Dave Kline’s Post

View profile for Dave Kline, graphic
Dave Kline Dave Kline is an Influencer

Training managers on the playbook for leading high-performance teams. Entrepreneur | Writer | Advisor | Speaker | Coach | Community of 200K+ leaders.

Today I turn 47. If I had been wise enough to write a letter to my future self 20 years ago, here's what it would have said:  Marry the girl from prom.  → She's your cheat code, superpower, and best friend all in one. You really like to write.  → Figure out how to do more of that. Go easy on yourself.  → You'll start that business when you're ready. But get started. → It's going to change dramatically once you get actual data. You can't outrun your fork. → It's easier to skip calories than burn them. Try to make every game. → They'll notice you're missing. You'll miss them when they're over. Invest for the long term. → If it's too good to be true, it probably is. You're underpricing opportunity cost. → Good enough is not good enough. Demand great. Learn to say No. → Welcoming distraction is virtuous procrastination. Cut faster.  → Energy-raisers and high-performers only. Action is the antidote to anxiety. → Remove all the friction between you and the first step. You're wired to play positive-sum games.  → Find opportunities where you win by helping others win. Be a giver. → The universe will find a way to make you whole. Ask questions.  → You'll never go wrong learning a little more. Gratitude is best given. → The second you think it, say it. Well... → I did marry that girl. → I did start that business.  → And I do write every day. If you want to see more of it, please follow along Dave Kline. PS - That prom pic was taken 29 years ago today—one helluva birthday. PPS - If I had written the letter then, I could have said: That flow will be cool again in 30 years. → Unfortunately, you won't be able to participate.

  • Dave Kline and Marsden Kline in a very dated prom picture.

It feels like yesterday. Or the time my college graduation fell on your birthday. Or the time May 19th was the day my brother-in-law got his doctorate. Then, the year that our oldest surprised us, taking the stage for the kindergarten talent show. In summary, you are always there—in the audience, on the sideline, cheering all of us on and adding to the joy. Happiest of Birthdays to you.

Brian Stacy

Vice President, Purchasing

2mo

I remember this day, well. In fact, I use the two of you as an example when talking with my daughter. An example of how relationships are important regardless of age or stage in life. When you feel a special connection, cultivate cultivate cultivate. You are both an inspiration to many without even knowing!!

Reno Perry

Founder @ Wiseful - connecting companies to vetted, top talent | The #1 ranked LinkedIn creator for Careers & Coaching in the US | Follow for posts about the job search, career growth, personal branding, and AI tools

2mo

Gratitude is best given, always remember that. Happy birthday Dave

Eric Ross, RN

Firefighter turned Nurse turned EntrepreNurse & Health Care Nut 🥜 I like to ask questions to help you find answers 👊

2mo

Happy birthday! May today be filled with minimal work, maximum play, and whatever brings you the most joy.

Omar Halabieh

Tech Director @ Amazon Payment Services | #1 LinkedIn Arab World Creator in Management & Leadership | Follow me for Daily Insights on Leadership, Management and Career | Mentor

2mo

Happiest of Birthdays Dave! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!

Alex Banks

Building a better future with AI

2mo

Happy Birthday DK! Many happy returns

Marcus Frick

Founder at Cultivating Clarity | Redefining healthcare | Returned Peace Corps Volunteer

2mo

👏🏻 Can’t outrun your fork and underpricing opportunity cost hit hard. Happy birthday, Dave!

Jesser Bedoui

CEO at Silkdev | Driving Digital Growth for Businesses | Web & AI Solutions

2mo

Happy 47th, Dave! Love this letter - full of wisdom & heart.

Like
Reply
Danish Hussain

Head of Surgery ME at Neuralink

2mo

“Welcoming distraction is virtuous procrastination” 🤯 great list. I think i should go write one for future me.

Ronnie H. Kinsey, MBA

Growth Coach Expert to Executives & Ambitious Professionals ^ Speaker ^ ICF🎖 #1 LinkedIn Global Growth ^ Top Favikon Global Leadership

2mo

❤️ ==> You really like to write.  → Figure out how to do more of that. 🍰

See more comments

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics