ Obsession with others only slows your growth

Let actions speak
↳ Success is louder than any comeback

Rise above. Win silently.

Everyone's a critic.

Only 1% build anything worth critiquing.

Credit to my buddy Rohan Sheth for this one.

People love to show up and give their unsolicited "insight"...
Then vanish when it's time to do actual work.

Meanwhile, the people who are actually building get:

Mocked from the start
Judged for their process
Ignored when they're struggling

And then suddenly celebrated when they find success.

If that sounds familiar, take a look around.

If your circle is full of critics and spectators...
You're in the wrong room.

You need people who contribute.
Who uplift you and encourage you.
Who challenge you when it matters.
Who actually give a sh*t whether you win or not.

Start here:

1. Stop judging people who are trying
↳ If they're putting effort in, they're ahead of everyone waiting for perfect.

2. Encourage more than you think you need to
↳ A one-line message can make a huge difference.

3. Give without expectations
↳ If you've got experience, share it. Don't hold it hostage.

4. Don't just show up at the finish line
↳ Show up when it's messy. That's when it counts most.

5. Protect your energy
↳ If your environment's draining you, you're bleeding potential.

And if you can't find people like that?

Be the one who sets the standard.
Operate at a higher level, and watch who starts showing up.

Your network should elevate your output.

If it's not, build a better one.

Share this to help others build a stronger network.
And follow me, Brad Weimert, for more.