The 365 Commitment

I called my grandmother today; she is 100 years old and celebrating her 81st Mother's Day. She remembers spending many Mother's Days fishing. My grandfather loved fishing, and to him, any day was perfect for time spent by a river or lake. Yet, as I spoke with my grandmother, I realized that the sacrifice of packing lunches, coolers, and everything else needed for a fishing trip on Mother’s Day was...

In this conversation, Guy Reams discusses the universal experience of natural resistance that everyone faces when trying to accomplish important tasks. He shares personal insights from his journey of overcoming this resistance, particularly through daily writing. The conversation explores various strategies to combat resistance, including understanding its root causes, simplifying tasks, using the...

There are times when you need to deliberately visit the wellspring of inspiration to incubate new ideas. Groundbreaking concepts don't usually emerge spontaneously. Although occasionally an idea might strike you unexpectedly, it's unlikely to happen if you're just going through your everyday routine. You need to do something different. I call this process "going to the basement."

Interestingly, music’s power isn’t simply cultural or psychological. Honing (2018) challenges the old view of music as merely a byproduct of language, proposing instead that musicality is an innate biological trait, deeply embedded within our evolutionary makeup. This means your connection to music is not just a learned preference—it’s a fundamental human capacity, as essential and instinctive as...

We are told that we need to be more persistent. "Persistence pays off," we are reminded. We hear stories of the dogged determination of successful people who pursued a path and, despite countless setbacks, ultimately prevailed because they kept up the pursuit. The heroes of our stories and films triumph after pushing through against overwhelming odds—the underdog boxer who gets pummeled nearly to...

Instead of hoping for "one day" to come, make that day happen now. It will likely be painful at first—disruption always is. Yet gradually, just as you are doing right now, you will start constructing a fortress around the lifestyle you consciously choose. Eventually, the reality you once dreamed about will become your actual life. This is an incredibly powerful and deceptively simple concept. Olde...

Relativity—or the understanding that your present circumstances may be quite good when compared to the perspective of others—can be a tremendous aid when you are feeling discouraged. However, this should never excuse you from the obligation to defend or uphold virtue, simply because you claim a free pass based on the relative nature of belief systems.

Why is neuroplasticity important? Lifelong learning – You're never too old to learn something new. Recovery – Helps the brain adapt after trauma or neurological disorders. Mental fitness – Reinforces positive habits and weakens negative ones. Emotional resilience – Allows you to change how you respond to stress or anxiety.

a good idea executed inconsistently will always lose to a steady idea executed with focus.

When people talk about "investing in people," they often think of employees—through training, compensation, and benefits. But investing in people goes beyond payroll. It also means choosing to spend time with others, cultivating relationships long before there’s an immediate need. These personal investments—quiet, slow, and often overlooked—are the foundation of trust, loyalty, and support when it...

By focusing on small steps and establishing clear triggers, individuals can create a supportive environment for habit formation, leading to lasting personal transformation.

In this conversation, Guy Reams discusses the importance of engaging in difficult conversations, particularly in professional settings. He emphasizes the need for clarity, intent, and a structured approach to feedback, using the Situation, Behavior, Impact model to facilitate honest communication. The discussion highlights the significance of self-awareness and the role of trust in effective dialo...

In this conversation, Guy Reams emphasizes the critical importance of inquiry before advocacy in communication. He discusses how genuine listening fosters trust and empathy, leading to more productive dialogues. Reams also highlights the challenges of listening effectively and the need for self-reflection to improve conversational skills. Ultimately, he advocates for a shift towards curiosity-driv...

In this conversation, Guy Reams reflects on the influence of Wendell Berry's ideas regarding the relationship between work, community, and the land. He discusses the consequences of industrialization that have led to a disconnection from our roots and the importance of living where we work. Reams emphasizes the need to reconnect with our communities and the land, suggesting that even in a modern d...

In this conversation, Guy Reams discusses the challenges of managing a racing mind and explores various techniques to combat mental spirals. He shares his personal experience with audiobooks, particularly the novel 'Shogun,' and how its calming narration helps him achieve restful sleep. The discussion delves into the science behind relaxation, the importance of rhythm in storytelling, and the psyc...

Create space in your life not just to do more, but to do better. Step back, take the long view, and work on your systems with the same care and intentionality that you bring to your daily tasks. In doing so, you’ll find a clarity and effectiveness that working harder alone can never achieve.

In this conversation, Guy Reams explores the complexities of the open door policy in organizations. He discusses how it is perceived as a tool for communication and transparency but often falls short in practice. Reams emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of such policies, the potential pitfalls for employees, and how to navigate them effectively. He provides insights on what...

There’s an old phrase—“know when to cut bait.” It originates from the world of deep-sea fishing, a trade where decisions are measured not in emotions but in energy, safety, and the return on effort. When you’re trolling the vast ocean, time and strength are limited resources. A fisherman might snag a fish that fights for hours, pulling hard against the line, leading the boat off course, and draini...

In this reflective conversation, Guy Reams explores the themes of legacy, generational wisdom, and the importance of storytelling. He reflects on the passing of family members and the significance of preserving their stories for future generations. Through the metaphor of 'passing the torch,' he emphasizes the responsibility of teaching and sharing knowledge with those who follow, ensuring that th...

What is our current caravanserai? Is it a social media platform? A virtual gathering space? Or perhaps something we haven’t yet recognized? And deeper still—do we need one? Not just to exchange goods or posts or fleeting likes, but to share culture and wisdom in the slow, intentional way our ancestors once did under the stars of the Silk Road.

Impatience is like slow water damage inside the walls of your home. You don’t see it at first. You keep going about your business, unaware of what’s seeping in. Then one day, you notice a discoloration, a soft spot, maybe a faint smell of mold. By the time it becomes visible, the damage has been quietly accumulating for a long while.

In this conversation, Guy Reams shares his personal journey of tree ownership, using the metaphor of a podocarpus tree to explore themes of growth, renewal, and the necessity of pruning in both nature and personal development. He reflects on the initial excitement of purchasing the tree, the challenges faced in its care, and the realization that sometimes, in order to thrive, one must let go of wh...

You can begin with noble intentions, iterate with energy, and pour countless hours into refining—only to find, years later, you have crafted a beautiful ladder leaning against the wrong wall. You have solved problems with great elegance, but never asked if they were the right ones to solve. You have moved with speed, but not direction.

The hero myth is not just an ancient story—it’s a blueprint. One that you can use to navigate the darkest moments of your life. So when life throws a mountain in your path, don’t just stumble around it. Tell the story of how you climb it. Learn it, repeat it, live it. And in doing so, become the hero of your own myth.

If you really knew what some of the most successful people started with on their incredible journeys, you would lose all sense of fear and trepidation—and just get started yourself. We create impossible myths around those who have achieved success, and we continue to build upon those myths until their accomplishments seem like unreachable feats reserved for the superhuman. The reality, however, is...