I have done Strength-based Startpreneur Mentoring, C-Suite Mentoring. "Weakness can be coached to average, but strength can be leveraged to the moon." — Laurence Endersen
Well,2020 as it ends was Dreadful, Pathetic, Pandemic ridden – with unemployment Death overriding all human needs and emotions. .
I have not seen more people happy and celebrating the departure of an year they wish to forget? This post comes just 11 hours before the decks clear faster.
Our attitude which got driven by outside world, and these mostly become entangled. 2020 was provocative, and it persisted, insisted we change the we choose to tell out own story.
The reason this English Calendar was invented was to keep the outside world at bay as we gain currency over how we shall choose to act to respond instead of reacting.
Even the path of ten thousand miles begins with a single step. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. (Lao Tzu) ========== Everything you do today forms the seeds for what you harvest tomorrow. Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later. (Og Mandino)
“One of the best ways to influence people is to make them feel important. Most people enjoy those rare moments when others make them feel important. It is one of the deepest human desires.” – Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
All good comes from above. People of nature. We remember. Unity in diversity. Faster, better, stronger. Walking hand in hand. Peace, passion, compassion. From the grounds to the skies. For the people, by the people. Truth sets us free.
GewgawGYOO-gawPart of speech: nounOrigin: Middle English, unknown
1A showy thing, especially one that is useless or worthless.
Examples of Gewgaw in a sentence “Grandpa’s collection of gewgaws clashes with Grandma’s elegant taste.” “She bought a gewgaw whenever she went to the thrift store.”
The last few days of the year are always a time of clarity. Whether we like it or not, the past 12 months pass through our mind again, and we wonder: Did I make the right choices? Did I make progress? How would it have been if…?
Learning from the past is great, but the best thing we can do as 2020 draws to a close is accept it. Only once we accept can we look forward, and looking forward is what being human is all about.
I thought about how I could help you do that. Look forward. Grow. I came up with two things:
1. If you want to be a writer, I made something this year that will help you and that I’m really proud of: A free, 5-day email course.
The way it works is that you sign up, get 5 free lessons via email over the course of 5 days, and then, some sales information about my premium Write Like A Pro course follows. After that, however, there’s 6 more months of free, weekly material – all lessons to help you become a (better) writer.
These are the free course lessons:
The 4 Kinds of Writers
Hemingway’s 2 Best Writing Tricks
The Number One Variable All Bloggers Miss
Content Is King – But Who’s God?
Which Types of Writers Earn Money?
If you want to be a writer, well, that happens to be one thing we coincide in, and that’s why I can help you with that specifically. If you’d like to learn most of what I know about writing, you can sign up below.
2. If you don’t want to be a writer but still want to grow, Four Minute Books can be your learning companion, thanks to our current lifetime deal.
At over 800 book summaries, 600 audios, and now 9 videos and counting, it’s about time we aggregated all our many offerings into one central, focused product. In 2021, we hope to do that in the form of a Four Minute Books app and subscription.
Since you’re already a community member and supporter (thank you!), we’d like to offer you the benefits of a lifetime membership for $40 (we also offer 1- and 2-year subscriptions).
You’ll get access to all current and future Four Minute Books products, specifically PDFs of our summaries, mp3s of our audios, our 10 custom PDF guides, Evernote library, real-time Dropbox syncing, and more!
We’ll use the money from this deal to build the app and deliver everything one central, easy-to-access place – and of course create more and more awesome content that helps you save time on books!
1-Sentence-Summary:First They Killed My Father is Loung Ung’s account of the horrific events that she and her family had to go through while living in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s and explains how it devastated their country, the way it separated their family, and how Loung got through it all.
Read in: 4 minutes
Favorite quote from the author:
Only a little more than forty years ago, the brutal Khmer Rouge overtook the country of Cambodia. In just four years, this regime perpetrated the genocide of up two two million Cambodians in its horrific reign. However, we may never know the true extent of their crimes.
But through the first-hand account of Loung Ung in her book First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers, we get an intimate glimpse of what it was like. She was only five when Pol Pot and his regime took over the country. But her description of the war crimes and desperation she saw in her young years will make you feel like you are witnessing history with her.
You will find inspiration from the resilience of these Cambodians in the face of insurmountable trials. But the underlying message Ung beautifully shares is that no matter what happens, family bonds can never be broken.
Here’s the book summarized in just 3 lessons:
Loung Ung was a privileged child living in Cambodia until the Khmer Rouge showed up.
The reign of the Khmer Rouge dismantled and devastated the Ung family and Cambodian society.
Although her childhood was ravaged by war, Loung Ung got a second chance at life because of her mother’s bravery and her brother’s generosity.
Let’s get right into these lessons so we can understand the awfulness that some people have to go through.If you want to save this summary for later, download the free PDF and read it whenever you want.
Lesson 1: Life was good for Loung Ung and her family until the Khmer Rouge won the Cambodian civil war.
