# David Strittmatter

> Essays on goal achievement, communication, and well-being — field notes from building ICODOS, a climate-tech company turning CO₂ into clean fuel.

David Strittmatter is the founder & CEO of ICODOS (https://www.icodos.com),
a climate-tech company turning CO₂ into clean shipping fuel. This site
collects his essays on goal achievement, communication, relationships,
and well-being — learnings through struggles, failures, and successes.

Every essay is also available as raw markdown: append `.md` to its URL.
Full text of all essays in one file: https://davidstrittmatter.com/llms-full.txt

## Pages

- [About](https://davidstrittmatter.com/about): vision, mission, values, career
- [Writing](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing): all 192 essays
- [Contact](https://davidstrittmatter.com/contact): email me@davidstrittmatter.com

## Essays

### Goal Achievement (122)

- [Role Modeling](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/role-modeling.md) (2024-06-23): When working out in the gym in Düsseldorf today, I was coincidentally listening to AVICII. AVICII died on the 1st of Apr 2018 in Maskat, Oman. He committed suicide at the age of 28.
- [I categorize decisions into three types: shirts, hiring, and tattoos.](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/i-categorize-decisions-into-three-types-shirts-hiring-and-tattoos.md) (2024-02-18): The bulk of decisions are like shirts. You try one and if you don’t like it, swap it. The stakes are low, so optimize for speed. Fewer decisions are like hiring.
- [More Than Just ‘Hola’: My Plan to Learn Spanish for a Greener Future](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/more-than-just-hola-my-plan-to-learn-spanish-for-a-greener-future.md) (2023-07-29): May 9th, I made a decision: I’m going to learn Spanish. I become fluent in it. And I will make business in it. Did I speak a word of it? Not a single one.
- [Changing your behavior won’t solve the climate crisis — why & what actually solves it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/changing-your-behavior-wont-solve-the-climate-crisis-why-what-actually-solves-it.md) (2023-07-22): Many people among us, probably also you, are motivated. Motivated to contribute something to the climate: eat less meat 🥦, don’t get on the plane ✈️ as often, buy fewer clothes 👕.
- [How it Feels like Being an Early-Stage Startup Founder](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-it-feels-like-being-an-early-stage-startup-founder.md) (2023-07-09): Being an early-stage startup founder is like being a trailblazer venturing into new territory. Each step you take leads you into the unknown, carving a path where none existed.
- [My trip to Paris – a story of resilience](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/my-trip-to-paris-a-story-of-resilience.md) (2023-06-17): You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
- [Transforming into a great CEO – my first coaching sessions](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/transforming-into-a-great-ceo-my-first-coaching-sessions.md) (2023-05-20): Let’s be honest: I suck. Not in an absolute sense. But compared to the person I’ll be in 5-10 years, I suck as the CEO of my startup ICODOS. Today, I’m the very right person for this job.
- [Recipe for a happy and fulfilled life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/recipe-for-a-happy-and-fulfilled-life.md) (2023-04-15): Do not compare yourself with others. Do not think in terms of averages. Below. Above. Mediocrity. It is just you versus you. Every day. Every hour. Every second. Think how you can live better than you did yesterday.
- [The art of dealing with negativity: my unconventional approach](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-art-of-dealing-with-negativity-my-unconventional-approach.md) (2023-03-19): There is too much negativity in the world. Do your best to make sure you aren’t contributing to it. ― Germany Kent Dear friend, I love conversation card games. You draw a card. Read the question out loud.
- [Almost every failed startup has a product but lacks traction](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/almost-every-failed-startup-has-a-product-but-lacks-traction.md) (2023-03-04): Traction is growth.
- [Consulting taught me how to achieve even my biggest dream](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/consulting-taught-me-to-how-to-achieve-even-my-biggest-dream-heres-how.md) (2023-02-25): A problem well stated is a problem half solved. – John Dewey Dear friend, A key skill you learn in consulting is to break down even the largest problems into smaller problems achievable by anyone.
- [From Mediocre to Great – How to Achieve Greatness in Work](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/from-mediocre-to-great-how-to-achieve-greatness-in-work.md) (2023-02-18): When leaders tolerate mediocrity, it’s a cancer that spreads like wildfire – Frank Sonnenberg Dear friend, What distinguishes great from mediocre work?
- [Assertiveness: The key to the best possible life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/assertiveness-the-key-to-the-best-possible-life.md) (2023-01-22): Staying silent is like a slow-growing cancer to the soul and a trait of a true coward. There is nothing intelligent about not standing up for yourself. – Shannon L.
- [3 new habits I test in 2023](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/3-new-habits-i-test-in-2023.md) (2023-01-15): We don’t learn from experience.
- [How serial entrepreneurs make decisions](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-serial-entrepreneurs-make-decisions.md) (2023-01-08): The expert entrepreneurs think in terms of control, not in terms of uncertainty Dear friend, If you have a problem: Do you socialize it or try to find the “perfect” expertise to solve it?
- [Talking shit about a bad situation is fun, but…](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/talking-shit-about-a-bad-situation-is-fun-but.md) (2022-12-11): If you have a positive frame of mind, you can manifest positive things in your life – Alesha Dixon Dear friend, I used to work on a consulting project that was a hell of a job: Long hours late into the night, hours waste
- [The most important question to ask](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-most-important-question-to-ask.md) (2022-11-27): If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse. — Ryan Blair Dear friend, What are you willing to struggle for? What pain are you willing to suffer?
- [How to achieve the most annoying tasks](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-achieve-the-most-annoying-tasks.md) (2022-11-14): One day, you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the thing you’ve always wanted. Do it now. — Paulo Coelho Dear friend, Whenever I face a difficult or annoying task, I do it first thing in the morning.
- [Socialize your problem](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/socialize-your-problem.md) (2022-11-06): Problems are nothing but wake-up calls for creativity – Gerhard Gschwandtner Dear friend, In Mai this year, I interviewed an expert for building fast-growing ventures.
- [The learnings from the past weeks are clear](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-learnings-from-the-past-weeks-are-clear.md) (2022-10-30): Make a mistake once and it’s learning; make it twice and it’s a mistake Dear friend, The past 7 weeks were full of events, new experiences, and learnings.
- [You have to receive feedback – here’s how you get it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/you-have-to-receive-feedback-heres-how-you-get-it.md) (2022-09-25): We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve. – Bill Gates Dear friend, What’s the best way to grow as a person?
- [As much as I love it: this situation is challenging](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/as-much-as-i-love-it-this-situation-is-challenging.md) (2022-09-18): When things do not go your way, remember that every challenge – every adversity – contains within it the seeds of opportunity and growth. ― Roy T.
