The Entrepreneur's Dilemma
Overcoming obstacles, haters and challenges is hard. Biting your tongue when all others are flapping theirs is hard. Keeping your head about you while all others are losing theirs and blaming it on you is hard.
Leaving D.C.
I shared things in the comments in 2025, above, that only a few people knew at the time in 2012. I have enough distance from the experience that I can share this information neutrally - whereas before, it would be highly charged (for me and likely for others).
Grace under fire
If I can find comportment and calm in these fiery times, if I can keep my head about me while all others are losing theirs, then I can live to gracefully fight another day.
Deciding to Be a Person of Action
Whether it is deciding to actively pick up the phone or taking time to meet in person, versus sending an email / waiting for a response via passive channels or making a serious life change or shift in attitude — taking action (provided it is the reasoned action and not [too] hastily done) is what I personally strive for and respect in others.