LATEST POSTS
Why not?
“No. You can’t do that.” As a child, you hear this saying a lot. Adults tell you what you can and can’t do. And, rightfully so. My parents told me NO a lot and stopped me from making some really bad decisions as a kid! But now that I’m a self sufficient adult I’m Read more about Why not?[…]
How do you eat an elephant?
This time 5 years ago, I was in a pretty stressful situation… My wife and I got married, we bought our first out of state rental property, and I closed the largest sale I had ever made in my career at that point. This all happened within a 90 day period. 3 elephant sized projects. Read more about How do you eat an elephant?[…]
Making Problems Fun to Solve!
“When you realize life would be empty and boring without problems, you begin to accept them and you can even have fun with them. When you enjoy facing problems instead of resisting them, you take care of them when they’re easy before they turn into an overwhelming mountain.“ – Elizabeth Hallowell Today, I’m making Read more about Making Problems Fun to Solve![…]
It’s Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day in the USA. It’s a holiday where we honor and remember those who lost their lives serving and protecting this free country we live in. I’m extremely grateful to live where I live and to have what I have in life. I’ll be participating in a few minutes of silence today, Read more about It’s Memorial Day[…]
My Gratitude Journey – Guest post by Grateful Kae!
My buddy Grateful Kae has a crazy busy life! But she still finds time every day to write down the things she’s grateful for! Here’s her backstory… My Gratitude Journey It was a regular weekday evening, sometime in early winter several years ago. Let’s say mid-December. I was muddling through the usual after-school chaos with Read more about My Gratitude Journey – Guest post by Grateful Kae![…]
Equanimity – mental calmness
e·qua·nim·i·ty (noun) mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. “today, nothing can disturb my equanimity” PS. Thank you all for your comments and support from yesterday’s email. I truly appreciate all your thoughts. One of my favorite replies I received yesterday was… “I am not writing to offer an opinion on Read more about Equanimity – mental calmness[…]
Hold me accountable…
Help me out… In September last year, I sent out this message, which was a public declaration of one of my goals… To get my California Real Estate License. The reason I committed to this goal publicly, was so everyone could hold me accountable, and encourage me if I fall behind or think about quitting. Well, today is the Read more about Hold me accountable…[…]
Pain is temporary – you’ll get through it
“Pain is temporary. It may last minutes, an hour, a day, or even a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place.” I got this quote from a Lance Armstrong book. (Yes, I know he’s a cheater and lied to the world about taking performance drugs… He’s probably Read more about Pain is temporary – you’ll get through it[…]
My pile of good things…
“So, what if, instead of thinking about solving your whole life, you just think about adding additional good things. One at a time. Just let your pile of good things grow.” – Rainbow Rowell I stumbled across this quote about 6 months ago and loved it immediately. That day I created a gmail folder Read more about My pile of good things…[…]
“Mirroring” builds rapport and trust
Want to build trust quickly with someone you just met? Try this technique I just read about called mirroring. Basically you imitate (or mirror) the other person’s body language, expressions, and the way they talk. It shows the other person that you are alike, and it’s a subconscious sign of bonding. Try this when you Read more about “Mirroring” builds rapport and trust[…]
I Am Determined – Hafiz
“One regret, dear world, That I am determined not to have When I am lying on my deathbed Is that I did not kiss you enough.” – Hafiz Now get out there and kiss the world today! – Joel 😀 Delicious beers my friend gave me to try!
