Tag Archives: A Keen Mind

Four Quotes I Live By

This post is short and simple. I’m sharing four of my favorite quotes. These quotes are written on the white board, opposite my desk in my office. I literally see them and think about them every single day.

Here they are:

  1. Be Active in Your Own Rescue
  2. Inside the Acorn, Lives the Oak
  3. Thoughts Become Things
  4. Want + Do = Have

Be Active in Your Own Rescue

I think about this quote both financially and physically. No one is coming to save me, and no one is coming to save you. It’s not that I don’t think people care about me, it’s that they’re dealing with their own shit. So am I. That said, I’ve got to take responsibility for my path today and into the future. I’ll also say the word “ACTIVE” stands out because it means action must be taken. No one is going to achieve my goals for me and I have the ability to “create my own luck”! No one else is going to usher me into early retirement and no one else is going to do the reps for me to have the health and body I desire. Am I taking responsibility and taking action?

Inside the Acorn, Lives the Oak

I can’t recall exactly where I read this or heard it, but I love it. An acorn sitting on a desk has epic potential to be a strong, sturdy, centennial oak. But the only way that potential is harnessed, is if the acorn is planted TODAY and watered consistently. If you missed planting today, the next day is the best day to start. I think acorns are all around us if we choose to see them. Something large, and strong and successful today, started small and insignificant. What needs starting today?

Thoughts Become Things

Much love to Tony Robbins here. Thoughts absolutely become things. I’m incredibly mindful of what I think about, what I say, and what I put into my mind. What is thought about and ruminated on, becomes manifested in real life. Why does this happen? I have no idea, except to say this. If a person consistently talks about and seeks opportunity, they’ll always be on the lookout for it. Conversely, if a person is always, “down on their luck” and feel like the ball never bounces their way, an opportunity might walk right by and it’s missed because the person’s head is down complaining about how bad they have it. I know these people. You know these people. Former Navy Seal and ultra-distance competitor Chadd Wright calls his tongue and language he uses his “Rudder”. Chadd is ALWAYS mindful of his rudder!! Who knows more about this than a SEAL and Ultra athlete? Am I being intentional with my thoughts?

Want + Do = Have

A newer follow for me is Michael Chernow. Since listening to him on the Rich Roll podcast, I’ve really enjoyed Michael’s content and brand Kreatures of Habit and the KOH podcast. I even make a homemade version of his overnight oats and it’s delicious. He ends his podcast with the reminder, “Want + Do = HAVE” and it certainly stuck with me. It makes sense doesn’t it? Above I talk about being “active” in my own rescue. I also write about “Wants” and how, “thoughts become things.” The life I “HAVE” today is a direct reflection of what I’ve stated I wanted, and the actions taken (DO) to get it done. Having is a reflection of gratitude. Am I willing to do what it takes to live a big life and the appreciation to know when to appreciate it?

These simple quotes guide my journey every day to being better with my: Faith, Family, Finances and Fitness (4 F’s).

~Much Love

Always Play Offense

Playing offense is what I do. It’s part of my fabric as a human being. In this post, I’ll tell you exactly why Playing Offense is important. I’ll also explain how I’ve reaped the rewards in my life.

I used to work with a car dealer in Dallas, Texas and I’ll always remember a saying he had. Charles would say,

I want chalk on my toes…not on my heels

Chalk on my toes referred to being assertive and aggressive. He wanted to bring the fight, the energy, and to be in pursuit. Not the other way around. Having chalk on my heels meant we were receding, being pushed back, or operating defensively. It’s tough to drive forward from your heels.

Another quote I love and use quite frequently is from Amelia Earhart. The quote below adorned the side of her plane on her transatlantic flight.

Always think with your stick forward

The takeaway? Maintain your airspeed or crash. There is no option to pause. Stay in Forward Motion – – – – > at all times.

But let’s talk real life from yours truly. How have I been able to reap the rewards of Playing Offense? Below are four life examples of where I played offense and what outcomes transpired from the effort.