- [Learning How to Learn](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/learning-how-to-learn.md) (2022-08-28): The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go – Dr. Seuss Dear friend, I just finished Barbara Oakley’s course on “Learning How to Learn”.
- [Asking for help - how to get what you want](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/asking-for-help-how-to-get-what-you-want.md) (2022-08-13): Asking for help is never a sign of weakness.
- [How you can solve every problem](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-you-can-solve-every-problem.md) (2022-08-07): Every problem has a solution, although it may not be the outcome that was originally hoped for or expected – Alice Hoffman Dear friend, Problems are everywhere. We solve plenty of them every day.
- [An entrepreneur who makes money from students’ existential fears](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/an-entrepreneur-who-makes-money-from-students-existential-fears.md) (2022-07-30): It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.
- [How people achieve extraordinary success](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-people-achieve-extraordinary-success.md) (2022-07-24): It is those who are successful who are most likely to be given the kinds of special opportunities that lead to further success – Malcolm Gladwell Dear friend, Extraordinary achievement is less about talent than opportuni
- [How to better deal with fear of missing out](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-better-deal-with-fear-of-missing-out.md) (2022-06-26): Fear of missing out is the enemy of valuing your own time – Andrew Yang Dear friend, Think of the following situation: You are at a party. There’s great food, drinks, and people. You’ve been having fun for hours.
- [Your definition of success can change your life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/your-definition-of-success-can-change-your-life.md) (2022-06-11): Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live. ― Anne Sweeney Dear friend, What the media tells us about success is a mess.
- [Work hard, play hard – how to find the right balance](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/work-hard-play-hard-how-to-find-the-right-balance.md) (2022-06-01): Stress + rest = growth. This equation holds true regardless of what it is that you are trying to grow. ― Brad Stulberg, Peak Performance Dear friend, The past 2 weekends were intense.
- [How to make work most enjoyable](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-make-work-most-enjoyable.md) (2022-05-15): Leave your ego at the door every morning, and just do some truly great work. Few things will make you feel better than a job brilliantly done – Robin S.
- [How to work at an elite level](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-work-at-an-elite-level.md) (2022-05-08): If you can’t learn, you can’t thrive – Cal Newport Dear friend, 2 weeks ago, I finished reading the book “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World”.
- [How to properly design habits](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-properly-design-habits.md) (2022-05-01): Motivation is what gets you started.
- [A life without regrets – how to find out what you want from life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/a-life-without-regrets-how-to-find-out-what-you-want-from-life.md) (2022-04-24): Live life to the fullest because you only get to live it once Dear friend, This week, I was on vacation. I traveled back to my hometown and spent some time with my family.
- [How to stay calm in stressful situations](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-stay-calm-in-stressful-situations.md) (2022-04-17): Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows. It empties today of its strength —Corrie Ten Boom Dear friend, This week, I almost missed my flight.
- [Why I am happy working long hours](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-i-am-happy-working-long-hours.md) (2022-04-10): Life is more meaningful when you are always looking to grow and working toward a goal – Les Brown Dear friend, People regularly ask me “how long do you actually work?” and “how long are you going to do that”?
- [Reliability matters — how to become more reliable](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/reliability-matters-how-to-become-more-reliable.md) (2022-04-03): A man who lacks reliability is utterly useless. – Confucius Dear friend, This week I failed. I had scheduled a short meeting with a founder of a web3 startup and forgot to dial in.
- [Learning something new – what an incredible journey so far](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/learning-something-new-what-an-incredible-journey-so-far.md) (2022-03-27): The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing – Albert Einstein Dear friend, Last night at 10.30 pm, I had a meeting with an American I got to know on LinkedIn.
- [What makes for a dream job?](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/science-proven-what-makes-for-a-dream-job.md) (2022-03-20): Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. — Confucius Dear friend, Among the top 3 most important questions we need to answer in our 20s is what do I want to do for a living?
- [Without this mindset you won’t climb the career ladder](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/without-this-mindset-you-wont-climb-the-career-ladder.md) (2022-03-13): Taking complete ownership of your outcomes by holding no one but yourself responsible for them is the most powerful thing you can do to drive your success – Garry W.
- [This simple trick significantly increased my productivity](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/this-simple-trick-significantly-increased-my-productivity.md) (2022-02-27): You can always find a distraction if you’re looking for one – Tom Kite Dear friend, Today, it’s common to work in offices where we sit together with other people.
- [A quality all millionaires have in common](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/a-quality-all-millionaires-have-in-common.md) (2022-02-13): All good decisions, bad decisions, and non-decisions are a step into the unknown – Rob Moore Dear friend, As I read daily, I finish a book from time to time.
- [A skill everyone has to learn](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/a-skill-everyone-has-to-learn.md) (2022-02-06): Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. – John F. Kennedy Dear friend, As I moved to a new apartment in Düsseldorf, I had to buy a washing machine.
- [This technique increases my learnings by 10x](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/this-technique-increases-my-learnings-by-10x.md) (2022-01-23): Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. – Aristotle Dear friend, This week, another project comes to an end.
- [This realization can change your life – finite vs infinite games](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/this-realization-can-change-your-life-finite-vs-infinite-games.md) (2022-01-16): Finite players play within boundaries; infinite players play with boundaries. – James P.
- [New Year’s resolutions – how you can achieve all of them](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/new-years-resolutions-how-you-can-achieve-all-of-them.md) (2022-01-02): Don’t make resolutions without an action plan. The secret to success is right in your hands. – J.
- [Make better decisions by thinking in probabilities](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/make-better-decisions-by-thinking-in-probabilities.md) (2021-12-19): Overthinking and the procrastination it creates stem from trying to make perfect decisions in a world where perfect decisions only exist in hindsight – Steven Barlett Summary: In our world, there’s no such thing as a per
- [Vaccination – why making this decision is so clear to me](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/vaccination-why-making-this-decision-is-so-clear-to-me.md) (2021-12-12): Your life changes the moment you make a new, congruent, and committed decision.
- [Be persistent and convince anybody](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/be-persistent-and-convince-anybody.md) (2021-12-05): Whoever knocks persistently, ends by entering – Muhammad Ali Summary: People reject you not because they don’t like you, but because of so many other reasons you can’t think of To convince someone, it’s key to stop assum
- [Self-belief — and how to strengthen it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/self-belief-how-to-strengthen-it-3-tips.md) (2021-11-28): A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty – Winston Churchill Summary: A strong self-belief is when we’re truly convinced that we will achieve a certain go
- [Master the skill of prioritization](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/master-the-skill-of-prioritization-3-tips-to-better-prioritize.md) (2021-11-14): Know what matters most to you and be unwilling to compromise those priorities – Frank Sonnenberg Summary: You, your friends, family, colleagues, boss, etc.
- [I asked for feedback and it changed my life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/i-asked-for-feedback-and-it-changed-my-life.md) (2021-11-07): Feedback is the breakfast of champions.
