The Daily Meaning
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When Our Brains Deceive Us
Our brains are an amazing thing. They allow us to think, remember, problem-solve, create, and dream. They are truly one of the most remarkable feats in this world. Yet, at the same time, our brains are quite fallible. Even when we feel strongly convicted about something, our brains sometimes deceive us. Scientists have done many notable studies on this phenomenon, which always blows my mind.
Someone’s World
While I believe each one of us has the power to change the world, the reality is most of us won't be household names on the Mount Rushmore of world-changers. The law of averages says that's true, and our lived history says that's true. Most of us won't change the world.
I’ll Have One Christmas, Hold the Guilt
I absolutely love Christmas, but do you know what I don't love? Financial stress, unforeseen debt, and guilt. This is the annual season where millions of families will throw away their measure and discretion for just one more taste of the holiday spirit.
The Alternative to Poof
The smart-alec in me wanted to respond, "The alternative to telling half your potential customers they are evil is to just NOT tell half your potential customers they are evil." But that felt too sharp, and I wanted to add a bit more value. Here's the secret: excellence! Always excellence.
Poof
Then, something happened. Remember above when I said the business doesn't weaponize the owner's values? Well, that all changed quickly. At the snap of one's fingers, the owner decided to take a different approach. The business decided it would now use the business to jam those values down the marketplace's throat. That was the moment they lost my business. $600/month of revenue.....poof.
Preserving My Midlife Crisis
It's been eight months since I finally checked the box on my 17-year dream of owning a 2006 Nissan 350Z stick-shift convertible. As I put it away for the winter, I thought today would be a good day to reflect on my decision.
A Recession is Still Coming
I'm not audacious or ridiculous enough to proclaim when said recession is coming, but I promise you it is. Again, why? Because that's what happens in a capitalist society. We grow, contract, grow, and contract again. It's been that way for centuries. In other words, recessions are a normal part of a well-functioning society.
The Freedom to Eat the Consequences
We're blessed with the freedom to make any choice we want; more often than not, we use that freedom to make choices that impair our well-being and our future.
One Madness Ends, Another Begins
Here's our problem. We often postpone the things we need to do - and want to do - until after the madness ends. The timing isn't ideal; there are too many unknowns.
Don’t Forget Your Real Goals
For as much as I'd like to thumb my nose at this couple and judge them for their decision, that would be hypocritical of me. We've all been there! We're human, after all.
Story Behind the Story
Take my new friend. On the surface, he's uber-successful, extremely talented, hard-working, and accomplished. The kind of person you want to be more like. All of that was true, by the way.....that's the story. What about the story behind the story?
None of Us Really Know What We're Doing
I hadn't actually thought about that until it escaped my mouth, but it's so true! Business owners know nothing....until they know something.
Respecting Younger You
There's a lot to be learned from this story. It's a story of entitlement, ownership, personal responsibility, and cause and effect.
Lessons From a Second-Grader
One particular kid looked anxious. I could tell this was all new to him, and it didn't necessarily come naturally to him. But I could tell he wanted to give it his best effort, which he absolutely did. After practice wrapped up, he approached me: "Coach, what's one thing I did good, and one thing I can work on before next practice?"
Pull Your Levers Wisely
Years ago, I read something that transformed the way I view restaurants. The author explained that every dining establishment has three possible levers to pull.
What It’s Really About
A friend recently shared that he occasionally forwards my blog posts to his wife, encouraging her to sign up. But she's not one to care much about reading a daily money blog. Eventually, she relented and signed up, which I'm assuming was so she wouldn't have to listen to him talk about it anymore. My friend's recent feedback: "She likes it because it's not always about money!"
Author Unknown
"Accepting generosity, accepting appreciation, and accepting recognition are all related. As difficult as it can be to accept them, rejecting them can be a symptom of false humility and reminds me of one of my favorite quotes - "Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying." St. Vincent de Paul. Accept generosity, appreciation, and recognition when they're true and pure."