  1. From Mower to Marketer: A 21 year old me with longer hair, and grass stained everything, worked for a mowing company. This company happened to mow the lawns at a local ad agency. Knowing I was destined to follow the advertising career path, one day I happened to run into the head of HR (Wendy) while trimming or mowing outside this business. I’ll never forget stating my intentions that day. I told her about my passion for advertising, and that if given the chance, I’d come back in a couple of weeks, cleaned up, nicely dressed and eager to discuss how I’d serve them as an (unpaid) intern that fall. That day I played offense. Nearly 11 years later in 2012 after progressing into numerous roles and transforming the business, I closed that terrific learning experience. It all started as an unpaid intern who played offense and took a break from cutting the grass to state his intentions.
  2. Business Blind Spot 2012: I still have the email saved. It’s titled, “Opportunity Calls” and I sent it to a friend (Shout out Doug) on Feb. 27, 2012. We’d chatted from time to time, but this was an entirely new, and larger ask. I saw a large blind spot in the agency I was working at. The digital revolution was beginning to take shape, and we were caught on our heels, unequipped to serve the new media marketplace. A strategic acquisition with the right partner could change the trajectory of the business…and it did. The small digital shop where my friend was a partner, was acquired in the fall and we were off blazing a new trail forward. These are some of my most challenging, empowering, fun and fulfilling years of my career. In only a short couple years that felt like a sprint, we were a national approved digital vendor with some of the largest automotive brands in the business. I can’t take credit for the entire fire, but I know who struck the match 😉. It all started with identifying a need and stating opportunity.
  3. Banker = Relationship Builder: In my early 30’s I started looking for answers to the question. I asked myself, “what do wealthy people do?” More specifically, “what do they own?” The answer I came across was ubiquitous…Real Estate. But I didn’t own any, nor did I know how to buy it or invest in it. I needed to close the knowledge gap. I reached out to my banker and asked for a lunch meeting. Specifically I said, “Look, I’m on a path to build wealth. I’d love to be more active in real estate. I need a mentor or guide. You happen to be a banker and quite likely know a person or two you could introduce me to.” I stated my intentions. I reached out. I made the ask. I benefited greatly. I met a new friend, was shown the ropes, and now have numerous relationships being built in the space. If I don’t play offense, none of this happens
  4. Career Moves A little over four years ago I was burned out and frustrated with my current role as President of a media company. I needed a change to get my mojo back and I needed to feel good in my gut about my next move. So I started conversations with an old business partner I’d worked with. I reached out to the President cold and let them know what I was thinking. Although not overnight, the outreach, the ask, the intentions I laid out were clear. Three years later my life, my family, and my path all benefited from playing offense back in 2021.

If ever I find myself in a pattern of stagnation or boredom, I usually ask myself, “where do I need to play offense?” What effort can I uniquely control to move my life forward toward what I’m looking for? Therein lies the answer.

In each of the four examples noted above, I faced discomfort and future uncertainty at play. But guess what? That same discomfort lives in those unwilling to try, or unwilling to take a chance. So why not give it a go?

Newton’s Law of Motion

An object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion at constant speed and in a straight line unless acted on by an unbalanced force.

Surviving in a World of Temptation

Temptation is omnipresent and old as time. Documented from the beginning (Genesis 1) with Adam & Eve. It lives within all of us, in a myriad of ways, every day. I personally wrestle with multitudes of temptation. Instead of hiding from it, why not call it what it is? Because if not identified and controlled, it has the power to destroy.

My goal with facing temptation isn’t to be perfect, but to be aware. I’m an imperfect being(just like everyone reading this), and if I believe what I learn in church, my sins are forgiven (Even though that’s oftentimes hard for me to swallow). I’m also keenly aware I have a v-e-r-y addictive personality and know where the danger of temptation tends to lurk in the shadows.

So lets get real. Where does Temptation show up for me? There are so many ways.