- [How to best deal with highs and lows in life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-best-deal-with-highs-and-lows-in-life.md) (2021-10-31): There would be no cloud-nine days without rock-bottom moments left below. ― Richelle E.
- [Find your strengths and focus on them](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/find-your-strengths-and-focus-on-them.md) (2021-10-24): Summary: Practical advice: Dear friend, In my job, I regularly receive (formal) feedback. It’s a fundamental part of our organization’s culture and success.
- [How to find the ideal place to work](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-find-the-ideal-place-to-work.md) (2021-10-10): Being a great place to work is the difference between being a good company and a great company Summary: An org’s culture is the implicit rules that make the employees do their job as they do it Establishing a great cultu
- [How to wake up fully motivated](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-wake-up-fully-motivated-3-tips.md) (2021-10-03): How we start our day determines how we create our life ummary: The hostility towards Mondays is an issue equivalent to the lack of motivation in the morning Often we’re dissatisfied with our job/going to school and don’t
- [How to become more persistent and achieve your goals](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-become-more-persistent-and-achieve-your-goals.md) (2021-09-19): When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this, you haven’t – Thomas Edison Summary: Basically, persistence is the choice to continue something in spite of difficulty, opposition, and struggle to achieve that g
- [10 signs of personal growth – how to avoid getting stuck](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/10-signs-of-personal-growth-how-to-avoid-getting-stuck.md) (2021-09-12): The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible – Richard M.
- [How to deal with unfortunate incidents (bad luck)](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-deal-with-unfortunate-incidents-bad-luck.md) (2021-09-05): You can’t control external circumstances, but you can take action to get you to a place where you find opportunities Summary: Anger is our natural response to threats in various forms Being angry isn’t always a bad thing
- [The limits of self-improvement](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-limits-of-self-improvement.md) (2021-08-29): With each challenge in our life, we are presented with an opportunity to grow as a person Summary: Personal development – a.k.a.
- [How to give your best to your life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-give-your-best-to-your-life.md) (2021-08-01): To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift – Steve Prefontaine Summary: Giving our best is about putting all our energy into whatever life situation we’re currently experiencing Whether it’s time, mone
- [My learnings from optimizing caffeine intake for 1 year](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/my-learnings-from-optimizing-caffeine-intake-for-1-year.md) (2021-07-25): Coffee, the favorite drink of the civilized world – Thomas Jefferson Summary: At first glance, caffeine seems like a superweapon, but, as with almost everything in life, it entails some serious risks Caffeine is literall
- [Why mindset matters](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-mindset-matters.md) (2021-07-18): Success is not an accident, success is a choice.
- [Feeling too dumb to speak up? How to deal with it and change your perspective](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/feeling-too-dumb-to-speak-up-how-to-deal-with-it-and-change-your-perspective.md) (2021-07-11): The more I live, the more I learn.
- [3 tips to withstand high pressure](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/3-tips-to-withstand-high-pressure.md) (2021-06-20): Pressure is a word that is misused in our vocabulary.
- [How to become more consistent](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-become-more-consistent-3-practical-tips.md) (2021-06-13): Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success.
- [How to actually solve your problems by thinking outside the box](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-actually-solve-your-problems-by-thinking-outside-the-box.md) (2021-06-06): Big ideas come from forward thinking people who challenge the norm Summary: We’ve already generated a large pool of proper solutions, but just because they work, they’re not optimal By changing our perspective, leaving t
- [Greatly increase your productivity – harness the 80/20 rule](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/greatly-increase-your-productivity-harness-the-80-20-rule.md) (2021-05-30): Doing less is not being lazy.
- [How to better deal with stress and grow faster](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-better-deal-with-stress-grow-faster-3-tips.md) (2021-05-23): To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.
- [How to boost your learning curve: From challenges to learning opportunities](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-boost-your-learning-curve-from-challenges-to-learning-opportunities.md) (2021-05-16): Every challenge contains within it the seeds of opportunity and growth Summary: It’s not generally a bad thing to be in one’s comfort zone Nevertheless, there’re significant reasons to regularly challenge oneself Every o
- [Live a better life – fall in love with solving problems](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/live-a-better-life-fall-in-love-with-solving-problems.md) (2021-05-02): To live is to solve problems – Mark Manson Summary: Life is essentially an endless series of problems Fortunately, problems aren’t generally bad.
- [Gratefulness – a secret weapon to a happy life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/gratefulness-a-secret-weapon-to-a-happy-life.md) (2021-04-25): Be thankful for what you have and you’ll end up having more – Oprah Winfrey Summary: Unfortunately, our minds are built to get used to joyful things Thus, they stop bringing us the happiness that we expect A super weapon
- [Easier and better decisions – how to deal with risk](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/easier-and-better-decisions-how-to-deal-with-risk.md) (2021-04-18): There’s no wrong time to make the right decision – Dalton McGuinty Summary: Empirical research shows that individuals assess their loss and gain perspectives in an asymmetric manner Hence, we tend to take a risk only if
- [8 signs of true self-confidence](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/8-signs-of-true-self-confidence.md) (2021-04-04): Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life – Golda Meir Summary: Self-confidence is defined as having trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment If you’re truly confident, you can op
- [How a simple rule can boost your productivity](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-a-simple-rule-can-boost-your-productivity.md) (2021-03-21): Success is the sum of small efforts – repeated day in and day out – Robert Collier Summary: Since the day I applied the two-minute rule the first time, I’ve never procrastinated on small tasks again The satisfying feelin
- [How to make better decisions](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-make-better-decisions.md) (2021-03-14): Direction is so much more important than speed.
- [Do more and do better – the importance of breaks and rest](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/do-more-and-do-better-the-importance-of-breaks-and-rest.md) (2021-02-28): There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.