When Ung was five-years-old, her life as she knew it changed forever. Up until that point, she had enjoyed a comfortable middle-class life, as her father was a high ranking military official. They had a modern apartment in the city’s capital of Phnom Penh and even attended school, though most of the city’s inhabitants were not so fortunate.
But one day in 1975, from her balcony she saw a swarm of soldiers enter the city and everything changed. It was the Khmer Rouge, a communist rebel army who was at war with the incumbent democracy and they had won. They were coming to enforce communism that demanded everyone live simple peasant lives.
Her father’s job and wealth put a target on their backs and within hours they fled the capital and left their life behind to hide in the country. Now, as enemies of the state, they had to keep their identity a secret or they would lose their lives.
The regime also set out to persecute anyone who was not ethnically Cambodian. This put a target on their backs as well since her mother was half Chinese. So they left their old identities behind and set out to work in the fields.
Lesson 2: Tragedy after tragedy struck Cambodian society and the Ung family after the Khmer Rouge took over.
Unfortunately, this was only the beginning of their nightmare. The Khmer Rouge forced those who fled the cities to work in rural cities, where their masters took advantage of them. From dawn until dusk, they were forced to do back-breaking work digging, building, and planting.
But worse still was that there wasn’t enough food to go around. In just five months, two-thirds of the new workers had died of starvation or illness. As educated people from the city, they were considered the lowest class of all and they were treated horribly.
The only reason they avoided starvation was that her brother had a job at the village chief’s home. He endured beatings knowing he could bring table scraps to his starving family.
Soon she began losing members of her family. First her sister, who was taken to work in a camp and became ill and tragically was left to die in a “hospital” far from her family. Then her father, when the truth of his identity got out. The regime brutally murdered him and threw his body into a mass grave.
Lesson 3: Loung Ung’s future is in her hands now because of her generous brother and brave mother.
After the truth of their identity got out, Ung’s mother had to make a terrible decision. Knowing that the regime would soon find and execute the rest of the family, she told Ung and her siblings to flee to different cities. From there they were to say they were orphans, so they couldn’t be traced back.
So they left behind their mother and their four-year-old sister. Sadly, their once happy family was now in pieces. Ung went to a work camp for orphaned children. Soon after arriving, she found out that the regime had taken her mother and sister to be executed as well.
But thanks to the courage of her mother, she and her three remaining siblings were able to see the end of the regime as Vietnamese soldiers liberated much of Cambodia. Her oldest brother was able to save enough money to allow him and just one of his siblings to leave for the United States, and he chose Ung.
He felt that because of her young age, she still had a chance at an education and a new start. In the end, thanks to her courageous mother and generous brother, she was able to finally have freedom as a US citizen.
First They Killed My Father Review
Oh my gosh, this whole story of First They Killed My Father is just awful. These are the parts of history that they didn’t teach me about in school. Part of me wishes they had and another part of me wishes they hadn’t. The big question that I wonder now is how can we prevent terrible things like this from happening?
Who would I recommend the First They Killed My Father summary to?
The 56-year-old who has seen The Killing Fields and wants to learn more about it, the 33-year-old that is interested in history, and anyone who deals with first world problems that has no idea the horrors that some people experience.
AmbitAM-bətPart of speech: nounOrigin: Late Middle English, unknown
1The scope, extent, or bounds of something.
Examples of Ambit in a sentence “She tested the ambit of their friendship by asking for a ride to the airport.” “I was captivated by the ambit of the ocean, stretching in all directions.”
There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a whirlwind year; with many ups and downs. But December brings with it a change in the air. There’s a feeling of renewed hope as everyone looks forward to another year of fresh beginnings and all things wonderful. Use these thought-starters to spark new conversations with your readers, whether it’s the practical International Day of Banks or the joyful event of Christmas.
What’s new in December 2020?
Winter Tax Filing
An important financial step that you usually take in July every year has now been moved to December because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, what should your brand be talking about?
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: X Exemptions and deductions that can reduce your taxable income
Infographic idea: How to pick the right ITR form to file your taxes
Video idea: A quick guide on how to file your taxes online
Podcast idea: History of Income Tax worldwide
Virtual Christmas & New Year’s Eve
With plenty of festivities in store, it’s likely that many will let down their guard for parties and gatherings. Encouraging virtual celebrations could be a step in the right direction. And here are some conversations that your brand can initiate.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: X Innovative ideas for a socially distanced New Year’s Eve party at home
Infographic idea: The best movies to watch if you’re spending Christmas alone
Video idea: Can’t travel home? Here are some easy Christmas dishes you can try
Podcast idea: How can you keep yourself safe if you’re at a New Year event?
New wave of COVID-19
After a few months of relative normalcy, a new wave of COVID-19 is hitting different cities across the world. Closer to home, it is possible that certain states and cities could see new restrictions and lockdowns. So, what can your brand talk about during this time?
