Hello E&I Team!
We are almost two weeks into the New Year. By now, the shiny excitement of January 1st might be wearing off. The early wake-ups feel a little harder, the inbox is filling up again, and “real life” is testing those resolutions we set with such confidence a few days ago!
Personally, I have felt that familiar shift where the initial excitement wanes, and the actual work begins. It is easy to be motivated on January 1st; it is much harder to remain disciplined on January 12th.
A few days ago, I found some necessary inspiration in an unexpected place: a TED Talk by the 24-year-old Grammy-nominated artist, Cordae. Despite his age, the wisdom he shares is universal. He outlines a philosophy he calls the “Hi Level Mindset,” something he didn’t learn from fame, but by watching his mother navigate and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
This mindset resonated deeply with me, and I immediately connected it to our Core Value of Relentless Learning. Cordae speaks eloquently about thriving in uncertainty and turning every experience (especially the failures) into momentum.
There were several “gentle reminders” in his talk that I think are vital for us as we tackle this new year:
1. Reframe the “Life Testers”: Cordae talks about facing massive setbacks even when he did everything “right.” It is easy to crumble when plans fail. But his perspective shift is brilliant: he viewed those misfortunes simply as necessary plot twists. He says, “These misfortunes are just going to make my triumph story a lot cooler… Life is just a book. Not every chapter is going to be perfect. But it is about how it ends.”
2. Discipline > Motivation This is perhaps the most relevant reminder for mid-January. Cordae admits he used to think discipline was boring, until he realized a hard truth: “Where motivation is low, that’s where discipline kicks in.” Motivation is a feeling; discipline is a practice. When the new year energy runs low this week, we should rely on the practice of discipline to keep showing up.
3. Intentionality is Key He poses a difficult question: “How can you be Hi Level if you don’t know what Hi Level is to you?“ We cannot hit targets we have not defined. We must be intentional about what “better” looks like for us this year.
The enclosed TED Talk, “How a Hi Level Mindset Helps You Realize Your Potential,” is well worth fifteen minutes of your time today. (https://www.ted.com/talks/cordae_how_a_hi_level_mindset_helps_you_realize_your_potential)
Cordae ends his talk by quoting a Yiddish proverb: “We plan, and God laughs.” The Hi Level mindset is not a recipe for guaranteed perfection or avoiding failure; it is a commitment to honoring your potential and choosing legacy over anguish when things get messy.
If you are curious about how to reframe your mindset for the inevitable challenges of the year ahead, this TED talk serves as a brilliant starting point!
Wishing you all a Better We, Better Week and a fantastic New Year! 😊
Best
Emma