  • Gambling – I like to gamble. It’s fun. It gets the blood flowing. I’m also well aware that I could sit at a blackjack table for 20 hours straight and love almost every minute of it. I could bet on a sports event daily…but I don’t because it would become a problem. Small doses tempered with self-aware breaks keep me in line.
  • Online Shopping [Ads for Golf Gear or Jordans]… Yes please!! I’ll have one of each. But I learned long ago while living in Chicago to play the game I like to call, “Do I really need this?” and “Will this really make me happy?” I did this traveling into and out of many stores on the famed Million Dollar Mile. That level of pause usually stops credit card swipe and I move on with my life. Anyone on any social media platform fights this temptation daily with ads. Learning the “power of the pause” and stepping away helps me greatly.
  • Beauty/Lust – I like a tall, athletic, brunette. I should know, I married one. I can also see thousands of them on Instagram along with bikini clad models should I go looking…and I have. Even better, my friends at Meta can amplify this and are great at showing me 10,000 more, should I spend the time. The major problem with this is, none of them will help me with my marriage and none meet reality. Lighting, posing, editing, makeup, all very tempting. None know a single thing about me and provide really no solve to life’s mysteries. These simple reminders help me pause, and hopefully step away.
  • Tobacco – If you’ve followed my chronicles, you know I had a penchant chewing tobacco. I still do actually, but I’m in more control now, not the other way around. That said, if it’s around…I think about it and I’ve slipped up from time to time. I’ve done it as recently this summer. I don’t have to quit forever, I just have to ensure I don’t make a habit of it. If I slip up…forgive and make sure not to replicate tomorrow!!
  • Luxury – I’ve earned the gift of financial resources in my life and that comes with a burden of choice. Many things are available, and a singular purchase wouldn’t burden our family. But reason must enter along with temptation. I’ve written about it many times. A new Rolex? Not yet. A new Audi? Sure…but not now. Although very tempting (to my ego), my life won’t get noticeably better. Only my ego grows and that’s dangerous for someone like me.
  • Alcohol – The older I get, the less I consume. But I’m also learning more and more about my relationship with alcohol and how my body reacts. I’ve heard it said, “alcohol and money, two things that will make you more of what you already are…just bigger and louder!” I also know there’s a slippery slope for me around 3-4 drinks that ends with me likely feeling like garbage the next day. I haven’t “quit” drinking, but I have cut back and I’m better for doing so.
  • Sugar/Poor Diet – This one might seem odd to put on a list of temptation, but if my goal is a healthier body and vitality, poor diet is absolutely the enemy. And this one is REALLY hard as it is soooooo easy to violate nutrition principles multiple times daily. The [Standard American Diet] – SAD as my Dr. at Mayo referred to it, is everywhere!! I’ll enjoy chocolate, and ice cream, and a Dr. Pepper from time to time. I just have to make sure it’s not made routine. Say hello to my good friend moderation!

I listen to Rich Roll and he speaks frequently of his battle with Alcohol and the power of the 12-step recovery. The first principle being, “Admittance he were powerless over alcohol — that his life had become unmanageable.”

The same powerlessness can be said for: Gambling, porn, shopping, lying, sugar, nicotine and the list goes on. Temptation presents itself in a myriad of ways. Maneuvering life alongside temptation requires awareness (not perfection)!

Awareness and Mostly-Good

Perfection in life unattainable. Look at the stories of humankind. Humans have succumb to temptation for thousands of years, and yet…people are mostly good. The bible begins with temptation in Genesis…and still, people are mostly good. Everyone has a vice, and yet…people are mostly good.

Advice

One of the things I pay close attention to on this blog is giving advice. I try NOT to do it at all cost because we’ve all come from such unique backgrounds. I will however, tell you what works for me, or how I think about life. As it relates to temptation, my goal is awareness and admittance. Others might consider this surrender. This awareness “most of the time “allows me to interrupt the temptation signal and pause. From there I can ask myself, “What exactly are you doing here?” Or, “is this really what you want to do and are you prepared to live with the circumstances?” From there, I can progress being mostly-good and I can hope to be forgiven for the rest.

FINAL THOUGHT

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

The ONE QUESTION Driving Daily Action

I spend time every single Sunday with focused thought on on trying to answer one question.

Zac…What do you want?

For probably the last 15 years, or in the time since getting married I began being much more intentional about where life would take me. Actually, I take that back, as that speaks to having more control than likely exists. How about, I spent more time thinking about where I’d like to go and thinking it into existence.

