In this transformative episode, we explore the fundamental reasons why traditional New Year's resolutions consistently fall short and introduce a paradigm-shifting approach to goal-setting. By extending our vision from yearly milestones to decade-long achievements, we unlock unprecedented potential for growth and success. Hosts Nicolai and Luis draw from their extensive experience to demonstrate how this expanded time horizon creates space for compound growth, allowing achievements that might seem impossible within a shorter timeframe.

Through real-world examples and practical insights, they illustrate how this longer-term perspective helps overcome common pitfalls of short-term thinking, while fostering resilience and strategic patience. The conversation reveals how extending your planning horizon beyond the conventional annual cycle can lead to exponential growth and achievements that transcend ordinary expectations.

Episode Highlights & Timeline

[00:00] Introduction & New Year Reflections

[02:53] Vision Casting & Long-term Planning

[05:35] Understanding Time Perspective

[08:50] The Power of Small Actions

[13:31] Real-world Success Stories

[16:55] Building Systems for Success

[19:47] The Compound Effect

[21:42] Grace in Goal Setting

Lessons Learned

Your baseline can shift dramatically over time - what seems impossible today could become your new normal

The compound effect of small, consistent actions is more powerful than sporadic big efforts

Having grace for "bad days" is crucial for long-term success

Starting somewhere, even if imperfect, is better than waiting for perfect conditions

Progress isn't linear - expect and embrace the natural ups and downs of growth

Your environment and systems matter more than willpower or motivation

Regular review and adjustment of your approach keeps you on track for long-term success

https://youtu.be/Hq7T6QJXGI0

Main Takeaways

Think in decades, not just years. As Nicolai shares, "I hope that 10 years from now, I'm going to look back at 39 and be like, hey, you were okay at 39, but look how much farther you have come now."

Focus on systems over goals. Build daily habits that compound over time rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

Allow yourself to dream bigger. Many of us underestimate what we can achieve in a decade while overestimating what we can do in a year.

Create accountability structures that support your long-term vision

In this episode, we explore how engineers can get better at giving and receiving feedback at work. We share real stories about both successes and failures in our careers, showing how feedback helped us grow. Our hosts share their personal experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. You'll learn practical tips and examples that will help you handle feedback better in your engineering career. Whether you've been an engineer for years or are just starting out, this episode will help you use feedback to become better at your job.

"Feedback is a two-way street - both giving and receiving require practice."

Timeline:

00:00:00 - Welcome and introduction 00:00:14 - Discussion about new team member and handling feedback 00:01:52 - Addressing negative feedback and learning from mistakes 00:04:30 - Personal experience with feedback struggles 00:09:00 - Importance of owning mistakes and team leadership 00:17:00 - Creating psychological safety in teams 00:23:00 - Role of engineers in society and responsibility 00:26:00 - Supervisors' role in feedback culture 00:30:31 - Episode summary and key takeaways

Watch it: https://youtu.be/MJuYVeoxZh8

Lessons and Takeaways

Start tracking feedback: Begin a feedback journal to document both positive and negative feedback you receive. Reflect on it regularly to identify patterns and areas for growth.

Practice active listening: During your next feedback session, focus on truly understanding the other person's perspective without interrupting. Summarize their points to ensure clarity.

Create a safe environment: Build trust in your team by fostering psychological safety where everyone feels comfortable sharing honest feedback without fear.

Own your mistakes: When receiving feedback about errors, take responsibility and outline clear steps to prevent similar issues in the future.

Adopt the "we" mindset: Frame feedback in a collaborative way by focusing on team solutions and shared goals rather than assigning blame.

"Take time to process feedback before responding."

Take Action:

Start a feedback journal this week

Practice active listening in your next feedback session

Schedule regular reflection time for both successes and areas for improvement

Links and References

Master Your End-of-Year Goal Planning: A Guide for Engineering Professionals