Hi there 👋

A few days ago, I was chatting with friends about goals in endurance sports. They mentioned wanting to join an event next year to have something to aim for. I totally get it — having a goal keeps you motivated. You picture yourself crossing the finish line, and just imagining it gives you a boost. And, of course, the closer the event is, the more urgency you feel to start training. ...

The deadline for a critical software feature is just two weeks away. I’m in a meeting with my team to plan the work. I glance at the calendar again—it’s tight, but I think we might just make it. The team has broken down the feature into smaller tasks, estimating the effort for each one. I’m holding my breath, hoping two weeks will be enough. Then the team gives me the news: they estimate at least six weeks. My heart sinks, and a cold sweat breaks out. This feature was promised by the deadline. But now it’s clear—there’s no way we can deliver it on time. ...