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: X Apps that can keep you updated with the latest news
Infographic idea: Places that are most likely to be COVID-19 hotspots
Video idea: Here’s how a second wave of the COVID-19 infection could affect your body
Podcast idea: How can we handle the COVID-19 wave this time around?
Socially distanced wedding season
The wedding season is usually when hundreds of friends and relatives gather to celebrate their loved ones’ happy day. But with precautions and restrictions in place, how can you make the big day special?
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: Video platforms that can take your virtual wedding a notch higher
Infographic idea: Tips to make an attractive face mask to complement your ethnic outfit
Video idea: How to arrange a perfect (and safe) wedding ceremony in your home
Podcast idea: Celebration ideas for those who cannot physically attend your wedding
Fixed Days
World AIDS Day – 1 December
This day is celebrated to recognize the role that communities play in response to AIDS at the local, national, and international levels.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: How does AIDS affect pregnant women and their children?
Infographic idea: Who is at the greatest risk of contracting HIV?
Video idea: A history of the AIDS epidemic, starting from the 80s
Podcast idea: How far has treatment of AIDS come in the last two decades?
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery – 2 December
This day is observed to raise awareness of ‘modern slavery’, which includes forced labor, forced marriage, and human trafficking, and aims to highlight issues of exploitation.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: How are governments coming together to create laws to end modern slavery?
Infographic idea: Signs of modern slavery you can’t ignore
Video idea: What is the history of the first transatlantic slave trade?
Podcast idea: How many countries did slaves come from?
Brand campaign that worked
This video by Kent Police encourages everyone to be vigilant and look out for signs of human trafficking in our own communities.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities– 3 December
This day is observed to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities from all spheres of life.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: What are ‘invisible disabilities’?
Infographic idea: What are the most common causes of mental disabilities?
Video idea: Real stories of people who overcame their disabilities
Podcast idea: Why are mental disabilities overlooked?
Brand campaign that worked
This heartwarming video by Apple shows how technology makes aspects of everyday life accessible to people with disabilities.
International Day of Banks – 4 December
This day is celebrated to recognize the role of multilateral development banks and the role of banking systems in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: What are the safest banks to keep your savings in?
Infographic idea: X Things you need to keep in mind when applying for a loan
Video idea: How do banks make money?
Podcast idea: What should you look for when opening a bank account?
Brand campaign that worked
This ad by The Royal bank of Scotland shows the journey of £10 and the joy it brings to a variety of people.
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development – 5 December
This day celebrates volunteers and organizations across the world and aims to share and promote their values.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: Here’s what you should know before becoming a volunteer
Infographic idea: How can being a volunteer benefit you?
Video idea: How is money raised at fundraisers for various causes?
Podcast idea: What will the future of volunteering look like?
World Soil Day – 5 December
This day is marked to bring to the attention of people the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for its sustainable management.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: X Ways you can improve garden soil
Infographic idea: X Compost ideas for your home garden
Video idea: How do insects improve soil quality?
Podcast idea: How can you compost effectively?
International Civil Aviation Day – 7 December
This day is meant to raise awareness about the importance of international aviation for the social and economic development of nations.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: What is a black box and how is it useful?
Infographic idea: Must-visit aviation museums around the world
Video idea: What went on behind the Wright Brothers’ first flight?
Podcast idea: What happens to aircraft that disappear in the ocean?
Brand campaign that worked
This ad by British Airways shows how an air hostess from the airline befriends an elderly woman on her flight and how it leads to a warm, rewarding relationship.
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime – 9 December
This day is celebrated to commemorate and honor genocide victims and to raise awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role is combating and preventing genocide.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: Modern-day genocides you might not have heard of
Infographic idea: Genocide museums around the world
Video idea: How did Anne Frank’s diary change the world?
Podcast idea: How do genocide survivors cope with memory and trauma of the past?
International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December
This day is commemorated to raise awareness against corruption, which is a barrier against social and economic development in societies.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: X Signs of a corrupt workplace you must watch out for
Infographic idea: A roundup of the sternest anti-corruption laws around the world
Video idea: People who are working to reform corrupt systems from the ground up
Podcast idea: How safe is the life of a whistleblower?
Brand campaign that worked:
This ad by Videocon shows how an elderly man subtly rebuffs a request to pay a bribe to get his work done.
Human Rights Day – 10 December
This day commemorates the adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN, which proclaims basic rights everyone human is entitled to, irrespective of race, religion, sex, language, and political or other opinion.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: X People below 20 who fight for human rights everyday
Infographic idea: Are you aware of the rights you have?
Video idea: Human rights movements that inspired a better future
Podcast idea: What does it mean to stand for human rights?