Tomorrow’s memories
“Create moments today, that you want to remember tomorrow” I’m feeling lazy this morning… I could quite easily sit on the couch and watch TV all day. But if I did that, come tomorrow, I would have dull memories. I’m capable of creating so much more in my life. So today, I’m going to: Spend Read more about Tomorrow’s memories[…]
Think 2-8-90
A reader of this group, Eric Bennett, shot me this note last week. I like it because reading it makes me realize how clueless I am (in a good way 😁)! Check it out… Think 2-8-90 There’s 2% of what you know you know, 8% of what you know you don’t know and 90% Read more about Think 2-8-90[…]
Eating Humble Pie
I was so excited to go surfing yesterday… I woke up super early, took out my favorite board, went to my favorite surf spot, and jumped in the water eager to catch some big waves! And here’s what happened… I sucked! As soon as I started paddling, I realized how out of shape I was. Read more about Eating Humble Pie[…]
5am Emails – Housekeeping and Thank You!
Good morning, nerds! If you’re new to this email list… Welcome! Thanks for joining, and I hope you get some value from my short, pithy morning notes. I started these 5am daily emails with no particular goal in mind… Just wanted to spread some simple positivity with my coworkers each morning. It’s been 3 years Read more about 5am Emails – Housekeeping and Thank You![…]
3 Ugly Outfits – Dress Wisely!
Blame. Shame. Complain. These are 3 of the ugliest outfits you can wear in life. If you catch yourself wearing one of these, quickly strip off your clothes as fast as you can! (metaphorically, of course 🙂) Dress yourself with these instead: Praise. Pride. Peace. Praise people and build others up, even when they do Read more about 3 Ugly Outfits – Dress Wisely![…]
Someone broke into my car…
Grrrr. Someone broke into my car this weekend. They also hit several of my neighbor’s cars up and down the street. Not much was stolen. The thief just ruffled through the compartments and left a big mess… At first I was a little annoyed. It’s disheartening when crime happens on my street. But my mood Read more about Someone broke into my car…[…]
I got it from my Mama!
My Mum is the best. She had 4 kids in her early 20’s – something most young people these days wouldn’t dare attempt. I asked my Mum how she handled it all back then… I mean, some of my friends today complain about having 2 kids.. How did she manage 4 x little terrors Read more about I got it from my Mama![…]
Screen detox
It’s been a busy week! And I’ve been staring at my phone screen way too much… So this weekend calls for a screen detox: – No phone or computer during meals. Instead, I’ll eat with others and enjoy their company irl. – Do Not Disturb mode kills all notifications and interruptions so I Read more about Screen detox[…]
A bully’s perspective…
Today on the blog, a quick story from my buddy Kurtis: When I was in 6th grade, I thought I was hot shit. I was one of the “cool kids” and there were 3 guys who were our nemeses, the “skater kids”. The skater kids would always be mean to us. Acting like they were Read more about A bully’s perspective…[…]
Problem Solving 101
“A problem well put, is already half solved. – John Dewey” The clearer you state your problem, the clearer the solution. Here’s a cool trick: State your problem as a sentence. Change that sentence into a question. Restate the question 5-10 different ways. Question the questions I know, it sounds confusing! You might Read more about Problem Solving 101[…]
Poco a-poco (little by little)
Today I’m giving another public presentation. It’s not my favorite thing to do, but I’m getting better at it- little by little. As I do more of these, I’m learning that: 1) You don’t have to be an expert to help others. Simple tips and advice goes a long way. 2) The audience is on Read more about Poco a-poco (little by little)[…]
Bad news, good news.
Bad news: A lot can change in a year Good news: A lot can change in a year We’ve all been thrown big unexpected changes this year. These changes were out of our control. Some of it is “bad”. But, we’re all capable of designing some changes of our own this year too. These Read more about Bad news, good news.[…]
May the 4th be with you!
Morning everybody! Exciting news to announce today… I’ve been asked to join a team at Soapbox Financial Network, a division of the Motley Fool! These guys are a bunch of personal finance nerds who are creating content to help people better their financial situation and live happier lives. Specifically for me, I’m going to be Read more about May the 4th be with you![…]
Neighborhood rock drama
Do you guys remember the rocks I painted a few weeks back? Well, the kids next door helped me sprinkle them around the neighborhood. We placed rocks in front of people’s driveways, under trees, and along the footpath. It was supposed to spread joy. It was supposed to cheer people up! BUT… The opposite happened. Read more about Neighborhood rock drama[…]
Tomato trades and paying it forward…
Last month, one of our friends gave us about 30 tomato plants. He had hundreds growing in his backyard and needed to give some away. As compensation, we gave him 1 pound of mung beans and some home-made beer. A fair trade, we all thought. 30 tomato plants is too many for us, so we Read more about Tomato trades and paying it forward…[…]
Don’t celebrate too early – Take Two!
Happy Friday y’all! Today’s note is from a long time reader on this list, Rebecca. Rebecca replies to a lot of my morning emails and I love how thoughtful and positive she is. Last week I asked her to whip up a note for me to snd out, and here it is!… Don’t start Read more about Don’t celebrate too early – Take Two![…]
Lose the Ego
Last week, I overheard 2 people arguing. From what I could tell, nobody was particularly right or wrong. Each person was just trying to push their ‘correct’ point of view down the other person’s throat. The disagreement lasted way too long and everybody lost in the end. I hate to admit it but Read more about Lose the Ego[…]
Routine; It’s Lethal.
If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It’s lethal!” – Paulo Coelho Getting up at 5am every day is working well for me. The pros still outweigh the cons and I have 2-3 hours of morning freedom. But, sometimes I notice myself slipping into unproductive morning routines. – Rushing straight to the Read more about Routine; It’s Lethal.[…]
Tuesday = Choose-day
Apparently we make 35,000 choices every day… That’s a a lot! Some are conscious decisions, most are subconscious. Many people believe we can’t control our subconscious thoughts or choices. But I beg to differ. Subconscious thoughts can be controlled, and heavily influenced, by our conscious ones. When you choose to be happy, choose a positive Read more about Tuesday = Choose-day[…]
Dishing Out Compliments
“Hey Steve, nice haircut! Have a great day, you handsome man.” “Sally… I gotta say, the way you handled that customer complaint was amazing to watch. You are great at what you do and I’m learning a lot from you. Thanks!” “Hey TJ, last week you said xxx to me. I’ve been thinking about it more over the Read more about Dishing Out Compliments[…]
Turn your brain off – It’s Sunday!
You have enough. You do enough. You are enough. Time to RELAX. It’s Sunday. Some of the remote beaches in California are starting to open back up! Cooper is getting excited to get out and dig some holes!
Fun times in Quarantine!
A few fun updates from Joel’s house… – Yesterday, while wearing my face mask, I thought it’d be a good idea to clean the front of it with an alcohol wipe. Turned out to be a horrible idea. I nearly fainted. Lessons learned – don’t put chemicals right near the breathing hole. – Read more about Fun times in Quarantine![…]
Don’t celebrate too early!
A few weeks ago my wife came to me with some exciting news… She was getting a pay raise at work! She heard all about it on a conference call… “Due to teachers having to work from home, the school is giving everyone a $70 per day pay increase!” Woohoo! We opened a nice bottle of wine Read more about Don’t celebrate too early![…]
Rent Collection & Updates During Quarantine
When I published my last fourplex post, I had no idea how many of my tenants would or could pay rent for the month of April. Now that I have all the figures, I wanted to share a quick update. First, you might be wondering why it took so long to get rent income information. Read more about Rent Collection & Updates During Quarantine[…]
People like YOU
Being perfect at everything will please more people, right? Nope… Perfectionism has many downsides: – it makes life difficult for people around you – makes you want to avoid certain activities (if you think you’re not good at it, you don’t even try it) – it’s exhausting – brings stress and anxiety – not Read more about People like YOU[…]
The Unknown Monk
“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I Read more about The Unknown Monk[…]
Problem Approach…
”The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem” – Captain Jack Sparrow If you try and solve a problem with an angry or closed mindset, you’re adding difficulty to an already hard situation. But if you step back, remove any arrogance, get another perspective, appreciate the difficulty, Read more about Problem Approach…[…]
