Noah Cisneros

Life moves fast, responsibilities pile up, and finding a balance between career, family, and personal growth often seems impossible. But what if balance isn’t the answer at all? What if what we’re really looking for is harmony? In a recent episode of the Why Not podcast, I sat down with Gerritt Vander Linden—MBA student, professional at 47G, and passionate advocate for the aerospace and defense industry—to explore these questions through the lens of self-discipline, integrity, and community.

Discipline Comes from Within

We kicked things off with a powerful quote from Jocko Willink’s Discipline Equals Freedom, setting the tone for our conversation:

“Discipline is an internal force. Sure, you can have discipline imposed on you by a person, but the reality is he won’t give you real discipline because external discipline is not strong. It will not survive. What you need is self-discipline.”

For Gerritt, discipline has been foundational. As he navigates a demanding schedule—working full-time, pursuing his MBA, and balancing family life—discipline isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without self-discipline,” Gerritt shared. “It’s essential in my everyday life, and something I’m always trying to improve.”

From Balance to Harmony

But why choose “harmony” over “balance?” According to Gerritt, the concept of “balance” implies equal distribution, which is neither practical nor realistic.

“You’re never going to get perfect balance,” he explained. “But you can achieve harmony, where different parts of your life complement each other rather than compete.”

This shift from balance to harmony allows flexibility, making space for changes as different seasons of life require different focuses. Gerritt emphasized that the goal isn’t to evenly divide your time—it’s to be intentional about where and how your energy is spent.

Gratitude as Fuel

Gerritt described gratitude as central to maintaining discipline and integrity. Recognizing the sacrifices others have made fuels him to keep pushing forward, whether it’s his wife’s support during his intensive MBA schedule or the mentors who’ve guided him professionally.

“With gratitude comes humility,” he noted. “You realize you couldn’t be where you are without the help of others. You owe it to them—and yourself—to keep your promises.”

He highlighted that integrity isn’t only about keeping promises to others; it’s about being true to your word with yourself. This personal integrity, deeply tied to gratitude, drives Gerritt’s disciplined approach to life and career.

Embracing Community and Patriotism

Another powerful thread throughout our conversation was Gerritt’s passion for community—both professionally and personally. At 47G, he actively builds industry community among Utah’s aerospace and defense companies, facilitating collaboration, innovation, and economic growth.

“Community drives innovation. When you’re intentionally bringing people together, unexpected and powerful things happen,” Gerritt shared.

This extends into Gerritt’s view of patriotism. To him, patriotism means recognizing and appreciating sacrifices made by previous generations—whether ancestors who fought for freedoms we enjoy or family members who’ve created opportunities. It’s a powerful motivator to contribute positively to society, wherever you are.

Practical Advice and Insights

Throughout our talk, Gerritt provided valuable insights for those striving to improve their own discipline and integrity:

• Choose action: Don’t simply identify problems—take initiative and find solutions.
• Build intentional communities: Whether professionally or personally, connect with others to fuel growth and innovation.
• Embrace gratitude: Recognize the support of others, and use that gratitude as motivation for continued improvement.

As Gerritt put it, “Complaining doesn’t do any good. You have to act.”

Final Thoughts

Gerritt Vander Linden’s perspectives serve as a powerful reminder that discipline, gratitude, and community are not just abstract concepts—they’re daily choices that profoundly shape our lives. Instead of chasing elusive balance, maybe it’s time we all started pursuing harmony, guided by integrity, action, and the communities that support us.

Tune into the full conversation on the Why Not podcast for more insights and thoughtful dialogue about navigating life’s complexities with purpose and gratitude.