The 365 Commitment

I want to begin with something Jesus said about prayer that I have been thinking about lately. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus says: “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” That phrase caught my attention: “Vain repetitions.” Because repetition is actually a huge part of religious life. Christians repeat the Lord’s Pra...

Present bias is the tendency to overvalue rewards available now and undervalue larger benefits that arrive later. In plain terms, people often choose immediate comfort, pleasure, or relief even when waiting would produce a better overall outcome. Repeatedly choosing the immediate reward can make that pattern feel more automatic, more normal, and more compelling over time. In other words, present-b...

We often find ourselves either the victims or the perpetrators of the false choice, attempting to coerce others into selecting one option over another. This tactic is almost invariably a rhetorical maneuver, designed to dramatically underscore why our preferred option is the superior one. The reality, however, is that such choices are almost always illusory. The concept of the "false choice" or "f...

The software development world came to a screeching halt today when the runners hosted in GitHub suddenly stopped serving what are known as actions. About a 6- to 8-hour outage for probably one of the most heavily used services on the Internet. It definitely exposed a bottleneck for many development shops that are becoming increasingly dependent on agentic workflows that automate the process of ch...

I was on a call recently with the senior leader in an organization. During that call, a problem surfaced which we began discussing vigorously. One of the subordinates on the call was having a visible panic attack. She was horrified that a problem was being brought up in front of her leader in such a manner. No preparation. No triage. No cover story. Nothing, just plain, raw truth, unfiltered and r...

How can you motivate someone to work harder? I am in a unique position to answer this question, as I have worked and been a leader in small organizations, large public education, large public and private companies, and my own startups. I have battled with this question, and I have seen others battle with it too. I have read many books on the subject, and I can collectively distill that knowledge i...

A high school memory of a cassette tape, a broken rewind button, and the unexpected discovery of Led Zeppelin's "D'yer Mak'er" that changed everything.

Sometimes, feeling down is just part of the human experience. Learn to navigate these emotional ebbs and flows by recognizing them without judgment, continuing your commitments, and avoiding major decisions during low periods. This approach can lead to faster recovery and less intense downturns.

Our ancient hunter-gatherer past still shapes our mood and physiology. Just like a bear's seasonal cycle, humans have ingrained rhythms that clash with modern life. Understanding and embracing these natural ebbs and flows can lead to a more harmonious existence.

To the rare souls who choose goodness despite human flaws, don't give up on us. You are a light against the dull gray of humanity, reminding us we're not beyond redemption. Your mercy and hope inspire us, even when we're ungrateful. We see you, we need you. Keep being who you are.

Value is subjective and personal. To effectively communicate a value proposition, understand individual needs and tailor your message. Start with a brief description to gauge reactions and refine your approach.

Innovation often starts with ideas deemed 'crazy' by others. History is filled with examples of groundbreaking concepts, from umbrellas to personal computers, that were initially met with skepticism. While pursuing such a path is challenging and often lonely, those who persevere and succeed are eventually hailed as visionaries. Be prepared for the difficult journey, as success is never guaranteed,...

Many of us approach our relationship with God transactionally, thinking, "If I do this, then I will get that." This article argues that God is not a slot machine, and a more fruitful relationship involves humility, fulfilling responsibilities, and trusting in divine provision, much like a child learns to trust their parents.

The Civil War, especially the Battle of Chancellorsville, deeply impacted Abraham Lincoln. Faced with immense casualties and national division, Lincoln called for a national day of fasting and prayer. Though disaster followed, the war's tide soon turned. This transformation in national circumstances mirrored a profound personal change in Lincoln, leading him to a deeper humility and reliance on di...

Struggling with a tough concept? Try pretending you have an audience! This simple gimmick forces you to distill ideas, identify gaps in your understanding, and ultimately learn more effectively. It's not about performance, but about the clarity and specificity that comes from preparing to explain something to others.

The article, "When Humility Is Chosen Before It Is Forced," delves into the distinction between humility that arises from hardship and humility that is proactively embraced. Using the American Civil War as a historical backdrop, the author emphasizes that while suffering can compel humility, the act of choosing humility before being forced into it represents a unique and powerful form of strength.

Feeling stuck? Sometimes the best solution isn't more thinking in the same spot, but a change of scenery. This piece explores how getting out of your 'cave' – your familiar but stifling environment – can interrupt circular thinking and open the door to new perspectives. A simple walk outside can be the first step to breaking free from a mental rut.

 Guy Reams explores how lasting relationships gain value through commitment, forgiveness, and shared experience. True connection isn’t found fully formed—it is built and compounded over time. 

Returning from a wilderness trip, the author reflects on the profound value of water. While in nature, securing water was a constant challenge, shaping every aspect of the journey. This experience brought to mind the legend of the Fountain of Youth, leading the author to realize that the readily available clean water we often take for granted is, in its own way, a daily source of renewal and vital...

When everyone zigs, consider zagging. This piece highlights the power of "going the opposite" in a world where conformity often creates overlooked opportunities. Using a personal anecdote about a unique real estate agent, it argues that genuine effort, personal attention, and thoughtful communication can cut through the noise and create significant impact, especially when others are focused on aut...

The hedonic treadmill describes our tendency to revert to a baseline happiness level after significant life events. While ambition drives us to achieve, true contentment comes from appreciating our present circumstances, not just constantly chasing the next goal. It's about finding a balance between striving and savoring.

The story of the Acadians and Cajuns offers a profound lesson: you can lose almost everything and still refuse to lose yourself. Despite forced displacement and immense hardship, they maintained their culture, adapted, and rebuilt without bitterness. This quiet strength allows for preservation and growth, even after significant loss.

Ever feel like switching tools when things get tough? This piece delves into how impatience can lead us astray, making us mistake movement for progress. Often, the real issue isn't the tool, but our unwillingness to sit with the discomfort of learning. Discover why staying with the process, even when it's slow, can lead to better outcomes than constantly seeking a new solution.

After a challenging week backpacking in the wilderness, the author found their sleep quality dramatically improved compared to their restless nights at home. This experience highlighted the difference between 'real' stress encountered in nature and the constant 'artificial' stress from digital demands, suggesting that true rest may depend on the absence of these pervasive digital pokes at our nerv...