LATEST POSTS
The Slouch King
I don’t mean to brag… but I’m pretty awesome at “slouching” and having horrible posture. If there was an award for “most likely to have back troubles later in life”, I would win it hands down. Now, you might be wondering: “Joel, how can I grow a hunchback like you and have horrible back pain too? Teach me your awesome ways!” Read more about The Slouch King[…]
Broken? Or Beautiful?
I heard that in Japan, when they fix broken pottery and ceramic things, they mix a little gold into the glue during the repair process. It’s called Kintsugi. You may have seen bowls or plates that look like this: The reason they add gold is because they believe when something has suffered damage it becomes more beautiful. History Read more about Broken? Or Beautiful?[…]
Same mud, different experiences
Happy Monday! We’re all going through an extremely muddy year. Some of us are less affected and are doing fine, while others are having a really tough time. This week, stay sensitive to other people’s perspectives and feelings. We all experience the mud differently. – Joel *photo credit to some stranger on Facebook. 🙂
The fun is just beginning!
Well, after a month in Montana, my wife and I just made it back home. I feel sad, because our awesome vacation has come to an end. The adventure is over, summer break is ending, and it’s back to the hustle and bustle of every day life next week. 🙁 But… I don’t feel that Read more about The fun is just beginning![…]
The right time 🕰
Waiting for the perfect time to do something? The right time is NOW. Now is the time to wake up. Now is the time to smile. Now is the time to read that book. Now is the time to make that phone call. Now is the time to take that chance.Now is the time to help your friend. Now is the Read more about The right time 🕰[…]
Better effort = better results
If you want normal results, do normal things. If you want better results, do better things! My friend said this quote to me last week. It’s a great saying, but since hearing it I haven’t really put it into practice. Today that changes. Here are the ‘better than normal’ things I’m going to do Read more about Better effort = better results[…]
BE – DO – HAVE paradigm
Most people think… “If only I HAVE more things, then I could DO more stuff, and then I would BE who I want to be.” have –> do –> be The problem with this thinking is that the “BE” part is solely dependent on the things you HAVE and DO. This way of thinking is Read more about BE – DO – HAVE paradigm[…]
Work on your inners.
“Your outer world… is a reflection of your inner world” You can’t control the things that happen around you. But you can shape your own reality and control how you view things. It starts with working on your inside world. The tiniest inner progress can dampen the chaos around you. Like… – Doing 10 pushups makes you feel fitter all day. You’re Read more about Work on your inners.[…]
“busy” is a decision
Are you busy? Got a lot of stuff to do? Me too. But when I take a step back and look at my tasks, only a handful of them are actually important and contribute significantly towards my goals. So today, my plan is to: Slow down, and focus on the right tasks. – Being “busy” Read more about “busy” is a decision[…]
Happy August! – Personal Updates
Happy Sunday! Today I’m sharing a few personal updates and stuff we’ve been up to this summer (I would love to hear what you’re up to too!). If you’re only here for my regular morning notes, no worries – just delete this email and the regular stuff will resume tomorrow morning! A few cool happenings Read more about Happy August! – Personal Updates[…]
You are progressing!
Did you know that… 98% of the atoms in our body are replaced with new atoms each year? 98%!!! Atoms make up molecules, which make up cells, which make up tissues, which make up organs… Basically, we become completely new people each year. Amazing 🙂 So next time you think life is going too slow… Read more about You are progressing![…]
The Chicken Timer
Alan was a senior manager at a big engineering firm. He always kept a chicken timer on his desk. 🐔 Whenever an employee came into his office to complain about something, Alan gave them the chicken timer, and told them to go into the bathroom and set the timer for 3 minutes. He said for Read more about The Chicken Timer[…]
Tenacity…
te·nac·i·ty noun 1. the quality of being very determined; determination. “Dang! I want Jane on all my team projects moving forward! She’s got awesome tenacity and it’s inspiring to be around!” 2. the quality of continuing to exist; persistence. “It’s like nothing ever gets Steven down! He just keeps trying and trying and trying. Soembody Read more about Tenacity…[…]
“it” is just a point in the process.
