This is Part 15 of a weekly series on my growth and development at a software startup in Austin Texas. Click here to view the full series or start at Level 1.

Catching up.

Level Fifteen Stats

Weapons gained:

  • Connections + 2: I’ve continued connecting to more of our customers, it’s hard to feel like it’s anything crazy after my week two weeks ago meeting so many people in person at a conference. It was a very chill week. More connections, but nothing crazy.
  • Ability + 4: I was back in the office this week and it has been a pretty crazy week. It’s been difficult to stay focused with so much going on, but I’m learning how to block out what I need to block out while also listening for the things I can help with. I also helped brainstorm with my CEO, COO and product manager how to set up our proposal for our newest automation. Lots of figuring had to be done, but I think the end result that CJ, our product manager developed looks pretty good!
  • Knowledge + 4: Tying into my last answer, just being a part of the discussions with those at the top of my company has helped me to learn a lot. Even just how my bosses minds work and how they approach problems and come up with solutions. It’s hard to write what these things that I’ve learned are, but maybe the best way to describe it is that I’ve learned how to understand people better and to a greater degree.
  • Discipline + 6: It was a struggle, but I finally got back into some of my normal routines after my trip and crazy couple of weeks. My mornings have been back to how they’re supposed to be. As I mentioned, it’s been a struggle to get back into it being back home, but I’m excited for next week to be even better.
  • Organization + 2: Nothing crazy here, but I did feel like I finally caught up on stuff since the conference. I’ve felt behind basically since the conference, and going into this weekend, I finally felt like I was getting my head above water. This I have no doubt is thanks to at least a little bit of organization skills on my part.
  • Strength + 4: I felt week getting back into my normal morning exercise routine, and I’ve already fallen back a bit in what I was able to do, but I’m right back in it working hard and I know it will come back in no time.

Kills: I am caught up…as much as possible at least. I don’t know that anyone at a start-up is ever “caught up,” but I’m to the point where I’m not afraid I’ll have to do work over the weekend because of how much there is to do.

Deaths: Distraction in the office was definitely killer this week. It made it a really, really fun week, but I know I didn’t get as much done because I was so often pulled aside for different conversations and such. Still got “caught up,” but could have done even better I think.

Outside the Game

Lots of conversations with friends over the phone. I had a lot of life to catch people up on, so most of my time was spent doing that or hanging out with friends in the Austin area. Also, of course a little bit of Ultimate frisbee.

It’s good to be back in Austin. I know it’s gonna be home for at least another 6ish months, so I’m learning to really embrace it and treat it like the true home it is.

Also, I moved houses today. No biggy.

Final Takeaways

Now that I’m feeling caught up, I’m excited to go in and see how I can help improve the company and our customer’s lives. Instead of playing “keep all the fires out” I want people to be able to see a brighter light by working with us. Not just “how do I make this not the worst,” but how do I make this enjoyable?