The Daily Meaning
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Be Unreasonable
As he was explaining this concept, I had one idea that kept popping up in my brain. It's a book called Unreasonable Hospitality. This book is the foundation for how we operate Northern Vessel. TJ, our founder, is the embodiment of this concept. He talks about the book constantly, and as a result, these concepts cloud every conversation we have (which is nearly daily).
Lessons From Archie (Moonlight) Graham
Last night, I began embarking on a new, exciting, and terrifying journey. I'm beyond pumped for it, but it's excruciatingly uncomfortable. So much so that I didn't really sleep last night. Ideas, fears, and what-ifs were spinning around my head, and I couldn't turn it off. My anxiety and fear were in full force.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
I've had quite the run in the last two days. In a matter of 48 hours, here's who I had the privilege of spending time with: ……..
Here to Serve
We are here to serve. Simply put, this is the base calling in our life. We can, of course, choose to ignore it, refuse it, or turn our back on it. From the moment we wake up until we go back to bed, our day is a never-ending string of serving opportunities.
“Wow, That’s Embarrassing”
As we worked our way out the door and into the parking lot, we shared a few more pleasantries before parting ways. We were standing next to an older Nissan Altima with a massive ugly dent on the driver-side doors. As it caught his eye, he pointed and quipped, "Wow, that's embarrassing."
The Randomness of Impact
Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties, 'cause it's cold out there today. It's cold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?...............That's right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's GROUNDHOG DAY!
You Are Where You Are
When I’m sitting with someone and begin talking about their finances, one of the first things they reveal is a regret they haven’t done better. This usually comes out as frustration from past mistakes, a track record of unintentionality, a comparison to someone doing better financially, or an acknowledgment that they have some knowledge gaps regarding money. We all carry some combination of this. Money is a deeply personal topic, and most of us have some wounds (or scars).
Why Not You?
Not many people (me included) believed in Brock Purdy. Yet, here he is. Here's the question I have today. Why not Brock Purdy? Better yet, why not me? Or better still, why not you?
The Powerful Undercurrent of Culture
Much of our culture has been established, passed down, and slowly evolved for generations. In other situations, however, culture must be created.
This Can’t Be Everything
As I was in the hot tub yesterday afternoon, I overheard a group of twenty-somethings next to me. They, too, were thoroughly enjoying their cruise. One asked the others, "Wouldn't it be great just to live like this all the time?" They all agreed and started fantasizing about a life of perpetual relaxation, endless drinks, and a non-stop flow of delicious food.
Perhaps My Wife Should Leave Me
I recently stumbled into an online message board where people submit their monthly budgets for the broader group to provide feedback. One person's budget included investing 55% of his monthly take-home income to "build wealth." The group loved it! "Way to go!" "Keep up the good work." "Your future is bright." He was lauded and applauded.
Build-A-Memory
What are you really selling? We're all selling something. We all wake up each morning and do something with our time. Those actions and that work can provide something meaningful.
What’s Your Non-Resolution?
What are your non-resolutions? What are a few things that matter to you? What are your objectives? I'd love to hear what's on your mind. Everyone has their own unique set of goals and objectives, and I'm infinitely fascinated by each person's.
What He Said!
As I was flipping through Twitter (sorry, I can't call it X), I saw something my guy Elliott Frey shared. It was a postgame interview with Arizona defensive player Martell Irby, who had won the Alamo Bowl moments prior.
The Slavery of Comfort
The more comfortable we are, the more entrapped in our comfort we become. We will give up nearly everything for comfort. We give up our dreams, callings, financial freedom, mental health, and even our relationships.
When Moments Are Frozen in Time
These little moments in life, while seemingly insignificant, can become seared into someone's memory.
Under the Fold
After the second workshop, a young lady approached me. She thanked me for coming, said she needed to catch her ride, and then handed me a folded sheet of paper. "I took notes while you were talking and have some feedback for you. I included my e-mail address in case you want to talk more about it."
When the Seeds Grow
In the middle of the conversation, they shared details about a few financial decisions they've made over the years. These decisions have set them up for so much success...I was blown away. Impressed and shocked at how counter-cultural this was, I asked him where he got those ideas. "I got them from you! I learned it in your high school money class."
Technology Changes Everything
One of my favorite practices while watching older movies is to assess how the movie would be different if it were to take place in today's era of technology. Some movies wouldn't change much, while others would be completely different. Home Alone fits into the latter category. If this movie happened today, it wouldn't even be a movie.
Fear is a Thief
I once heard someone define courage like this: "Courage isn't the lack of fear, but action in the face of fear." We have two choices: let the fear win, or keep moving forward.