3–2–1: Who You Can Count On
November 5, 2026· Kate Gaulke
Happy Thursday!
I had an eventful start to the week with a fun little trip to the ER on Tuesday.
I'm fine, though looks like I'm going to be wearing a heart monitor in the near future.
Word to the wise, if you're concerned about heart and breathing issues, skip Urgent Care - they'll just make you fill out a 12 page intake and then tell you they don't have the equipment to deal with that anyway after making you wait an hour and a half.
I'm going to be taking it easy for a little bit, so apologies if I'm a little slow on email replies.
On with the show -
3 IDEAS FROM ME
I. Community Matters More Than You Think
In your career and in life it's not necessarily about 'who you know' as much as who you can count on. You might know a ton of people but if you can't call any of them in a pinch, then what's the point?
Who can you call when you're scared, overwhelmed, or just need someone to help you figure out the next step?
II. Don't Put So Much Pressure On Yourself
You're probably your own worst critic. It's great to have urgency and a fire under your ass, but if the pressure is starting to impede your progress, it's not helpful anymore. When walking that line, just know the balance is going to shift. Some days you should push yourself harder. Some days you'll get there faster in the long run by easing up on the gas.
III. Failure Is All About Perspective
On days where you 'fail' to 'make progress' you might succeed at taking care of yourself. There are many different things we can succeed at. Try shifting your perspective so you can see it. It's more helpful to celebrate your wins than to shove your nose into your own 'failures' over and over again.
2 QUOTES FROM OTHERS
I.
Peter Skillman, quoted in The Up Side of Down by Megan McArdle. My heart rate was never better this week than when I was reading a hardcover copy of this book from the library.
"Multiple iterations almost always beats single-minded focus around a single idea."
II.
Sarah J. Maas / Danika Fendyr / Bryce Quinlan / Nesta Archeron:
"Through love, all is possible." — House of Earth and Blood
1 QUESTION FOR YOU
Taking care of yourself can mean different things at different times. What would someone who loved you do to help take care of you right now? Can you take that action yourself?
Until next week, Kate Gaulke