5 critical assumptions to rethink to transform your life and career, fail-proof decision making framework & embracing life's seasons.

Hey there,

Spring is finally making its appearance here in Edmonton, and watching nature's renewal has me thinking about how we can experience similar growth in our own lives.

Today's newsletter explores how rethinking assumptions, making difficult decisions, and embracing life's seasons can lead to profound personal growth. Let's dive in!

Today at a Glance:

Read Time: 4 minutes

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#1 5 Things You Need to Rethink in 2025

One of the clearest signs of learning is rethinking your assumptions and revising your opinions.

Here are five perspectives worth reconsidering:

1. Disagreement Is Intellectual Chemistry

The clearest sign of intellectual chemistry isn't agreeing with someone—it's enjoying your disagreements with them. Think of harmony in music: it's not identical notes played together, but different tones arranged in a pleasing way. 

The next time you find yourself disagreeing with someone, ask if you're learning from the exchange rather than just seeking confirmation of what you already believe.

2. Early Specialization Isn't Always Best

New research shows specializing early predicts faster initial progress but a lower peak. World-class athletes typically played multiple sports early, focused later, and took longer to excel than national-level athletes. 

This suggests being a "jack of all trades" might be the best path to eventually mastering one.

So take a moment to think about exploring which adjacent fields might enhance your expertise in your primary area?

3. Career Changes Are Worth the Reset

If you're considering a career change but worried about taking a step backward, remember this wisdom: 

It's better to lose the past 2 years of progress than to waste the next 20.

Calculate the true cost of staying in a misaligned career—not just in years, but in fulfillment and potential growth.

4. Character Trumps Personality

Personality is how you respond on a typical day. Character is how you show up on your worst day. While personality might get you in the door, character determines how far you'll go and who will stand by you when things get tough. 

So focus choices that will build character rather than just showcasing personality

5. Burnout Isn't Normal

The holidays shouldn't be a time to recharge—they should be a time to celebrate. If you're using time off just to recover enough to return to work, you might be in a burnout culture. Consider how to build sustainable practices that keep your energy consistent rather than cycling between depletion and recovery.

#2 A Simple Yet Powerful Framework for Making Decisions

Recently, one of my coaching clients—a business owner—was struggling with communicating structural and service changes to their clients. They feared negative reactions, potential resistance, or even losing clients altogether.

To help them gain clarity, I asked three simple questions:

1. "What would happen if you communicated these changes?"
   Their response revealed mix feelings. If they communicated the changes, they might face initial discomfort and potential pushback, but long-term they'd have clearer expectations, boundaries, and client relationships.

2. "What would happen if you didn't communicate these changes?"
   If they avoided the conversation, they'd enjoy short-term comfort but suffer long-term frustration, boundary violations, and emotional drain.

3. "What would you prefer in the long run?"
   This question provided immediate clarity.

This framework reveals an important truth: decision-making often boils down to choosing the path of most resistance. What feels difficult in the moment (having uncomfortable conversations) often creates freedom in the long run. Conversely, what feels easy now (avoiding difficult conversations) typically creates constraints later.

When facing a difficult decision, try this approach:

1. Clearly identify both options

2. Visualize the short and long-term consequences of each

3. Ask yourself: "What would I prefer in the long run?"

   - The answer to that final question will almost always point you toward the right decision, even if it's the harder path initially.

This simple framework has helped dozens of my clients break through decision paralysis and choose growth over comfort.

If you are looking for more robust decision making tool

Download this cheatsheet with 12 models for Decision Making

#3 Reminder for the Week: Life Mirrors Nature's Seasons

During a trail walk this week, I was struck by the sight of trees budding with new leaves after our long Edmonton winter. It reminded me how much our lives mirror nature's cycles.

After every winter, spring inevitably arrives. 

No matter how difficult life gets, opportunities for growth always come. 

The dormant periods in our lives—when progress seems stalled or challenges feel overwhelming—are often just preparing us for new growth.

Just take a moment to think:

#4 A little Humor to begin your day 🤣

Sometimes the best response to a difficult situation combines both options:

walk though with an attitude

spiritualleague

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I hope this newsletter has given you some fresh perspectives to consider. Whether you're rethinking assumptions, making difficult decisions, or simply waiting for your next season of growth, remember that change is always possible.

Until next week,

Zeel