2 years ago, my dad handed me my elementary school reports. "Here, just thought you should keep them." Not thinking much about it, I perused. It's been a while since I've seen them.

In Germany (not sure about other countries), teachers write a little something about the student for each report. Kind of like a commentary. When I was younger, 8 years old, I didn't really understand or care about it. I guess those were directed more to my parents.

25 years later, reading that one report from 3rd grade, felt like a slap in the face. "Marcus has trouble putting his thoughts into words."

Why did it feel like a slap in the face? Because I was still (!!!) struggling with that almost a quarter century later. Different thoughts, but the same issue. It had to change!

Writing as a way to train my muscles

Writing has been a great training for me. First it was just for myself. Journaling. Really just dumping whatever I was thinking about on a blank page of paper. Then I slowly made my way to writing articles. And now 27 years after that report - I am writing on self-publishing my first book. What a road it has been.

Coaching & Therapy

While this is not necessarily for everyone. Coaching and therapy have been a big help for me to get more clear. Clear in what I am thinking and how I can communicate that, either to just myself or to others. Listening, asking questions, and being able to blurt out everything was more than helpful.

Both force you to reflect and learn a lot about yourself. Indispensable skills for today's complex world.

What would you find in your 3rd grade report?