Perspective is your most potent weapon when trying to build.

It's not easy to attain, and you'll often trip up.

And if you're not careful, you'll employ it far too little and wonder why things are happening to you.

So, let me tell you a brief story and then give you my mental framework for how I employ perspective to keep going (and not get too down).

And stay tuned for a spot of news at the end.

One moment can be used for you or against you.

Mine was when I entered the workforce for the first time after graduating college.

Having graduated with an ed degree, I got hired as an assistant teacher in Brooklyn, NY. I was full of excitement and ready to change the world.

But within two weeks, half of the staff quit.

Instead of being an assistant to two teachers, I'd be teaching 100 fifth and sixth graders independently.

• No raise

• No support

• No goddamn clue

I lasted 4 months, but I burnt out so hard and was so ill-equipped to begin with that I couldn't last.

In my final week, I lost 12 pounds, threw up every meal I ate, and slept an hour a night.

I took a few sick days.

Then, I came back and said I was done.

Another lost sheep in a whole flock of them.

When you're feeling worthless...you'll take anything.

A couple of months later, after job searching and striking out, I saw an ad for a writing internship at a startup. $300/week.

I took it. And within a month, I got promoted to a full-time project management job with my own clients and salary.

I'd put the weight back on and was no longer freaking out.

And then the moment

I waited for the train on my first day as a salaried project manager.

Across the platform, I saw one of the teachers from my former school. They were on their way to start work in tears.

I knew how they felt. But my train was going the opposite way to a job that didn't destroy me.

I didn't know what I was doing at that job, but I knew the unknown of that workday was heaven compared to the known hell I had at school.

I learned two things that day:

1. I respect the hell out of teachers.

2. I was glad I no longer was one.

One lesson. Infinite uses.

This thought has shaped how I perceive things in life. And here's how you can use it.

Think back to a time when things didn't go well for you.

• Maybe you lived in a crappy apartment.

• Or worked for a terrible boss.

• Or was stuck in an awful relationship.

You've proven your resilience if that's no longer the case for you.

You left that bad situation, pulled yourself up, and found a better one.

That's fucking powerful.

Use that power to shape your new future.

If you're trying to:

• Make more money

• Make more impact

• Be more loved

• Feel better

Remind yourself of your past difficulty and say these words:

"That was a season, and so is this."

The only permanent thing in life is impermanence.

You'll get through it. And if you need a little pick me up, remember your past self.

Zoom out. And see how much you've progressed.

Then go find a new and better season (again).

I'm saying goodbye...

To Mentality Monday.

Why?

Because I'm hella excited about my next season.

It's called:

It'll be on my website, LinkedIn, and I'm starting a community of solopreneurs placing their purpose over paychecks.

This means I'm saying goodbye to Mentality Monday's newsletter and starting Significant Solopreneur.

What does that mean for you?

Nothing at all except you'll now be getting Significant Solopreneur emails on Saturdays, and when you receive your first one, I'd love for you to reply so future issues land in your inbox.

The newsletter will still focus on providing as much value as possible.

It's simply got a new name.

If that's too much change, I get it, and you won't hurt my feelings if you unsubscribe.

But if you choose to stay, whether you're a solopreneur or not, know that I'm dead set on helping you improve your life, own 100% of your time, and positively impact the world.

In short, we'll see you on Saturday!