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Month: August 2021

Update And Expand

Published on August 24, 2021

Applications will only do what they’re programmed to do.

A dictionary application that’s programmed to pull up a certain word when it’s searched for—will only do that.

And so it is with your mind.

A mindset that’s programmed to pull up a certain response when it’s presented with a certain problem—will only do that.

This is why language is essential—it is literally the means through which programs are updated. Both in applications and the mind.

HTML, for example, is a language used by developers to design how web page elements (hyperlinks, text, media, etc) are displayed on a computer browser.

Imagine if the first iteration of the language—that was developed and released in 1991—was still the language we used today?

Can you remember what web pages looked like from the 1990’s?

Well guess what? That’s what your mindset looks like when you never update your thinking language either.

Sick of thinking about a problem the same way over and over? Stop using the same language to try and solve it.

Update and expand.

Unplugged or Plugged In?

Published on August 23, 2021

When your device is unplugged, the battery will drain. Plug it in and it’ll charge.

The opposite seems to be true for the mind.

When your mind is unplugged—from devices, work, drama—the battery recharges.

Plug it in to one of those things, however, and the battery will drain.

If you find your mind in a nonfunctional state, maybe it’s not because you’ve been plugged in too long—but, because you haven’t been unplugged enough.

Turning 32

Published on August 23, 2021

This year was all about refinement.

  • Less stuff; more space.
  • Less clutter; more clarity.
  • Less noise; more harmony.

Even in (especially in) my writing.

The 31 year old me would have probably tried to compile 32 life lessons learned in 32 years.

But, that didn’t feel appropriate for this year.

This year has been all about saying less, while simultaneously, learning how to say more.

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes.

Sending love and light to you all.

7 Things You Can Learn From Flying

Published on August 21, 2021
  1. Cruising > Accelerating—Accelerating from 0-250mph feels more invigorating than cruising at 500mph. But cruising at 500mph will get you WAY further than constantly accelerating 0-250mph.
  2. Get The Design Right First—When the design is right, all that’s needed is forward momentum. With that and the right fuel source, planes glide. So can you. And gliding is better than having to constantly flap, flap, flap like a bird.
  3. Perspective Matters—Life can feel awfully small when you’re constantly zoomed in on your world. Zooming out reminds you that what can feel huge, really is quite small when the rest of the world comes into perspective.
  4. Direction Matters—Clouds won’t stop a flight. If you know the direction you need to head, but you temporarily lose sight, don’t let it stop you either. This is why knowing your direction is so important. Don’t take off until you do.
  5. Rise Above The Storms—What’s true for clouds is true for minor storms, too. If the day needs to be picture perfect for you to fly, you’ll rarely fly. If you can fly out and rise above the resistance that comes with minor storms; do that.
  6. Take Calculated Risks, Not Unnecessary Ones—When the weather gets bad, however, know when to stay grounded. Letting intense storms pass or settle is always a much better solution than taking unnecessary risks. Some storms simply shouldn’t be flown into.
  7. Ego Check—You’re not the only aircraft in the sky. In order for flying to work, there has to be cooperation and clear communication with the other planes. Don’t wait for them to talk to you, reach out to them! Organize, align, mobilize, and enjoy the open sky.

Roots

Published on August 21, 2021 
Don’t let the wind uproot you.
Let its best attempts
To topple, twist, bend, and break
Be the exact force you need
To shimmy your roots deeper
Into the very ground
It was plotting to yank you from.

Simplify Something (Anything)

Published on August 19, 2021

Simplifying even just one thing can have a positive impact on everything else in your life.

Why?

Because finding ways to give yourself more time, energy, and space will directly impact your overall mental state.

And when you can improve your mental state by alleviating the pressures of time, saving on the expense of energy, and opening up more space to think and be—of course everything else in your day will be positively impacted.

A great exercise: As you go about your day, ask yourself: How can I simplify this task?

And find ways that you can collect a few saved minutes here, save on some energy there, and accrue some extra space wherever possible.

What you might realize is that what you needed wasn’t more time, energy, and space after all.

What you actually needed was to just expend less.

Feeling A Creativity Dip?

Published on August 18, 2021

Get more bored.

I find that the more I force myself into boredom, the more creative I get.

Conversely, the more distracted and entertained I am, the less creative I get.

When do I get some of my best ideas? While I’m showering, driving, walking, napping, meditating, staring at a blank screen… it’s when my mind is bored and free to wander.

And it’s not even close...

When do I rarely ever get ideas? While I’m working, watching TV, playing a game, having gossip-y type conversation, or otherwise actively engaged in some thought-provoking tasks.

You might think you’re“not the creative type” or that you“lost” your creative touch.

I’m willing to bet you haven’t and that you are—we all have creative energy inside of us.

You’re just not allowing yourself to get bored long enough.