101 Random Things I’m Grateful For!
Over the past few months I’ve been pulling out my phone and jotting down the little things that I’m grateful for in life. Random events throughout the day, surprising moments in nature, or when I’m reminded of how blessed I am! Below is my list of things I’m grateful for. There’s a 101 listed Read more about 101 Random Things I’m Grateful For![…]
Invest… in Rest
For me, rest isn’t something that just happens. I have to plan to shut off my brain (and sometimes my phone) and break my usual thought routines. Today’s plan: – I’m replacing Facebook with a real book. – Instead of reading the news, I’ll chat with real people and ask about their news. – I’ll be taking a nap on Read more about Invest… in Rest[…]
My favorite old lady
Yesterday while volunteering I visited my favorite old lady. I see her every Friday. But she has a fading memory and always forgets me. Here’s how our conversation goes each week… *knock on her door* OL: Hello? Me: Hi, it’s Joel from Meals on Wheels! OL: Ok please come inside. Me: I can’t come in, Read more about My favorite old lady[…]
If you don’t have anything nice to say – Try these instead!
If you don’t have anything nice to say… Don’t say it. Write it in an email to yourself. File it for a few days then go back later and decide whether you still want to say it. Go for a long run and sweat out your frustrations. Force yourself to come up with something Read more about If you don’t have anything nice to say – Try these instead![…]
10 x Nice things to cheer up your neighbors (and yourself)!
A few people emailed me this week saying they were struggling to stay motivated, positive and happy. You are not alone. We all have our moments. One of the quickest ways to get happiness is to *give* happiness. So here’s a few ideas you can do for your friends and neighbors to cheer them (and yourself) Read more about 10 x Nice things to cheer up your neighbors (and yourself)![…]
What weakens you, strengthens you.
What weakens you, strengthens you. Imagine if life was always easy… From the moment you were born you got everything handed to you, you never got picked on as a kid, never given chores or hard work, everything was paid for, never had stressful choices to make, etc. If things were always easy, you’d wake Read more about What weakens you, strengthens you.[…]
Living an Extraordinary Life
Living an extraordinary life has nothing to do with comparing yourself to how ordinary people live. It’s about comparing yourself to yourself. Every day I try to: – Progress a little on goals – Learn some new stuff – Share or give things – Be a better version of myself than yesterday When Read more about Living an Extraordinary Life[…]
Monday Schmonday
Mondays can be as good, or as bad, as you want them to be. Here are 6 x short Monday messages from previous years you might like. Each one is as true today, as on the Monday mornings when I wrote them! 10/28/19 – Wishing vs. working 9/30/19 – Self-motivation Monday? 9/16/19 – Read more about Monday Schmonday[…]
Choose your words…
“The words you speak become the house you live in” – Hafiz Today, speak kind and caring words. Uplift, encourage and support the people around you. Share cheerful and bright stories. People need it now more than ever. Happy Easter everyone. Have an egg-cellet day. – Joel
It’s good news week!
3 x quick good news stories… 1) Happy anniversary to this daily email! I started writing daily 5am emails on March 31, 2017 – so we just crossed 3 years! Wow. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and participation in this. I love you all. 2) I just signed a contract to write articles Read more about It’s good news week![…]
Presentation about writing
Earlier this week I delivered an online presentation. I usually shy away from public speaking. It’s scary and nerve wracking, and involves a lot of preparation and practice… But I committed to doing this one anyway, because I believe: Doing hard and scary things in life builds a stronger and more resilient person. After the Read more about Presentation about writing[…]
Give more = Get more
Give more = Get more. It’s pretty simple… It’s not just money, this works the same with time. Time spent on others is time well spent. Enjoy your day! Give as much as you can. – Joel
Unstoppable Attitude
“Don’t forget that the economy cannot stop your work ethic. It cannot stop your drive. It cannot stop your quest for self-education, self-improvement, and personal growth.” – Brandon Turner – What book are you reading today? – What exercises are you doing? – How are you staying positive? – How are you staying creative? Read more about Unstoppable Attitude[…]
Best advice ever…
The best advice I’ve ever received is: “No one else knows what they’re doing either.” – Ricky Gervais Today: Go with your gut. Wing it. Try your hardest and figure stuff out along the way. It’s ok, you’re not the only one 🙂 – Joel Photo by Frame Harirak
Count your blessings!
