Hey Reader,
You’ve probably tried a bunch of productivity hacks out there.
Work hard, challenge yourself, set clear goals, and more.
That’s great.
But there’s a performance tool that’s often overlooked and could be the missing link in your success.
FEEDBACK.
Most people get stuck or fail in their pursuits because they shy away from uncomfortable, honest truths that can elevate them.
Today, we’ll explore how you can leverage feedback to transform your business and personal growth.
🗯️ A Leader’s Feedback Journey
In 1982, Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, made a bold prediction about the economy that turned out to be disastrously wrong.
His company suffered major financial losses, and Dalio faced near collapse.
But instead of retreating, Dalio did something different.
He opened himself up to tough feedback.
He invited his team to tell him where he went wrong, what he missed, and how he could improve.
This led him to introduce the concept of “radical transparency” at Bridgewater Associates.
In this culture, everyone is encouraged to provide honest and open feedback, even to the CEO.
By being open to uncomfortable truths, Dalio rebuilt Bridgewater into one of the world’s most successful hedge funds today.
Feedback didn’t just save his company, it became the foundation of his future success.
🧠 The Cost of Ignorance
Many high achievers are so afraid of criticism.
Why?
It’s uncomfortable.
It challenges your ego.
You doubt your ability to handle it.
Sometimes, it’s the fear of vulnerability.
So you’ll rather avoid the very thing that could level up your performance.
You tell yourself you’re doing fine.
No one is showing you how to pull that off better next time.
No one to challenge your ideas.
No accountability partner.
Until you begin to feel stuck, and your daily routine becomes filled with uncertainties.
The more you shut yourself off, the more isolated you feel.
You start making mistakes.
Missing out on opportunities not because you haven’t handled something similar, but because what you know is no longer ideal to pull it off.
It needs a fresh perspective.
A better approach.
But you've been defensive to feedback that could open your mind to new perspectives.
Now you look back at all the great things you’ve achieved, and wonder why you’re struggling to accomplish your current pursuit.
❤️ The Power of Feedback
Imagine how much more you achieve if you are open to hearing what others have to say.
Think of feedback as a tool for growth rather than mere criticism that exposes your vulnerability
When you set out on a pursuit, feedback from people around you can open your mind to things you’ve never considered.
Valuable insights.
Patterns to avoid.
Strategies to improve.
Deeper understanding of how to tackle potential risk and more.
You’re suddenly able to piece together that part of your plan that seemed challenging.
This broadened view helps you achieve your goals with a higher level of impact.
You become excited to take on your next big goal.
Building confidence that isn’t limited to your knowledge.
You’ll realize you’re getting better at getting bigger things done.
You’re learning, improving, upscaling, and growing one honest feedback at a time.
With all of this, how dare you feel you’re underperforming?
You won’t.
🤲 Ready to Leverage Feedback?
Never underestimate the great lessons you can learn from constructive feedback.
To harness this tool, here are some actionable steps you can start practicing today:
- Create a safe space: Who in your circle can you trust to tell you what you do not want to hear from a place of love and honesty? That’s who you should ask for feedback.
- Listen and listen more: It’s one thing to hear, it’s another to listen. Be careful not to get mentally defensive when you’re being told uncomfortable truths. If you listen to fight back, you won't receive the valuable insights.
- Get to work: Reflect on what you’ve listened to. What tangible difference did it offer compared to your initial plan or idea? Any moment of epiphany? What resonated with you? How can you implement this better approach? Take the needed action.
🎯 Harness the Tool
What piece of feedback can you open your mind to receive today?
Be it in your business, career, or personal life.
Don’t overthink it.
Just start the conversation.
Open your heart, and let the insights flow.
Feedback isn’t just a tool for performance, but a vital part of becoming unstoppable.
In the words of Ray Dalio: “To be effective you must not let your need to be right be more important than your need to find out what’s true. If you are too proud of what you know or of how good you are at something you will learn less, make inferior decisions, and fall short of your potential.”
That’s how you become the best version of yourself.
With appreciation,
Huw
P.S.: Are you struggling with accepting criticisms? Maybe due to fear of facing or handling harsh truths. Fear is the beast here. Reply to this email and I’ll be happy to help you overcome your fears not just to receive feedback, but to live up to your greatest potential
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Huw Edwards
Founder & CEO, h3.xyz
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