10 (+1) things that have influenced my life:
1 - Being accepted into a private middle school - My first exposure to a culture of success and expectations of attending college. Learned I was capable of competing against the best if I applied myself (which wasn't always the case)
1 - Being accepted into a private middle school - My first exposure to a culture of success and expectations of attending college. Learned I was capable of competing against the best if I applied myself (which wasn't always the case)
2 - Buddhism (I'm not practicing) - Teachings about following the middle path and that human suffering is caused by attachment made deep and lasting impressions. Also, the notion of living in the present to the extent possible.
3 - Marrying my wife - Found a partner with similar values, but much greater strengths in empathy, compassion, and organization. She's made me better, added immeasurably to the fulfillment in my life, and is largely responsible for the amazing people our children are turning into
4 - Getting a scholarship to be a summer exchange student in Spain after 11th grade. Opened my eyes to a larger world, formed an enduring passion for travel, languages, and cultural immersion
5 - My parents - Instilled my basic values: honesty, humility, hard work, respect and tolerance for others. My mom is an amazing listener and my dad is insatiably curious, two traits I admire and try to develop in myself
6 - Bicycling - From my early BMX bike that gave me freedom to explore my town as a kid to later pursuits in mountain biking that got me into nature and nourished a sense of adventure to my double century road ride that taught my about surpassing my perceived limits
7 - EO - I spent 7 years in this peer networking group and went through a lot of personal development. Also learned that all personal development translates directly to professional settings which made me a better leader and coach.
8 - Learning about consulting in HS - I never made it to McKinsey (my initial dream), but my goal led me to 2 amazing consulting internships (1 in Colombia when I lived there for a year), drove me to excel in college, and connected me to people that ultimately led to my 1st job
9 - My kids - My kids are like a mirror; the things they do that annoy me often come directly from my own behaviors. Fatherhood has also taught my about selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional love. They are a constant motivation to improve myself.
10 - The death of my best friend at age 20 - Aside from my parents' divorce, the hardest thing I've been through. Caused me to be much more cautious about letting people get close to me, but to love those that are fiercely.
11 - Growing up poor - I had a lot of shame and jealousy around this, and a large part of my drive must have come from my desire to achieve financial wealth, though it never led me to compromise my morals. It did probably keep me from having more fun and being more authentic