  • What was important to me?
  • Where would I live?
  • Would I live extravagantly or frugally?
  • What did I want to do with my time?
  • Who were my close friends?
  • How did I want to feel? (This one is often overlooked)
  • Who were my teachers? Who would I learn from?
  • What would I look like? (Yes, I can be a vain person, but this is part of how I think about spending my time)

Today writing this post I’m 42 years old. Sometimes I can’t believe this, as it feels like yesterday I was 30, with no kids and a few dreams written down on one of my many notebooks. Back then, I wrote down many dream lines to pursue. I wanted to live on a golf course, own a business, sell a business (for profit), create a life of financial freedom, drive a Ferrari (why not right??), and the list goes on.

Having achieved a few of these dreams by 40, my focus shifts as I’ve moved into a new season of life. I find one word driving more of my thoughts and actions more than ever…

FREEDOM

This word plays itself out in a myriad of ways as I think about the 360 degree picture that is life. Below I’ll explain how I’m thinking about FREEDOM. It helps to mention a quote I’ve been loving from retired Navy Seal Jocko Willink. That quote is, “Discipline = Freedom”. The more discipline I can build into my life and follow with determination on the THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER. The more freedom I have in the rest of my life.

Financial Freedom

Financial Freedom: One could easily say I think about this too much, but it’s important to me and part of who I am. I want the ability to not worry about a “paycheck” from an employer. In order to do this, I started asking different questions in my early 30s.

Where would this additional income come from? What would I need to save to be set free? What would I need to own that paid me consistently? How “early” could I really retire? These questions led to study, planning and executing on a strategy to [exit the rat race] as Robert Kiyosaki describes it in Rich Dad Poor Dad. Around 2012 or so, I landed on an aggressive date of 2027. I call it my “Freedom Date”.

The disciplines at play here are relatively simple. Save a great deal more than our expenses (goal 2x or more). Therefore, every months’ income also buys a month of Freedom (or more). I Invest that capital into avenues that produce income or buy time backward from a retirement age of 60. If I’m going to ‘retire’ at 45 in 2027, I need to buy 15 years. To do so, I invest in real estate, have brokerage account with Vanguard, Life Insurance, Roth IRAs, IRA, 401k, high-yield savings account (oxymoron) and business ownership. Some provide monthly cash flow, others are true retirement vehicles.

Physical Freedom

Physical Freedom: This is about vitality and freedom of movement. In Norman Vincent Peale’s book, “The Power of Positive Thinking” the author frequently refers to the power of prayer and its impact on vitality. After all, what good is an early retirement or complete flexibility if it can’t be enjoyed fully? A few years ago I got much more serious about my fitness. During COVID we had a new baby, I was stressed from work, by body was inflamed and I was mentally zapped. I was anxious and my body shuddered at the stress. I needed a physical reset to get back on the path to physical freedom I’d fallen off. Again, “Discipline = Freedom” and my plan was to transform myself via sweat. In late 2021 I invested in a Peloton and boy am I happy we did. But it didn’t start out all roses. The first day I climbed on the bike with ambitions high, my heart rate skyrocketed and a moment of panic hit. I felt weak and ashamed. Was this really my reality? I’ve always been an athlete for God’s sake. But I kept riding and stacking wins. In the three years since I’ve completed nearly 1,000 rides and poured gallons of sweat onto my basement floor (sorry Beth). In the same time, I used this momentum to complete thousands of pull-ups….probably 30,000 in the past 3+ years. I sleep better, my joints feel better, and the outcome is a better looking body. My kids are now 5 & 10, and I need the energy to keep up with them and their endeavors.

Emotional Freedom

Emotional Freedom – In my 30’s I began reading a book titled, “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday. I like it so much, I’ve gifted it to many friends. The book is composed in a way that each day, the reader digests one page of stoic philosophy from thousands of years ago. One page a day, every day. Not zero. Not two, or twenty. One Page (discipline). The accumulation of pages helped rewire my thinking and I’ll still turn the pages of this classic 10 years later.