International Mountain Day – 11 December
This day celebrates the rich landscape of mountains and aims to raise awareness for their conservation. This year’s theme is ‘mountain biodiversity’.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: X Photography tips to capture the magnificence of mountains
Infographic idea: X Tools you need to start mountain climbing
Video idea: Here’s how indigenous cultures protect mountain ecosystems
Podcast idea: What kind of effort goes into organizing an expedition to Mt Everest?
International Day of Neutrality – 12 December
This day is celebrated to raise public awareness of the value of neutrality in international relations.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: How to make a career as a diplomat
Infographic idea: The most militarized places on Earth
Video idea: X Inspiring tales from the lives of frontline peacemakers
Podcast idea: What are the benefits of looking at both sides of an argument?
International Universal Health Coverage Day – 12 December
This day is commemorated to drive member nations to adopt universal healthcare by 2030.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: Steps Indian government has taken to move towards universal healthcare
Infographic idea: How can universal health coverage benefit you?
Video idea: What goes into the functioning of the best healthcare systems in the world?
Podcast idea: How will universal healthcare change post COVID?
Brand campaign that worked:
This video by the World Bank shows how a universal healthcare system can make a difference to a family, especially if they cannot afford to pay.
International Migrants Day – 18 December
This day is commemorated to strengthen the protection of migrants and refugees around the globe.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: X Compelling movies/documentaries on refugees
Infographic idea: Most supportive countries in the world for refugees
Video idea: How is Amnesty International trying to solve the world refugee crisis?
Podcast idea: How can cities be better prepared for interstate migration?
International Human Solidarity Day – 20 December
This day celebrates unity in diversity and raises awareness about the importance of solidarity and poverty eradication.
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: Ways to practice solidarity while enforcing social distancing
Infographic idea: Examples of peaceful protests around the world
Video idea: X Movements that went international
Podcast idea: How does social media unite people around the world?
Fun Days
International Ninja Day – 5 December
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day – 12 December
Monkey Day – 14 December
Games Day – 20 December
Crossword Puzzle Day – 21 December
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: Try these new games with your friends over the holidays
Infographic idea: Types of candles and the atmosphere they promote
Video idea: Do the way monkeys communicate differ from humans?
Podcast idea: Can solving crossword puzzles sharpen your brain?
Festivals
Kumbhalgarh Festival – 1-3 December
Chennai Music Festival – December 2020- Jan 2021
Hornbill Festival – 1-10 December
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: What are the best months to travel around India for local festivals?
Infographic idea: X Folk art that’s famous in Rajasthan
Video idea: The evolution of Indian classical music
Podcast idea: How diverse are music festivals in India?
Birthdays
Pablo Escobar –1 December
Britney Spears – 2 December
Shiva Ayyadurai – 2 December
Walt Disney – 5 December
Noam Chomsky – 7 December
Emily Dickinson – 10 December
Viswanathan Anand – 11 December
Dilip Kumar – 11 December
Rajinikanth – 12 December
Yuvraj Singh – 12 December
Taylor Swift – 13 December
Vijay Amritraj – 14 December
BKS Iyengar –14 December
Bhaichung Bhutia – 15 December
John Abraham – 17 December
Pope Francis – 17 December
Billie Eilish – 18 December
Brad Pitt – 18 December
Jake Gyllenhaal – 19 December
Govinda – 21 December
Srinivasa Ramanujan – 22 December
Anil Kapoor – 24 December
Mohammed Rafi – 24 December
Kit Harington – 26 December
Salman Khan – 27 December
Stan Lee – 28 December
Dhirubai Ambani – 28 December
Ratan Tata – 28 December
Twinkle Khanna – 29 December
LeBron James – 30 December
Rudyard Kipling – 30 December
Ben Kingsley – 31 December
Alex Ferguson – 31 December
Content marketing ideas
Listicle idea: What is the process to elect a new pope?
Infographic idea: Britney Spears’ greatest music video looks
Video idea: Easy yoga poses you can do every morning
Podcast idea: How can we encourage children to enjoy mathematics?
Make managing content easier with Scatter Content Box! Designed with cutting edge technology, our purpose-built platform for marketers can make digital asset management seamless, maximizes collaboration between teams and enhances productivity. Ask for a demo to learn more.
… that today is First Subway in Japan Day? On this day in 1927, the first subway was dedicated in Tokyo, Japan. Many people had worried that the ground under Tokyo was too soft for a subway, but their fears proved unfounded as the Tokyo Underground Railway Company opened the first section of the subway between Ueno and Asakusa.
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.”
For no really good reason, I filmed this long riff about my experience with the early days of video and adventure games. Probably more 1980s game history than you wanted to know.
Rewatching them, I’m reminded of how many lucky breaks I’ve had, how often I got the benefit of the doubt and how being in the right place at the right time can change so much.
Alas, I didn’t mention many of the people who did the extraordinary work of programming, of organizational development and of believing in possibility. I’m grateful to have worked next to hundreds of people who spent years battling the odds to invent the future.
