LATEST POSTS
100 year old gift
Last week someone sent me a gift in the post… It’s a bottle opener with a wooden handle. At first I thought it was kind of strange, because I already have about 50 bottle openers. But, when I texted my friend to say thanks, he said to thank his kids! They were the ones who Read more about 100 year old gift[…]
Celebration of life, and death
This weekend we celebrate the Day of the Dead! It’s a beautiful Mexican holiday I’ve become obsessed with ever since learning about it a few years ago. The holiday is to remember and celebrate friends and family members who have passed away. Here is the party plan: Print out a bunch of photos of loved Read more about Celebration of life, and death[…]
Surely not “everybody” was kung fu fighting..?
Surely not everybody was kung fu fighting..? I mean, out of all the different martial arts styles, why weren’t there people doing karate, boxing or even MMA? Reminder today: It’s OK to be different. And follow your own path. If you want to practice a different form of ancient fighting instead of Kung Fu, that’s totally fine. Read more about Surely not “everybody” was kung fu fighting..?[…]
Get what you give
– To be accepted, I will be more accepting of others – To earn respect, I will give more respect to others – To live carefree without judgement, I will not be judging others (unless they do something really dumb. just kidding!) Treating others the way I want to be treated… It’s not only Read more about Get what you give[…]
Even after all this time
Even After All this time, The sun never says to the earth, ”You owe Me” Look What happens With a love like that. It lights the Whole Sky ~Poem by Hafiz Good morning! Today I’m gonna share as much love as I can without expectations of return. It’s what makes the world go round. Read more about Even after all this time[…]
Unplugging works…
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” – Anne Lamott Happy Saturday, y’all! Time to unplug. unplug from the grid unplug from work unplug from the news unplug from facebook and the ‘gram unplug from politics unplug from wearing pants 😉 Cheers to a quick system Read more about Unplugging works…[…]
Cast a light, not a shadow
Here’s what it means to cast a light for others, instead of a shadow: be inclusive be accepting encourage others help people rise, as you rise lead from the middle be excited about other people’s projects and goals when someone says they can’t do something, you tell them they can talk about the awesome future, Read more about Cast a light, not a shadow[…]
Overcoming sour 🍋
“Nothing is so sour that it can’t be sweetened by a good attitude.” – Woodrow M. Kroll When you come across something sour today, sprinkle a bit of your sugar on it 🙂 Stay upbeat and positive today, friends! PS. What’s your opinion on taking fruit from neighborhood trees? I mean, if it’s within arm’s Read more about Overcoming sour 🍋[…]
2 Gifts 👀
This morning I opened up 2 gifts… They were my eyes. This is one of my favorite sayings. Perspective is what separates a good setting from a bad one, a blessing from a curse, and a punishment from a lesson learned. Today I’m using my eyeballs to view everything through a positive lens. 👀 Seeing Read more about 2 Gifts 👀[…]
Tuesday in the Water
“You don’t drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.“ – Edwin Cole A few quick reminders today: Our problems only defeat us if we dwell on them and don’t think or act on good solutions. Try not to get wrapped up in your current circumstances. Think long term —> whatever crap Read more about Tuesday in the Water[…]
Waking up and being happy
On a scale of 1 – 10, how happy are you when you wake up? For me, the number changes day to day. I wish I could bounce out of bed happy at level 10 every day, but that’s not normal for me. Sometimes I wake up and my happiness level is like at 2. Read more about Waking up and being happy[…]
Your current age = perfect
Remember this: You are the perfect age for who you are right now in life. The age that you are, today, only comes once. And each age comes with a different, important experience. If you spend today trying to be older or younger than you currently are, you’ll miss out on being your current age Read more about Your current age = perfect[…]
Saturdays are for ___________.
