Walt, Author at Walt Hampton, J.D.

Alone In The Dark

by Walt | Feb 28, 2019 | Success | 0 Comments

“All of humanity’s problems stem from our inability to sit quietly in a room alone,” wrote the French philosopher Blaise Pascal,

Our always on, always connected culture soothes and seduces us.

Being on, being connected feels important.

Necessary.

It makes us feel needed.

Significant.

If we’re always on, we never need to be alone.

Alone we’re confronted with the bigger questions.

Who am I?

What do I really want?

Where am I compromising?

Where am I settling?

Where am I abdicating?

Am I living out my values?

Am I doing work that matters?

Am I aware that the clock is ticking down to zero?

It’s so much easier to check your Facebook feed.

But in the stillness is your power.

Might you spend some time there soon?

10,000 Hours of Rest

by Walt | Feb 21, 2019 | Success | 1 Comment

You’ve heard of the 10,000 hour rule, yes?

You know, the rule – researched by Anders Ericsson and popularized by Malcolm Gladwell – that says that in order to become an expert, you need to devote 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to your discipline.

Well, did you know about the 10,000 hours of rest that goes along with it?

I didn’t think so.

The need for rest is axiomatic; it’s in the research… but we don’t dare talk about it.

Because, culturally, success has become defined by how long and hard we work.

“Busy” has become a badge of honor.

Yet… we’re not machines.

We can’t keep going 24/7/365.

It’s not sustainable.

We actually need to rest.

Rest is a core component of success we so want.

Rest make us stronger. Better. Sharper. More resilient.

Able to do the work we’re meant to do in the world.

Able to serve the people we’re meant to serve.

Able to truly enjoy this magnificent gift that is our life.

So, yes, play full out. Devote the 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to your craft.

But don’t forget the rest.

You’re Paying WAY Too Much

by Walt | Feb 14, 2019 | Success | 2 Comments

The more I consider what it’s costing me, the more I realize that it’s way overpriced.

I guess the real question is: Are we getting what we’re paying for?

Henry David Thoreau was not only someone who reflected deeply, and shared those reflections compellingly. He was also someone who measured stuff meticulously.

The price of anything is the amount of life you pay for it, Thoreau suggested.

Are you allocating your precious resources in a way that serves what you value most?

Are you overpaying?