Seriously, count them. Write a few down, then email them to yourself. Repeat this weekly. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Can’t think of any? Start with these: – You are healthy – You have a roof over your head – You have friends and family that care about you – You are smart and Read more about Count your blessings![…]
Strong people need support too
“The downside of being perceived as a “strong” person is that people often overlook that your needs are also as strong as everyone else’s. What I’m finding out is that folks often assume that strong people don’t need any support. Which leaves you all alone” I got this note from a good friend yesterday. Read more about Strong people need support too[…]
Genius? or Idiot?
I’ve been having strange and vivid dreams the past few weeks. Have you? Some of my dreams are completely whacky, apocalyptic stuff. But others are pure genius! Like solving a problem, coming up with awesome blog topics or millionaire business ideas. A few nights ago I wanted to capture some of these genius ideas… So Read more about Genius? or Idiot?[…]
Happy Friday(s)
Studies show that happiness goes up ~10% on Fridays. Why is that? Because people are looking forward to the weekend. Their mindset is changed and they’re thinking about all the things they can do, vs. things they can’t do. Little do people realize, every day can feel like a Friday. Everyone has what they Read more about Happy Friday(s)[…]
4 x Fourplexes – Emergency Funds and Recession Planning
Every real estate investor has their own risk tolerance, and as such, plans for emergencies differently. I like to think I’ve got a pretty good emergency plan, but honestly, it’s never been truly put to the test. When I started buying investment real estate ~6 years ago, I tried to adapt a conservative mindset and Read more about 4 x Fourplexes – Emergency Funds and Recession Planning[…]
When the going gets tough
You know that feeling of trying and trying and trying and not getting anywhere?… And then you try try try even more and things still don’t work out? Well, that’s the exact point that separates the true heroes from the quitters. That’s the point where you get to decide how interesting your life is going Read more about When the going gets tough[…]
The Uncomfortable Zone
Recently I was thinking about making a change. I was talking about this change with someone as if my choices were clear… either: a) make the change, or b) keep the status quo. But my friend reminded me that if I choose b (not to make the change), that some things are still going to Read more about The Uncomfortable Zone[…]
Your unique strengths
“The superheroes you have in your mind (idols, icons, titans, billionaires, etc.) are nearly all walking flaws who’ve maximized 1 or 2 strengths.” – Tim Ferriss Humans are imperfect creatures. You don’t “succeed” because you have no weaknesses… You succeed because you find your unique strengths and focus on developing habits around them. Keep Read more about Your unique strengths[…]
Your “prison” ain’t that bad
I have 2 pen-pals, both are serving time in prison. Real prison. (I started writing inmates last year after listening to the podcast Ear Hustle, and I found my pen pals at WriteAPrisoner.com.) One of my pals, James, is 24 years old and has been incarcerated since he was 15. Despite spending his entire adult life behind bars (and he Read more about Your “prison” ain’t that bad[…]
Slow down. Pull over. Refuel.
