🤔 Morning thoughts (September 9 -15)
Every Sunday I share a quote and a reflection on it for each day of the week.
Themes of the week: Mastery, leadership, self-improvement, discipline, service, influence, detachment.
Sunday - September 15, 2024
"Now there's only this sword," he thought. "The only thing in the world I have to rely on." He rested his hand on the weapon's handle and vowed to himself, "I will live by its rule. I will regard it as my soul, and by learning to master it, strive to improve myself, to become a better and wiser human being."
Eiji Yoshikawa, Musashi
When you master your craft you work in service of others too. You make the world a better place by becoming and more curious human being with a cause.
Saturday - September 14, 2024
"What you validate yourself with deep in your heart, others will want from you."Â
Wes Watson, Non-Negotiable
Leadership is a transfer of energy. Create the right kind first within yourself to positively impact others.Â
Friday - September 13, 2024
Understanding the permeability of emotions, you will learn that the most effective means of influence is to alter your moods and attitude. People are responding to your energy and demeanor even more than to your words.
Robert Greene, The laws of human nature
Leading by example means owning what you wish to instill in others. Learn to be a master of your own character to attract the right people and opportunities.
Thursday - September 12, 2024
"Seeking the very best in ourselves means actively caring for the welfare of other human beings"Â
Epictetus, The Art of Living
To serve others work on yourself.Â
Wednesday - September 11, 2024
"The professional has learned better. He respects Resistance. He knows if he caves in today, no matter how plausible the pretext, he’ll be twice as likely to cave in tomorrow."Â
Steven Pressfield, The War of Art
Your level of discipline and integrity lie on a spectrum and require constant maintenance. Give in one day and you’ll pay with interest the next. Nothing is truly free in life.
Tuesday - September 10, 2024
"The more plugged in you are, the less importance you’re placing on yourself. Being plugged in and connected does not signal importance. It shows that you are a slave to others. Take charge. Disconnect. Focus."Â
Mike Cernovich, Gorilla Mindset
You often mistake self importance for self worth. Worth is earned through work, importance is paid out of compliance.
Monday - September 9, 2024
"I am open to all outcomes, but attached to none. Everything is possible; nothing is necessary."Â
Zan Perrion, The Alabaster Girl
There’s potential in non attachment. The space you create leaves room for opportunity to find you.Â
Another stellar collection. I was just talking about this this morning with my wife in the context of family. ""Seeking the very best in ourselves means actively caring for the welfare of other human beings" Epictetus, The Art of Living. I resisted fully being there for my kids for a long time. Never even had plans for taking care of my parents as they age. But over the years my whole life has been drawn into a family orientation and every thing I do has them more and more at the center, and that has been conversely the greatest blessing and growth vehicle for me.