"Everything's a test."
A catchphrase from a former boss, the late Reggie Imamura. It still echoes in my head.
What did he mean?
Every small thing reveals something. The email you dash off at 6pm. The way you handle a question in Slack when you're tired. The PR description you leave blank.
Not because someone's grading you. Because you're building something; a reputation, a body of work, a track record. Brick by brick.
Some people hear that and think, "What a terrible way to live. Relax. Life's too short."
There's truth in that. But there is also truth that the next small thing you do tomorrow is your next chance to impress. Your next chance to show you are ready. To take the next step.