- [Focus on things you can control, ignore the rest](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/focus-on-things-you-can-control-ignore-the-rest.md) (2021-02-21): Don’t stress over what you can’t control Summary: In life, there’re various things you cannot control I take the full responsibility for all the things I can control and don’t care about things I cannot People with an in
- [How to make stress your secret weapon](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-make-stress-your-secret-weapon.md) (2021-02-14): There is more to life than increasing its speed – Mahatma Gandhi Summary: Virtually everything that takes someone out of his / her comfort zone is a stressor A healthy amount of manageable stress leads to increased brain
- [Always determine the next step](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/always-determine-the-next-step.md) (2021-02-07): You don’t actually do a project; you can only do action steps related to it – David Allen Summary: A lack of accountability for the pursuit of an idea leaves many of them to nowhere Every idea is a project consisting of
- [Why and how I always take notes](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-and-how-i-always-take-notes.md) (2021-01-31): If you don’t write your ideas down, they could leave your head before you even leave the room – Richard Branson Summary: Just listening to a talk isn’t enough to retain the content We’re able to keep more knowledge when
- [Say yes to great opportunities (how & why)](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/say-yes-to-great-opportunities-how-why.md) (2021-01-17): If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later – Richard Branson Summary: If I’m not a little afraid of my next step, it’s most likely too small
- [How to determine what really matters to you](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-determine-what-really-matters-to-you.md) (2021-01-03): Only by losing something you can determine how much you value it Summary: Loss allows us to reconsider how much we actually need something to be happy individuals Regularly evaluating what matters enables us to spot new
- [How to convince people – never hesitate to admit a mistake](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-convince-people-never-hesitate-to-admit-a-mistake.md) (2020-12-27): One who makes no mistakes makes nothing Summary: Admitting one’s own mistakes is an essential requirement for building trust with other people We highly respect people for their audacity to take responsibility for them F
- [Set process goals – make your ambitions a reality](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/set-process-goals-make-your-ambitions-a-reality.md) (2020-12-20): A goal properly set is halfway reached.
- [Transform your life – make more conscious decisions](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/transform-your-life-make-more-conscious-decisions.md) (2020-12-13): Every decision is a seed planted for your future Summary: Only a few decisions are made with full awareness of their implications Habits have both an extremely beneficial and a disastrous potential It’s our daily decisio
- [Become a top performer – fall in love with the process](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/become-a-top-performer-fall-in-love-with-the-process.md) (2020-12-06): To fall in love with the process, is to fall in love with life Summary: You need to adopt a lifestyle in order to achieve and maintain your targets Top performers still find a way to show up, to work through the boredom,
- [Become outstanding – learn to work when work isn’t easy](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/become-outstanding-learn-to-work-when-work-isnt-easy.md) (2020-11-29): What comes easy won’t last.
- [Want to really support your loved ones? Just do it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/want-to-really-support-your-loved-ones-just-do-it.md) (2020-11-01): Supporting another’s success won’t dampen yours.
- [Grow personally by measuring your life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/grow-personally-by-measuring-your-life.md) (2020-10-11): What We Measure, We Improve – James Clear Summary: When we start measuring things, we create vital awareness for things that matter to us What we measure, we improve A proxy is sufficient; a perfect measure not required
- [How reading has changed my life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-reading-has-changed-my-life.md) (2020-09-28): The world belongs to those who read – Rick Holland Summary: Books are a super cheap, highly underrated gateway to the knowledge of the best experts Too many people believe that reading alone will change their life Knowle
- [Harness clarity — achieve your goals and become more productive](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/harness-clarity-achieve-your-goals-become-more-productive.md) (2020-09-20): A lack of clarity could put the brakes on any journey to success.
- [How to set priorities & get more out of your time](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-set-priorities-get-more-out-of-your-time.md) (2020-09-13): Action expresses priorities.
- [Give without expecting something in return](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/give-without-expecting-something-in-return.md) (2020-09-06): When you can give without expecting anything in return, you have mastered the art of living. – Jon Mead Summary: You cannot control whether a person will return the favor.
- [Why integrity is crucial — and how to build it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-integrity-is-crucial-4-tips-to-become-more-integer.md) (2020-08-30): Summary: Practical advice: Dear friend, Do you treat people differently based on their “social status”? Are you doing the right thing even in difficult situations? How often do you lie to others?
- [For every setback there is a comeback](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/for-every-setback-there-is-a-comeback.md) (2020-08-23): Failure isn’t falling down but refusing to get up again Summary: A setback is just temporary Developing a positive mindset is key You can only fail if you don’t get up again Practical advice: Give yourself time after you
- [Self-control — and how to improve it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/self-control-importance-3-tips-to-improve-it.md) (2020-08-09): Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
- [The happiness equation – keep joy, fun, and pleasure in balance](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-happiness-equation-keep-joy-fun-and-pleasure-in-balance.md) (2020-07-26): Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself .
- [Reduce distractions, increase productivity](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/reduce-distractions-3-tips-to-increase-productivity.md) (2020-07-19): Starve your distractions, feed your focus Summary: Less productivity implies less time left for things that you like more Distraction is a major productivity killer Once distracted it takes multiple minutes to be focused
- [Create the life you dream of – harness a five-year plan](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/create-the-life-you-dream-of-harness-a-five-year-plan.md) (2020-07-12): Your vision of where or who you want to be is the greatest asset you have.
- [Uncertainty – how to deal with it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/uncertainty-how-to-deal-with-it.md) (2020-07-05): When nothing is sure, everything is possible Summary: We live in a world in which nothing is certain Uncertainty isn’t real, it’s just a feeling Uncertainty cannot only impair your life negatively but can also be a sourc
- [The Surprising Benefits of Journaling](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-surprising-benefits-of-journaling.md) (2020-06-14): Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time Summary: Journaling is simply the act of thinking about your life & writing it down Gain more great ideas, learn from past experiences, & obtain
- [Focus on quality instead of quantity](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/focus-on-quality-instead-of-quantity.md) (2020-06-07): Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.
- [Forget about perfection! Focus on progression and compound improvements](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/forget-about-perfection-focus-on-progression-and-compound-improvements.md) (2020-05-17): Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement Summary: We’ve to focus on consistency rather than on the goal itself 1% daily improvements lead to significant aggregated increases in performance Practical advice: A
- [Failure – how to deal with it?](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/failure-how-to-deal-with-it.md) (2020-05-03): Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts Summary: Embrace your feelings Develop a winner mindset Heed the lessons of failure Practical advice: Search for successful people who
- [Consistency – why is it essential for success?](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/consistency-why-is-it-essential-for-success.md) (2020-04-26): Summary: It’s not about intensity, it’s about consistency Dear friend, How do you define success? Is it the fact of achieving wealth, respect, or fame? The desired result of an attempt?
- [Why I always write down ideas immediately & how it’s changed my life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-i-always-write-down-ideas-immediately-how-its-changed-my-life.md) (2020-04-19): Summary: Your brain is made to generate ideas not to store them I’m pretty sure you know this feeling: you drank a cup of coffee and, suddenly, you’re constantly distracted by a flow of ideas coming to your mind.
- [How to add more variety to life?](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-add-more-variety-to-life.md) (2020-04-05): Summary: Dear friend, Do you know what makes life so beautiful? I truly believe it’s the people, places, and activities life has to offer.
- [How to deal with the chaos](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-deal-with-the-chaos.md) (2020-03-22): When the common good is more valuable than one’s own As you might know, I am a strongly positively minded person. Right now, though, this “crisis” is overwhelming.
- [How to stay productive in chaotic times (COVID-19 Crisis)](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-stay-productive-in-chaotic-times-covid-19-crisis.md) (2020-03-22): In every crisis there is opportunity Summary Dear friend, The past days I was constantly concerned with the current COVID-19 pandemic.
