Douglas Flora, Executive Medical Director of Yung Family Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, President-Elect of the Association of Cancer Care Centers, and Editor in Chief of AI in Precision Oncology, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The Ultimate Two-Person Performance Review
‘The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.’ — John Wooden
In our hyper-connected world, it feels like someone is always watching. We’re measured by ‘Likes’, judged by titles, and constantly performing for an endless audience of colleagues, bosses, and connections. Meanwhile, our harshest critic often stares back at us from the mirror each morning.
Through mentoring exceptional younger people in recent years, I’ve noticed this theme surface repeatedly: the exhausting pursuit of external validation paired with relentless internal criticism. It’s led me to a simpler framework that I want to share with anyone trying to achieve meaningful goals while staying true to themselves.
What if we could silence the noise? What if we could step away from the baggage of difficult childhoods or lingering high school traumas? What if we reimagined who we’re really working to impress?
I believe the only performance review that truly matters has an audience of just two people.
Work hard every day to become someone who would impress both the 8-year-old version of you and the 80-year-old version of you. Simple, isn’t it?
The 8-Year-Old You
That child was full of wonder, big dreams, and an unfiltered sense of what was fun and fair. What would make them proud?
They wouldn’t care about your job title or salary. They’d light up seeing that you’re still curious, that you tackle scary challenges, that you’re kind to people, that you remember how to play. They’d want to know the spark they carried still burns bright in your eyes.
The 80-Year-Old You
Picture yourself looking back with the long view of a life fully lived. What would earn their pride? Not the temporary setbacks or fleeting praise from others. They’d admire your resilience—the integrity you showed when no one was watching, the quality of relationships you built, the moments you chose courage over comfort, the consistent effort you brought to whatever mattered. They’d hope you left your corner of the world a little better.
The Standard That Matters
If you can live in a way that satisfies those two versions of yourself, you’re living with purpose and integrity.
If the hopeful, wide-eyed 8-year-old would look at you with admiration, and the wise, reflective 80-year-old would look back with a knowing smile of pride…
Then you are enough. You have always been enough.”
More posts featuring Douglas Flora.