Happy Sunday! Sundays are a great day for reflection. Even 10 minutes of focussed reflection will work wonders on the quality of your day, and your life. “My friend, saying that you don’t have time to improve your thoughts and your life is like saying that you don’t have time to stop for gas because Read more about Slow down. Pull over. Refuel.[…]
When life gives you 🍋🍋🍋
“In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.” – Dave Hollis I’ve traded emails with many of you the past few weeks. And regardless of how bad the situation around us is, everyone is remaining positive and optimistic! – People Read more about When life gives you 🍋🍋🍋[…]
Layers: Like an Onion
When I go outside, I wear a face mask and gloves. It looks scary, but it’s just an outer layer. Under the face mask I actually have a huge smile! I’m a happy guy, even in tough times. But behind the smile, if I’m being honest, is a scared little boy who’s concerned about the Read more about Layers: Like an Onion[…]
Stay at home = lower car insurance?
Yesterday I got thinking… Now that my wife and I are stuck at home, I wonder if my car insurance company will lower my rate? (Based on the logic that we can’t drive our cars right now, and if quarantine continues into the year, we will be putting way less miles on our cars than Read more about Stay at home = lower car insurance?[…]
Be a survivor of the unfairness!
Life isn’t fair. No matter what life throws your way, no matter how unfair it may seem, refuse to play the victim. Refuse to be ruled by fear, pessimism, and negativity. Refuse to quit. Be a warrior and work through whatever challenges you face in life with courage, love, and positivity. And continually push forward. Read more about Be a survivor of the unfairness![…]
Change your thinking 🤔
“I, and only I, can change my thinking. For I am the only thinker in my mind!” If you don’t like something, try changing the way you think about it. You are the only you in your mind and YOU have the ability to think whatever you want. Today, I think: We are all Read more about Change your thinking 🤔[…]
Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.
“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do!” The universe has thrown us an incredibly tough challenge. We will get through it, together. – It’s time to toughen up – Be mentally and physically tough – Make tough decisions – Build a tough skin – Maintain a tough community – Toughen up our kids Happy Read more about Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.[…]
After all this is over…
“After all this is over, all that will have really mattered is how we treated each other” – Some neighborhoods have started putting back up their Christmas lights to help spread cheer. It’s catching on quick! – Celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Margo Robbie, Jamie Lee Curtis are reading bedtime stories to kids for free online! Read more about After all this is over…[…]
Fill in the _________
Fill in the blank spaces… Although I’m locked up in ____(city)____, I’m feeling quite _____(good emotions)_____. Because in the grand scheme of things, my life is truly ____(description)____. I’m learning to _____(new skill)_____ today, and staying home let’s me be sneaky and _____(guilty pleasure)_____ too! Today I will check in on ____(family member)____, _____(neighbor)____ Read more about Fill in the _________[…]
The first time I farted in front of my wife… 🙈
We had been dating about 6 months. You know that early phase in a relationship… when you’re still getting to know each other, on your best behaviour, etc. One night we were coming back from a dinner date and my stomach was starting to ache. I could feel some gas coming, and tried my Read more about The first time I farted in front of my wife… 🙈[…]
Lead From The Middle
Are you a “leader”? If you asked me this question 6 months ago, I would have said No. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always shied away from leadership positions. I thought being a leader meant you had to be at the front of the pack. The quarterback. All eyes on you. Read more about Lead From The Middle[…]
Disasters: Human Behaviour
How Do People Behave During a Disaster? Chatting with a friend last week, he told me he was stocking up on guns, ammo, and weapons… He said he’s planning for “when people start to turn on each other”. Maybe he’s seen too many doomsday movies. During a crisis, do humans really turn to theft, Read more about Disasters: Human Behaviour[…]
Baby steps –> in the right direction
I’ve made a commitment to continually improve myself and never stop learning and growing as a person. But, sometimes this makes me feel really overwhelmed because there are so many things that I’m not good at. So much to do and so little time to do it all! Where do I begin? I keep reminding Read more about Baby steps –> in the right direction[…]
Relaxing is a skill!
