Ask yourself ‘who or what would you die for?’ to identify your deepest beliefs and values. This serves as a baseline truth and a signal for what to start living for amidst confusion and noise.
Find a quiet space, listen, and then recall people you love, visualizing them at their most authentic and content. Pray for more of that state for them, and then for yourself, focusing on moments when you felt honest and level.
Differentiate between hope (wishing for an outcome) and belief (seeing a path and committing to the ‘sweat equity’ needed to achieve it). Focus on cultivating belief by identifying actionable steps and putting in the work, understanding that the opportunity to fail is part of the process.
Avoid over-commitment by identifying and eliminating numerous small, distracting ‘campfires’ (less impactful projects or commitments). Instead, reallocate that energy and resources to fuel a few significant ‘bonfires’ (high-priority endeavors) to achieve greater depth and impact.
The night before, review your schedule and visualize the ‘musical meter’ or energy cadence for your upcoming day. This involves anticipating the energy required for different tasks and meetings, allowing you to move through the day with intentional rhythm and presence.
To reduce stress and intimidation, visualize your daily tasks and appointments laid out laterally in front of you, rather than stacked vertically on your shoulders. See them as a series of ‘swing-bys’ or lily pads, allowing you to approach each one with a calmer, more present mindset.
Refrain from checking mobile devices for the first hour after waking up. This allows you to stay in your own ‘cocoon,’ check in with yourself, and be more present with your family before engaging with the outside world’s demands.
Don’t let fear of failure stop you from trying; failures often carry less weight than perceived. If you fail, admit it, dust yourself off, and be ready to try again, as those who matter will appreciate your effort and resilience.
Actively seek and take measured risks, even after achieving success, to avoid complacency and continue growing. Balance this with protecting your existing commitments and responsibilities, like family and career.
Practice the courage to take ‘one more step’ before quitting, whether in relationships, personal character, or faith. This applies both when things are hard and when they are going well, as many quit too early or turn back prematurely.
Understand that every instance of being corrected or incorrect presents an opportunity to become correct. This perspective encourages taking chances and learning, rather than fearing failure or being wrong.
When considering consequences, remember they are 50-50; they can be positive as well as negative. Don’t automatically assume ‘consequences’ means trouble, and give credit to the potential for great outcomes.
Understand ‘sinning’ as an archery term meaning ’to miss the mark,’ and view it as an indication that you are trying and taking risks. If you’re not occasionally missing the mark, you might not be trying hard enough.
Don’t view self-reliance and faith as contradictory; instead, recognize that having the courage to take personal responsibility and put your hands on the wheel can strengthen your belief and lead to valuable growth.
Recognize that doubt is an inherent part of any journey, including spiritual belief or personal endeavors. Embracing it can lead to growth and a stronger foundation, as even God might appreciate the effort of trying.
Embrace humility by understanding it as the admission that you always have more to know and learn. This perspective allows you to seek humility without sacrificing confidence, fostering continuous personal growth.
When you agree to participate in something, commit wholeheartedly rather than just affiliating your name or dipping a toe. Expect to exceed contractual obligations and fully engage, as half-hearted involvement is not your strength.
Approach new interactions with a high, but measured, level of trust, avoiding immediate full disclosure. Before committing, perform due diligence by having a team verify facts and intentions to protect your resources and avoid transactional motives.
When cynicism arises, employ humor to acknowledge the cleverness of cynical thoughts. This allows you to laugh at them without fully embracing the disbelief, preventing it from becoming a destructive, easy way out.
Practice condemning specific actions or behaviors rather than labeling and condemning the entire person. This approach allows individuals a chance to demonstrate that the act was an aberration, fostering understanding over permanent judgment.
Challenge the notion that success is solely measured by quantity or winning at any cost. Instead, prioritize ethical and moral integrity in your actions and advocate for a definition of progress that demands quality and ensures ‘success meets profit’ (meaning the method of achievement is as important as the outcome).
In a world of constant change, identify and actively maintain timeless truths, traditions, and values that have proven effective. Be open to necessary progress, but exercise discernment, not accepting every change indiscriminately.
In a disoriented world, consider moderation and belief as ‘punk rock’ or rebellious acts. This encourages actively taking back the middle ground from extremes and finding a North Star to believe in.
For parents, leaders, and mentors, it’s crucial to actively model and exemplify what is worth believing in, standing up for, and even standing against (being unpopular). This provides essential guidance for youth navigating a confusing world.
If you find yourself raising your voice or reacting negatively as a parent, immediately reflect on what you might have missed or not handled earlier to prevent reaching that point, aiming for more proactive and calm interactions.
In parenting, move beyond simply saying ‘because I said so’ and instead, take the time to explain the reasoning behind rules and decisions. This fosters understanding in children, though be mindful of when they might try to ’noodle’ you.
When logic, math, and facts don’t align with desired outcomes or build belief, turn to poetry, music, or prayers to find higher ground, make sense of the world, or remind yourself of ideals.