Saturdays are for ___________. Today can be whatever you want it to be. Adventure, relaxing, family time, zooming, distanced drinking, voting, rock painting, soap carving, competitive dog grooming, extreme ironing, gongoozling, speedcubing, axe throwing, hobbyhorsing, underwater hocky, or perhaps you’re taking part in the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta? Whatever your thing is, you get Read more about Saturdays are for ___________.[…]
A few quick money wins 💰
A few cool money wins this week!… – My insurance guy asked me to leave an online business review, in return for a $5 Starbucks gift card! I was going to leave a review anyway, but cheers to a free $5! Pumpkin spice, here we come! ☕️ – Remember those surf fins I found on Read more about A few quick money wins 💰[…]
The 5 by 5 rule…
The thing that you’re worried about today… Will it really matter in 5 years time? Most of the things that upset or worry us are short lived. So if you keep a long term mindset, you can quickly sift through what is worth your attention now, vs. the things you need to quickly let go Read more about The 5 by 5 rule…[…]
Blessings in disguise
The internet is out at my house this morning. 😖 And the repair man won’t be here until 1pm. The old Joel would use this as an excuse to have a bad attitude. He’d waste the entire morning getting stressed and frustrated. But the new me sees things differently. This morning’s break from technology as Read more about Blessings in disguise[…]
From failure –> failure
Winston Churchill said, “Success is the ability to move from failure to failure, without loss of enthusiasm” Everybody fails. Actually, people fail all day every day. Life is packed with failing. This is how we learn. But it’s how we move from one setback to the next that defines us. It’s the actions and enthusiasm Read more about From failure –> failure[…]
Squirrel List 🐿
A reader sent this below, in response to helping break multi-tasking. “I had this same horrible habit at work, and what worked for me was starting a squirrel list (for those tasks that threaten to distract you like a dog after a squirrel). When I’m working on something, and think of something else I need to do, Read more about Squirrel List 🐿[…]
Wellness Sunday
“If you don’t make time for your wellness… you’ll be forced to make time for your illness.” Wishing you all a happy and relaxing Sunday. Be well, my friends!
Call me crazy, but…
When you’re catching up with your friends today, make sure you’re being supportive in their goals and dreams. Cheer them on! Lifting people up and encouraging their journey in life —> enhances and elevates your own journey. 👏👏👏 It’s gonna be a great weekend! 🙂 – Joel *Photo credit to @brightvibesmedia on Insta!
Your vote matters!
It’s that time of year again… The annual Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are back and there’s a lot at stake! Now, you might be thinking… – Why should I vote? This election doesn’t really affect me that much. – I’m just one of millions of people, my tiny vote doesn’t really count. – It’s too Read more about Your vote matters![…]
Clean your windows 🏠
My friend Kae sent me this fable yesterday (Kae also writes a daily gratitude blog you can check out here Grateful Kae) Here’s the fable… A young, successful couple found their dream home. Shortly after purchasing it, the couple sat at their kitchen table to indulge in a delicious breakfast. The wife looked out the Read more about Clean your windows 🏠[…]
If you can dream it –> you can do it.
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela Nelson is a smart guy. Today, he wants you to: – Think bigger – Try harder Because you’re more capable than you think you are Read more about If you can dream it –> you can do it.[…]
You will outlast your problems
Whatever tough thing you’re going through right now, it will pass. Your problems will eventually give up (as long as you don’t give up first). It takes time. Hang in there and stay strong 💪 – Joel *Pic up top from a reader, Kathy, who spotted a rare double rainbow on her way Read more about You will outlast your problems[…]
Monday checklist
I’m alive ✅ I am motivated ✅ I’m focussed ✅ My friends have my back ✅ I’m smart enough ✅ I’m a hard worker ✅ I have a good attitude this morning ✅ I’ve reminded myself of why I do what I do ✅ My goals are clear (well, pretty clear) ✅ My reward is Read more about Monday checklist[…]
What’s your beautiful moment today?
“To some, it’s just water. To me, it’s where I regain my sanity” This morning I’m going surfing. In between waves, I’ll be watching the sun rise on one side of the sky, while the moon is setting on the other side. I can’t put into words how beautiful the next few hours of Read more about What’s your beautiful moment today?[…]
Hit the save button
Not getting enough sleep is like working all day on a complex excel spreadsheet and not hitting the save button. Your brain needs rest to process and file away memories and events, so you can perform properly again the next day. I think the same can be said about weekends and time off work. Relaxing and blowing off steam Read more about Hit the save button[…]
Dont “yes” your life away.
