You Don't Learn To Swim By Reading About Water

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Hey!

Wow. What a turnout.

On Saturday we got 30+ founders together for a 5k walk round Hyde Park. I put this together because the most helpful conversations I’ve ever had have been with other founders, who are now my closest friends.

TODAY AT A GLANCE

• 30+ founders walked 5k round Hyde Park on Saturday. Anyone can host one.
• The goal was five numbers each. Someone went further and set up a WhatsApp group.
• You don't learn to swim by reading about water.

[the walk]

Founder's Growth Walk

On Saturday morning I stood at the edge of Hyde Park so excited to host my first ever Founder's Growth Walk. We walked five kilometres and I was genuinely amazed by the level of enthusiasm, vulnerability and excitement sharing ideas throughout the group.

My key takeaways:

• Build your network when you’re starting out. It’s so much easier to ask a favour from someone you’ve met (and invested in) years before.
• Anyone can host their own walk. No budget, no expertise. A park, a date, and a message to fifteen people. What’s stopping you?
• Be proactive. The goal was for everyone to leave with five numbers. Better than that, one founder created a WhatsApp group for everyone to join on the spot.

Why don't you think about starting your own WhatsApp chat? I can promise you a WhatsApp group where you can share things like:

• Paid marketing agencies that are actually worth the retainer
• Social media hires, and what to pay them
• Fractional CFOs, and whether you need one yet
• Hiring questions you'd be a bit embarrassed to ask on a call
• And everything in between

Could just be the most useful thing you have that money can't buy starting out.

[the quote]

Reading about Water

I saw this quote last week that hasn't left me. You don't learn to swim by reading about water.

[the reminder]

Boring Habits

At the moment, I'm big into how boring habits stack up. I filmed a quick 60 second video yesterday about them here.

• Boring habit number one. I wake up at the same time every morning. It anchors your circadian rhythm and sets your energy for the whole day.
• oring habit number two. Lifting weights two to three times a week. I do this at home, just bought weights online. Muscle strength is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. Strong, not skinny.
  ​
• Boring habit number three. A ten minute walk after dinner. Your muscles pull glucose out of your bloodstream before it can spike.
• Boring habit number four. Avoiding ultra processed food, even when I am craving a snack. There is just no benefit to your physiology.
• Boring habit number five. The one I do not find boring. Socialising. Strong social connection predicts a longer, healthier life. The effect is comparable to quitting smoking.

One action for you this week?

Pick a Saturday in the next three weeks. Message fifteen people you'd like to know better with a time and a meeting point. Tell everyone to leave with five numbers.

Have a good week,
Victoria