An idea (choose depth)

In November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg to deliver what would become one of the most important speeches in American history.

The country was fractured.

The Civil War had already taken hundreds of thousands of lives.

The weight of the moment was staggering.

He had drafted his remarks, but instead of revising them late into the night, he withdrew into solitude.

He walked the battlefield alone, reflecting on the cost of war, the sacrifice of soldiers, and the weight of his words.

The next day, with just 272 words, Lincoln reframed the entire purpose of the Civil War.

The Gettysburg Address wasn’t just a speech—it was a moment of profound clarity that redefined American democracy.

Now, let's do a little thought experiment . . .

Imagine if Lincoln had had an iPhone.

Seriously . . .

What if Lincoln had been constantly checking messages?

What if he took that time to catch up on emails?

Instead of walking and reflecting, what if he was checking the latest news commentary?

Would he have found the clarity to deliver a speech that still echoes through history?

When I think of Lincoln, I remember a deep leader.

He was wise. Discerning. Reflective.

We live in an age that pulls us toward the shallow end—
• Quick consumption instead of deep engagement.
• Constant noise instead of quiet reflection.
• Surface-level information instead of lasting wisdom.

If we’re not careful, we can spend years consuming without ever growing.

But deep people—wise, steady, transformational leaders—choose depth in a world that rewards speed.

Depth is now quite rare.

Depth is a superpower.

How can we be deep leaders in a world of distraction?

Here are three ways to cultivate wisdom in an age of distraction:

1. Read to Grow, Not Just to Know

The average person today consumes more words per day than ever before—yet how much of it actually sticks?

We skim, we scroll, we read quick summaries.

But depth comes from slowing down.

Instead of rushing to the next thing, sit with one great book, one powerful idea, one deep conversation—and engage with it.

Take notes.

Reflect.

Apply.

Don’t chase more.

Go deeper into less.

2. Create Space for Deep Thought

Wisdom doesn’t come in the rush—it comes in the pause.

Most of us never give our minds a break.

We fill every gap with noise—podcasts while driving, notifications at dinner, email before bed.

But deep insight requires space.

Try this: Take 10 minutes today with no inputs.

No phone, no music, no distractions.

Just think.

What problem needs deeper reflection?

What idea needs more time to develop?

What’s the one thing you’ve been avoiding sitting with?

Wisdom comes in the quiet.

But we have to make room for it.

3. Seek Mastery, Not Just Information

It’s easy to confuse knowing about something with knowing something.

We consume endless information but rarely take the time to master anything.

We collect quotes, insights, and frameworks but don’t apply them deeply.

Instead of chasing the next thing, focus on mastery—not just consuming, but integrating.
• Don’t just read a book—apply it, teach it, live it.
• Don’t just skim ideas—go deep, test them, wrestle with them.
• Don’t just collect information—seek wisdom.

Deep people don’t just know things. They become them.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Moment of Clarity

Almost a century later, another leader found himself at a crossroads.

It was midnight on January 27, 1956.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott was in full swing, and Martin Luther King Jr. was exhausted.

The death threats had become relentless.

That night, he answered a call at home, and the voice on the other end snarled:

“Leave Montgomery immediately if you have no wish to die.”

Shaken, he walked to his kitchen, made a pot of coffee, and buried his face in his hands.

Doubt crept in.

Was he leading people toward change—or destruction?

He whispered a desperate prayer, asking God for guidance.

In the silence, he heard a voice:

“Stand up for righteousness. Stand up for truth. And God will be at your side forever.”

At that moment, peace washed over him.

His fear lifted.

His purpose solidified.

Three days later, his house was bombed—but he stood firm.

The Civil Rights Movement would never be the same.

Both Lincoln and King faced moments of immense pressure, and in those moments, they didn’t seek more information—they sought clarity.

They withdrew into silence.

They reflected deeply.

And then, they led.

The world is loud.

Distractions are constant.

But wisdom requires intentional space to think, reflect, and gain perspective.

In a world drowning in information, yet starving for wisdom, may we choose to be leaders of depth.

A question

Where in my life am I skimming when I should be going deep?

A quote and resource

“The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.”

— Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

The Mission

I am on a mission to help thousands of leaders gain clarity, courage, community, and consistency in their lives. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

I'm rooting for you,

Cal

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Intentional Letter: Deep Leaders