Ever met someone and thought, they’ve got ‘it’? They’re so good at what they do, it’s like they were born with talent, or gifted an amazing skill that others don’t have… Seems unfair sometimes! But, while it might seem like they’ve always been good, you‘re probably only meeting who they are today. A whole lot Read more about “it” is just a point in the process.[…]
Monday reminders :)
Hey there! Happy Monday! A few reminders for today: 1) Just because it’s a work day, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. You create your own fun. 2) You are good at what you do. 3) Your competitors are hungover and half asleep today. It’s the perfect day to be alert, stand out, outpace, and overlap them. 4) Read more about Monday reminders 🙂[…]
Nothing will come of nothing
“Nothing will come of nothing. You will gain nothing if you invest nothing“ Today, I’m up early, investing a tiny bit of time and effort to better myself. Reading, writing, and reflection. I’m noticing that these tiny activities —> pay massive dividends. 😀 Cheers to an awesome Sunday. It’s gonna be a great Read more about Nothing will come of nothing[…]
Not everything is cancelled!
Love this! Thinking of all the things we DO have vs. the things that we don’t. I would add to the list: – beer is not cancelled – cooking your favorite foods is not cancelled – hobbies are not cancelled – arts and crafts… not cancelled! – learning is not cancelled – thinking of funny Read more about Not everything is cancelled![…]
Stayin’ Positive and Happy!
Last week someone called me “naive” for being happy and positive all the time. 😔 Whilst I can see how it comes across that way (and I definitely am naive about a lot of stuff) that’s not the reason I’m so positive. Being happy and positive is NOT: Ignoring your problems Pretending world issues don’t Read more about Stayin’ Positive and Happy![…]
Perceptions –> Beliefs –> REALITY
The interesting thing is that our subconscious “listens” to our conscious self and will start to absorb what we tell it! We have to be careful about what you say and think. When you say you “Can’t” workout today when you should be saying you “won’t” workout today, you are telling your subconscious that you Read more about Perceptions –> Beliefs –> REALITY[…]
Designing your life – straight line or circle?
Yesterday I pulled up my 5 year plan. I only wrote it 1 year ago, and it is completely obsolete. So much has changed in the last year, I need to adjust things! The same happened 2 years ago. I wrote a 5 year plan with awesome life goals, and had to make changes after Read more about Designing your life – straight line or circle?[…]
Cross pollination – sharing the good stuff
Farmer Joe grew the best wheat. Year after year, he won many awards and his wheat always took 1st place at the annual state fair. One day a reporter asked Farmer Joe what his secret was – How did he keep winning and growing the best wheat? Farmer Joe explained, “Every year I share my Read more about Cross pollination – sharing the good stuff[…]
Mondays are awesome
Was there anything about last week you didn’t like? Maybe you screwed up at work or missed an opportunity. Maybe you didn’t exercise as much as you wanted or neglected a friend. Well, today is Monday and you have a chance to start over. You can correct whatever you didn’t like about last week. It’s a fresh start. A chance to Read more about Mondays are awesome[…]
Benevolent well of truth…
TODAY: – Our focus is not on dollars. – Tomorrow’s worries are tomorrow’s problems to solve. – Our goal today is to have a carefree experience. – And share good times with others. Forget about filling up your purse… Fill your life instead with lasting memories. Happy Sunday! – Joel
Welcome to the bright side
Don’t just look on the bright side of life, LIVE on the bright side. – Build your home there – Get a job there – Make friends on the bright side – Invite others over there – Create your hobbies there Thinking about the positives of every situation is a good start… But the next Read more about Welcome to the bright side[…]
Make a simple morning choice.
