From Chad

The better story to tell yourself is how much is enough, not constantly seeking more. The pursuit of more, or worse, the most, can be endless. But satisfaction is found in having enough.

Feedback is crucial for improvement, as illustrated by a childhood experience in a school play. Feedback is your friend! I invite your feedback. Email me at fromchadsmith@gmail.com.

AJ Jacobs realized the immense effort behind his cup of coffee and embarked on a journey to thank over 1000 people involved in its production and delivery. His book, “Thanks a Thousand: a Gratitude Journey,“ explores gratitude and the interconnectedness of human effort behind everyday items.

The story of “The Old Violin” by Myra Brooks Welch illustrates how the touch of a master can reveal the true worth of something. The poem, inspired by the power of God to bring out the best in people, emphasizes the importance of surrendering.

Temple University, founded by Russell Conwell, began as a small program in a church. Conwell used the story of Ali Haded, a farmer who sold his land in search of diamonds only to discover his own farm was rich with them. Listen to this story as a reminder to appreciate the potential and possibilities in your current situation.

Trust is a powerful tool that can make everything easier, faster, and cheaper. A story about Warren Buffett’s acquisition of McLane Distribution from Walmart illustrates how trust can eliminate bureaucracy and delays. The message encourages listeners to build trust in themselves and others, as it is essential for success and stability in an unpredictable future.

Jocko Willings good response lesson teaches us to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. By believing that everything is working for our good, we can transform negative situations and positive ones. This mindset shift and powers us to handle adversity with resilience and discipline.

The Roosevelt family motto, “Get aAction,“ was embodied by both Theodore Roosevelt Jr, and his father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr. instilling this principle in his son by example.

Your mind can conjure its own reality, influencing your experience and beliefs. Telling yourself a better story can shape your reality through imagination and faith.

Focus on fundamentals, not fancy solutions. Lou Holtz classic joke about a man buying a talking bird illustrates the importance of mastering the basics.

Improvement can be achieved by removing negative influences and avoiding mistakes. Instead of focusing on what to do, concentrate on what not to do, as exemplified by Charlie Munger’s approach to weather forecasting, and Naseem Taleb’s concept of via negativa.

Humor is a powerful tool for improving human relations and achieving success. Benjamin Franklin used humor to make himself more relatable, disarm, opponents, and even secure French support for American independence. Study show that humor in the workplace increases loyalty, productivity, and overall well-being.

Trying to please everyone is draining and distracting. Upgraded thinking focuses on accomplishing something meaningful instead of universal approval.

Do you think you can value something without living it? You should want to believe good, true, and beautiful things. Isn’t the real test of believing something, behaving in alignment with what you say is important to you?

When you pay high for the priceless, you’re getting it cheap. Upgraded thinking exchanges finite resources for high value items and experiences.

Just because the calendar changes doesn’t mean you automatically have. Here is a list of fifteen exercises to STOP doing in the New Year.

Great value can be hidden in plain sight, requiring curiosity and effort to uncover. Opportunities are often closer than we think, so look for them in the places you already are.

The universe love initiative. You can pour about all the things you don’t have, but upgraded thinking focuses on all you’ve already been given. The better story to tell yourself is, “I do my part.”

Giving is the highest level of living, exemplified by Oral Lee Brown, a real estate broker who promised to send a class of first graders to college, and since supported over 160 students, the joy of giving is more fulfilling than getting.

Lieutenant General Earl B Hailston, a US Marine Corps general, used his hobby of photography to support his troops families during the 2003 Iraq war. He sent photos in personal notes to Marine’s mothers, highlighting the importance of making others feel important. The story emphasizes the value of small acts of care and thoughtful communication.

Facing reality is crucial for effective leadership, especially self leadership. The story of Johnson and Johnson’s Tylenol crisis in 1982 demonstrates how accepting the worst case scenario and taking immediate action can transform a catastrophe into a triumph.

Foggy, thinking, hinders progress, regardless of resources. To cut through the fog have tools that help you maintain clarity, such as a one word focus.

A man, trying to save birds from a snowstorm, realizes the importance of the Christmas story.

A Christmas funny about the kindergartner teacher’s gifts from her students.

A story is shared about a tapestry that brought together a minister, and his wife with a couple who were separated during the holocaust. The message encourages listeners to believe that everything in life works out for their good, even if it doesn’t seem that way initially.