I'm back.

My July 4th break lasted longer than expected, and that's okay. I needed it, and I'll get into why in a future newsletter.

But today, I want to share with you what separates great teammates from great individual performers.

Recently, Tom Brady was on the Stephen A. Smith Show, and he said this:

Unless you're a solopreneur living as a digital nomad, a lone wolf that is 100% self-reliant, your success is predicated on the team's success. You can be the most talented person in the room, but if your focus is on you, your accolades, and your ability, you are a detriment to the team.

Every elite performer is going to have to battle this internal drive to be a star... but stars don't make a team great. As Tom Brady says, champions do.

Now, was Tom Brady a "star?"

You bet he was! But he became a start player by focusing on the team.

During my time in the NFL, I was on the same field with Tom Brady multiple times in practice and games, I can tell you he was 100% focused on doing whatever it took to help his team succeed. This attitude showed up in how he handled his contract, how he worked in the off-season, and the crazy hours he put in at the facility.

My challenge for you today is to do a really good self-evaluation, and if you are brave enough, invite a close colleague or friend into the process.

Dig deep into your motives and actions. Ask trusted colleagues if your actions align more closely with those of a star or a champion.

Adam Grant on the benefits of a 4-day work week. (link)

Olive oil consumption lowers the risk of dementia. But how much do you need to consume? (link)

The twilight phenomenon when SpaceX’s Falcon 9 left the atmosphere (link)

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