- [Why reflection is so important](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-reflection-is-so-important.md) (2020-03-01): We do not learn from experience, we learn from reflecting on experience. – John Dewey Have you ever consciously reflected, questioned your actions and decisions? If yes, do you reflect regularly?
- [Why great things take time](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-great-things-take-time.md) (2020-02-23): “Einstein had been working on a theory for the relationship between space and time for years but had made little progress.
- [Never regret anything – how to guide your decisions](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/never-regret-anything-how-to-guide-your-decisions.md) (2020-02-16): We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret Together with a large group of friends I traveled to Israel.
- [How to deal with a lack of motivation](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-motivation.md) (2020-02-09): I am sure you know this feeling: You don’t want to wake up, get out of your bed and start your day. The reason, tedious work is waiting for you.
- [Long-term patience – key for your success](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/long-term-patience-key-for-your-success.md) (2020-02-02): People often ask me why I plan everything so much in advance. For instance, I created an excel sheet for my GMAT preparation in December 2019 and I have been preparing for the test for approx.
- [Late? A plan does not work out? Why I won’t stress myself any more](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/late-a-plan-does-not-work-out-why-i-wont-stress-myself-any-more.md) (2020-01-02): I am this kind of person who is the total opposite of a procrastinator. The earlier I can begin with something, the better. I love being on time and hate being late.
- [How to get the most out of your day](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-day.md) (2019-11-17): In this post, I will give you my three most important tips on how I make the most out of the 24 hours we have every day.
- [How to become more optimistic](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/become-more-optimistic-3-tips.md) (2019-11-11): As I talked about “Why I love being an optimist” last week, I will tell you this week how I became a more optimistic person.
- [Don’t give up until you’ve even tried](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/dont-give-up-until-youve-even-tried.md) (2019-10-03): Winners never quit and quitters never win Dear Friend, Another crazy week of my semester abroad has passed and again I could gain many impressions of the USA. The time here in San Diego is still very exciting.
- [The power of marginal gains](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-power-of-marginal-gains.md) (2019-10-03): Success is achieved through a few simple methods, practiced consistently Dear Friend, I hope you are doing great! I have a crazy week behind me and had the chance to experience some unforgettable moments.
- [How to get started](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-get-started.md) (2019-10-01): Another great week passed and plenty things happened. Last week I traveled to San Francisco and the Bay Area as well as visited some good friends who are currently working there.
- [Start now and get perfect later](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/start-now-and-get-perfect-later.md) (2019-10-01): How’s it going? Did you have an exciting and enjoyable week? I definitely had a great week.

### Communication (55)

- [Creating vs. consuming: two ways to spend your lifetime](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/creating-vs-consuming-two-ways-to-spend-your-lifetime.md) (2023-10-14): Together with my girlfriend, I went to Mallorca in the summer for seven days. It was wonderful weather. We had a clean, spacious apartment in Alcúdia. Shops, gym, beach, pool – everything was easily accessible.
- [How I deal with difficult conversations](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-i-deal-with-difficult-conversations.md) (2023-08-20): How to… deal with daunting conversations that leave us wishing for an escape route: My latest read “Crucial Conversations: Tools For Talking When Stakes Are High” (authors Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler) provi
- [Last-Minute Trip: Startup Glory or Waste of Time?](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/last-minute-trip-startup-glory-or-waste-of-time.md) (2023-04-29): How to determine what’s important? It was Tuesday evening at 8 pm when my cofounder called me. I was sitting at my desk working on our hiring process. I thought he will give me a debrief of his day.
- [From Complaints to Commitment: The Power of Effective Feedback](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/from-complaints-to-commitment-the-power-of-effective-feedback.md) (2023-02-11): We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve. – Bill Gates Dear friend, In the week of February 27th, I will attend the Green Business Building Summit in Berlin.
- [Talk less to convey more](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/talk-less-to-convey-more.md) (2022-11-20): First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak. – Epictetus Dear friend, A development goal of mine is to communicate more concisely – particularly in work context.
- [From start to end I wished it to end](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/from-start-to-end-i-wished-it-to-end.md) (2022-09-11): This week I had a meeting. From start to end I wished it to end. It was a mess. A few weeks ago, a manager reached out to me – let’s call her Carla.
- [How to better say no](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-better-say-no-8-tips.md) (2022-09-04): Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it – Anna Taylor Dear friend, Saying “no” is not easy.
- [An entrepreneur who makes money from students’ existential fears](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/an-entrepreneur-who-makes-money-from-students-existential-fears.md) (2022-07-30): It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.
- [Boost your productivity by making use of agile methods](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/boost-your-productivity-by-making-use-of-agile-methods.md) (2022-07-10): Large portions of the productivity gains from agile methods come not from doing things better, but from not doing them at all Dear friend, This week, my 2-month-long leave of absence started.
- [How to get people to listen when you speak](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-get-people-to-listen-when-you-speak.md) (2022-06-19): We only speak when we are fully living what we are saying Dear friend, During my 1-week-long training 3 weeks ago, an executive coach was giving a session about “presence”.
- [Using the pyramid principle can incredibly improve your communication](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/using-the-pyramid-principle-can-incredibly-improve-your-communication.md) (2022-03-06): The way we communicate with others and ourselves ultimately determines our quality of life. – Tony Robbins Dear friend, After my first consulting project last year, I had a feedback session with my project manager.
- [I learned the hard way what it means to not have the trust of others](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/i-learned-the-hard-way-what-it-means-to-not-have-the-trust-of-others.md) (2022-02-20): A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other. – Simon Sinek Dear friend, Have you ever failed to build trust with another person? I certainly did.
- [A skill everyone has to learn](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/a-skill-everyone-has-to-learn.md) (2022-02-06): Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. – John F. Kennedy Dear friend, As I moved to a new apartment in Düsseldorf, I had to buy a washing machine.
- [Today a new chapter has begun](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/today-a-new-chapter-has-begun.md) (2022-01-30): No river can return to its source, yet all rivers must have a beginning Dear friend, This week, I moved to Düsseldorf together with my girlfriend.
- [Why brilliant teachers teach the worst](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-brilliant-teachers-teach-the-worst.md) (2022-01-09): People who keep journals have life twice.
- [How to stop overstressing and perform better](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-stop-overstressing-and-perform-better.md) (2021-11-21): Stress should be a powerful driving force, not an obstacle – Bill Phillips Summary: There are 3 main triggers of “overstress”: Responsibility, uncertainty, and time pressure Whether it’s responsibility, uncertainty, or d
- [Make better decisions – the negligence of alternatives](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/make-better-decisions-the-negligence-of-alternatives.md) (2021-08-22): You and only you are responsible for your life choices and decisions – Robert T.