JANUARY 2021CONTENT CALENDARA lot of heart goes into the creation of this monthly newsletter. We sincerely hope it helps you. In case this mail was forwarded to you, do consider subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for being here.
January: hope, inspiration & excitement aboundAs winter’s chilly winds blow into January, the cold might not seem to sting as hard as it did in 2020. After all, January brings with it a whole lot of optimism, the possibility of new beginnings and the change to revive old dreams and plans. It is not only a new year but a new decade. Of course, not everything will magically change as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. But those feelings of excitement and hope on the horizon are almost palpable. Soon, we might be able to return to the simpler pleasures of life that we once took for granted. As a vaccine roll-out draws closer, hugs and handshakes will be exchanged without worry. Travel plans to elusive getaways will be made with less abandon. And this renewed vigor will bring tons of fresh perspectives, new resolutions, renewed bucket lists and more. So, leave behind the baggage of the year gone by as you enter January 2021. There’s plenty to celebrate as we embrace a new year. Look toward progress in the brilliant work of the younger generation on World Youth Day. Clear up some of the clutter on National Cleanliness Day. And transform upcoming #contentmarketing opportunities into heartening, uplifting conversations with your audience with these ideas.
Scatter – #EngageUnfoolishlyScatter drives results. Brands that have worked with us have seen a drastic increase in content stickiness, reduced bounce rates, better email open rates and better CTR’s. We plan, produce, promote and progress a brand’s content standing.
LinkedInWebsiteTwitterFacebookSometimes good things come quietly, uninvited. We hope you consider this mailer to be one such guest in your inbox – it’s landed without you asking for it but hopefully it will make you happier for the ideas it brings. Alternatively, unsubscribe now and miss out on well-researched, helpful content.
It takes a fool to do the same thing again and again with the hopes for a different result. Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. (Albert Einstein) ========== It’s impossible to lose if you never give up. You just can’t beat the person who never gives up. (Babe Ruth)
Glorious, victorious. As one, united and free. Faster, better, stronger. Don’t wake a sleeping lion. Haven of peace. Walking hand in hand. Endure and overcome. Pride and honor. Walking hand in hand. Following in the footsteps of our ancestors.
Where this goes and what will happen is impossible to ascertain. The only certainty over the next few months and possibly years is uncertainty. But there is one thing you can bet on for sure: There will be a lot of decisions to make. A lot of things to do.
It’s going to be essential that you don’t freeze up. You cannot become paralyzed. It is the surest way to defeat and failure.
Remember, to the Stoics, the essential virtue was courage. Courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared. Courage means you proceed despite being scared. Courage means you keep going. It means you don’t get discouraged, even when things are hard, when other people are falling down around you, when it’s been so long since you heard anything resembling good news.
Cato was there when the Roman Republic was in its death throes. Marcus lived through the plague, as we have written about. Seneca and Musonius and Epictetus were exiled… and witnessed Nero’s tyranny and insanity. The later Stoics, from George Washington to James Stockdale, experienced extreme stress and adversity.
When all this was thrown at these Stoics, they didn’t freeze. They didn’t despair. They found confidence in their training. They broke their very big and very complex problems down into smaller, more manageable pieces. They kept going. They stayed true. They fought. They thought about people other than themselves.
No one can tell you what the next few months will bring you. It could be surprisingly good news. Or it could be worse news than we can even conceive of right now. All that we can know for sure—all that is in our control—is what we bring to what life brings us. We can’t freeze up. We can’t fail our ideals. We must show up with courage. We must get serious. We must be our best selves.
History demands it. Our fellow citizens need it. Your philosophy has trained you for it.
Only 3 Days Left! This is the final chance to join our New Year, New You Challenge. This year has over 30,000 words of all-new content, designed to help you:
Stop procrastinating on your dreams
Learn new skills
Quite harmful vices
Make amends
Learn from past mistakes
Have more hope for the new year
And much much more…
21 challenges designed to set up potentially life-changing habits for 2021 and beyond.
We all know professional procrastinators. You know, those people who constantly put stuff off. Who always have some new plan in the works to improve their health, their finances, their work, their friendships, their relationships. I’m ready to start eating better, they say… after the holidays. I’m ready to settle down… soon. I’m ready for my next big project… I just have to do something else first.
We know these people because we are these people.
Every one of us wants to improve, wants to be better, wants to have better habits, live better, think better. Many of us even know what to do. But we can’t seem to actually do it.
To that end, the great Stoic, Epictetus, has the perfect question for us: “How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?”
You know you deserve better. You know you’re capable of better. You have plans to do this, you intended to… but you haven’t actually done it.
What’s it going to take? When are you going to stop talking about philosophy and start embodying it? When are you going to fulfill that potential that’s just sitting there?
How about right now? Because it’s possible. This year. 2021. We’re putting it to you here: Stop putting it off until tomorrow, until Monday, waiting for it to just happen. Because it won’t. Someone has to take control.