Nothing is promised. Nothing is permanent. All we have is the present. When I was younger, I thought a stoic was one who showed no emotion. Ever. Stone faced and emotionless. Reading the stoics, I realized that’s not the case at all. The greatest of the stoics felt ALL THE FEELS. They experienced all the human experience has to offer, but being a stoic meant they had an ability to separate themselves from the emotion and didn’t allow the emotion to overrun their operating system. A stoic can see the situation for exactly what it is, and nothing more.

People will lie or deceive you. You’ll be cheated. Something will be stolen. Hearts will be broken. Sickness will hit. Life presents numerous challenges. The pragmatic approach is, to see it for what it is…nothing more, nothing less. This study helped me mentally in a big way. I’m a world-class grudge holder and can easily get lost in the “story” I tell myself. I’m guilty of holding on too tight and letting that stress live with me too long. The path to emotional Freedom won’t end on a date. It’s a journey that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

I’ll conclude to say, the items and goals listed above are mine. They are NOT yours nor should they be. Every person must go on the journey of finding out what they want on their own. My only advice is to be sincere in your approach and don’t fake it. You want what you want, and it’s not for someone else. But changing your mind is ok too. It’s quite likely your goals and thinking will evolve over time. They should, we shouldn’t remain static as people as we age and gain knowledge and experiences.

Where Focus Goes, Energy Flows

Tony Robbins

What does Ikigai Mean, and Why You Should Care??

I spent 45-60 mins listening to recent Tim Ferriss podcast with guest: Martha Beck. The resounding point I took away from my listen en route to a soccer game in frigid temps was this. Find Joy!

Pay close attention to the things, people, surroundings, events, activities that bring JOY! Follow them like the path of a wilderness tracker (which lead me to read the book: The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life)

JOY in life is the goal. It’s not numerical. It’s not objective. Yet, we all have the skills to say, this “feels” right…or it doesn’t. Use these “feels” as a compass to draw you near, or steer you away from the path you find yourself on if it doesn’t bring JOY.

As luck would have it, I also stumbled across the Japanese word: Ikigai (from a LinkedIn Post). Shoutout to Matt Gray for this share, because I don’t know if I could’ve outlined my thoughts much better. And if “start a business” makes you feel uncomfortable, insert [find the career for you] in 2024! The same holds true.

Also on the Tim Ferriss show, the famous author Jim Collins, famously starting keeping track of his days in an incredibly simple scoring format of [-2, -1, 0, +1, or +2] days. Each day was catalogued with a simple note detailing what he was up to. What was he looking for? Where did it take him?

He was seeking JOY!: Jim knew he MUST spend 1,000 “creative hours” a year to find joy…to be happy.

We’re all on a path, but it doesn’t mean we need to stay there. Pay attention to the feels, and follow them wherever they may lead!!!

Navigating the Storm: Top 5 Issues Dads Face and How to Weather Them

Hey there, fellow dads! As a husband and father myself, I get it. Life’s a juggling act, and sometimes it feels like we’re on a tightrope without a safety net. From career demands to family responsibilities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But fear not, because today, we’re tackling the top 5 issues dads face and sharing some strategies to help you stay grounded while keeping the family ship afloat.

1. Time Crunch: Ah, the eternal struggle. Between work, family, and personal time, there never seems to be enough hours in the day. But here’s the thing: prioritize. Identify what truly matters most and allocate your time accordingly. Set boundaries at work, delegate when possible, and carve out quality time with your family. Remember, it’s about quality over quantity.

2. Financial Pressure: Providing for your family is no small feat, especially in today’s economy. But financial stress can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Take control by creating a budget, tracking your expenses, and saving for the future. Create margin between income & expense. It’s incredibly freeing. Lastly, communicate openly with your spouse about financial goals and work together as a team to achieve them.

3. Parenting Challenges: Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and every child is unique. From temper tantrums to teenage rebellion, there’s no shortage of challenges along the way. Stay calm, be consistent, and lead by example. Listen to your kids, validate their feelings, and provide guidance with love and patience. And don’t forget to cut yourself some slack—we’re all learning as we go.

