Reliability

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Welcome to The Brighter Side of Everything.

This newsletter serves a simple purpose → To help you build optimism, resilience and a solution-focused perspective.

Each week, I’ll share actionable insights that not only brighten your day but position you to be a leader within your own life and seize life’s opportunities.

Read time: 12-15 minutes.

• Reliability - Your edge in both life and work.

• Bright Reads - Quick links to fun or insightful articles.

• Malala Yousafzai - Turning courage into change.

• Bookmarks - The First Minute by Chris Fenning.

• A Bright Idea to Consider - The gift of a new day.

• A Previous Post - If they wanted to, they would.

• Positively Hilarious - Smile like you mean it.

• Daily Gratitude Journal - Transform your daily routine through reflection.

Hello, Brighter Side readers! ☀️

Thanks to every single one of you.

Your support means the world and is honestly why I show up each week.

Sharing both the messy and beautiful parts of life helps me reflect, and hopefully it throws a little light your way, too.

I’m no expert, just someone who’s learned plenty by living, listening and paying close attention to the people and moments around me.

It’s amazing what you discover when you lean into curiosity instead of judgment and try to see things through someone else’s eyes.

With that in mind, let’s dig into a couple of big ideas for this week.

First up, we explore reliability.

How being a person others can count on gives you an edge in work and life.

And then we take inspiration from Malala Yousafzai, whose story of extraordinary courage led to lasting change.

Her story is a powerful reminder that real bravery and showing up for what matters can move mountains.

See you on the Brighter Side,

Chris

P.S. Please feel free to send me feedback on how I can improve. I respond to every email.

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Ever wondered what it would feel like to call out for help and have no one believe you?

Last week, while walking to camp with my son, we found ourselves deep in conversation about what makes someone valuable.

That’s when the old story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf came up.

It’s an old tale, but one that perfectly captures a timeless truth.

When you stop being reliable, people stop trusting you.

In this classic fable from Aesop, a young shepherd is tasked with watching his village’s sheep, alone on a quiet hillside with little to distract him.

Bored and craving excitement, he decides to shout, “Wolf! Wolf!”

Just to see what would happen.

The villagers drop everything and come running, only to discover there was no danger.

Nothing but the boy’s joke.

Happy with fun he’s having and the chaos he’s caused, he repeats the prank a second time.

Again, the villagers rush to his aid.

Only to be fooled once more.

Then, when a real wolf finally appeared and threatened his flock, the boy desperately called for help.

This time, no one came to help.

His earlier lies had cost him the trust that would have saved his sheep and maybe even himself.

The moral is as clear today as it was when it was written.

When you become unreliable, your words lose their power.

Once trust is broken, even truth becomes drowned out by doubt.

Time and time again the boy tricked the villagers into thinking a wolf was near.

Then, when the danger became real.

No one believed him.

His reputation?

Lost.

Trust?

Shattered.

He learned the hard way the value of reliability.

This conversation stayed with me because reliability, in my humble opinion, is the foundation of a great reputation.

So here’s a question?

When your name comes up, do people believe what you say?

Do they know you’ll follow through?

Here’s another question?

If you had to pick one word for people to use to describe you, what would it be?

Creative?

Fun?

Driven?

Loyal?

For me, it’s simple & somewhat boring: Reliable.

It’s not flashy.

Reliability doesn’t win awards or trend online.

But it’s one of life’s most powerful, quietly transformative qualities.

In every aspect of your life - work, friendships and family.

Your entire journey.

The Power of Showing Up, Always

Reliability is more than meeting a deadline or confirming a meeting.

It’s about consistently showing up for people and yourself, even when it’s inconvenient, unglamorous, or exhausting.

It’s being the person others can lean on when things get tough.

Ask yourself this: Who do you want beside you when it matters most, someone flaky or someone steady?

A partner who bails or one who keeps their word?

That steady presence is what reliability offers.

A foundation of trust and connection.

What Being Reliable Looks Like Every Day

It’s not about grand gestures.

Just small (but powerful) habits.

It’s things like showing up on time or early (cannot recommend this enough), admitting mistakes honestly and fixing them, calling when you said you would, following through on commitments and communicating effectively.

It’s keeping promises to friends, even casual ones and honouring commitments to yourself.