That someone is you.
There’s only 48 hours left to join our New Year, New You Challenge. We created this challenge for that person and for that reason—to help you create a better life, and a new you in 2021.
Take control this year. Stop putting it off.
The Daily Stoic New Year, New You Challenge is a set of 21 actionable challenges—presented one per day—built around the best, most timeless wisdom in Stoic philosophy. Our goal is to help you make 2021 your best year yet.
This year’s challenge is all-new content, guided by thousands of responses and reactions to our previous challenges, courses, videos, and emails. It’s a whole new challenge based on painstaking research and timeless science, for an all-new, life changing experience.
Every year—this year right in front of you—can be the most important year of your life. The one where you become your best, most creative, most centered, most self-reliant and resilient self.
Some people are going to hire a personal trainer in January as their way of confronting the new year. You have the chance to get step-by-step instruction and encouragement from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus to become the new you, for the new year in a new decade, that could very well produce a whole new world.
21 challenges designed to set up potentially life-changing habits for 2021 and beyond.
What is getting rid of one bad habit worth? What would you give to add a new positive way of thinking or acting into your daily routine? What would you give to be a positive person? And how great would it be to become a part of a community—part of a tribe—of people just like you, struggling and growing and making that satisfying progress towards the kind of personal reinvention that produces the kind of human beings they never knew they could one day be?
Well, here’s your chance.
PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE:
✓ 21 Custom Challenges. Delivered Daily. (Over 30,000 words of exclusive content)
✓ Weekly Group Check-In Conference Videos With Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday
✓ Daily Audio Meditation From Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday
✓ Printable 21 Day Calendar With Custom Daily Illustrations To Track Progress
✓ Group Slack Channel For Accountability and Community
Don’t wait to better yourself. Don’t wait to demand more of yourself. Start Now.
FulsomeFUL-səmPart of speech: adjectiveOrigin: Middle English, unknown
1Complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree.
2Of large size or quantity; generous or abundant.
Examples of Fulsome in a sentence “Her fulsome words made Jimmy both embarrassed and grateful.” “They brought home a fulsome supply of apples from the orchard.”
… that today is Stan Lee’s Birthday (1922)? Stan Lee was an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, media producer, television host, actor, and former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. In collaboration with several artists, Lee co-created Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, the X-Men, and many other fictional characters. Celebrate Stan’s birthday by reading some superhero comic books or watching a movie!
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“Positive thinking is not about expecting the best to happen every time but accepting that whatever happens is the best for this moment.”
… that today is Texas Enters the U.S. Day? The flags of Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and of the United States have flown over the area known as Texas, the state that became the 28th of the United States of America on this day in 1845. Texas is an altered pronunciation of the Indian word, Tejas, meaning friends, and that’s why the Texas state motto is “Friendship.” Happy birthday, Texas!
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“If you want to know the past, to know what has caused you, look at yourself in the PRESENT, for that is the past’s effect. If you want to know your future, then look at yourself in the PRESENT, for that is the cause of the future.”
We all know professional procrastinators. You know, those people who constantly put stuff off. Who always have some new plan in the works to improve their health, their finances, their work, their friendships, their relationships. I’m ready to start eating better, they say… after the holidays. I’m ready to settle down… soon. I’m ready for my next big project… I just have to do something else first.
We know these people because we are these people.
Every one of us wants to improve, wants to be better, wants to have better habits, live better, think better. Many of us even know what to do. But we can’t seem to actually do it.
To that end, the great Stoic, Epictetus, has the perfect question for us: “How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?”
You know you deserve better. You know you’re capable of better. You have plans to do this, you intended to… but you haven’t actually done it.
What’s it going to take? When are you going to stop talking about philosophy and start embodying it? When are you going to fulfill that potential that’s just sitting there?
How about right now? Because it’s possible. This year. 2021. We’re putting it to you here: Stop putting it off until tomorrow, until Monday, waiting for it to just happen. Because it won’t. Someone has to take control.
That someone is you.
There’s only 48 hours left to join our New Year, New You Challenge. We created this challenge for that person and for that reason—to help you create a better life, and a new you in 2021.
Take control this year. Stop putting it off.
The Daily Stoic New Year, New You Challenge is a set of 21 actionable challenges—presented one per day—built around the best, most timeless wisdom in Stoic philosophy. Our goal is to help you make 2021 your best year yet.
This year’s challenge is all-new content, guided by thousands of responses and reactions to our previous challenges, courses, videos, and emails. It’s a whole new challenge based on painstaking research and timeless science, for an all-new, life changing experience.
Every year—this year right in front of you—can be the most important year of your life. The one where you become your best, most creative, most centered, most self-reliant and resilient self.
Some people are going to hire a personal trainer in January as their way of confronting the new year. You have the chance to get step-by-step instruction and encouragement from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus to become the new you, for the new year in a new decade, that could very well produce a whole new world.