4. Balancing Act: I’m fully in this one! Balancing the needs of your spouse, kids, and yourself can feel like walking a tightrope. But finding harmony is possible with clear communication and mutual respect. I’m working scheduling date nights with my wife to reconnect and prioritize your relationship. Delegate household tasks and share responsibilities to lighten the load. And don’t forget to take care of yourself—self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. If you don’t feel good, everyone else gets the brunt of it.

5. Work-Life Integration: In today’s fast-paced world, the line between work and home life can blur, leaving little time for rest and relaxation. Set boundaries by establishing designated work hours and unplugging during family time. Prioritize self-care activities that recharge your batteries (for me its a Peloton Sweat, a Bodyweight EMOM). Whether it’s exercising, reading, or pursuing hobbies, find release. And remember, it’s okay to say NO and prioritize your well-being.

Give Yourself Grace

In conclusion, being a dad is no easy task, but it’s also one of the most rewarding roles we’ll ever have. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges we face, we can become stronger, more resilient fathers and partners. So let’s embrace the journey, support each other, and remember that we’re all in this together.

Until next time, keep rocking the dad life!








Embracing Momentum: Fueling Your Journey to Success

I’m excited to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: momentum. Whether you’re chasing dreams, crushing goals, or simply navigating life’s twists and turns, momentum is the secret sauce that keeps you moving forward. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew and let’s chat about why momentum matters and how you can harness its power for your own journey to success.

Picture this: You’re standing at the starting line of a marathon called life. You’ve got big dreams, ambitious goals, and a burning desire to make things happen. But here’s the kicker – progress can sometimes feel like pushing a boulder uphill. That’s where momentum swoops in to save the day.

Momentum isn’t just about speed; it’s about consistency, progress, and forward motion. It’s that feeling of being in the flow, where every step you take propels you closer to your destination. And here’s the best part – once you kickstart momentum, it becomes a self-sustaining force that propels you forward with less effort.

So, how do you create or harness momentum for goal achievement? Let’s break it down:

  1. Start Small, Dream Big: Break your goals down into bite-sized chunks and focus on taking consistent, actionable steps each day. Small wins build momentum and fuel your motivation to tackle bigger challenges.
  2. Build Routine and Discipline: Establishing a daily routine and sticking to it creates a sense of momentum in your life. Whether it’s waking up early to hit the gym, dedicating time to work on your passion project, or practicing mindfulness, consistency breeds progress.
  3. Stay Flexible and Adapt: Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but don’t let roadblocks derail your momentum. Stay adaptable, embrace change, and use setbacks as opportunities to learn, grow, and pivot in new directions.
  4. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way. Whether it’s reaching a milestone, overcoming a challenge, or achieving a goal, take time to pat yourself on the back and savor the moment.

Remember, momentum is like a muscle – the more you flex it, the stronger it becomes. So, lace up those metaphorical sneakers, take that first step, and let momentum carry you toward the extraordinary life you deserve. Keep hustling, keep grinding, and above all, keep moving forward.

Until next time, stay awesome, my friends!

Tomorrow is a Myth

Settling into a 8-9 hr. car ride, I had much time to think while leaving the Ozarks in far Southern Missouri.

I’d spent the last three days along with three of my best friends at Big Cedar Lodge, where we played golf at Ozarks National, Payne’s Valley, and Top of the Rock. It was just awesome. Any expectations we had, were exceeded. The service. The views. The food. All excellent. We capped off the night with dinner at Osage Restaurant with a sunset view of the lake, and were welcomed to bagpipes walking off the 9th green at Top of the Rock’s charming par 3 course. Again, awesome!

Action Speaks Louder than Words

I have to give enormous props to my wife here for pushing me to make this trip happen. I’ve talked about a big trip with “the boys” for a couple of years, but always said “tomorrow” we’d get the details together.

Tomorrow is a Myth

With her strong encouragement, I worked with focused action in February to secure lodging and tee times on the resort to make it a reality. Schedules aligned for the four of us and we had a date and venue secured. Thank you Beth!!! Thank you. Thank you.

In our travels home in a euphotic state, we obviously already started planning our next adventure. What Top 100 courses should we tackle next? Where should we stay? When are we going? Who is coming?

