Episode 60

60 - Grit or Quit? Be the Best or Rest?

60 - Grit or Quit?  Best or Rest?

I discussed the book by Eric Barker's book, Barking Up the Wrong Tree, and I share what it takes to be successful. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of both grit and strategic quitting. It's not just about working hard, but also being smart about how you use your time and making sure you prioritize rest and a balanced life. And let's not forget that confidence should be earned through accomplishments, not just knowing the right people or being a good friend.

Another great tip I learned from Barker is that scheduling tasks is actually more effective than creating to-do lists. And having a shutdown ritual can really help you transition from work to personal time and avoid burnout. But perhaps the most important thing is to keep trying new things and find a realistic goal that matches your strengths. It's all about finding the right balance and working toward success in a way that works for you.

Links

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2791

https://www.bakadesuyo.com/


https://www.amazon.com/Barking-Wrong-Tree-Surprising-Everything/dp/0062416049

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

About the Podcast

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.