From the NY Yankees to Philippe Petit: The Power of Focus in Life’s Crucial Moments
Books that changed my thinking, behaviors, and life
Hello,
The 2024 Yankees had Game 1 of the World Series in their pockets. Leading the Dodgers by a run in the bottom of the 10th, they were three outs away from stealing the first game in L.A. And then, just like that, it slipped away. A walk. A hit. A bobbled ball. The bases loaded. And then Freddie Freeman steps up and crushes a grand slam. The game unraveled in what felt like an instant—a reminder of how quickly things can change when you lose focus at the finish line.
And it got me thinking about Philippe Petit.
In 1974, Petit accomplished one of the most daring feats in history: a tightrope walk between the Twin Towers, over 1,300 feet above the streets of New York City. No harness. No safety net. For 45 minutes, he stepped, turned, and even knelt on a wire no wider than an inch.
His feat captivated the world, but what struck me most was something Petit said about the nature of his craft:
“It’s the last two steps—that’s when everyone falls.”
Those final steps on the wire weren’t more important than the six years of preparation Petit put into the feat. He studied the wind patterns at that altitude, the movement of the towers, and the physics of the wire. Without that preparation, the walk wouldn’t have been possible.
But those last two steps required something special—an acute focus, a steady calm, and the ability to stay fully present when success was just within reach. They demanded that Petit hold himself together after years of preparation, when the finish line was in sight but not yet crossed.
The same is true in our own lives. Every great achievement is built on preparation—the countless hours of practice, planning, and persistence. But the final moments of a project, a performance, or a goal bring unique challenges. They demand clarity when the stakes are highest, and they test your ability to stay composed when your mind might be tempted to wander to the outcome.
The lesson isn’t that the last two steps are more important than all the work that came before. It’s that they deserve your full attention. Those final steps are where preparation and execution meet, where everything you’ve done builds to a single moment that requires not just skill but composure. Whether it’s closing a deal, finishing a race, or nailing a critical presentation, the last steps ask you to bring everything you have—and to stay present in the process.
Petit’s story reminds us of this truth: success isn’t just about the journey leading up to the finish line. It’s about staying sharp and deliberate as you cross it. The Yankees had the game in their grasp, but their final moments lacked the precision and poise that the situation demanded. And in that, there’s a lesson for all of us.
Preparation gets you to the wire. Focus gets you to the other side.
Welcome to this week’s Three Book Thursday.
1. Memoir
The Youngest Science: Notes of a Medicine-Watcher
Summary
The Youngest Science: Notes of a Medicine-Watcher by Lewis Thomas is a memoir, a reflection, and a love letter to the evolution of medicine. It’s a journey through Thomas’s life as both a witness and a participant in one of humanity’s greatest endeavors: the pursuit of healing. But this book isn’t just about medicine—it’s about humanity, curiosity, and the enduring questions that shape us.
I first read this book before attending medical school, and it left a profound impression on me. It wasn’t just a captivating story; it was a spark of inspiration. Thomas’s reflections on medicine, life, and the human spirit illuminated what it meant to be a doctor and gave me a sense of the incredible journey I was about to embark on.
Thomas weaves his personal history into the broader narrative of modern medicine’s rise, tracing how a profession once limited to little more than guesswork transformed into a science-driven practice of astonishing complexity. He shares vivid anecdotes from his early days as a medical student and intern, where he grappled with the mysteries of the human body armed with only rudimentary tools and an insatiable curiosity. Through his eyes, we see medicine not as a static field but as a dynamic, ever-evolving journey—a youngest science, as he calls it.
What makes this book so compelling is Thomas’s ability to see the humanity in medicine. He doesn’t shy away from its limits, its failures, or its moments of humility. Instead, he embraces them as opportunities for growth and understanding. His reflections on the patient-physician relationship are particularly poignant, reminding us that medicine is as much about listening, observing, and connecting as it is about diagnosing and curing. In an era increasingly dominated by technology, Thomas’s emphasis on the human side of healing feels more relevant than ever.
Beyond medicine, The Youngest Science invites readers to reflect on the nature of progress itself. Thomas’s stories are filled with curiosity, the willingness to question assumptions, and the courage to admit what we don’t know. These are lessons that resonate far beyond the hospital walls, touching on leadership, innovation, and personal growth.
For medical professionals, this book is a chance to reconnect with the heart of why you chose this path in the first place. For entrepreneurs and lifelong learners, it’s a testament to the power of curiosity and the relentless pursuit of improvement. And for anyone seeking inspiration, Thomas offers a reminder that growth often comes not from certainty but from the willingness to embrace uncertainty.
At its core, The Youngest Science isn’t just about medicine—it’s about life. It’s about watching, listening, and learning. It’s about finding meaning in the questions, even when the answers feel elusive. And most of all, it’s about the enduring belief that even in our imperfections, we are capable of extraordinary things.
Favorite Quote, Insight, & Principle
Quote: The best physicians are those who never stop learning and who remain humble in the face of the mysteries of the human body.
Insight: If you can learn to watch and listen carefully, you will discover that patients teach you everything you need to know about their illnesses.
Principle: The art of medicine lies in being able to comfort when you cannot cure.
Author: Lewis Thomas
Themes: Memoir, Science, Medicine
2. Personal finance
The Richest Man in Babylon
Summary
The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason is one of those rare books that feels like a conversation with wisdom itself. Written in the form of parables set in ancient Babylon, it distills timeless lessons on wealth, success, and the principles of financial independence. But this isn’t just a book about money—it’s about the mindset and habits that allow us to live a life of purpose, security, and opportunity.