This morning when I woke up, I made a choice: – To be happy, and to have a great day today – Now that I’ve determined this, I’ll be subconsciously looking for positive things while going about my regular duties. Things that excite me, things that make me laugh, and fun opportunities will all present Read more about Make a simple morning choice.[…]
Just a tiny bit further :)
“Run the extra mile. Nobody is on it!” For most people, 8 or 9 out of 10 is good enough. Being “almost there” gives them the feeling of completion, so that’s where they stop. If we’re not careful, “almost” slowly becomes a way of life. Small excuses compound, and over time large and Read more about Just a tiny bit further 🙂[…]
You’re doing great
“Just because someone does more than you, it doesn’t mean you don’t do enough.” Today, be proud of the stuff you’re accomplishing. You’re on a great path, going your own speed, building a life that’s full of things important to you. You’re shooting for quality… so don’t be too concerned about quantity. Have a kickass Tuesday, peeps!– Joel
It’s GO time…
No matter how you feel today… GET UP DRESS UP SHOW UP and NEVER GIVE UP (and when the day is all over… DRINK UP! 🍺) Try to front load your work week. Smash out all your hard and important tasks early on, so you can afford to take your foot off the gas later Read more about It’s GO time…[…]
There is no finish line
Life is an infinite game. Opportunities are never ending. There’s always someone new to meet. Places to travel and explore are limitless. Love and friendships have no restrictions. Learning is limitless. Your value and impact in this world is infinite. The best way to play an infinite game —> is with an infinite mindset. Think: Read more about There is no finish line[…]
A plentiful existence!
Happy Saturday! As you start your weekend, remind yourself how rich your life is. – The people around you. – The stuff you have. – Your freedom and spare time – Your natural abilities – Your experiences and memories What a beautiful existence! You are truly blessed. Have a fantastic weekend, all. Begin and end Read more about A plentiful existence![…]
You do you!
“He is bad that will not take advice – but he is thousand times worse who takes every advice” Today, you don’t need everybody telling you what to do, or how to live your life. You are a smart and confident person. You have great ideas. You have the skills and natural talent Read more about You do you![…]
Persistence has unlimited power.
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. – Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. – Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. – Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. These awesome words are Read more about Persistence has unlimited power.[…]
Saying NO list
I’m trying to get better about saying “No” to things… Specifically, things that distract me from my goals, make my plate too full, or waste my time. So, I made a “Saying NO to list”. Every time I say No to something, I add it to my list! I’m trying to get to 100 things Read more about Saying NO list[…]
Worrier or Warrior?
Worrier: Someone who gives way to uneasiness, anxiety, allowing their mind to dwell on difficult troubles. WARRIOR: A brave and experienced fighter who combats their tasks and is remembered by many. (also a cool looking yoga pose 🙂) Which one are you today? A worrier or a WARRIOR!? Have a good one, Joel
Happy Monday! Back to “reality”.
I always found it tough returning to work after a long weekend. Most people do. But something changed a few years back… I started watching unhappy people, and noting the things they do. Then, I tried to do the complete opposite. Instead of complaining about Mondays, I embraced them. Instead of talking about the things Read more about Happy Monday! Back to “reality”.[…]
Better dreams to dream
“Many people dream of money, because they have no other dreams to dream”. I’ll admit, I used to dream about money quite a bit. I had big hopes, and saw dollar signs when I closed my eyes. But things changed when I… started spending more time outside. Traveling, camping, surfing, riding my bike. Read more about Better dreams to dream[…]
Treasure your growing pains
Next time you feel restless, unsatisfied, or generally feel behind in life… recall this quote below. Pain is part of the process. It’s evidence that you’re actually doing something! Have a wicked day today. Embrace the pain! – Joel
Skills + Will
“Champions aren’t born, they are built” But, what are they built with? If any regular person out there wants to be a champion, how do they do it? Champion = Skill + Will Skills are obtained by hard work, hard work, and then more hard work. Will is having an unwavering desire to succeed. There is no stopping, Read more about Skills + Will[…]
Today or never
“TODAY or NEVER, That’s my motto.” – Mary Poppins You know that thing you’ve been putting off…? It’s time to get started. Today. Happy Monday! *Photo by Edu Lauton
3 questions, 3 things, and 3 days off!
Good morning and happy Friday! Today my wife and I are taking off to go camping at a remote beach park up in the central coast. ⛺️🏝 We’ll be out of reception and offline for the next 3 days! Here are some questions to ponder today, and throughout weekend: 1) What are 3 valuable things Read more about 3 questions, 3 things, and 3 days off![…]
Be like Peter Pan… Think happy thoughts!
Happiness is contagious. Not just from people –> people. Happiness is contagious within your own brain and thought patterns. It starts with 1 tiny little positive thought. That happy thought births another. Then those thoughts multiply over and over. And if you allow it, the happiness continues to grow and grow until you see the Read more about Be like Peter Pan… Think happy thoughts![…]
Resentment and grudges – let them go!