“Don’t do it! Make yourself unpopular, if you must, but don’t “yes” your life away. Be generous. Be helpful. But protect your own fundamental right to BE YOURSELF. For if you don’t, nobody else will.” Happy Friday, y’all 🤠 Remember, Friday = MYday. Be sure to get some self-care in the mix today. Cheers! Joel Read more about Dont “yes” your life away.[…]
Rise above the negativity…
Negativity is like a cancer. If it’s not squashed it will grow and grow overtime and kill everything you love. Unfortunately, there is a lot of negativity in this world. When you see, hear, or witness something negative, you have two options… 1. Foster, replicate, and spread the cancer. OR 2. Stay positive, rise above, Read more about Rise above the negativity…[…]
Having time vs. making time
Today: No excuses. If it’s important, make time for it. That is all. 🙂
Stay busy planting seeds
The day you plant the seed is not the day you get to eat the fruit” Quick reminders for today: – Good things take time to grow. – Just because you don’t see immediate results, it doesn’t mean you aren’t making progress! – You are an extremely hard worker, which is an invaluable skill. Read more about Stay busy planting seeds[…]
Showing love when someone’s being an asshole…
Yesterday I saw someone texting while driving and they nearly hit a bicyclist! 😠 Later, I saw another driver throw a cigarette butt and some trash out of their window. 🤦♂️ Last week, one of my friends posted an extremely insensitive comment on social media.😞 I came across this comment recently… “It’s okay that we Read more about Showing love when someone’s being an asshole…[…]
Where’s your grandma? – The depth of life.
About 2 years ago I found a 93 year old grandma wandering around the streets. She was lost, in her pajamas, and couldn’t find her home. Here’s the original morning email I wrote about this (Many of you weren’t on this email list back then). It was one of the coolest miracles and coincidences I’ve Read more about Where’s your grandma? – The depth of life.[…]
Stop Starting and Start Finishing
I have a bad habit of multi-tasking. While I’m working on 1 project, I come up with 3 ideas for other things. Then I start working on those, leaving the first project forgotten and unfinished. This happens daily, so I slowly collect a bunch of unfinished work and to-do items throughout the week. By the Read more about Stop Starting and Start Finishing[…]
Negativity helps absolutely nothing.
“I do not recall a time when negativity fixed anything” Just a quick reminder to approach everything with a positive attitude today. Good times, bad times, boring times, creative times, productive times, stressful times, at home, at work, with family and friends… Whatever you get up to today, remember negativity helps the situation zero. Have Read more about Negativity helps absolutely nothing.[…]
Month updates, parents teaching kids, and 100 days left this year!
When I was about 7 or 8 years old, my Mum offered to give me $100 if I could give up eating chocolate for 1 whole year. $100 was more money than I could even fathom at that age! But do you know how hard it is for a kid to not eat chocolate? Birthday party treats, Read more about Month updates, parents teaching kids, and 100 days left this year![…]
Today is a gift
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery! But today is a gift. That’s why they call it the “present”. – Master Oogway 🐢 Open your gift today and make the most of it! Happy Wednesday 🙂 – Joel *Feature pic by Jess Bailey
100 days until January 1st
Starting tomorrow, there are 100 days left this year. Most people: Will wait until January 1st to set goals for 2021 Will try to change 10 different areas of their life all at once. Are expecting more bad stuff to happen in the next 100 days so they can officially label “2020 as the worse Read more about 100 days until January 1st[…]
Your Monday focus
If you focus on problems and setbacks, all you find is more problems and setbacks. If you focus on possibilities and solutions, you’ll find that things will start working out right for you. Opportunities will favor you. Try this today: Be hopeful and confident that things are going to work out for you! In the Read more about Your Monday focus[…]
Quickest way to happiness –> GIVE
