In Italian, there’s a saying: “seminare per coltivare”—“sow to cultivate.”
When we’re stuck in defense mode, focused solely on survival, we often forget the importance of healing along the way. We’re too busy running to notice what we’ve left behind.
“What am I chasing?” you might ask. “Is it even worth it?”
You’ve planted countless seeds but forgotten to water some. Yet, despite the neglect, a few still manage to thrive. Your quiet discipline has led you to a point where you can begin to reap the rewards of your efforts.
But just as you’re about to recognize your progress, doubt sneaks in—a natural part of the journey. After all, doubt often accompanies success, whatever that may look like for you.
Now, the question is, “How do I practice responsibility and discipline?” “And what does it mean?”
For each one of us, there is a different answer.
John Peyton, a 23-year-old navigating his first steps in the workforce as a purchaser, asked me one of the toughest questions I’ve encountered. My response? Often as simple as, “Just do it.”
I used to tell myself the same thing: “Just do it.” But it was never that easy. I’d push through the resistance, do the work, and then think, “That wasn’t so bad after all.” Yet every time, I’d forget that sense of accomplishment and have to start over, as if discipline were something new to learn all over again.
Discipline is like life—a journey full of challenges and surprises. But if you embrace it, it has a way of showing up for you when you need it most.
Although John expressed doubts about his own discipline, his story reveals the quiet strength behind his actions.
Before graduating in 2023, he began the daunting process of job hunting. It took ten months of perseverance, all while battling anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, before he finally secured a position. His journey is proof that discipline, even when it feels shaky, can guide you through the hardest times.
“I’m doing interviews, and then tons and tons of applications, and nobody’s responding, or people respond, and they act like they love me, then ghost me. Even though I have a marketable degree and a good resume, it’s a weird market. I’m getting fewer hits. I’m casting my line; I’m not getting any bites. So, how long it took was pretty frustrating.”
Ten months is a long time to battle one’s emotions and insecurities, a familiar battle many students face.
It’s either you sink or you swim, and the latter is what John decided to do.
“I was able to quell that by just taking up smaller, easier-to-get jobs while searching for a higher-level career job type of deal. Even right now, I’m struggling because I only just got the job, and I get paid once a month, and everything’s expensive…So, if you’re in a similar position to mine, keep going, dude. You’ll get there. If you think you’re at rock bottom, this might sound harsh, but you can always go lower.”
Harsh but true. I can’t remember all the times I found myself gasping for air and concluding, “I Can Breathe.”
We are stronger than what our minds tell us. When in fight or flight mode, if we choose to fight, we fight. No matter the cost, those moments are treasures for our growth.
Instead of sub coming to fear, John looked for alternative ways and, if in lack of support, said:
“Join a club, find some friends, join a Facebook group. There’s a Facebook group for everything. It’s weird. But find a support network and get in there and…and uh… don’t look for support; look for people you can give support to because that’s the best way you’re gonna get help is by giving help.”
To give is to receive. Something to keep in mind.
The same thought process goes into our planet: to nurture means to harvest.
John’s gaze into the future concerns our earth, GAIA, infected by a society that moves too fast and gives too little.
“We’re going to be completely out of fish by 2040 something. And whether or not you believe that’s true… there’s evidence to suggest that’s certainly possible. That figure is plausible if people continue participating in industrial fishing and chemical dumping the way they are now.”
“My concern is just that people won’t do that, that they won’t listen, that they won’t have an open mind about what’s going on, and that even worse…they will just accept defeat as soon as they learn about it.”
How do we communicate within the generational gap?
Should we stop highlighting the gap and look for similarities instead of concluding that we are different?
“Seminare per coltivare.”
That is where you find discipline.
You can find John’s episode here:
The Power of Networking with Dan Graham Founder of Notley
In this episode of “Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life,” Dan Leon and Natalie are joined by Dan Graham, founder of Notley, a family office focused on philanthropic investments. Graham shares his journey from being a student in Austin to become a successful entrepreneur, explains why he dedicates himself to mentoring young minds and emerging businesses and offers his take on the power of networking.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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