Yakir's Blog

You can’t be everything to everyone. It’s not a failure, it’s math. Time, energy, and attention are finite. Spreading them across infinite demands means nothing gets done well, and you burn out.

Saying “no” isn’t selfish, it’s strategic. Every “yes” to someone else’s priority is a “no” to your own. Identify what actually matters to you (your non-negotiables) and protect them fiercely. Let the rest go.

You’re not a Swiss Army knife. You’re a human. Focus on being enough for the few things (and people) that count.

So, what’s one thing you’ll stop trying to be this week?

How often do we respond to “How’s it going?” with a robotic “Good, you?” and move right on as though we haven’t just pushed someone away automatically? It’s easy to default to empty replies, but these everyday moments are golden opportunities to create shared positive memories and build stronger connections.

Think of it like this: every interaction is a tiny thread in the fabric of your relationships. When you respond thoughtfully, whether it’s sharing a small win, expressing genuine gratitude, or even acknowledging a challenge, you’re weaving a stronger, more colorful thread. For example, instead of “Good, you?” try, “I’m great. I just finished a project I’ve been working on for weeks. How about you?” This not only invites a deeper conversation but also creates a moment of connection that the other person is likely to remember.

The beauty of this habit is that it’s honest, relevant, and opens doors. You never know how these small, positive interactions might come back around, whether it’s a future collaboration, a new opportunity, or simply a stronger bond with someone in your network. So, the next time someone asks how you’re doing, pause for a second. What’s one thing you can share that’s true, positive, and meaningful?

What’s a recent interaction you’ve had where a thoughtful response made all the difference?

Your past self, your present self, and your future self are all on the same team. Think of them as collaborators in a shared project, your life. Each one has a role to play, and each one deserves your gratitude.

Your past self was the builder. They made the decisions, big and small, that brought you to where you are today. Even the mistakes were part of the process. When you find yourself frustrated with where you are, take a moment to thank your past self for showing up, learning, and laying the foundation.

Your present self is the doer. They’re the one in the trenches, making the calls, writing the code, and taking the risks. They’re also the one who gets to enjoy the small wins, the moments of flow, the spark of creativity, the satisfaction of progress. Treat your present self with kindness. They’re doing the best they can, and they’re the only one who can take action right now.

Your future self is the beneficiary. They’re the one who will reap the rewards of the work you’re doing today. When you’re tempted to procrastinate or cut corners, remember: you’re not just doing this for yourself. You’re doing it for them. Think of the future self as a partner who’s counting on you to deliver.

This isn’t just a metaphor. It’s a framework for action. When you’re stuck, ask yourself: What can I do today that my future self will thank me for? When you’re feeling discouraged, remind yourself: My past self didn’t do all this work for nothing. And when you’re overwhelmed, take a breath and say: My present self is doing the best they can.

It’s an economy of effort, a division of labor, and, above all, a relationship of love and respect. Your past, present, and future selves are in this together.

I used to agonize over decisions, weighing every option until I was paralyzed. Then I started asking myself one simple question: ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’ It might sound cliché, but framing decisions this way helped me focus risk assessment on real risks instead of imagined ones.

For example, when I was deciding whether to launch a new project, I realized the worst-case scenario wasn’t failure, it was regret for never trying. That perspective gave me the clarity I needed to move forward.

What’s one decision you’re stuck on? Try asking this question and see if it helps.

This blog is about taking the first step, without waiting for (self-)approval, perfection, or the “right” moment. It’s about recognizing that nothing starts until you start it, and that the beginning is often messy, imperfect, and even a little terrifying. But that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay – it’s necessary.

Like so many of us, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome; that nagging fear that I’m not good enough or that my ideas don’t matter. But the truth is that growth happens in the doing. You don’t need to be perfect to start; you just need to begin. And the beauty of starting is that it’s the only way to get better.

People value authenticity and the story of growth more than polished perfection. Think of the YouTubers who document their journey from novice to expert, the TikTok creators who spend months on stop-motion projects to create a 30-second video. These creators succeed because they’re showing the work, not just the results. And there’s something incredibly powerful about that.

So, this blog is my way of starting without permission. It’s about getting over the fear of imperfection and embracing the process of growth. It’s about sharing my thoughts, lessons, and experiences, even if they’re not perfect, because I believe that’s how we connect, learn, and grow.

Let’s stop waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect idea, or the perfect audience. Let’s just begin. What’s one thing you’ve been waiting to start?