Hi friends,
Greetings from Lesotho!
I'm traveling with my friend Philippe for a week. We're going to Lesotho, Victoria Falls for Christmas, then Johannesburg. And then I’m off to Argentina! 🇦🇷
Last Week in Cape Town
The internet is a beautiful place to meet new people. I’ve had the pleasure of writing with John, hiking with
, and chatting with Jason. Thank you for making my Cape Town experience incredible.Finding My Strengths
Last week, I spent 30-35 hours figuring out who I am / who I want to be — through the lens of the StrengthsFinder framework. And boy oh boy did I learn a lot about myself that I didn't know before.
I adapt to whatever environment I find myself in. I can play many roles — whatever is needed of me. But I thrive best in situations that call for short response times, creative thinking, and human interaction.
I suck at planning + I’m no longer insecure about admitting it. Instead of planning for the future, or dwelling on the past — I now take things as they come — which makes me happy each and every day :)
I'm fantastic at getting people to see things from a different POV.
I have next-level EQ. For example, in a conversation — I can tell when somebody is confused, rambling, or reading a script. I know when they are excited, thinking out loud, or preparing to be a bringer of bad news.
I love giving people a “lift”. Nothing gives me greater joy. Though sometimes I need a lift myself, so it’s important for me to have access to that energy.
I’m now pretty confident in my ability to make new friends 😎
Being alone is draining — which has been a complete 180. In Bali, I tried locking myself in a room for weeks to “get work done”. Absolutely miserable. I love moving in-and-out, interacting with people, trying new activities, etc.
Full essay coming soon!
My top 5 strengths are Adaptability, Intellection, Individualization, Communication, and Positivity. Please share yours!! You can take the test here, or read the descriptions.
3 Quick Book Recs
Thank You Economy. A title that speaks for itself. Care is the highest ROI strategy. Both IRL and in business.
Three-Body Problem. Came across this book when I was an iOS Developer working with 3 other guys in the Founder’s apartment. Perfect for vivid imaginaries — the author portrays 4D and the bending of the Solar System.
Analogy as the Core of Cognition. A bit more advanced. Is about how we think. Analogies form the basis of my “CS Fundamentals” live workshop — which will premiere in January. A pre-screening will be available for Postcard Subscribers.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Best,
Leo Ariel
I definitely need to take the strengths test. Some days, I wonder if I have any 🙃
Admitting I'm not a planner was such a relief to myself. I'm pretty go with the flow and usually happy with the outcome of things, so I don't pressure myself to plan things out and I do not plan parties anymore. I pair great with someone who likes to put together an itinerary (as long as it's not *too* packed). Overall, really interesting read this week!