One of the quickest ways to GET happiness, is to GIVE happiness. This morning as you’re starting your day, plan a few quick things that will bring happiness to others. Then after those are done, try doing even more 🙂 Chores around the house, so your loved ones don’t have to. Leave love notes or Read more about Quickest way to happiness –> GIVE[…]
On your side 🚿
The grass is greener wherever you water it. Cheers to spending time today watering your own side of the fence. Investing time in the things you value most will grow the greenest grass you’ll ever see. Happy weekend friends! 🚿🚿🌱🌱 – Joel Feature photo by Ochir-Erdene Oyunmedeg
Happy Aloha Friday
ALOHA means… greetings, regards, kindness, compassion, affection, love, peace grace, patience, unity 🌺 “The secret of Aloha is that a person cannot do one of the principles without truly doing them all. And if you are not doing one you are not doing any. So to be practicing Aloha is to be practicing all of Read more about Happy Aloha Friday[…]
Friends on FIRE – An Awesome Podcast
This week I was invited on the Friends on FIRE podcast with hosts Maggie and Michael. They are awesome! We spoke for about an hour while recording, then once the session was over we stayed chatting for almost another full hour. I really love these guys’ backstory and mission to get more people to Read more about Friends on FIRE – An Awesome Podcast[…]
Time = Life
Would you steal $20 out of someone’s wallet if they weren’t watching? Of course you wouldn’t. Because thieving is selfish and you wouldn’t want someone to steal money from you. What about stealing time? It’s only fair to respect other people’s time as much as you protect and respect your own. Some ancient cultures believe Read more about Time = Life[…]
It’s GO time
1) If you don’t go after what you want, chances are you’ll never get it. Today’s a great day to GO for it! 2) If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. Today’s a great day to ASK for stuff! 3) If you don’t take any steps forward, you’ll always be stuck in Read more about It’s GO time[…]
Why am I so tired lately?
Ever check out your sleep data analysis on your iPhone? It’s inside the Health app. Here’s a snap of mine… Well, dang! No wonder I’ve been feeling so tired lately – my bedtime is all over the place! I’m averaging less than 7 hours of sleep the past month. I’ve been groggy, slow thinking, and less Read more about Why am I so tired lately?[…]
Protect your flame 🔥
This morning when you woke up, you ignited your flame 🔥. It’s inside you right now. Your flame is roaring and strong. It’s fueled by positivity, optimism, and happiness. Now, as you go about your day… A guy cuts you off in traffic… are you gonna let him extinguish your flame? NO! Your boss dumps Read more about Protect your flame 🔥[…]
Keep the vibe alive
A “vibe” is energy transferred to another person. When you’re in a positive mood, you spread good vibes out into the world. The people and environment around you love this, and respond by returning good vibes back. Today: Keep the vibe alive. Stay in a good mood. Share positive stuff with others. You will build Read more about Keep the vibe alive[…]
Old habits die hard
– It’s been over 2 years since I left my corporate job. But sometimes I sit down to unlock my computer and subconsciously type in my old work password. – A few weeks ago I jumped into my car and started driving on the wrong side of the road. It’s been 12 years since I Read more about Old habits die hard[…]
Giving up after one setback…
Last night I realized my car has a flat tire 🙁 It sucks because I have a lot of stuff to do today! But it reminds me of my favorite quote: “Giving up on your goal after one setback is like slashing your other three tires because of one flat.” So, should I change my Read more about Giving up after one setback…[…]
Remember the “why”?
I know a guy who is a multi-millionaire. He has the freedom to do whatever he wants in life. Yet, he gets extremely happy on days the stock market goes up, and really depressed when the stock market goes down. I thought the point of having lot of money is so that you don’t Read more about Remember the “why”?[…]
Following the masses…
“Always be careful when you follow the masses. sometimes the m is silent” – Anonymous You do you today. Make sure you’re going the direction you think is right, regardless of others. Make it a great day!