21 challenges designed to set up potentially life-changing habits for 2021 and beyond.
What is getting rid of one bad habit worth? What would you give to add a new positive way of thinking or acting into your daily routine? What would you give to be a positive person? And how great would it be to become a part of a community—part of a tribe—of people just like you, struggling and growing and making that satisfying progress towards the kind of personal reinvention that produces the kind of human beings they never knew they could one day be?
Well, here’s your chance.
PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE:
✓ 21 Custom Challenges. Delivered Daily. (Over 30,000 words of exclusive content)
✓ Weekly Group Check-In Conference Videos With Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday
✓ Daily Audio Meditation From Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday
✓ Printable 21 Day Calendar With Custom Daily Illustrations To Track Progress
✓ Group Slack Channel For Accountability and Community
Don’t wait to better yourself. Don’t wait to demand more of yourself. Start Now.
Even if no one but you reads it. The blog you write each day is the blog you need the most. It’s a compass and a mirror, a chance to put a stake in the ground and refine your thoughts.
And the most important post? The one you’ll write tomorrow.
Your destiny is formed by every decision you make. It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. (Tony Robbins) ========== Even your smallest action can change the world for the better. In a gentle way, you can shake the world. (Mahatma Gandhi)
Conquest through vigilance. Spirits watch over us. Steadfast and loyal. Eternal shepherds. Onwards and forwards forever. Live long and die free. All for the people. With pen and sword. Fire in the darkness. Truth prevails above all.
Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda. – You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow
Literal Meaning/use: There is no use in hiding defects or blemishes, since they will be discovered sooner or later and then we will make a fool of ourselves.
Cleaning out the fridge after a power failure, I found three half-empty containers of anchovies. Because they magically migrate to the back of the fridge, every time I had needed some, I ended up opening a new jar, because the old ones were invisible. Not just invisible if I had looked for them, but so invisible that it never even occurred to me to look for them.
And this is even more likely to happen with the data on your hard drive. If you don’t know to look for it, if you don’t believe it’s there, it might as well be deleted.
And of course, this applies to our lost skills, confidence and experience as well.
It’s worth putting in regular effort to remind ourselves of what we’ve already got and how it has served us in the past.
… that today is Crosley Automobile Day? This day in 1951 brought us a new form of mail delivery. In Cincinnati, Ohio, a Crosley automobile, with a steering wheel on the right side, became the first vehicle of its kind to be placed in service for delivering the mail, allowing drivers to make deliveries more efficiently.
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself.”
lse and blame that person for how we treat others, today.Don’t hide in the corner, pointing fingers at your past. Don’t sit under the table, talking about someone who has hurt you. Instead, stand up and face your past! Face your fears! Face your pain! And stomach it all! You may have to do so kicking and screaming and throwing fits and crying- but by all means- face it!This life makes no room for cowards.” – C. JoyBell C., The Sun Is Snowing: Poetry & Prose by C. Joybell C
EmulousEM-yə-ləsPart of speech: adjectiveOrigin: Latin, mid 16th century
1Seeking to emulate someone or something.
2Motivated by a spirit of rivalry.
Examples of Emulous in a sentence “His short stories are emulous of Stephen King.” “Her paintings started off as emulous of great masters, but she soon found a style of her own.”
No matter who you meet make sure they’re happier once they leave. Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. (Mother Teresa) ========== Your destiny is formed by every decision you make. It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. (Tony Robbins)
“There is some kind of a sweet innocence in being human- in not having to be just happy or just sad- in the nature of being able to be both broken and whole, at the same time.” – C. JoyBell C.
Bold and righteous. One with nature. In service of god. Forwards in unity. Eternal and just. Eternal and just. All for the motherland. Ever vigilant. Pride and honor. Always progress, always move forward.
… that today is Bob Hope Entertains the Troops Day? On this day in 1948, Bob Hope began his long tradition of annual Christmas tours when he agreed to entertain U.S. airmen in Alaska. Hope’s mildly irreverent humor, teamed with his variety troupe’s beautiful women, provided a welcome respite for the U.S. forces, a reminder, in Hope’s words, “of what they were fighting for.”
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won’t expect it back.”
— Oscar Wilde
Did you know…
… that today, besides being Christmas in many countries (Merry Christmas, everyone!), is Stars and Stripes Forever Day? In 1896, John Philip Sousa (aka The March King) wrote the melody to a song that had haunted him for days. On Christmas Day, that melody was finally titled, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” So, if you want to hear something else besides Christmas songs, march to a tune of Stars and Stripes! 😉
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.”
It also knows that people like points, likes and something that feels like popularity.
The social media companies optimized their algorithms for profit. And profit, they figured, would come from engagement. And engagement, they figured, would come from confounding our instincts and rewarding outrage.
Because outrage draws a crowd.
And crowds establish culture.