- [A habit that changed my life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/a-habit-that-changed-my-life.md) (2021-08-15): The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear – Nelson Mandela Summary: Habits are not only easily implemented but also incredibly powerful Every habit consists of 3 essential parts: 1 T
- [Ownership – a key skill to develop](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/ownership-a-key-skill-to-develop.md) (2021-08-09): If you do not take ownership of your actions, your actions will eventually own you – Suman Rai Summary: Practical advice: Dear friend, This week, I finished another consulting project.
- [3 tips for immense personal growth](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/3-tips-for-immense-personal-growth.md) (2021-07-04): If there is no struggle, there is no progress – Frederick Douglass Summary: No matter in which area of life, personal growth makes us solve problems easier To personally grow, we need to try new things and challenge ours
- [Stop having expectations of other people](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/stop-having-expectations-of-other-people-reasons-practical-implications.md) (2021-05-09): If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed – Sylvia Plath Summary: You’re not in this world to live up to the expectations of others and they’re not in this world to live up to yours Past experiences
- [Mindset matters: How to start something new](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/mindset-matters-how-to-start-something-new.md) (2021-04-11): Big things often have small beginnings – T. E.
- [How to convince people – never hesitate to admit a mistake](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-convince-people-never-hesitate-to-admit-a-mistake.md) (2020-12-27): One who makes no mistakes makes nothing Summary: Admitting one’s own mistakes is an essential requirement for building trust with other people We highly respect people for their audacity to take responsibility for them F
- [You must learn to say no](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/you-must-learn-to-say-no.md) (2020-11-22): It’s only by saying no that you can concentrate on what’s important.
- [Never give unsolicited advice & what to do instead](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/never-give-unsolicited-advice-what-to-do-instead.md) (2020-11-15): Never give advice unless asked.
- [Stop needing to be right](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/stop-needing-to-be-right.md) (2020-08-02): Sometimes it is better to be kind than right.
- [The importance of listening well](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-importance-of-right-listening.md) (2020-06-21): Listening is an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, and others over self.
- [Why showing vulnerability is a real strength](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-showing-vulnerability-is-a-real-strength.md) (2020-06-01): We are never so vulnerable as when we love Summary: Vulnerability means putting yourself in a position where you can expect negative reactions Showing vulnerability is about stopping trying to be perfect and exposing our
- [Influencing others – how to better persuade and convince people](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/influencing-others-how-to-better-persuade-and-convince-people.md) (2020-05-25): One of the best ways to persuade others is with your ears – by listening to them – Dean Rusk Summary: There’s no one-size-fits-all technique for influencing people You can influence people in three different ways that do
- [Empathy — its importance and power](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/empathy-its-importance-and-power-practical-advice.md) (2020-05-10): We must all try to empathize before we criticize. Ask someone what’s wrong before telling them they are wrong.
- [Why to always have a smile on your face](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-to-always-have-a-smile-on-your-face.md) (2020-04-12): Summary: If you see someone without a smile give them one of yours Walking down the streets yesterday, I once again reminded myself to smile.
- [How to have more meaningful conversations](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-have-more-meaningful-conversations.md) (2020-03-29): The biggest communication problem is that we listen to reply, not to understand Dear friend, During my weekly reflection, I was wondering at what moments I felt most happy.
- [How to deal better with criticism](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-deal-better-with-criticism.md) (2020-01-19): Last week I observed a couple arguing with each other. Previously, the female told her boyfriend that he was never listening. She gave him negative feedback about his behavior.
- [Cuba – what I should have known](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/cuba-what-i-should-have-known.md) (2020-01-12): Expectations Last week I arrived in Havana, Cuba. A long dream came true; I’ve always wanted to travel to a Caribbean Island.
- [Semester abroad – what to know before you go](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/semester-abroad-what-to-know-before-you-go.md) (2019-12-23): My semester abroad is about to end. Reflecting on the past months, I contemplated what I learned during this time and what I would have done differently with the knowledge I have today.
- [3 reasons why openness pays off](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/3-reasons-why-openness-pays-off.md) (2019-12-02): Have you ever encountered the following situation? You saw someone who looked or did something interesting. You overcame your fear to approach this person and just said “Hi” or asked him/her a question.
- [3 reasons why I love being an optimist](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/3-reasons-why-i-love-being-an-optimist.md) (2019-11-05): An optimist sees a solution for every problem; a pessimist sees a problem for every solution Almost every day we are confronted with situations that are subject to uncertainty.
- [How you say something matters a lot](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-you-say-something-matters-a-lot.md) (2019-10-29): This past week I had a very insightful but also painful experience what I was glad to gain: I had a discussion with someone about politics and how the average person is disinterested in political participation.
- [How quitting video games changed my life for the better](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-quitting-video-games-changed-my-life-for-the-better.md) (2019-10-22): It is this time of year again: The League of Legends world championship is taking place and the best players in the world compete for the title “best LoL players in the world”.
- [Why I always wake up at 7 am](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-i-always-wake-up-at-7-am.md) (2019-10-14): This past week I was really struggling with maintaining my habit to always wake up at 7 am.
- [Why video calls are awesome](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-video-calls-are-awesome.md) (2019-10-14): In the following few paragraphs, I want to talk about why (WhatsApp) video calls are so great and why I want to call my friends and family more often now.
- [Why purpose is extremely important](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-purpose-is-extremely-important.md) (2019-10-07): Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement Dear friend, You are currently reading the 20th issue of my weekly learnings newsletter.
- [Accomplish the most annoying task of the day first](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/accomplish-the-most-annoying-task-of-a-day-first.md) (2019-10-03): It isn’t a matter of time, but a matter of priorities Dear Friend, It’s time again for another episode of my weekly reflections. As announced, this one will be a little longer.
- [Create not-to-do lists to change habits](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/create-not-to-do-lists-to-change-habits.md) (2019-10-03): There has never been a better time to be alive! Dear Friend, I am really happy you are reading this (again) and hope you can enjoy it.
- [Do it with all your heart](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/do-it-with-all-your-heart.md) (2019-10-03): If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart Dear Friend, What’s up? How is it going? Last week, I arrived in the United States and so far, it has been a really great time.
- [Do not be afraid to make mistakes!](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/do-not-be-afraid-to-make-mistakes.md) (2019-10-03): Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new Dear Friend, I am really glad that you are reading this new issue of my weekly newsletter. I had another great week and many things to tell.
- [Do not work away like mad — the power of schedules](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/do-not-work-away-like-mad-and-the-power-of-schedules.md) (2019-10-03): Don’t work away like mad – the power of schedules Dear Friend, Welcome back to another weekly learnings newsletter. I hope you are doing well and have a great time.