No matter how small.

Think of someone you trusted instantly and how their calm confidence put you at ease.

Their innate reliability steadies the chaos around them.

That’s the kind of person who makes everything feel a little brighter.

Ok Chris, but that seems like a lot of work?

It certainly takes effort, but the rewards that follow are priceless.

Reliability is the backbone of trust, the currency that deepens relationships.

Colleagues can rely on you to deliver consistently.

Friends can share personal stories with confidence.

Family will be there through the inevitable ups and downs.

When you show you’re dependable, doors open, bonds strengthen and opportunities multiply.

Who in your life makes you feel truly supported?

Now stop for a second and imagine being that person for others.

Why Being Reliable Pays Off

1. Builds leadership credibility
When you consistently deliver and communicate with honesty, others will trust you to guide and make decisions. This creates a confident, motivated team ready to tackle challenges together.

2. Creates confidence and security for others
When people know you’re dependable, they feel safe, free to take risks and collaborate without second-guessing. This stability boosts morale and drives momentum.

3. Opens doors to new opportunities
This one is massive. Reliable people are trusted with greater responsibility, access to promotions and develop deeper relationships. People want to invest their energy where results consistently happen.

4. Strengthens your relationship with yourself
Keeping promises to yourself, even small ones, builds your self-trust and resilience. This inner reliability will boost your confidence and empower you to face challenges.

5. Deepens connections
Consistent follow-through creates emotional safety and builds respect. It strengthens bonds with friends, partners and family. It’s like giving little guarantees to show you care.

6. The quiet superpower
Reliability might not sparkle like charisma, but it can transform ordinary actions into lasting legacies. It builds your reputation as someone others can count on and that’s invaluable.

How to Be More Reliable

• Be realistic with commitments: Don’t say yes just to please. Only promise what you can deliver. People will appreciate you for being honest and dependable.

• Communicate early and honestly: Life throws curveballs. If plans shift, give a heads-up ASAP. It shows you care and keeps trust rock-solid. Just as important? Reciprocating this understanding when the roles are reversed.

• Show up consistently: It’s the little things, being on time, following up, doing what you said, that build your reputation as a go-to person. Small wins add up big over time.

• Honour promises to yourself: Keep your promises to yourself. It’s like building a trust fund with yourself, making you stronger and more confident every day.

This way, being reliable doesn’t feel like a chore.

It’s a friendly & doable approach while making you someone people can count on.

My Takeaway

If reading this makes you feel overwhelmed or stuck, don’t worry about reinventing yourself.

Start small.

Start being the person who shows up and follows through.

It might just be the most powerful change you make.

Watch as trust begins to grow.

As opportunities start to surface and your world starts to open up in ways you wouldn’t expect.

Being someone reliable might sound old-fashioned.

But it’s essential, across all areas of life.

Careers, friendships, families and even personal growth.

Reliability builds long-lasting respect, deep trust and genuine connection.

It doesn’t require perfection, but showing up with integrity and consistency.

The trust you earn from others grows your sense of security and belonging, while developing self-reliance builds confidence and resilience.

Reliability shapes how others see you.

It shapes how you influence the people around you and how you navigate challenges.

It’s an underrated superpower that turns ordinary lives into standout ones.

Luckily, reliability is a habit just like any other.

It gets stronger the more you practice it.

I believe it was Vincent Van Gogh who said:

"If you hear a voice within you say 'You cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced."

Ready to own it?

Dive into action.

With persistence and practice, you'll silence those inner critics and grow your reputation like never before.

When you do, you’re not just building a reputation.

You’re creating a legacy.

So, next time The Boy Who Cried Wolf comes up, the story or in real life, remember what’s really at stake.

Your reputation.

If this week’s topic resonated with you, check out the following 10-minute video which outlines how to become more reliable:

• Here are the 13 books that made the Booker Prize longlist.

• Why good people are happier people.

• Why do our ears pop on a plane?

• Optimists share similar brain patterns when thinking about the future.

• Why is it called a “Swiss Army Knife”?

The sun was beginning to dip behind the mountains as a battered school bus rattled down a dusty road in Swat Valley, Pakistan.

Inside, laughter and chatter bounced off the walls.

Until the bus screeched to a halt, that is.