Great moves are usually greeted by yawns
“Beware the investment activity that produces applause; the great moves are usually greeted by yawns” I love Warren Buffet. His advice and quotes aren’t just applicable to investing… Many of them can be used as good life advice. Here’s a quick reminder for today… The small and boring self-improvement activities you’re doing each Read more about Great moves are usually greeted by yawns[…]
Labor labor labor day
Are you a hard worker? Do you solve problems at work? Do you think up ideas that nobody else has? Do you work late or overtime? Do you put in extra effort, even when you’re not asked to? Do you care about what you do? Are you friends with your co-workers? Do you get paid Read more about Labor labor labor day[…]
Gratitude improves all your experiences
Gratitude. Gratitude unlocks the fulness of life. – It turns what we have into enough (and more) – It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. – It turns regular meals into feasts, houses into homes, strangers into friends. – Gratitude brings you peace. It makes sense of your past, and gives Read more about Gratitude improves all your experiences[…]
Past is the past
“Yesterday’s headlines are today’s punchlines” Whatever 💩 happened this past week… find a way to laugh about it. Weekends are too short to worry about stuff that happened in the past. Happy Saturday! Make it a great one! – Joel
Friday reminders…
Happy Friday! Quick reminders for today… – Look for the humor in stuff: Even when crap hits the fan, there’s always a funny side! – Celebrate the small stuff: I plan to have about 20 mini-celebrations today when tiny things go right. Don’t care how small it is, nobody can stop me from celebrating life. Read more about Friday reminders…[…]
Right place, right time. Look for the signs…
About 6 months ago I was walking on the beach. It was one of those long, soul searching walks where I was feeling stuck and trying to figure out what the heck my purpose is in life. Am I on the right path? Am I making the right career moves? Stuff like that. All Read more about Right place, right time. Look for the signs…[…]
4 quick tips – for when you feel overwhelmed
Here’s a cool message I keep in my notebook and refer back to on days when I feel scattered… “To my sweet Joel… 💕 these are the four things I do when I’m feeling overwhelmed… 💕 I do the next right thing… 💕 I Finish what I start…💕 I Use what I have…💕 And I do what Read more about 4 quick tips – for when you feel overwhelmed[…]
Life breather
“You’re either a life breather or a death breather… Do people want to have you around and you draw people in with your energy? Or do folks see you coming and dart into the restroom to not have to interact with you? Do you see a problem at every turn or do you see opportunities?” Read more about Life breather[…]
Remember who you are!
“Remember who you are!” As a kid, my Mum would say this to me as I was running out the door in the mornings. “Remember who you are – you’re an O’Leary!” I shrugged it off most days (it was one of many affirmations my parents said to us kids). It never made a lot of sense at Read more about Remember who you are![…]
Refinance Magic – Putting Equity to Work
Refinance Magic – Putting Equity to Work [Guest post by “K. Money!”] What if I told you that I could increase the production value of your rental property by 10-20% and I will PAY YOU $4,600 to do it, does that sound like something you’d be interested in!? Now you are probably thinking…… “This sounds Read more about Refinance Magic – Putting Equity to Work[…]
Altruistic actions
Altruistic actions are selfless acts that put the wellbeing of others before yourself. Actually it’s not just helping people, it covers all living things like animals, plants, helping the earth, etc. Here’s a few ideas to spread some kindness today: Leave a positive note on your neighbors doorstep. Doesn’t have to be long, just a Read more about Altruistic actions[…]
A sneaky challenge for you…
Happy Friday! Your challenge today… (should you choose to accept it) is to: Steal your partner’s iPhone (or any loved one’s phone) when they are not looking… Hold down the home button to activate Siri, and speak the following into the phone… ”Remind me in 20 days that xxx loves you” (use your name in place of xxx) The Read more about A sneaky challenge for you…[…]
Are your problems “real” problems?
Some of the best advice I ever got was that real problems are ones that can’t be solved with money. Day to day annoyances like car repairs, tuition payments, bills, house maintenance issues – all easily solved with new DIY knowledge, creativity, or cash. When you have a health problem, sick loved one, regrets, damaged Read more about Are your problems “real” problems?[…]
Worry-free Wednesday
“The great majority of what gives you angst never happens, so you must evict it. Don’t let it live rent free in your brain.” – Peter Gruber. Today, I’m evicting my worries. 99% of the things I worry about never happens. And the 1% that does happen, isn’t really that bad. I’ve usually get through Read more about Worry-free Wednesday[…]
Be more open in your beliefs
Humans can hear sounds in the range as low as 20 hertz —> all the way up to 20,000 hertz. That’s a massive range of sounds we can hear! But, there are sounds outside of this frequency range too, higher and lower. Just because we can’t hear them, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Same Read more about Be more open in your beliefs[…]
Your attention please.