- [Don’t hesitate when you are afraid to do something](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/dont-hesitate-when-you-are-afraid-to-do-something.md) (2019-10-03): It’s time for the 10th issue of my weekly newsletter. So far, this project has shown that the amount of time I have invested in it has definitely been worth it.
- [Don’t try to impress but express yourself the best you can](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/dont-try-to-impress-but-express-yourself-the-best-you-can.md) (2019-10-03): You are born to express not to impress Dear Friend, Hope you are having such a great time as I am currently having. Right now, I am unbelievably grateful to be alive. It is such an awesome experience here in the USA.
- [Hold yourself accountable for everything happening to you](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/hold-yourself-accountable-for-everything-happening-to-you.md) (2019-10-03): Move into the driver seat of your life’s journey Dear Friend, Countless times I have read/heard this statement in personal development books, videos, personalities: You should take responsibility for everything that happ
- [How to identify your strengths — and why you need to capitalize on them](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-identify-your-strengths-and-why-you-need-to-capitalize-on-them.md) (2019-10-03): Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. Dear Friend, Welcome back to another weekly learnings. This week I hadn’t the most “insightful” time.
- [Just do it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/just-do-it.md) (2019-10-03): To act, or not to act: That is the question Dear Friend, Great to see you are back to my weekly learnings. This week I finished my consulting internship and received a final feedback for the entire employment.
- [Manage your energy levels not your time](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/manage-your-energy-levels-not-your-time.md) (2019-10-03): Use energy management to make the best out of your time Dear Friend, I hope you are doing well and had a great week! I am really happy that you read another issue of my weekly learnings.
- [Never satisfied, always grateful](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/never-satisfied-always-grateful.md) (2019-10-03): Gratitude is riches, complaint is poverty Dear Friend, Welcome back to my weekly newsletter. How is it going? I am still enjoying my internship, can learn more and more from day to day and had a really great weekend.
- [Success does not come overnight](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/success-does-not-come-overnight.md) (2019-10-03): Success does not come overnight Dear Friend, Welcome to another issue of my weekly learnings newsletter! This week it will be a little shorter because not that much “new” happened.

### Well-Being (34)

- [Role Modeling](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/role-modeling.md) (2024-06-23): When working out in the gym in Düsseldorf today, I was coincidentally listening to AVICII. AVICII died on the 1st of Apr 2018 in Maskat, Oman. He committed suicide at the age of 28.
- [How it Feels like Being an Early-Stage Startup Founder](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-it-feels-like-being-an-early-stage-startup-founder.md) (2023-07-09): Being an early-stage startup founder is like being a trailblazer venturing into new territory. Each step you take leads you into the unknown, carving a path where none existed.
- [Being sick](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/being-sick.md) (2023-05-06): Health is not valued till sickness comes. – Thomas Fuller Dear friend, This week, I found myself battling an array of symptoms: headache, sore throat, cough, runny nose, aching limbs, and fever. I felt horrible.
- [How I Find Joy in the Entrepreneurial Journey](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-i-find-joy-in-the-entrepreneurial-journey.md) (2023-04-09): Founding a hardware startup, I made my biggest dream come true. I’m building real things to make our world a better place. When I envisioned this future years ago, I couldn’t be happier.
- [The learnings from the past weeks are clear](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-learnings-from-the-past-weeks-are-clear.md) (2022-10-30): Make a mistake once and it’s learning; make it twice and it’s a mistake Dear friend, The past 7 weeks were full of events, new experiences, and learnings.
- [As much as I love it: this situation is challenging](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/as-much-as-i-love-it-this-situation-is-challenging.md) (2022-09-18): When things do not go your way, remember that every challenge – every adversity – contains within it the seeds of opportunity and growth. ― Roy T.
- [A life without regrets – how to find out what you want from life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/a-life-without-regrets-how-to-find-out-what-you-want-from-life.md) (2022-04-24): Live life to the fullest because you only get to live it once Dear friend, This week, I was on vacation. I traveled back to my hometown and spent some time with my family.
- [How to stay calm in stressful situations](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-stay-calm-in-stressful-situations.md) (2022-04-17): Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows. It empties today of its strength —Corrie Ten Boom Dear friend, This week, I almost missed my flight.
- [Why I am happy working long hours](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-i-am-happy-working-long-hours.md) (2022-04-10): Life is more meaningful when you are always looking to grow and working toward a goal – Les Brown Dear friend, People regularly ask me “how long do you actually work?” and “how long are you going to do that”?
- [What makes for a dream job?](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/science-proven-what-makes-for-a-dream-job.md) (2022-03-20): Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. — Confucius Dear friend, Among the top 3 most important questions we need to answer in our 20s is what do I want to do for a living?
- [This realization can change your life – finite vs infinite games](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/this-realization-can-change-your-life-finite-vs-infinite-games.md) (2022-01-16): Finite players play within boundaries; infinite players play with boundaries. – James P.
- [How to best deal with highs and lows in life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-best-deal-with-highs-and-lows-in-life.md) (2021-10-31): There would be no cloud-nine days without rock-bottom moments left below. ― Richelle E.
- [How to find the ideal place to work](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-find-the-ideal-place-to-work.md) (2021-10-10): Being a great place to work is the difference between being a good company and a great company Summary: An org’s culture is the implicit rules that make the employees do their job as they do it Establishing a great cultu
- [How to wake up fully motivated](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-wake-up-fully-motivated-3-tips.md) (2021-10-03): How we start our day determines how we create our life ummary: The hostility towards Mondays is an issue equivalent to the lack of motivation in the morning Often we’re dissatisfied with our job/going to school and don’t
- [How to better manage expectations](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/better-manage-expectations-3-tips.md) (2021-09-26): Never raise expectations in others that you cannot realize: promise is less pleasing than disappointment is vexatious – Norm MacDonald Summary: When we create expectations that don’t come to fruition as hoped, we are oft
- [How to deal with unfortunate incidents (bad luck)](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-deal-with-unfortunate-incidents-bad-luck.md) (2021-09-05): You can’t control external circumstances, but you can take action to get you to a place where you find opportunities Summary: Anger is our natural response to threats in various forms Being angry isn’t always a bad thing
- [My learnings from optimizing caffeine intake for 1 year](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/my-learnings-from-optimizing-caffeine-intake-for-1-year.md) (2021-07-25): Coffee, the favorite drink of the civilized world – Thomas Jefferson Summary: At first glance, caffeine seems like a superweapon, but, as with almost everything in life, it entails some serious risks Caffeine is literall
- [What I love about my job](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/what-i-love-about-my-job.md) (2021-06-27): The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- [3 tips to withstand high pressure](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/3-tips-to-withstand-high-pressure.md) (2021-06-20): Pressure is a word that is misused in our vocabulary.