Clason doesn’t offer gimmicks or get-rich-quick schemes. Instead, he emphasizes principles so fundamental that they’ve stood the test of time—principles that feel as relevant today as they would have in the bustling markets of Babylon. Pay yourself first. Live below your means. Invest wisely. Protect your wealth. Seek wisdom. These ideas aren’t revolutionary, but they are transformative when practiced consistently.
What I love most about this book is how actionable it is. Take the idea of “paying yourself first,” for example. It’s such a simple concept—saving at least 10% of what you earn before you do anything else—but its impact is profound.
The lessons in The Richest Man in Babylon also extend far beyond finances. Clason’s emphasis on the importance of seeking wisdom, surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people, and taking calculated risks applies to virtually every area of life. Whether you’re leading a team, launching a business, or striving for personal growth, these principles serve as a compass.
For my fellow medical professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to create something meaningful in their lives, this book is an invitation to reflect. Are we investing in ourselves? Are we disciplined in our pursuits? Are we building something that lasts? The beauty of Clason’s parables is that they leave room for interpretation, allowing each reader to find their own insights and applications.
Favorite Quote, Insight, & Principle
Quote: Better a little caution than a great regret.
Insight: Wealth, like a tree, grows from a tiny seed. The sooner you plant that seed, the sooner the tree shall grow.
Principle: A man's wealth is not in the coins he carries in his purse; it is the income he buildeth, the golden stream that continually floweth into his purse and keepeth it always bulging. An income that continueth to come whether thou work or travel.
Author: George Clason
Themes: Personal finance, Investing, Wealth creation
3. Memoir
Citizen
Summary
Citizen by Bill Clinton is an insightful exploration of what it means to live a life of purpose, service, and impact. Drawing on his experiences as a leader, a statesman, and an engaged citizen of the world, Clinton weaves together personal anecdotes, historical lessons, and a call to action that is both timely and timeless. This book isn’t just about public service—it’s about how each of us, regardless of our profession or circumstances, can contribute to a better world.
What makes Citizen compelling is Clinton’s unique perspective. Having been at the epicenter of global decision-making, he offers a rare glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of leadership. But the real magic of the book lies in its accessibility. Clinton doesn’t just write for policymakers or historians; he writes for anyone who wants to make a difference. He reminds us that citizenship is an active role, not a passive one. It’s about showing up, taking responsibility, and doing the work—whether that means casting a vote, mentoring a colleague, or standing up for what you believe in.
One of the most striking themes in the book is the idea that small actions, when multiplied, can create extraordinary change. Clinton recounts moments from his own life and the lives of others to show how individual efforts—acts of kindness, resilience, and collaboration—can ripple outwards in ways we might never fully see. It’s a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t reserved for the few; it’s something we can all achieve through consistent, meaningful contributions.
For medical professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving for personal and professional growth, Citizen offers lessons that resonate deeply. Clinton emphasizes the importance of adaptability, empathy, and lifelong learning—qualities that are essential in every field. He challenges us to think beyond ourselves, to see how our work fits into a larger story, and to ask how we can leave things better than we found them.
What stayed with me after finishing the book is Clinton’s unwavering optimism. Even as he acknowledges the daunting challenges we face—inequality, division, climate change—he remains steadfast in his belief in the power of people to solve problems together. It’s a belief grounded in experience and reinforced by his own journey: from a small-town boy in Arkansas to President of the United States, Clinton’s life is a testament to the extraordinary potential of ordinary people when they embrace their roles as citizens.
Citizen is a book that inspires action. It invites you to reflect on your values, your impact, and your capacity to contribute to something bigger than yourself. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or power; it’s about service. And it’s about understanding that the most meaningful victories aren’t measured by personal success but by the positive change you create for others. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating your own journey, this book will leave you inspired to do more, give more, and be more.
Favorite Quotes, Insights, & Principles
Quote: Forgiveness is not a weakness; it’s the ultimate expression of strength and wisdom.
Insight: Our shared humanity is more important than any political disagreement or cultural divide.
Principle: Leadership is not just about making speeches or signing laws; it’s about creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed.
Author: Bill Clinton
Themes: Memoir, Politics, History
Across the stories in this newsletter—whether it’s the Yankees’ unraveling loss, Philippe Petit’s daring tightrope walk, or the wisdom drawn from great thinkers—a common truth emerges: the moments that define us often come when the stakes are highest. Those final steps, where success feels within reach but not yet guaranteed, demand a unique blend of focus, clarity, and courage.
But here’s the thing: those last steps don’t exist in isolation. They’re the culmination of preparation, discipline, and consistent effort. Petit’s walk wasn’t just about balancing on a wire; it was the result of six years of study, practice, and deliberate action. The Yankees’ loss wasn’t due to a lack of talent but a breakdown in focus when it mattered most. These moments reveal that preparation gets us to the edge, but staying present in the decisive moments carries us through.
This isn’t just about tightropes or baseball. It’s about how we approach the critical junctures in our own lives. A career-defining project, a relationship at a crossroads, a long-term goal within reach—each requires us to summon everything we’ve worked for and channel it into deliberate, focused action.
The takeaway? Success isn’t just about the effort leading up to the finish line; it’s about bringing your full attention to those final, defining moments. What are the “last two steps” in your life right now? How will you prepare for them? And when the moment arrives, will you have the clarity and resolve to cross the wire, not just with skill, but with purpose?
Because in the end, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about how you finish. Those final steps don’t just get you across; they define the legacy you leave behind.
Best,
Adam
Three Book Thursday is free, but there are many costs to create this post each week. So, can I ask for a small favor?
If you find value here, consider supporting the newsletter.
Please share Three Book Thursday with a friend, college, family member, or even post it to your socials. I’m working hard to grow this audience, but let’s be honest—you’re probably better at it than I am. Let’s call it even!