Do you know what the average human attention span is?… 8 seconds. Yep. We humans now have the same attention span as goldfish. Here are 2 things to consider as you go about your day today (assuming you haven’t lost attention and are still reading this email). 1) Get to the point when speaking today. Read more about Your attention please.[…]
Your happiness = your responsibility
YOU are the biggest part of your own happiness. Happiness isn’t out there waiting for you… It’s not something that you stumble upon randomly or only deserve later in life. Happiness is already within you. Right now. It’s on you to recognize that and consciously lead your day with it. 🙂 Sometimes its easy, sometimes it’s hard work. But it’s always worth Read more about Your happiness = your responsibility[…]
Fun feedback stories…
Good morning! A few cool stories… – There’s a girl on this list who responds to every single email and tells me what time she gets up each morning. It’s how she holds herself accountable for getting up early. – A guy on this email list replies back sometimes and rates my messages on a Read more about Fun feedback stories…[…]
Friday Happiness Checklist ✅
Happy Friday, dudes! Here’s a checklist for today. Feel free to add/change/delete items as you see fit. Then print it out, and check them off 1 by 1, and notice your happiness increase 🙂 HAPPINESS CHECKLIST ✅ I’ve reminded myself that I’m incredibly blessed in life. ✅ I’ve reminded myself that I’m really good at _______, and I’m Read more about Friday Happiness Checklist ✅[…]
Thinking of others
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”Eleanor Roosevelt Take a quick minute this morning and think about your partner, a close friend or a family member. What makes them smile and feel happiness? is Read more about Thinking of others[…]
Habits are sneaky
Your daily habits determine if you will be rich or poor. Your habits can increase your happiness, or take away from your happiness. Your habits either make you productive, or hold you back from achieving great things. Habits can lead to a stand-out life, or just a mediocre one. Knowing this, is it worth taking Read more about Habits are sneaky[…]
Kintsugi v2
After last week’s email about broken or beautiful, I became a little obsessed with this art of Kintsugi. I also got a bunch of feedback and replies from you guys – one of which I nearly cried reading…. Someone’s cousin started a started a company called Gilded: The Art of Healing which artistically incorporates the practice of Kintsugi for Read more about Kintsugi v2[…]
Under pressure? So were diamonds once!
It takes extreme pressure to turn carbon into diamonds. Immense heat to forge the strongest steel in the world. Piping hot fire allows glass to be blown into beautiful objects. Intense sun rays helps animals grow protective armor and leather skin. Keep this in mind when you encounter any stress, pressure, or heat from your Read more about Under pressure? So were diamonds once![…]
Live harder!
“I think the key to happiness is maximizing each day. So if you’re unhappy, here’s a simple prescription: Live harder.” – Laird Hamilton Today, add as much living as you can to your day. Exhaust yourself. Fill your day to the brim and experience everything you can. Live harder. Then tonight when it’s all Read more about Live harder![…]
How to supercharge your weekend…
Do you know how often lightning strikes the earth?… About 100 times, every second! ⚡️ ⚡️ ⚡️ 🌎 Hard to believe, right? Well it’s true. Right now, as you read this, at different places all around the globe, massive amounts of energy are striking the earth. 6000 lightning bolts per minute! Amazing. But even more amazing is this… The Read more about How to supercharge your weekend…[…]
Cheer for yourself
My friend said this yesterday… “We know the most famous people in the world, better than we know ourselves” It’s sad, but I think it’s kind of true. Sports stars; we memorize their batting averages, points, and record times. Business heroes; we study their career moves, big decisions, and accomplishments. Movie stars; we memorize Read more about Cheer for yourself[…]
The Leaky Bucket
Two buckets lived in a village. They carried water every day from the river to the people. One bucket was old, warn, and cracked, and lost half it’s water by the time they reached their destination. It felt terrible not fulfilling it’s sole purpose. However the younger, newer bucket (without cracks) told the older bucket to look behind the trail they walked Read more about The Leaky Bucket[…]
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[…]