Reading, Writing, Learning, Teaching, Coaching, Living. These are all parts of a daily, weekly, monthly, annual process for growth. It is amazing how much information changes situations. I have dedicated my habitual life to learning many new things and developing into a version of my ideal self. If interested in learning with me, continue to check in and I would love to encourage discussion or questions on the subject of information shared!

Book I have enjoyed: The Motive- A Leadership Fable

This is a book I picked up from the library one night and was able to finish the book two days later. It’s a shorter book with one story and some take away concepts to follow. I enjoyed reading this book as it shows no matter what position we have attained thus far, our frame of thinking can still take us to or keep us from the next level in our lives. Firstly, because we might have attained specific successes, this does not mean we can sit back and reap the rewards but only have to upgrade ourselves to maintain that success. In team environments we should look for the difficult things that perhaps only we can do, and encourage others around us to do better in what they can and should do. Sometimes we work hard and get to a place of “promotion” only to find out that it was the journey and not the destination that we enjoyed. This is where self reflection is important, asking yourself “what do I want and why do I want it?” Followed by asking yourself “if I attain this position/ goal, am I willing to do what someone in this position is willing to do?” (If you attain a CEO position, you must be willing to do the difficult things that CEOs have to do, not the day to day operational tasks of most other positions.) The book also mentions a phrase that I have heard and used many times over the past few years (If you work with me this one will definitely be familiar!) “Servant Leadership”, which is discussed to be the only way of positive leadership and encouraging readers to think about reward centered and self centered leadership characteristics.

A financial move I have made: Roth IRA, set up 2021 HSA distributions

I modified my distribution to maximize my IRA to complete the year. This is something I was unsure if I would have been able to do to start the year. However with simple financial sacrifice on spending habits, we ( my wife and I) were able to accommodate saving more now to set our future selves up for success.

After maximizing my HSA in 2020, I too set up 2021 to continue this trend. In a similar manner, learning to live off less than you make, establishing and maintaining financial discipline. I would admit this this task was quite easier as the maximum legal distribution can be attained by saving less than what it would cost for a car payment. (No we do not own “new” vehicles)

If you’re unfamiliar with HSA’s I’d recommend looking it up on investopedia, speaking with your employer to find out if it is an option, followed by speaking with financial advisor (if you have one) to see if it is the best fit for you current financial and health status.

Event I enjoyed: “The One Thing Goal Setting Retreat”

My wife and I sat down for two days and had a deep conversation about some challenging questions related to setting future goals. From Spiritual, Physical, Personal, Relationships, Financial, Jobs, and Family goals, challenging each other’s thoughts and coming to a equal conclusion on our 5,10,15, and even 20 year expectations. This is hopefully one of many events like this. I am grateful, as it is not an easy feat to answer questions that may appear to challenge one’s own identity. However, it sets our future up for success to know the expectations of our significant other and agreed on an appropriate middle ground we are happy with. I look forward to being able to put those goals into action.

-“Once you understand where you want to go, you need to figure out how to get there.”

-“When everyone is in agreement on the big goal, it becomes a compass to direct them
in their daily activities.”

https://trainings.the1thing.com/couples-virtual-goal-setting-retreat

Questions and Actions:

Question: What is one way you can look to strengthen your relationship with a spouse, friend, family relative, or even co-workers?

Action: Start by asking them something as simple as how can you help them with an objective they they are working on. Or simple what is something you can do to add value to their day.

My changed habits include: 

Giving more gratitude to the individuals that mean the most to me. For some reason we give so much of ourselves to our workplace, perhaps friends, a new customer or client, or acquaintances but do not always reflect that same excitement daily to our parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, or even our wife or husband.

Quote: “The greatest predictors of your future are your daily actions”- Brian Moran

Action/ Challenge:

Pay more attention to the detail of what your parents, spouse, or siblings do that makes your life even a little bit easier. Write them down and thank them for one thing daily. At it may be intentional now, it becomes a habit in time and the gratefulness will likely become more genuine, thus building your relationship.

Thank you for reading! Please share if this is something you have found any of this information interesting, entertaining, or useful. Have a remarkable day!