“holding a grudge is literally like locking yourself in prison for a crime you think someone else committed, and doing it before you’ve even investigated to know if a crime actually took place or not” – Amy Anderson Today: Don’t jump to conclusions about other people Communicate your feelings Let go of any grudges or Read more about Resentment and grudges – let them go![…]
Taking no risks… is risky!
Taking risks is what helps us grow. No risks = no growth. No growth means being unprepared for new challenges. Being unprepared means you will fail the competition. Failing the competition means you miss out on the prize. The prize might be something you really want. Like a free lifetime Read more about Taking no risks… is risky![…]
Every choice you make… is actually 2 choices
Every choice you make today is actually 2 choices. the choice to be happy, is also the choice not to be grumpy the choice to save money, is also the choice not to spend choosing to watch TV means choosing not to do anything else during that 1-2 hour block of the day If Read more about Every choice you make… is actually 2 choices[…]
Work / Life “Balance” – Merge and Shift your Mindset
I’ve always found it hard to maintain a “work/life balance”. For most of my life, I thought that work and life had to be separated. Each one was allowed specific time, and you needed to spread the time evenly doing one or the other. Too much of work, or life, would throw the balance off. Read more about Work / Life “Balance” – Merge and Shift your Mindset[…]
Trade time for __________?
Today, you are making a deal with yourself… You will exchange 1 x Day of your life, and in return you will get _______. What is _______? It can be whatever you want it to be. You get to decide. Are you excited about _______? Looking back, will you be proud of trading today Read more about Trade time for __________?[…]
Saying No to Book Recommendations
I get about 10 book recommendations a week. You probably do too. Friends at work recommend reading this book, others encourage you to read that book, etc. Many of us have an overwhelming to-read list that grows faster than the pace we can actually read. (and some titles you can’t even remember why they’re on Read more about Saying No to Book Recommendations[…]
A few quick reminders for today…
If you are on this email list: – You are a hard worker – You have great teammates and friends – You continually learn and get better – You help others – You don’t give up – You’re fun to be around – You have skills that are unique – People follow you, because like Read more about A few quick reminders for today…[…]
Weebles wobble – but they don’t fall down!
The Weebles have a slogan… “Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down.” It’s a cool reminder for us humans too… Today, random stuff will come at you, knock you over, push you sideways, you’ll make mistakes, and you might even get hurt. But you won’t stay down. Life is about always getting back up, Read more about Weebles wobble – but they don’t fall down![…]
Cut the crap
Yesterday I read a cool article about productivity. It started with this line: “Being more productive is usually about what you do less of, not more of.” Thats refreshing! Sounds like we don’t need to learn 100 new awesome skill sets or build up superhuman habits in order to better our day… Instead, Read more about Cut the crap[…]
Your Monday Survival Track Record
Monday’s can be tough. But let me remind you that you’ve survived 100% of the Mondays you have lived so far in life. That’s a great track record! And today will be no different. It might be hard. It might be uncomfortable… But you will get through it. You always do. Make it a great Read more about Your Monday Survival Track Record[…]
Rest is part of the equation
Stress + Rest = Growth “Studies show that both the body and the brain respond to stress by becoming stronger — so long as the period of stress is followed by adequate rest and recovery“ This morning I woke up thinking about work. Stuff I need to do, catch up on, people I need to Read more about Rest is part of the equation[…]
Health = Wealth. Just 1% of your day.
1% of today is only ~15 minutes. Can you spare 15 minutes today to improve your fitness, health, and happiness? Here’s a few quick workout ideas if you’re up for the challenge: – Try this 10 minute abs video – Run or speed walk walk a couple miles – Do 100 pushups (10 sets of Read more about Health = Wealth. Just 1% of your day.[…]
Where there’s a will, there’s a wave
On Wednesday I went surfing, I was out there with about 50 other people. But, out of those 50 dudes, only 5-10 were actually catching all the waves. The other 40 guys were all missing out. Why?… They were either sitting in the wrong spot, too lazy to paddle for waves, too scared they were Read more about Where there’s a will, there’s a wave[…]
Today’s Affirmations. Tell these to yourself.
