In the movie American Gangster, the drug lord Frank Lucas is undetected and pretty much undetectable. That was his strength and power. A key scene in the movie is when his wife buys him an expensive and ostentatious fur coat and insists he wear it in a very public setting – a prize fight. Instinctively, he resists but relents against his better judgment. This ends up costing him dearly as it now draws needless attention to himself and his business.

Recently, I also thought of the example of Princess Diana. How happy she was before marrying into the Royal Family is up for debate, but what isn’t is that by doing so made her not very much so and arguably caused her demise.

Most of the fields and places I’ve been in prized being seen. Many times at either great or any cost. Looking back, I realized how silly this strategy can be. Being hidden, at least until the right time not to be is a gift, a shield.

I taught my daughter about the 27 Club – the one you really don’t want to belong to – Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Jami Joplin, Jon Bonham, to name a few. Speculation aside of what causes that phenomenon, I’d venture that some falls on too much, too soon – as in fame and notoriety.

In NYC, the competition for schooling is abnormal. Kids apply for high school just as college applications. Frankly, this is supreme ridiculous and will likely have unintended negative consequences. Even and especially growth.

Rush anything or anyone and you’ll see, feel it.

Not to mention the pressure to be seen quickly, and more problematic- before one is ready to handle all of it – responsibility and weight. This also creates incentives to take short cuts, false paths, and rushed development.

I’ve looked at the board wrong for a long time.

Being hidden for the right season can be a good thing.