Below are a list of random thoughts, inspirations, and observations recorded through my journey to become an achiever. This will be one easy place to track them all, letting me revisit them as needed.
Inspirations
#1 - Nothing Funny
Eric Thomas shows us the real reason he speaks and the power of using your platform to change the lives of those who need hope! Honesty is sometimes the best policy.
#2 - You Owe You
How many times have you made a guarantee to yourself in your life? We will quickly call a company after their product breaks before the guarantee, but what do you do when you break your own warranties?
#3 - Give Yourself Permission to be Disliked
This article has changed my perspective on the world - what an incredible view and honest article.
#4 - Charlie Munger USC Commencement Speech
A video of one of the greatest thinkers giving keys to a good life.
#5 - University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address - Admiral William H. McRaven
Make your bed. Don't ever, ever ring the bell!
#6 - The Psychology of Human Misjudgement
This video introduced the world to mental models, cognitive bias, and showed their usefulness!
#7 - Will Smith shares his secrets of success
Will Smith has always been one of my role models - this video shares some of his life philosphies!
#8 - Kobe Bryant’s Last Great Interview
Kobe Bryant's mindset was absolutely amazing, this video explores many parts of his life with a few funny stories. RIP the legend!
#9 - A Few Great Uncle Iroh Scenes
In Avatar the Last Airbender, Uncle Iroh's gives us great wisdom throughout the show!
Thoughts & Observations
#1 - Relationships and You
Many positives are commonly mentioned about relationships - support, love, friendship, and more - while one I believe is left out. That one thing? The amount you grow and learn about your own character, helping you to become not only a better partner but a better individual too!
#2 - Doing Something Lessons
Sometimes just doing something before you actually have the full plan ready results in better focus to grow the plan, or fail fast on a project you don't actually enjoy - meaning you don't spend a bunch of time planning for something you find out you dislike.
#3 - Habits are key
The person you are, the success you bring or happiness you have doesn't come in spikes. Instead, they are like compound interest, gradually growing into the high levels you eventually see. This gives more reason to not procrastinate, but break down big tasks into smaller daily ones (like do 1 hour of training a day vs 4 on Friday) to achieve our goals.
#4 - Actions Always Speak Like Pictures Describe
People in your life can tell you how much they respect you, care about you, appreciate you, etc. These declarations are great and an important part of relationships, yet it is always the actions that either dispel or backup these statements that truly matter.
#5 - Spending Time > Spending Money
You can always do more to increase the amount of money you have in bank accounts, but there is an account that decreases every second. Your time balance. There is nothing more important than giving the people you love in your life some of those ticking seconds.
#6 - Measurements in Your Life
We each use different measurements for other people in our life, friendships or spouses as we want to have balance within those relationships. One key point to remember? You can’t control others and if they don’t have the same measurements in place – you may end up disappointed. Communicate those expectations if necessary, or accept them for who they are. The boundary should be of their character, not the measurements of their contact or other expectations you set on them.
#7 - Social Media Doesn’t Paint the Truth
Taking a peek at someone’s social media accounts as an indicator of their life doesn’t work. People post in different ways, only show specific information, and there isn't a true connection in a page visit. Real friendships are those who catch up through face to face or phone calls that produce intimate conversations to build trust. There is no other way.
#8 - Imposter Syndrome is Real
Expertise is a fluid concept that doesn’t have defined expectations. In reality, most of the time, there is someone who has more expertise than you on a subject. Let them be and live your life in peace. Instead, do your best to get a little smarter, and a little wiser each day.
#9 - A Key to a Good Life is Avoiding Big Mistakes
Mistakes are going to happen in your life, there is no mistaking that. Decide where you want to be at the end of your life and start using inversion to see which actions take you there. For each action, ask yourself – what would be detrimintal to reaching these goals….avoid them like the plague, or bitcoin.
#10 - Experiences > Materials - Spend Wisely
During the most memorable experiences in your life, no one remembers what you were wearing, what size watch you were wearing, or what brand of shoes you have on. They remember how they felt, who they were with, and the new experience they never had before!
#11 - Journey Before Destination
“The most important words a man can say are, “I will do better.” These are not the most important words any man can say. I am a man, and they are what I needed to say. The ancient code of the Knights Radiant says “journey before destination.” Some may call it a simple platitude, but it is far more. A journey will have pain and failure. It is not only the steps forward that we must accept. It is the stumbles. The trials. The knowledge that we will fail. That we will hurt those around us. But if we stop, if we accept the person we are when we fall, the journey ends. That failure becomes our destination. To love the journey is to accept no such end. I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one." -Brandon Sanderson Oathbringer
#12 - You Get the Respect You Demand
We're taught at a young age, be assertive - not agressive or passive. This is a tough balance in the fast world we live in, because people know more than we do in certain topics. People have authority and we have authority bias towards those in leadership roles. I believe that being assertive is a powerful talent, one that should be exercised to bring yourself the respect you deserve while being very respectful to others. It's a balance of both getting/demanding respect in a respectful way that helps you in all areas of your life.
#13 - You are the CEO of Your Life
Currently having trouble with something in your life? Decide and act on how you can change it. Unhappy at your job? Find a way to change what is making you unhappy or find a new job. Unhappy with your commute? Find a new apartment. Easy to say harder to do right? Life isn't easy and we must use grit to get through the challenges!
#13 - Your Habits Change Your Life
Every day you have 24 hours, what are some of the things you always do? Do you read? Do you meditate? Exercise? Write? Those daily habits and systems that make you who you are also dictate who youw ill become. Choose those habits wisely.