From Chad

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.

Life will be hard if you only do what is easy. Do something difficult daily, even if it’s just one thing.

This is a reflection on the unity of humanity, inspired by a Beach Boys concert and a Maya Angelou poem. The poem, “A Brave and Startling Truth,” envisions a world of peace, free from hatred, violence, and oppression. It emphasizes the potential for humanity to create a better world, free from conflict and suffering.

Everyone wears an invisible sign saying “Make me feel important.” Treat others as the most important person in their world, as they crave appreciation.

Self-discipline, as advocated by Jocko Willink and ancient philosophers, is key to achieving freedom and contentment. It empowers individuals to make choices aligned with their goals, leading to better health, stronger relationships, and increased opportunities. Ultimately, discipline provides the freedom to live a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Freedom is not free and requires continuous effort, even after independence is declared.  Just as the United States fought for its independence and continues to defend it, individuals must fight for strength, discipline, and freedom in their own lives.

Don't expect oven results in microwave time.