Read these out loud to yourself… “Today will be a great day” “I am in charge of how I feel, and I choose to be happy” “No matter what the world throws at me today, I will figure it out. I’ve handled everything this far in life, and each day I’m getting Read more about Today’s Affirmations. Tell these to yourself.[…]
Winners never quit, and quitters never win!
Winners never quit. and Quitters never win. You just gotta keep trying and pushing and shoveling and focusing and toughing it out until the job gets done. Might not be easy, but it’s always worth it. PS. If you never quit *and* you never win, maybe you’re doing it wrong. Change something! Have a good Read more about Winners never quit, and quitters never win![…]
Sticks and stones
Yesterday I received a hate email. 😞 It was the first email I opened when I woke up. A horrible start to the day. At first I was sad. But after a few minutes, I got to thinking… I only have 1440 minutes to live today. The more minutes I spend dwelling on this negative Read more about Sticks and stones[…]
half effort = half results
100% effort = 100% results 75% effort = 75% results 50% effort = 50% results etc. etc. So let me ask you this…. What results are you hoping to achieve today? How good do you want today to be?… OK, now what effort is needed to get those results? 100%? Me too. 🙂 Have a Read more about half effort = half results[…]
An infinite supply of love and happiness
Every one of us has an infinite supply of love and happiness. It’s like an energy source- it never runs out. And because it never runs out, you don’t ever have to hold back or be stingy when expressing your love and happiness. You can use as much as you want, as often as you Read more about An infinite supply of love and happiness[…]
A few more funny volunteering stories!
It’s been 10 months since I started volunteering with Meals on Wheels (just 1 shift per week). My job is to deliver meals to people who can’t source food for themselves. Some clients are sick or disabled, but most of them are just extremely old. It’s not a glamorous job, but I make the most Read more about A few more funny volunteering stories![…]
Priority vs. Priorities
Did you know… 100 years ago, there was no plural for the word “Priority”? Priority means the 1 most important thing. But over time, humans got really busy. We started multi-tasking. We came up with new words and now “Priorities” exists. Priorities just means ‘important stuff’. It’s a diluted version of the original word. I Read more about Priority vs. Priorities[…]
Surround yourself with encouraging people!
Good morning! Happy happy Thursday! Check out this email I got in response to the Why Not post from last week… It’s from Angie Kaschube. 👇👇 When someone tells me I can’t do something, I take it as a challenge! I once had a doctor basically tell me (with different words) that I was too Read more about Surround yourself with encouraging people![…]
Feeling stressed?
Feeling a little overwhelmed this week? Me too. Here’s a few quick reminders: – You have the ability to solve any problem that’s in front of you. – You are smart, make good decisions, and have an open mindset. – Your friends and your work team have your back 100% – Mistakes are what make Read more about Feeling stressed?[…]
Being happy on purpose!
“Happiness is an option. And misery is an option. These are both choices that you can apply to the same day’s events. Which option do you choose?” – Todd Tressider – Today, start out with a smile. It’s a great day to be alive! – Next, think up a nice comment to give your Read more about Being happy on purpose![…]
“Fresh Start” Theory
Happy June 1st! Ever heard of the “fresh start” theory? Basically it’s a theory that people take more action towards their goals if they start them on a landmark date. Like the start of a week, the 1st of the month, or New Years resolutions. Landmark dates (even though they’re just as special as any Read more about “Fresh Start” Theory[…]
Negative –> Positive
I’ll be honest guys… It’s taking me a while to get into a positive mindset this morning. I made the mistake of staying up late last night, reading the news on my cell phone for hours, filling my mind with horrible stories and scary images. There is a lot of unrest in the country, and Read more about Negative –> Positive[…]
VIP Tickets!
“Don’t be afraid to sit in the front row at your life“ Today, you are the rockstar. And the audience. Don’t disappoint yourself by putting on a lame show… Instead, pack your day with as much exciting stuff as possible. Play your heart out. Include all your greatest hits. Surprise and impress yourself! You never Read more about VIP Tickets![…]
Shedding your old skin…
Happy Friday, y’all! Today I want to share a pretty cool story from my friend, Terri. I’ve known Terri for ~7 years, and she’s one of the most authentic and bubbly people I’ve ever met. Her story is about the sacrifices she made when starting her gratitude journey. It’s an awesome message. Enjoy! ********* Read more about Shedding your old skin…[…]
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!