The Wonder of You

There’s something about that first crisp breeze and soft, golden sunlight in New York’s Hudson Valley that always makes me pause. It’s like the world is whispering a gentle reminder: it’s time to slow down, to embrace the change, to welcome the challenge of doing more with less. And this year, more than ever, that whisper has become my guiding mantra.

This past year has been tumultuous for many of us—full of uncertainty, change, and moments that have forced us to reconsider what truly matters. For me, it’s been a year of stripping away the excess and focusing on what’s most important. That’s been my motto for a while now: focus on less, but do it better and deeper. And in doing so, I’ve found a richness and fulfillment in my days that I didn’t even realize I was missing.

I’ve spent the last year pouring my heart into what matters most: my clients, my family, my writing, and the communities I care about. This shift in focus has brought a sense of spaciousness into my life, even as the days grow shorter and the sunlight fades a little earlier.

Not long ago, I was on a Zoom call with a potential client. She’s one of those incredible people who’s accomplished so much—bought and sold businesses, weathered transitions, and now she’s standing on the brink of something new. But this time, she told me, she wants things to be different. She’s tired of the endless chase, of feeling like she’s moving forward but not really getting anywhere that feels meaningful.

She was considering diving into three different opportunities at once, to see which one stuck. And while that might seem like a good way to hedge your bets, I gently suggested it could end up being more frustrating than fulfilling. Instead, I asked her to take a step back and really think about where she wants to be—not just financially, but in her life. What does she want her days to feel like? What kind of impact does she want to have?

At first, she kept circling back to revenue and profit. But I could tell something was missing, so I asked her, “Who are you?”

She seemed taken aback. “I know who I am,” she said, almost defensively. “I don’t need to go down some navel-gazing rabbit hole.”

I smiled. “It’s not about that,” I said. “It’s about understanding who you are right now, at this point in your life. Not who you were ten or twenty years ago, but who you are today. What drives you now? What fulfills you? Because that’s where we’ll find the answers you’re looking for.”

I could see the shift in her eyes as she started to understand. This wasn’t about some quick fix or strategy; it was about reconnecting with herself on a deeper level. And as we continued talking, she began to open up, to explore what truly mattered to her. It was a beautiful moment, and we’ve been working together ever since.

This approach isn’t just for business—it’s for life. I took a similar path with another client who wanted to rebrand his business. Instead of jumping straight into market analysis and trends, we started with who he is, what he values, and how he wants to show up in the world. Because at the end of the day, if you’re not aligned with your true self, no amount of success will feel satisfying.

We all have blind spots. We all have moments where we lose sight of who we are and what really matters. But by asking ourselves the right questions, we can start to see more clearly. We can start to make decisions that aren’t just smart, but that feel right in our gut, in our heart.

So, I want to invite you to take a moment and check in with yourself. What are your core values? What really matters to you—not just in your career, but in your life? According to positive psychology, virtues like wisdom, courage, and humanity are the building blocks of a fulfilling life. Take a look at your schedule from the past month. Do your actions reflect those values? If they don’t, don’t beat yourself up—get curious. Curiosity is a powerful tool for growth.

One of my clients realized that vitality was one of her top strengths, but she wasn’t living it. So, she made a small change—she started carving out time in the morning just for herself, for her own curiosity. That one shift rippled out into every part of her life, making her feel more alive and connected.

Discernment is another key strength—it’s about making choices that align with who you are and what you want. Our identities are not fixed; they’re fluid, constantly evolving. As Adrienne Rich so beautifully wrote,

We are all works in progress, full of contradictions and beauty. So this week, take a little time to reconnect with yourself. Be curious, not judgmental. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just start by focusing on less, but doing it better and deeper.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find something useful in today’s Wonder Blog article. Share this article with someone who could use a dose of wonder.

I appreciate you taking the time to read and your efforts to shape a meaningful life with meaningful work, all with integrity and wonder. It’s an honor to be on this journey with you.

This week, think about how you can connect with others in more meaningful ways. Drop me a note; I try to reply to everyone.

I’ll see you soon in a future piece here at The Wonder Blog.

Be well, and thanks for running with me,

Jeffrey