Starting and growing a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, progress is not a straight line and being a leader is incredibly demanding, stretching you, spreading you thin, and spiraling you toward burnout. Become the leader your vision requires – cultivate the clarity, discipline, and momentum you need to explore boldly and lead intentionally. Get a weekly nudge to think differently, lead intentionally, and keep exploring.
🚦Wrong Turns Bring Unexpected Growth
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In my last newsletter in May, I said: “I’ll be taking a break from the weekly newsletter this summer, giving myself time to recharge and focus on a few projects I’m excited to share with you this fall.” And I meant it. There was indeed a plan. Actually, it was more than a plan. Things were in motion. Things I was excited about. In fact, I was certain this plan was the right plan. And, then, none of it happened. None of it. What happened? In a word: perspective. The first two weeks of summer, we took a family vacation. We read, played outside, and took the kids to Disneyland. We just had fun. No work, no goals, just fun. So much fun, it turns out, that I had forgotten what I was working on – oh the joy of losing yourself completely in something just for the sake of it. I came home recharged. I’d even describe my energy as abundant. I was ready to reengage. I sat down at my desk, ready to review my work and remember what it was I had planned to do. I reviewed my plans. And I realized very quickly that it was the wrong plan. If followed, more than likely, I would have spent the summer in a panic about imaginary deadlines – not having enough time, having too much to do, rearranging my days in complicated ways to find just one more hour. No, thank you. I didn’t want any of that anymore. At that moment, I committed to myself that I would take the entire month of June to do nothing related to 321 Liftoff. It was time for a reset. If I did that, I told myself, in July, I could revisit it and imagine something new. And, I think I have – or I’m starting to. But, more on that later. It seems I had returned from vacation not just with perspective on what my priorities were, but on how I want to feel while pursuing them. Epictetus says: “Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.” The wrong turn, the detour, the rerouting in a new direction – welcome it. These moments hold unexpected growth and opportunity. 📫 If this sparked an idea, or if you’re feeling stuck, I’d love to hear from you. You can reply directly to this email to share what you’re working on, ask a question, or suggest topics you’d like me to cover in future newsletters. I read every response. Until next time, Michael
Michael Schefman | 321 Liftoff Copyright © 2026 by 321 Liftoff LLC |
Michel Schefman, 321 Liftoff
Starting and growing a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, progress is not a straight line and being a leader is incredibly demanding, stretching you, spreading you thin, and spiraling you toward burnout. Become the leader your vision requires – cultivate the clarity, discipline, and momentum you need to explore boldly and lead intentionally. Get a weekly nudge to think differently, lead intentionally, and keep exploring.
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I don’t know about you, but my brain is a loud and noisy place. I imagine it as part Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out and part Room of Requirement from Harry Potter. There are thoughts and feelings up there having spirited debates and there are also piles of movie quotes and 90s references, boxes of old memories that replay on loop, and files – so many files – of ideas. My ideas never come out fully formed. They come in complex knots that have to be questioned, straightened out, and pushed through a...
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