Managing Oneself

Hello! Another weekend a bit too full, and a late Monday post coming your way.

Today’s inspiration comes from a conversation I just had with my friend Alina tonight. We were talking about teenagers who are considering colleges and what to do with their lives, and overthinking everything.

And it reminded me of one of my favorite books ever, Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker. My Uncle Walt got me started on Peter Drucker at age 13 and I’ve been a raving fan since.

This book is about to manage yourself for greatest happiness and effectiveness. The themes are:

• what are my strengths

• how do I learn 

• what are my values

• where do I belong (or not belong)

• what should I contribute to what needs to be done

• how do I manage relationships

• and what will I create as a second career

I told Alina about how Drucker talks about the irony of career worries. Young people worry so much about what to do with their lives, when it matters the least. As a teenager or in your early 20s, you know so little about the world, that start and discover what else is possible. At a young age, you don’t even know a fraction of what possible jobs exist. However, most people worry the least when they are middle aged, when it is most important to think about what you want to do. Having a second career keeps you young, vital, and happier.

Another favorite bit from this book is about managing relationships. He writes most conflicts are actually avoidable misunderstandings. He recommends once per year, and any time there is a major change, that you make a list of everyone you depend on and what you depend on them for. Then make a list of everyone you think depends on you and what they depend on you for. And finally, go talk to each of those people about those lists. You will almost always find a mismatch in both directions. It is a really great process.

Drucker’s Dependencies are summarized on page 34 of the 2024 Planner.