Tom Schmidt

"An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit."

Download

I'm a big fan of the "GPS Theory" when you miss a turn, your GPS doesn't judge you, it recalculates. No matter how many detours you take, it finds another way forward. Life works like that too. You'll make mistakes, but your destination doesn't vanish. The route just changes.

Navigating psychological challenges of transitioning from high-performance work life to freedom: existential anxiety and social isolation

TRANSCRIPT

But there's more. Retirees get depressed for a second reason, and you will too. Social isolation.

Offices are good for some things. Free bad coffee and complaining thereof. Gossip and commiserating.... See more

Build a “no matter what” habit. One thing you do every day regardless of mood, chaos, or excuses. Ten minutes of writing. A short walk. A chapter read. These become your anchors. The habit isn’t the point; who you become by keeping it is.

I'm a big fan of the "GPS Theory" when you miss a turn, your GPS doesn't judge you, it recalculates. No matter how many detours you take, it finds another way forward. Life works like that too. You'll make mistakes, but your destination doesn't vanish. The route just changes.

Aristotle’s virtuous friendship, where relationships are grounded in mutual respect, unbreakable trust, and a common goal

That’s what Benjamin described when he wrote, “The phenomenon of collecting loses its meaning as it loses its personal owner.” Just as collections require permanence, they also need individuals, whose voices and tastes they express. The mass of Spotify isn’t actually a collection; it’s an avalanche.