Tag: Self improvement

Wild weather swings

Many people have noticed the massive weather changes that struck Cities in the USA this week. One city saw a temperature change of over 90 degrees in a span of 2 days. I am sure that many people were pleased that temperatures warmed dramatically from sub zero levels, but what crops, pests, plants and animals? Major climate change is happening in front of our eyes. We must all do everything we can to socially, politically, and personally to limit the impact of climate disruption caused by human actions.

A Quote

” Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.” ― Tony Schwartz
Questions to ponder: Is this a description of what we call balance? What causes us to want to take a side before thoughtful consideration? Does fear, or ego (or both) cause us to act hastily?

Great podcast for those wanting more out of themselves

If you want more from your life, and want to listen to an ongoing conversation on ideas for doing it – listen to the Jocko Podcast featuring Jocko Willink, and Echo Charles. The podcast is predominantly about living and being your best through the lens of business consultant, former US Navy SEAL, and Jiu-Jitsu master Jocko Willink. A quote from the show that I feel sums a lot of the shows humor and good advice is – “When in doubt; get after it”.

Born to Win by Zig Ziglar is foundational

The book Born to Win (by Zig Ziglar and Tom Ziglar) is a great one for anyone looking to make changes in their life. The book provides tools and insight to help you figure out who you are, what you want, and how to get there. Zig Ziglar ( who has passed on) and his Tom Ziglar provide both great life stories along with concrete tools to both motivate and support the change process. The book has 3 main focus areas; plan for success, prepare for success, and expect success, with a fourth area of tools for success. This book pairs nicely with understanding how to develop and change habits (previous review).

The Power of Habit- a timely New Year book review

Charles Duhigg wrote a powerful book (The Power of Habit) that gives us tools to impact a central area of our lives – habits. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their life. Here is a brief summary of the central question key points of the book. What’s the best way to release yourself from negative habits? You need to understand the habit loop; which is made up of three stages:

1.Cue – something that triggers your habit

2.Routine – the behavior that follows after you’ve triggered your habit

3.Reward – the positive reinforcement your brain identifies with the routine you use.

The key to breaking out of habit loops is to understand these three stages and little changes you can make in any one, or all of them to change your behavior. With time and discipline you can make small substitutions or choices consistently and change whatever you desire about your habits!

Wins and Losses

To everyone who voted this past Tuesday I say congratulations for fulfilling your duty as a citizen and thank you. No one got everything they wanted, but we made a difference. Now we move forward to our other duties as citizens which include staying up on societal issues, helping out in the community, and communicating to others about things that are important. Everyday is a fresh opportunity to make a difference- let’s seize the day and not cede it to bullies, or those who undermine dignity and respect.

Words make Meaning; and Matter

Words have impact on lives. We must all be mindful of the words that we speak, because we are putting our thoughts into the awareness of others. Our words represent us and are an attempt to influence others about our shared environment and experience. All of us should be intentional about spreading the truth and building a better world and helping others.