“Show me a worrying person and I’ll show you a person who does not know how to relax” – Albert E. Cliffe I used to waste many Sundays worrying about the upcoming week’s events or future issues. Oh how I wish I could have those free days back! Things changed when I started to Read more about Relaxing is a skill![…]
Time for some R & R
Happy Saturday! This morning, I’m taking some time to relax and focus on myself for a little bit. – self reflection – self celebration – educating myself – resting, recovering, and resetting my attitude “Deciding to focus on our own freedom isn’t selfish; it is the greatest gift we can give humanity.” Read more about Time for some R & R[…]
The “Not-To-Do” List
Not-To-Do Lists… After yesterday’s note on being busy vs. productive, a number of people asked questions about the “not-to-do” list. So here’s a bit more information: What is it, exactly? It’s just a list of things *not* to do during that day. For me, it’s usually 3-4 things, and I put them right next to my real to-do Read more about The “Not-To-Do” List[…]
Busy vs Productive
I used to think that staying busy and having a full calendar made me a “good worker”. But then full days or even entire weeks would drift by without me being any closer to my goals. I may have been busy and working hard, but with little to show for it. I’m now trying to Read more about Busy vs Productive[…]
Hang in there! – You are not alone in this!
Over the last few weeks, I’ve spoken to about 10 people who were either turned down for jobs they applied for, missed out on promotions, or got let go from their jobs. 🙁 So I wanted to write a quick note for anyone else out there that might be currently going through the same… Rejection Read more about Hang in there! – You are not alone in this![…]
Keep it simple. Why complicate life?
Why complicate life? Miss someone? ….Call Wanna meet up? ….Invite Wanna be understood? ….Explain Have questions? ….Ask Don’t like something? ….Change it Like something? ….Share it Want something? ….Earn it Love someone? ….Tell them! I love YOU guys. 🙂 Have a great Monday and remember to keep it simple! – Joel *Pic by Read more about Keep it simple. Why complicate life?[…]
Your blessed life…
YOU are extremely fortunate. You’ve been blessed with an awesome life so far. If you think back and try to count all the blessings you have – you can’t count them all… Blessings are infinite! And today, even more blessings and opportunities await you. Good fortunes are just hanging around out there ready for Read more about Your blessed life…[…]
Happiness Doors – Look Around You
Happiness Doors “When one door of happiness closes, another one opens. But often people look too long at the closed door, they don’t see the new open one” Close your eyes for a moment and picture 10 doors, all in a row. Each one leads to happiness. Some doors are open, some closed, Read more about Happiness Doors – Look Around You[…]
Love, Actually, is all around.
My neighbors’ Mum just had a kidney transplant. Surgery went well, she is now in recovery. But the cool part of the story is how she got her new Kidney… It’s called a 3-way kidney exchange. Her daughter donated a kidney to person 1. Person 1 donated their kidney to person 2. And person 2 Read more about Love, Actually, is all around.[…]
Successful vs. Unsuccessful People
Successful People: Want others to succeed too Adapt to and welcome change Share and discuss ideas Take responsibility for failures Never stop learning Compliment others Forgive others Unsuccessful People: Want others to fail Are scared of change Start rumors and gossip Blame others for mistakes Think they know everything Criticize others Hold grudges Read more about Successful vs. Unsuccessful People[…]
Let’s play a game… Can you predict the stock market?
This is a simulation game to test whether you can predict the timing of the stock market… Try it: Market Timing Game All you do is click the [Start/Pause] button, and the graph will start moving. Then, use the [SELL] and [BUY] buttons to move your money in and out of the stock market. Goal is obviously Read more about Let’s play a game… Can you predict the stock market?[…]
No complaining until April 1st!
