From Chad

Reading on an iPad suppresses melatonin production by 50%, delaying sleep onset and reducing sleep quality. I have fallen prey bad habit of scrolling on my phone before bed. I try to prioritize bedtime and getting good sleep.

Breathing is a fundamental practice that can help balance the nervous system, counteracting the stress of modern life.  Simple breathing exercises, like inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation.

Criticism, though often false and harsh, can be a valuable source of learning if approached with an open mind.  By recognizing the potential for truth in criticism, one can turn it into a tool for personal and professional growth.

People, like ships, have a universal desire to fulfill their potential and a unique call or destination.  Only you can chart your unique course, influenced by others but ultimately responsible for your journey.

The ultimate goal is to close the gap between who we are and who we can be, striving for eudaimonia or flourishing.  Each day is an opportunity to improve and become the best version of ourselves.

There are two types of people: those who do and those who procrastinate. Develop a sense of urgency by repeating a simple mantra to yourself, as suggested by W Clement Stone.

Feeling resistance is normal. This is message 407 and day #61 in the 8-C Challenge and this message is dedicated to the amazing Taylor Whitacker. One of my heroes is Fred Rogers aka Mr. Rogers, you know, from the neighborhood. I have a picture of him on my hero wall and am reminded of his gentleness, presence, and creativity several times each day. He is my mentor for my mantra "Focus where m...

The power of compounding, illustrated by a penny doubling daily, demonstrates the value of incremental, patient growth in various aspects of life. Consistent investment in health, relationships, and habits yields significant benefits over time.

CS Lewis advocated for a daily quiet time to seek God’s guidance, even if divine communication is unclear.  Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trusting in God and acknowledging Him in all decisions, even if it’s just a moment of reflection.

Change often requires personal initiative, as waiting for others to act can be futile.  Plato’s quote emphasizes the importance of self-movement in effecting change.

The long game, or fulfilling one’s potential, is essential for long-term success.  The long is the fuel for the short game. The long game influences what and why you do what you do today.

Personal and public growth are interconnected, with growth enabling individuals to handle life’s challenges and help others. Earl Nightingale’s metaphor of vessels illustrates this concept, comparing people to boats that can navigate life’s waves based on their size and strength.

I read an imaginary letter from one of my imaginary mentors.

Dale Schroeder, a humble carpenter from Iowa, left behind a $3 million scholarship fund for deserving students. His legacy continues to inspire through the achievements of his 33 recipients, known as “Dale’s Kids.”

The equation E + R = O, where E is events, R is response, and O is outcome, highlights that while events are beyond control, responses are not.  Charlie Munger exemplified this by accepting events, learning from them, and proactively working to improve future outcomes. Ultimately, mastering responses is key to navigating life’s challenges with resilience and wisdom.

To achieve greatness, you must discover your best, understand your identity, and set goals. This process, encapsulated in the acronym B.I.G., is essential for personal growth and happiness.

The universal calling is to be your best, fulfilling your potential. The ultimate calling is to prioritize what is important now (W.I.N.) and take action to fulfill that potential.

The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey, about finding one’s voice, is discussed. The concept of calling, derived from the Latin word for expression, is explored, and listeners are asked to reflect on their own voice.

Do you have 14:24 to put into it?

Two families lost loved ones in a shooting at a Trump rally, prompting reflection on the political climate and its impact on individuals.  Politics is not a zero-sum game. I hope for more patience and kindness among our citizens.

This is a fictional letter from Wilma Rudolph encouraging you to believe in yourself and overcome obstacles. Rudolph recounts her journey from a polio-stricken child to an Olympic gold medalist, emphasizing the power of belief, perseverance, and hard work. She urges you to use your own miracles to inspire and uplift others.

I hope you can break Walter's record!

I received a letter from Theodore Roosevelt! Well, I imagined I did. He shares his belief in the power of action. Roosevelt recounted his experiences, emphasizing how action overcame adversity and drove progress. He encourages you to adopt a bias for action, seize opportunities, and turn dreams into reality.

A thought experiment compares life to a plot of land, where the mind is the soil and thoughts are the seeds. Just as a plot needs care to produce food, the mind needs nurturing to produce positive outcomes.

Untamed potential within each individual, like Niagara Falls, needs discipline and harnessing to be realized. Discipline, not legalism, is key to unleashing this potential and achieving destiny.