The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Personality or Character?

"Four friends standing together with arms around each other, facing a sunrise over a scenic landscape, symbolizing unity, personal growth, and meaningful connections.

Recently I started reading the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. The purpose of the book is to help people lead lives of personal effectiveness, influence and collaboration, by focusing on habits that foster true character development rather than surface-level success. That's a mouthful, so let me dissect! Covey starts his book … Continue reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Personality or Character?

Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Challenge Your Limits—Expand Your Comfort Zone

Silhouette of a person standing on a mountain ledge, looking out over misty mountains at sunrise, symbolizing personal growth, overcoming challenges, and expanding comfort zones.

Are you holding yourself back from growth? It’s easy to limit our challenges in the name of comfort. But as Tony Robbins once said, "Don't limit your challenges, challenge your limits." This quote encapsulates the essence of creative growth and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. Personal development is not just about … Continue reading Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Challenge Your Limits—Expand Your Comfort Zone

Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Simplicity

A hand gently holding a yellow flower over calm water, symbolizing simplicity, mindfulness, and personal growth.

Do you ever wonder why your best ideas come when life feels simple and uncluttered? When stress and distractions pile up, it becomes difficult to focus on what really matters—whether that's your well-being, relationships, or creative pursuits. Could the key to a better, more fulfilling life be as simple as simplifying your surroundings and mindset? … Continue reading Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Simplicity

Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Ask Your 100-Year-Old Self

Black and white photo of an elderly person holding a pocket watch, surrounded by other antique watches, symbolizing the finite nature of time and the importance of meaningful choices.

What would your 100-year-old self say about the choices you’re making today? Influential authors like Matthew Dicks encourage us to gain perspective by consulting our future selves. This reflective practice can guide us to make decisions that favor lasting fulfillment over fleeting pleasures. In this new addition to the "Guiding Principles for a Good Life" series, I’ll show you how asking your 100-year-old self can become a powerful tool for prioritizing your goals and ensuring you lead a meaningful life. Curious to find out how? Keep reading!

Guiding Principles for a Good Life: The Power of No – Cut Back to Move Forward

A brick building with the words 'JUST DON'T...' painted in white, symbolizing the importance of saying no and setting boundaries for personal growth and a minimalist mindset.

Ever find yourself overwhelmed with commitments, juggling multiple activities, and feeling stretched too thin? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with the desire to please others, fearing that saying “no” might close doors or disappoint someone. Today, we explore "The Power of No" and how mastering this simple yet profound principle can help you cut back on unnecessary commitments and make room for what truly matters.

Guiding Principles for a Good Life: The 80/20 Rule

Person holding a coffee mug with '80/20' printed on it, symbolizing the Pareto Principle for productivity and focus.

For the next installment in our "Guiding Principles for a Good Life" series, we’ll explore the 80/20 rule, or Pareto Principle. Just like Marie Kondo's "Spark Joy" method and Matthew Dicks' advice to "Be a Criminal" by breaking minor rules, the 80/20 rule focuses on prioritizing what truly matters. Want to boost your productivity, enhance … Continue reading Guiding Principles for a Good Life: The 80/20 Rule

Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Developing a Growth Mindset

Floating brain against a purple gradient background, symbolizing growth mindset and unlocking creative potential.

Continuing our exploration of guiding principles for living a good life, we turn to the insightful work of Carol Dweck. Dweck presents a transformative approach focused on personal development through a growth mindset. At the core of Dweck’s philosophy is the idea that talents and abilities can be developed through effort and learning. In this … Continue reading Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Developing a Growth Mindset

Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Be a Criminal

Hands adjusting black leather gloves while gripping the steering wheel, symbolizing readiness, focus, and a touch of rebellion.

Continuing our exploration of guiding principles for living a good life, we turn to the modern wisdom of Matthew Dicks. While Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” principle and Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia offer valuable insights, Dicks presents a practical approach focused on efficiency, creativity, and intentional rule-breaking. This principle is especially relevant for those seeking to … Continue reading Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Be a Criminal

Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Resilience in Stoicism

Continuing our exploration of guiding principles for living a good life, we turn to the ancient wisdom of Stoicism, specifically the teachings of Epictetus. While Marie Kondo’s "spark joy" principle and Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia offer valuable insights, Stoicism presents a practical philosophy focused on resilience, inner peace, and purposeful living. At the heart of … Continue reading Guiding Principles for a Good Life: Resilience in Stoicism