I found a cool trick to help me create a habit of complaining less… It started last month when I realized I was complaining a lot to my wife. Every day when she got home from work I would unload the details of my day on her and complain about all the little things that Read more about No complaining until April 1st![…]
10 x Favorite Monday Messages
Mondays were the worst. Until I made a change… I started writing myself positive messages every morning, forcing myself to have a positive attitude, encouraging myself to change, and motivating myself. Slowly but surely, things improved! Mondays are great for me now. It’s been nearly 3 years of morning emails, and 152 of them have been Mondays. Here’s a list Read more about 10 x Favorite Monday Messages[…]
My 5am Alarm Says… (POEM)
Sometimes I beg my 5am alarm, “Please, not today. Can’t you see that I’m exhausted!” But my 5am alarm doesn’t care, and continues to bark; “Too bad, Joel. Don’t be lazy– You promised the universe you would help others today. It’s time to get up!” Even after YEARS of getting up at Read more about My 5am Alarm Says… (POEM)[…]
Are we there yet?
Reminder about the route to success… There are no shortcuts. Stay patient Think long term Failure is good! (each failure brings you one step closer) Keep going and never give up! Have a good one, – Joel
Keep kicking ass – you’re good at it!
Are you a hard worker? Do you solve problems at work? Do you provide value? Do you come up with ideas that nobody else has? Do you work late or overtime? Do you help others with their work also? Do you put in extra effort, even when you’re not asked to? Do you care about Read more about Keep kicking ass – you’re good at it![…]
Others see RED. But you should see GREEN!
It’s been a rough start this week in the stock market. Everything is turning red and it’s tempting to freak out. But keep in mind these words from Warren Buffet… “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” Don’t panic like others. When most people see RED, you should Read more about Others see RED. But you should see GREEN![…]
Who you hanging around?
Today, I choose to surround myself with authentic and positive people. And I will match their positivity and authenticity. Have a good one, – Joel
Kick me in the nuts
Have you ever met someone so incredibly talented, with so much potential in life, but for some reason they can‘t seem to get out of their own way? They waste 90% of their energy running around in circles, creating problems for themselves, and they go home exhausted at the end of each day having Read more about Kick me in the nuts[…]
Don’t complain… because…
“You are living someone else’s dream life” Let’s think about this for a second… There is someone out there in the world right now that is less fortunate. When they close their eyes and dream of the perfect life, they picture your current situation. What you have, what you do, your freedom, etc… Given Read more about Don’t complain… because…[…]
I hate to be the bearer of bad news…
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but: Youare getting older, weaker, and more outof shape every day. 🙁 Sorry. After age 18, your body stops growing and starts a slow decline. BUT, here is the good news!… You can delay your growing oldness and out of shapeness by exercising regularly. Just 20 Read more about I hate to be the bearer of bad news…[…]
A quick reminder – Be nice!
Today: – Picture someone you always like dealing with at work – Picture a friend you’re always happy to see – Recall a time a stranger was extremely nice to you – Act more like these people – Be nice! It doesn’t matter how rich you are, how high your IQ is, or what Read more about A quick reminder – Be nice![…]
30,000 days
The average person lives for 30,000 days. That’s a scary small number! An even scarier number is working out how many days you have already lived so far. That number for me is… There’s nothing I can do about my days that have past. I can’t slow the clock down or buy more days later. Read more about 30,000 days[…]
Little Unknown Facts About Gratitude…
Little unknown facts about gratitude: These are scientifically proven (by real scientists)… – Gratitude makes you happier in the mornings when your alarm goes off. – Gratitude makes you live longer… it extends your life span by up to 243% – Gratitude makes you better at playing sports. – Gratitude makes you a better dancer. Read more about Little Unknown Facts About Gratitude…[…]
Year to volunteer
More funny volunteering stories! It’s been 7 months since I started with Meals on Wheels. I still only do 1 day per week, and I’ve been promoted to a regular route (delivering meals to the same people each week). It’s important to stay positive while doing volunteer work, that’s why I collect and share these Read more about Year to volunteer[…]
101 Things to do at 5am!
Here’s a list of 101 things you can do when you wake up at 5am. I’ve tried to categorize them, so you can choose based on whatever mood you’re feeling that morning. Try some out, and let me know what you like or don’t like! Personally, I’ve tried almost all of these things over the Read more about 101 Things to do at 5am![…]