I’ll confess I’ve spent most of my professional life, or post college graduate life, planning for the day I’d retire. I’ve also spent considerable energy thinking about expediting that retirement timeline into my 50’s and even 40s. I’m grateful I’ve done this, because having a plan and working a plan bares fruit. But as much as it will be incredibly valuable to have set a plan for “tomorrow”, In Missouri I received a slap in the face about the power of TODAY!

Life Events

We’ve all seen the individual “reborn” from an experience reminding them of their mortality. Maybe it’s a diagnosis, maybe it’s a car accident, maybe it’s a medical event. These people are said to have, “A new lease on life” and embrace their remaining days with immediacy and vigor. Trips are taken, goals are crushed, and words that remained unspoken, pour out with deep authenticity and meaning. Death waits for us all. How will we meet it?

I’m reminded of the Dylan Thomas Poem, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night…”Rage, rage against the dying of the light!”

A Lifetime of Memories

As I arrived back home to hugs from my family, I took a deep breath and texted my buddies. I thanked them for their comradery, friendship and for making the trip to create memories that would last a lifetime. A lifetime not promised tomorrow.

I’m incredibly blessed.

PS – If you’re thinking of going to play Payne’s Valley, or Ozark National, or Buffalo Ridge, or Top of the Rock…do! Do it now! You won’t be disappointed in any facet of your experience.

The Paradox: Acceptance vs. Achievement

I’ve thought many times. Am I bi-polar, because I can’t choose my path? I often feel both powers of acceptance and achievement at play in my life like a cosmic duel. I want to push-push-push, and then sometimes completely LET GO. I also struggle with the ability to know when to STOP pushing.

It’s the yin and the yang, the push and the pull. Accepting vs. achieving. One day I’m listening to Zac Brown Band or classical piano, the next day it’s Jay-Z and 2Pac. But I guess that’s the rhythm of life at play.

Lets be real…I’m self diagnosed TYPE A. I’ve never been short on ambition and I take tremendous pride for the ability to “achieve” the goals set out in front of me. There are times however (many of them), where I wonder if my ambition causes me to hold on too tight, or expect immediate outcomes from my steering. The quote, “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me” would be spot on for this behavior.

I’ve heard Grant Cardone speak to this by saying, “Everything is my fault.” Good. Bad. Indifferent. It’s up to no one else, but me. 100% Ownership of all outcomes. This vibe comes to me pretty easily, but I also believe over time it stresses and oxidizes the body.

To complete the paradox, there are other times I feel absolute acceptance.

What will be, will be. I can gulp this behavior down like a shot of Robitussin, but it is possible.

The Principle: accept any and all outcomes from the effort, no matter good or bad. The side of me hoping and practicing to be decent Christian feels the need to consistently improve upon this line of thinking. The bible is littered with tales of submission and acceptance to the plan of the higher power.

What I’m learning is, Acceptance isn’t a behavior of throwing up my arms and simply being sloth waiting for life to hit from every direction. It’s not learned helplessness. The effort part is the only control. The outcome actually isn’t up to me.

Enter stoicism.

When I first thought of the stoics, I thought they were void of all feelings and robotic. It’s actually opposite of that. Stoicism is about radical acceptance. Feel all the feelings, but be non-judgmental. Love what happens to you and see it as a chance for personal growth.

“What a power man has to do nothing except what God will approve, and to accept all that God may give him.”

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 12.11

If you’re curious on the stoics, their thinking, or a daily practice, I highly recommend the book by Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic. The daily practice of reading one page of stoic philosophy helps rewire my brain for a more pragmatic approach that’s been battle tested 2,000 years ago.

“Demand not that events should happen as you wish; but wish them to happen as they do happen, and you will go on well”

Epictetus, Enchiridion 8

Striking a Balance

That’s acceptance and achievement in the perfect balance for me. It’s a beautiful two-part harmony. Use my achievement wiring to drive the effort piece of the equation. Without effort, little can or will be achieved. As legendary coach Nick Saban calls it, “The Process”. Do what’s in front of you. Do your job. Do it well. Do it with consistency.

I’ll lean on the continued growth of my acceptance muscles to better accept the outcome. Good or bad, what happened, happened and a new path forward may need to be considered.