Practical Advice for a Better You
Hey there,
You know those moments when you feel like you’re spinning your wheels, trying to make progress but not getting anywhere? Or when you’re overwhelmed by choices and can’t decide what’s actually worth your time?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned through trial, error, and a lot of hard work. Some are about focus, others about decision-making, and a few are just simple reminders I wish I’d learned earlier.
These ideas have helped me work smarter, make better decisions, and see results. I hope they do the same for you.
Let’s dive in:
1. What’s the one reason?
When you’re about to make a decision, ask yourself: What’s the one reason this is worth doing? If you can’t name a single, strong reason, step back and rethink.
I’ve caught myself making decisions based on a laundry list of weak arguments instead of one solid one. For example, I once took on a side project because I thought, “Well, it might help me grow, and I like the team, and it’s a cool idea.” But none of those reasons alone were enough to justify it. I ended up overwhelmed and regretting the choice.
The clearer your “why,” the more likely it is that you’re on the right track.
2. Focus wins over multitasking
I used to pride myself on being a multitasker. But the truth? Multitasking is a myth.
I’ll give you an example: When I was juggling multiple projects—spending 20 minutes here, 10 minutes there—nothing got the attention it deserved. Once I forced myself to sit down and focus on just one thing, everything changed. I finished faster, the quality improved, and I felt less stressed.
Next time you’re tempted to spread yourself thin, ask yourself: What deserves my full attention right now?
3. Hire for potential, not just skills
When I’ve had to work with others, the people who impressed me the most weren’t necessarily the ones with the most experience. They were the ones who could learn fast, think critically, and solve problems.
One colleague started with zero knowledge of a specific tool we were using but figured it out in record time. They went from beginner to expert in weeks because they had the intelligence and drive to grow. That’s the kind of person you want on your team—someone who can rise to the occasion, no matter the challenge.
4. Good enough isn’t good enough
Let’s talk about standards. Whether it’s work, a passion project, or something you’re creating for others, don’t stop at “good enough.”
I once worked on a presentation for weeks, tweaking it until it was nearly perfect. Someone asked me, “Why put so much effort into the details?” But when I saw the reaction—clients blown away by the clarity and design—I realized those extra hours were worth it.
Strive for extraordinary. The world rewards excellence.
5. Small things, big truths
The little things people do can reveal a lot.
Ever notice how some people always meet deadlines, no matter how busy they are? Or how others flake out on small commitments? These patterns tell you everything you need to know about how they’ll handle bigger responsibilities.
I’ve learned to watch for these cues—how someone responds to an email, the energy they bring to a meeting, or even their follow-through on small promises. These details often predict the bigger picture.
6. Don’t delay; solve now
Procrastination sneaks up on us in funny ways. Have you ever told yourself, “I’ll deal with that later,” only to have it pile up into something bigger?
I’ve found that most small problems can be handled immediately. If it takes less than five minutes, why wait? Whether it’s replying to an email, fixing an issue, or making a quick decision, handling it now frees up mental space for bigger things.
7. Listen to people who disagree with you
This one’s tough, but it’s worth it.
We all have blind spots. I’ve had moments where I was convinced my way was the best way—until someone with a different perspective challenged me. It’s not easy to hear criticism, but some of the best insights come from people who see things differently.
Find those people, listen carefully, and be open to what they can teach you.
8. Be skeptical of outside help
I’ve been burned by partnerships that sounded great on paper but didn’t deliver in practice.
Here’s the thing: No one outside your team will care about your goals as much as you do. Their priorities won’t always align with yours. That’s why I’ve learned to be cautious about outsourcing critical work. Trust is earned, not assumed.
9. Start fresh when you’re stuck
Sometimes the best way to fix a problem is to throw out your assumptions and start from scratch.
I once reworked a project I’d been struggling with by asking, “If I were starting this today, what would I do differently?” That shift in perspective helped me see solutions I’d been missing. It’s amazing what a fresh lens can do.
That’s it—9 lessons that have made a real difference for me. Maybe one or two resonate with you, or maybe they’ll spark an idea of your own.
What about you? What’s one lesson that’s changed the way you work or think? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Here’s to doing meaningful work and growing every day,
Malte
P.S. If this newsletter got you thinking, feel free to share it with someone who might find it helpful. Let’s spread the ideas!