In that split second, the world changed for Malala Yousafzai.

A masked gunman boarded, asked for her by name and fired.

The reason?

An unwavering belief that every girl deserves an education.

That moment in 2012 moved Malala from brave teenager into a global symbol of hope and courage.

Who Is Malala (and Why Her Story Matters)

Malala grew up surrounded by books.

This was thanks to her dad, Ziauddin Yousafzai, who was a passionate education advocate.

Even as a little girl, she loved learning and wasn’t shy about standing up for what she believed in.

But back in 2007, things took a dark turn.

The Taliban took control of the region and banned girls from going to school, destroying hundreds of schools.

That didn’t stop Malala.

At just 11, she started blogging anonymously for the BBC, writing honestly about the challenges she and other girls faced.

Slowly but surely, Malala’s voice cut through the fear.

From Attack to Advocacy: The Road to Recovery

At 15, Malala was targeted in a violent attack meant to silence her forever.

A Taliban gunman shot her in the head.

The bullet caused serious brain injury and lodged near her shoulder.

She was rushed to a hospital in Pakistan for emergency surgery to relieve swelling in her brain.

Once her condition stabilised, she was airlifted to the UK for specialist care.

The world watched as she fought for her life, her story making headlines everywhere.

Many expected her to retreat into anonymity, but Malala chose the opposite path.

Through it all, she never gave up.

She came back stronger than ever, fueled by an outpouring of support from all over the world.

Just months later, on her 16th birthday, Malala stood before the United Nations and challenged world leaders to make sure every child gets an education.

It was a decisive moment.

One that showed her incredible courage and unstoppable spirit.

She has since shared her story in her bestselling book, I Am Malala, letting us in on her fears (and showcasing her fierce spirit).

Despite all of this, Malala’s journey hasn’t been without its critics.

Some say she’s too closely connected to Western interests, or question how much her activism changes life for millions of girls still denied education.

She remains honest about all of this and highlights something important.

Real change needs to happen from the ground up.

That’s why, with her dad, she started the Malala Fund.

Supporting education projects in countries such as Nigeria, Jordan and Kenya.

It’s a reminder that change can mean both local action and provide a global voice.

What Malala’s Story Teaches Us

• Hope is a choice we make. Despite facing unimaginable danger and loss, Malala didn’t let fear define her. She chose to believe that a better future is possible and that hope can fuel change.

• Resilience isn’t about never being scared. It’s perfectly normal to feel afraid or uncertain. What matters is having the strength to get up again and keep moving forward, no matter how many times life knocks you down.

• Your voice matters. Even when it feels risky or uncomfortable, speaking up can inspire others and start a ripple effect that leads to meaningful change. Silence can protect us from discomfort, but courage creates impact.

• Listen and learn. Lasting progress happens when we centre the experiences and wisdom of the people who face challenges firsthand. Being open to new perspectives helps build solutions that work for all.

My Takeaway

Malala famously said, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”

Her story shows us that each of us has the power to create change, big or small.

Think about that for a moment.

The problems we face, whether injustice, inequality, or simply everyday challenges, can seem too big for any one person.

But Malala’s journey teaches us something critical.

Courage, optimism and determination can ripple outward and inspire movement far beyond the original spark.

As you go through your week, ask yourself: Where can I speak up?

How can I turn my challenges into chances to make a difference?

Malala’s journey isn’t just about one brave girl in Swat Valley.

It’s an invitation for all of us to believe in education and trust the strength of one determined heart.

Remember, it doesn’t take a grand gesture to start a revolution.

It takes the willingness to show up and keep going, one step at a time.

The world needs more voices like Malala’s.

Let yours be one of them.

Inspired by Malala’s story and want to hear more? Check out this short video:

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You’ve probably been in those meetings where things drag on.

People talk past each other and everyone leaves more confused than when they started.

What if the entire dynamic could shift just by owning the first minute?

That’s exactly what Chris Fenning’s The First Minute explores.

A practical, step-by-step guide to making every work conversation shorter, clearer and way more productive.

It’s not about rushing or cutting corners.

It’s about framing and structuring what you say so people listen.

And act.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

This book is powerful for anyone managing projects, leading teams, or just wanting less friction in professional conversations.

Fenning’s method boils down to mastering those crucial opening moments.

