The Daily Meaning

Take your mornings to the next level with a daily dose of perspective and encouragement to start your day off right. Sign-up for a free, short-form blog delivered to your inbox each morning, 7 days per week. Some days we talk about money, but usually not. We believe you’ll take away something valuable to help you on your journey. Sign up to join the hundreds of people who read Travis’s blog each morning.

Not already a subscriber? Get the blog delivered right to your inbox.

* indicates required

  • “Your daily blog posts have become a great part of my morning routine, waking up and reading your posts challenge me to reflect on something that matters in my life or view something from a different perspective.”

  • "Love starting my morning with a daily dose of positivity or perspective!"

    Daily Meaning Reader

Archive
Categories
Career, Parenting Travis Shelton Career, Parenting Travis Shelton

The Kids Feel It

There's one statistic that lives rent-free in my head. I've mentioned it multiple times on this blog, in the podcast, and in my keynote talk. According to a Gallup poll, 70% of Americans dislike or hate their job. It's actually higher than 70% since they recommissioned the study post-COVID, but 70% is a nice round number and rolls off the tongue.

Read More
Budgeting, Saving Travis Shelton Budgeting, Saving Travis Shelton

Not All Roses and Sunshine

I'm sad to report it's not been all roses and sunshine here in Nissan 350Z-ville. I wish I could tell you I've been happily cruising around in my sweet new (to me) ride for the last few weeks, but that hasn't been the case. 

Read More
Behavioral Science Travis Shelton Behavioral Science Travis Shelton

“Never Tell Me the Odds”

"Never tell me the odds," quipped Han Solo after C-3PO warned him about the ultra-low probability of surviving an asteroid field. This is one of my all-time favorite Star Wars quotes, and it's one of the things I like most about Han Solo. He didn't care if the cards were stacked against him; he was just crazy enough to believe he would succeed.....and he did.

Read More
Spending, Debt, Budgeting Travis Shelton Spending, Debt, Budgeting Travis Shelton

Catch That Breather

Warning: I'm about to share some financial advice that will deeply offend some financial people. If you're still reading this, you've been warned. I take no responsibility for any level of annoyance or disgust you're about to experience.

Read More
Spending, Debt Travis Shelton Spending, Debt Travis Shelton

The Tension Brings Clarity

When we refuse to use debt to purchase vehicles, it creates a very palpable tension. It's hard to save a big chunk of money for vehicles. It's a long, thankless, and often unrewarding task. That's precisely the point, though. That process brings with it a tension that must be reckoned with.

Read More
Spending, Behavioral Science Travis Shelton Spending, Behavioral Science Travis Shelton

Pot, Meet Kettle

After learning about my recent 2006 Nissan 350Z purchase, my friend shared his less-than-savory opinion about it. Specifically, he called it a "boujee move" and added, "It's a bad look for you, Travis." Translation: I'm a hypocrite for buying such a fancy luxury, and it feels a bit over the top.

Read More
Debt, Career, Meaning Travis Shelton Debt, Career, Meaning Travis Shelton

Have To vs. Get To

I'm still thinking about the conversation I shared with the young woman I mentioned in yesterday's post. One of the things that struck me about her story is how much meaning and impact she's making in her work. She's a legit hero. Her eyes lit up when she talked about her work, yet at the same time, she admitted the utter frustration she feels when her income immediately goes toward debt payments.

Read More
Spending Travis Shelton Spending Travis Shelton

The 17-Year Wait

It's 2007. I am out to breakfast with my new-ish girlfriend (now wife), Sarah. I'm decently arrogant, think I have life figured out, and most certainly want to impress this girl. I start sharing how I'm planning to buy a new car. It's a 2006 Nissan 350Z. It's a convertible stick-shift, of course. It also has a $40,000 price tag.

Read More
Meaning Travis Shelton Meaning Travis Shelton

It Sure Is Lucky to Be Lucky

As I was recently sitting down with a couple, one of the spouses said something that struck me as interesting. "We've just been really lucky." Frankly, I couldn't have disagreed more. Fortunate? Yes. Blessed? Absolutely. But lucky? I don't think so.

Read More
Career Travis Shelton Career Travis Shelton

The Best Is Yet to Come

You or someone you know is probably going through some scary times. So many people in my life are dealing with significant job shifts. Layoffs, reassignments, pay cuts, hour cuts, benefit cuts, and shutdowns. The economy is starting to feel weird, and ripple effects are cascading through people's careers and lives.

Read More
Generosity, Meaning, Impact Travis Shelton Generosity, Meaning, Impact Travis Shelton

You Aren’t Buying Subs

When I began participating in this event, it struck me as odd that they sold these subs for $5 each. Though I call it "odd," it was very much a normal approach. Sell a product, make a profit, raise money. I suggested eliminating prices altogether and letting people pay whatever they desire.

Read More
Growth Travis Shelton Growth Travis Shelton

It’s a Game of Runs

Can you believe the Cyclones men's basketball team is ranked #6 in the country? Me neither. It's been a fun season I'll remember for many years. As I watched the game last night, I was reminded again how basketball is a game of runs. A series of bad things happen to you, but if you stay true to the game plan and keep fighting, a series of good things can immediately follow. Then, a series of bad things may happen again....and the cycle continues.

Read More