In a recent 1-on-1 conversation with Phil from ENGR 306, I asked about passion, energy, decision-making, and what it means to “show up” in life and work. Here’s a distilled reflection of our conversation:
🌟 Key Insights
1. Being Seen V.S. Earning Success
“Finding a good job and earning money is fine—but that doesn’t mean you’ve been seen.”
- Being truly seen is different from simply being successful. It’s about showing up as your full self, not just performing well.
- Instead of only asking “What can I get?”, ask “How do I want to show up?”
2. High-Energy States Can Be Designed
“Emotional fitness is like physical fitness. Track what works. Fix the blocks.”
- Notice what lifts your energy. Pin it. Write it down. Build systems around it.
- Energy isn’t luck—it’s learnable and trainable.
3. “Cascade of Miracles” is a Symptom, Not a Strategy
“Cascade of miracles is the outcome I notice—not the goal.”
- Miracles happen when you’re on the right path, not because you chase them.
- Focus on aligning with your true fit, not waiting for serendipity.
4. Solo Excellence Needs Connection
“Solo excellence still needs connection. I often act as a bridge between two brilliant solos.”
- Even if you thrive working alone, you still belong in a team.
- Phil emphasized the value of creating or finding environments that respect both autonomy and collaboration.
- You don’t need to “be the bridge”—but recognize that someone else can be.
5. True Connection Requires Depth
“There are so many different ways to really know someone.”
- The difference between networking and connection lies in emotional depth.
- Be curious. Small talk, shared experience, vulnerability—they all matter.
- Send out your “radio signal.” Let others find you through what you truly care about.
6. Let the Work Choose You
“This thing chose them and took them away.”
- Passion isn’t always chosen—it awakens you.
- Pay attention to what compels you, what pulls you forward without forcing.
💭 Questions to Reflect On
- What helps me enter a high-energy state? What blocks it?
- When was the last time I truly felt “seen”?
- What’s one thing I’d let “take me away” if I didn’t care what others thought?
- Am I trying to invent something new—or deepen into what already exists?
- In a team setting, do I want to shine as a soloist, or design bridges between solos?
📝 Closing Thought
“You can’t make world-class cuisine with mediocre ingredients.”
Your surroundings matter. So does your self-design. Choose who you interact with, and how you show up—for others and for yourself.