Because that’s where a conversation is made or broken.

Based on over 20,000 real-world conversations across industries, he shares simple techniques to frame your message with three key pieces.

Context, intent and your main message.

Then comes the “GPS” method.

Clearly stating your Goal, the Problem you face, and the Solution you’re proposing.

These tools help you cut through the noise fast and get to the outcome.

What Makes It Stand Out

Unlike abstract self-help or theory-heavy books, The First Minute zeroes in on what works.

It tackles everyday communication headaches.

Things like sharing too many details, rambling and unclear asks, with straightforward, repeatable steps.

What sets it apart is the focus on validation.

Checking in early to make sure your listener is ready and engaged before diving deeper.

These habits: framing, summarising & validating, are skills you can apply not just in meetings but emails, presentations, even quick hallway chats.

The book is tight, practical and packed with examples that make you think:

“Yep, I could start doing this tomorrow.”

Practical Lessons

• Start with clear framing: In 15 seconds or less, set the scene by explaining the context, what you want from the conversation and your key message.

• Use the GPS method: Quickly lay out your Goal, the Problem blocking it and the Solution you suggest. Keeping everyone aligned and focused.

• Validate your listener: Respect their time and attention by checking if it’s a good moment to talk or if they’re the right person to chat with.

• Keep it concise: Cut out unnecessary details and rambling that kill clarity and engagement.

• Practice for progress: These techniques feel natural with repetition and save time by cutting down miscommunication.

My Takeaway

If you’ve ever been trapped in a meeting that should have been an email, or left an email feeling more confused than before you opened it, this book offers a straightforward solution.

Fenning’s clever framework helps you own those crucial first moments and set a positive, productive tone.

It’s a crisp read with immediate payoffs, especially for leaders, managers or anyone juggling complex work conversations.

Clearing the clutter isn’t just polite, it’s powerful.

This book shows how starting well leads to ending better.

What’s your biggest communication headache?

Ever struggled to get your point across and keep people on the same page?

The world is an infinitely better place when we communicate effectively.

Got a recommendation?

Please share; I'm always keen for great suggestions.

The Lesson

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

I love how simple but powerful that is.

Every morning provides a fresh start.

A chance to leave yesterday’s worries behind and step into something new.

But here’s the thing:

Starting fresh doesn’t mean pretending the past didn’t happen.

Go Deeper

We all mess up sometimes.

That’s part of being human.

Emerson reminds us: “You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in.”

It’s okay.

What really matters is that we face those moments honestly, learn from them and then give ourselves permission to let them go.

Holding on to regret or self-criticism only weighs us down.

At the same time, friendships and connections with others are a huge help in this process.

Science backs this up.

People with strong social ties tend to stress less, feel less anxious, recover faster from illnesses and even live longer.

So practicing grace in our friendships isn’t just a nice gesture.

It’s actually good for our health and happiness.

When we take the time each day to pause, reflect and reset.

We show up better for ourselves and those around us.

Grace, for the past.

For ourselves.

And for our relationships.

Is what helps keep everything balanced and you moving forward.

Practical Lessons

• Reflect, Then Let Go: Before bed, think about what went well and what you’d like to improve on. Then try to release what you can’t change.

• Set Your Intentions: In the morning, jot down one simple thing you want to bring into your day, it could be peace, kindness, patience. The choice is yours.

• Progress Over Perfection: Remember, growth is a process. Being kind to yourself along the way makes a huge difference.

• Lean on Friends: Don’t hesitate to reach out or accept support. Grace works both ways in friendships.

My Takeaway

The biggest breakthroughs I’ve had come from giving myself permission to reflect honestly.

When I choose to forgive myself, and then move on.

Life isn’t perfect.

And neither are we, but when we balance ownership and grace, we open the door to inner peace and fresh possibilities.

That goes for friendships too.

They aren’t about being perfect, but about being there for each other.

Even when we’re not at our best.

Sometimes that means silence, sometimes a quick check-in.

The important part is the care that underlies it all.

If this resonates, maybe today is the day to take a little moment for yourself.

To reflect, forgive and step toward the fresh start you deserve.

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Start (or end) each day with a moment of reflection and positivity.

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• Thoughtful prompts to inspire daily gratitude.

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