26 Comments
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Zoe Jennings's avatar

needed this reminder! As a musician I am constantly comparing and feeling like i'm not doing enough. I'll put out a song, and after a few weeks, feel like I should've put out more songs. Argh!

Rebecca Coates's avatar

The creative process is so grueling, especially in this day and age when it feels like EVERYONE is producing at a break-neck pace!

You're doing amazing. Focus on your thing and listening to what your needs are! It'll show in your music 🎵

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

I also needed to read this, Becca! 💕

Zoe Jennings's avatar

Thanks so much, Rebecca! xx

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

I know that feeling! I hope you get a break from that comparison treadmill soon. xo

Alex Geo Grey's avatar

This just deviated my path of life. Thank you.

Caitlin Dewey's avatar

I really, really needed to read this right now. (Do I comment that on all of your newsletters? Maybe!!) Thank you for the reminder and wisdom, as always. <3

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

It’s the highest compliment! Thank you!!

Karen Davis's avatar

Some of this comes with age and experience too. I enjoyed some of that big corporate life stuff in my 20s, but by my early 30s I was done with it. I wouldn’t have known that without experiencing it. And oh, about regretting that last conversation with your dad - you had a conversation about the real struggles with life you were experiencing. That’s as intimate as it gets! If I died and knew the last conversation I had with my niece was the one we had last week where she told me about some of the challenges in her job, I’d think that was pretty great. It was real, she trusted me, I saw her for the adult she is, I got to witness how amazing and honest she is, and she got support. I’d be very satisfied with that.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you, Karen. That’s such a kind and compassionate way of looking at that conversation. I really needed that ❤️❤️❤️

The Braver Mom's avatar

Many things in this writing resonate with me. I used to be a success addict but my husband swept me off into marriage without me knowing I’ll be trading off my career as I raise the family. Many times, I question. Sometimes, I resent but most of the time, I feel the silent kind of calm success within me, knowing I have played a role that lifted up my loved ones and enabled them to reach their dreams. This was invigorated more when I found myself at the threshold of life and death, when my father died. When I was losing him to death, there was nothing I wouldn’t give to love him more, to make him stay.

Today, I am well aware that no matter where life brings us, we should not lose sight of moments than mean the world to us, more than the world’s measures of success.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you for sharing ❤️ I’m really glad this resonated with you.

Chris Anselmo's avatar

Oh how I needed to read this today. Thank you! 🙏

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

I’m so glad it resonated!

Lori Z.'s avatar

Love this. And a wonderful reminder not only to stay present but to stay true to who were are.

Stephane's avatar

That's the first time i read your writing first as english is not my language sorry for my weird way to write i guess. My grandfather was a well known ceo but i have never understood why some people like him want to be a carreer minded and be so far from making the most of life, like findind real happiness with friends or family enjoying little things in life.

I did not know that "hors-d'œuvre" this french word is used in your country, happy to discover it. To end my comment i do love " hell yeah" when you put it. I think i am going to say it tomorrow at work🙂 but not sure to fully grasp it, also thanks because i learned a lot with your article.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Hell yeah! I love that, Stephane.

Jon (Animated)'s avatar

The story of choosing the Google conference over a family vacation really resonated, highlighting the importance of prioritising personal connections. Your reflections on stepping off the "hedonic treadmill" and finding joy in everyday moments are incredibly insightful. I loved the read, as it really broadened my horizons.

Jeff Matlow's avatar

I love this article. Thanks for reposting!

I’m going to feature it in This Week In Leadership (11k subs)

www.thebestleadershipnewsletter.com

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thanks, Jeff! I appreciate it.

Olivia Muenter's avatar

Love this one. And always need this reminder!

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you! I loved your tour recap, by the way. I’m really impressed with how you handled such an exciting (and potentially exhausting) time!