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Why there's no shortcut to getting wiser

Why there's no shortcut to getting wiser

In this issue: earning wisdom, the value of small iterations, why self-care is not selfish, and why success should not be pursued

PJ Milani
October 01, 2024

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🤔 INTERESTING

Illustration of a visual metaphor by milaniCREATIVE.art showing two versions of the phrase ‘Wisdom is learned.’ In the second version, the letter ‘L’ of “LEARNED” has fallen through a whole that’s been cut, transforming the phrase into ‘Wisdom is earned,’ illustrating that wisdom comes from experience and challenges.

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❝

Mistakes are the portals of discovery.

— James Joyce

A key lesson I've learned after teaching high school for over 20 years:
You can’t shortcut the experience that comes through trial & error.

Knowledge is learned. Wisdom is earned.

Illustration presenting a visual metaphor for creative process, depicting the contrast between the final product and the unseen work. In the upper half, a vibrant sunset landscape with clouds and a sailboat, labeled 'WHAT WE SEE,' symbolizes the showcased result of creativity. Below, multiple unseen film negatives, captioned 'WHAT WE DON’T SEE,' represent the extensive effort and numerous iterations behind a creative piece. The artist's watermark '@milaniCREATIVE' is in the lower right corner. This image offers a striking representation of the concept that the bulk of creative work is not visible in the final display.

If you’re leading a team, the trick to earning wisdom is creating an environment where people can:
• fail fast
• fail forward
• and fail without fear.

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📐 DESIGN

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know to focus on iteration over perfection.

Knowing you can reverse a decision is an antidote to overthinking.

Iterations can be BIG. Or they can be small. The point is you can perfect in public.

Here’s an example of a small iteration:

Version 1: Published 3/20/24

Version 2: Published 9/29/24

Curious, which one do you like more?

Version 1 | Version 2

The visual is far from perfect. But the beauty (and irritating thing 😆) about social media is that people forget!

In a few months, you can make a significant or subtle change and try again.

🔮 ENCHANTING

Illustration of a visual metaphor by milaniCREATIVE.art showing two sets of cups. On the left, a pitcher fills all the cups but has no water left for the cup that represents you. On the right, that same pitcher fills the cup that represents you fully and that water continues to overflow into all the other cups. The text reads ‘Fill your cup first and you’ll overflow into the lives of others,’ illustrating the importance of self-care before helping others.

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You can't pour from an empty cup.
When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to help others.

🧠 ANALOGY

Illustration of a visual metaphor by milaniCREATIVE.art showing success as a byproduct. On the left, a person waters a flower with its roots labeled ‘values,’ ‘character,’ and ‘purpose’. On the right, the fully grown flower raising our hero character up to reach the diamond that symbolizes success achieved through nurturing core values.

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❝

"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become."

Jim Rohn

Focus on your roots and success will blossom.

🤓 WHAT I’M READING NOW

Notes on Type by Rose Gonnella, Christopher Navetta, & Max Friedman

I absolutely love this classic Design Fundamentals deep dive that’s unlike any other design book. “Notes on Type” by Rose Gonnella, Christopher J. Navetta, & Max Friedman is the least boring book I’ve read on typography. Every page is a creative treat filled with interesting visual strategies.

From cover to cover—cool stuff like this!

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