- [How to better deal with stress and grow faster](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-better-deal-with-stress-grow-faster-3-tips.md) (2021-05-23): To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.
- [Gratefulness – a secret weapon to a happy life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/gratefulness-a-secret-weapon-to-a-happy-life.md) (2021-04-25): Be thankful for what you have and you’ll end up having more – Oprah Winfrey Summary: Unfortunately, our minds are built to get used to joyful things Thus, they stop bringing us the happiness that we expect A super weapon
- [8 signs of true self-confidence](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/8-signs-of-true-self-confidence.md) (2021-04-04): Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life – Golda Meir Summary: Self-confidence is defined as having trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment If you’re truly confident, you can op
- [How to harness positive emotions to live a better life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-harness-positive-emotions-to-live-a-better-life.md) (2021-03-28): The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart – Helen Keller Summary: Positive emotions are worth cultivating, and we need to find ways to add more of t
- [How to make better decisions](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-make-better-decisions.md) (2021-03-14): Direction is so much more important than speed.
- [How a lack of positive thinking hurts my well-being](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-a-lack-of-positive-thinking-hurts-my-well-being.md) (2021-03-07): Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society.
- [Focus on things you can control, ignore the rest](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/focus-on-things-you-can-control-ignore-the-rest.md) (2021-02-21): Don’t stress over what you can’t control Summary: In life, there’re various things you cannot control I take the full responsibility for all the things I can control and don’t care about things I cannot People with an in
- [How to make stress your secret weapon](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-make-stress-your-secret-weapon.md) (2021-02-14): There is more to life than increasing its speed – Mahatma Gandhi Summary: Virtually everything that takes someone out of his / her comfort zone is a stressor A healthy amount of manageable stress leads to increased brain
- [You must learn to say no](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/you-must-learn-to-say-no.md) (2020-11-22): It’s only by saying no that you can concentrate on what’s important.
- [How to really boost your happiness](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-really-boost-your-happiness.md) (2020-11-08): One kind word can change someone’s entire day Summary: Most people don’t really know how the concept of happiness works We miswant – too often and too much Social comparisons and getting used to stuff distort our decisio
- [How a definition can change your life](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-a-definition-can-change-your-life.md) (2020-10-25): Success is understanding that you control your destiny Summary: Our social systems are built with harmful metrics of success It doesn’t matter how somebody else defines success; you need to develop your very own metrics
- [Why you are less happy than you could be](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-you-are-less-happy-than-you-could-be.md) (2020-10-04): It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.
- [1 year of cold showers – not what I was expecting](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/1-year-of-cold-showers-not-what-i-was-expecting.md) (2019-12-16): I have been doing cold showers for over a year now. And I thought it is time for a quick reflection on this subject and about all the effects it has on my life.
- [Health is the most important need for us human beings](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/health-is-the-most-important-need-for-us-human-beings.md) (2019-12-08): Whenever I get sick or I am injured, I realize how important health for my well-being is. There is nothing affecting my daily mood more.
- [How to improve your sleep – 6 tips](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-improve-your-sleep-6-tips.md) (2019-11-25): In this post, I will give you a quick overview of my six most important tips on how to improve your sleep.

### Relationships (17)

- [Cheering for people you don’t like](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/cheering-for-people-you-dont-like.md) (2022-10-16): The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. – Oprah Winfrey Dear friend, When I was in high school, there were 2 people I didn’t like.
- [How to better say no](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/how-to-better-say-no-8-tips.md) (2022-09-04): Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it – Anna Taylor Dear friend, Saying “no” is not easy.
- [Asking for help - how to get what you want](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/asking-for-help-how-to-get-what-you-want.md) (2022-08-13): Asking for help is never a sign of weakness.
- [A transformational leadership experience](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/a-transformational-leadership-experience.md) (2022-05-22): If Diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice Dear friend, This week, I had a 5-day in-person training together with +50 other colleagues.
- [Reliability matters — how to become more reliable](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/reliability-matters-how-to-become-more-reliable.md) (2022-04-03): A man who lacks reliability is utterly useless. – Confucius Dear friend, This week I failed. I had scheduled a short meeting with a founder of a web3 startup and forgot to dial in.
- [I learned the hard way what it means to not have the trust of others](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/i-learned-the-hard-way-what-it-means-to-not-have-the-trust-of-others.md) (2022-02-20): A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other. – Simon Sinek Dear friend, Have you ever failed to build trust with another person? I certainly did.
- [Today a new chapter has begun](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/today-a-new-chapter-has-begun.md) (2022-01-30): No river can return to its source, yet all rivers must have a beginning Dear friend, This week, I moved to Düsseldorf together with my girlfriend.
- [Master the skill of prioritization](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/master-the-skill-of-prioritization-3-tips-to-better-prioritize.md) (2021-11-14): Know what matters most to you and be unwilling to compromise those priorities – Frank Sonnenberg Summary: You, your friends, family, colleagues, boss, etc.
- [How to better manage expectations](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/better-manage-expectations-3-tips.md) (2021-09-26): Never raise expectations in others that you cannot realize: promise is less pleasing than disappointment is vexatious – Norm MacDonald Summary: When we create expectations that don’t come to fruition as hoped, we are oft
- [The limits of self-improvement](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/the-limits-of-self-improvement.md) (2021-08-29): With each challenge in our life, we are presented with an opportunity to grow as a person Summary: Personal development – a.k.a.
- [Stop having expectations of other people](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/stop-having-expectations-of-other-people-reasons-practical-implications.md) (2021-05-09): If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed – Sylvia Plath Summary: You’re not in this world to live up to the expectations of others and they’re not in this world to live up to yours Past experiences
- [Never give unsolicited advice & what to do instead](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/never-give-unsolicited-advice-what-to-do-instead.md) (2020-11-15): Never give advice unless asked.
- [Want to really support your loved ones? Just do it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/want-to-really-support-your-loved-ones-just-do-it.md) (2020-11-01): Supporting another’s success won’t dampen yours.
- [Utilize the power of community](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/utilize-the-power-of-community.md) (2020-10-18): Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much – Helen Keller Summary: You simply cannot do everything by yourself People love helping and doing favors Each and every problem has already been faced or even been
- [Interdependence in Relationships – a Success Factor](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/interdependence-in-relationships-a-success-factor.md) (2020-08-16): Summary: Practical advice: Dear friend, When you think about romantic relationships, what do you consider an indicator for a successful relationship?
- [Envy – how to deal with it](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/envy-how-to-deal-with-it.md) (2020-06-28): True confidence has no room for envy. When you know you are great, you have no reason to hate.
- [Why relationships are so important](https://davidstrittmatter.com/writing/why-relationships-are-so-important.md) (2020-01-26): My very good friend invited me to visit him and his family for the past weekend.