And a desire to be the leader of a crowd reinforced the cycle.
And so the social networks created a game, a game in which you ‘win’ by being notorious, outrageous or, as they coined the phrase, “authentic.” The whole world is watching, if you’re willing to put on a show.
That’s not how the world actually works. The successful people in your community or your industry (please substitute ‘happy’ for successful in that sentence) don’t act the way the influencers on Twitter, YouTube or Facebook do. That’s all invented, amplified stagecraft, it’s not the actual human condition.
Many of us have an overwhelming need to rubberneck, to slow down when we pass a crash on the highway. This is odd, as most people don’t go out of their way to visit the morgue, just for kicks. And yet…
I hope we’d agree that if people started staging car crashes on the side of the road to get attention, we’d be outraged.
That’s what happening, and the leaders of social networks pretend that they can’t do a thing about it, just as Google pretends that they can’t control the results of their search algorithm.
The shift that the leaders of the social networks need to make is simple. In the long run, it will cost them nothing. And within weeks, it will create a world that’s calmer, happier and more productive.
Amplify possibility. Dial down the spread of disinformation, trolling and division. Make it almost impossible to get famous at the expense of civilization. Embrace the fact that breaking news doesn’t have to be the rhythm of our days. Reward thoughtfulness and consistency and responsibility.
First: If you come up with an innovation that creates value, that value is multiplied a million-fold because now you can share it outside your village.
Second: If you build a community, the network effect creates increasing amounts of value as more people use it.
And the pothole: As we race to create value, it’s easy to forget that it’s unevenly distributed. A safety net isn’t perfect, but it’s better than no net at all.
Examples of Hobbledehoy in a sentence “I felt like a real hobbledehoy at my first job.” “Now that Jennifer’s braces were off, she was ready to leave her days of being a hobbledehoy behind.”
… that today is Non-Human Man of the Year Day? On this day in 1982, The Man of the Year in “TIME” magazine was a computer. It was the first time a non-human received the honors. Since 1927, TIME magazine has chosen a man, woman, or idea that “for better or worse, has most influenced events in the preceding year.” Although TIME’s list is not an academic or objective study of the past, the list gives a contemporary viewpoint of what was important during each year.
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It’s not. Mine had me trained in two days.”
Those who love you will come back to you even if you let them go. If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were. (Richard Bach) ========== Education is like the bitter medicine for a healthier mind. The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. (Aristotle)
Peace, passion, compassion. Pride and prosperity. Don’t wake a sleeping lion. Always progress, always move forward. Wardens of the West. Eternal and just. Don’t wake a sleeping lion. Strength, prosperity, perseverance. Eternal shepherds. Never forget.
Farrago fə-RAH-goPart of speech: noun Origin: Latin, mid 17th century
1A confused mixture.
Examples of Farrago in a sentence “Stephanie’s junk drawer was a farrago of tools, bills, and forgotten office supplies.” “The movie was a farrago of pop culture and classic Hollywood references.”
7 Classic Christmas Sayings and Where They Came From
Tuesday, December 172 min read
There are so many opportunities to greet people with joy and happiness during the Christmas season. If someone celebrates the same holiday as you, you can honor them with sentiments of that holiday. And if they don’t celebrate Christmas, you can still embrace the generosity of the season.
Here are seven classic Christmas sayings and their origin stories.
‘Tis the season
For such a common saying, it’s easy to forget just how old it is. “‘Tis” is a contraction for “it is,” and was popular in everyday speech in the 1700s. So, if you want to make the holiday season a little more genteel and old fashioned, this phrase would definitely work.
Season’s greetings
This salutation is more modern. As Americans have become more inclusive and understanding of the fact that not everyone celebrates Christmas, phrases like “season’s greetings” have become increasingly popular. When you’re in an environment where people might be celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Winter Solstice, this is a welcome acknowledgment. Although it doesn’t have a storied past, it holds an important place in the holiday seasons of the present and the future.
Deck the halls
Some of our favorite holiday sentiments come from carols. In the 1500s, when this classic song came about, “deck” meant to decorate. Original Christmas decorating wasn’t done with lights or tinsel, but with literal branches of pine and holly. Hence the lyric, “Deck the halls with boughs of holly.” (Bet you sang that in your head.)
Peace on earth, goodwill to men
If you want to focus on the religious aspects of Christmas, this is the greeting for you. The phrase “peace on earth, goodwill to men” comes from the Bible, when a group of angels tells some shepherds about the birth of Jesus. The saying can still be used as an inclusive wish for the season, but it’s the most righteous phrase on this list.
Auld lang syne
We’re not looking at English here, but most people still have a general sense of this turn of phrase. It was written in a Scots-language poem by Robert Burns in 1788 and means something like days gone by, or for the sake of old times. It’s most often sung on New Year’s Eve when you’re saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming in the new. It’s bittersweet — exactly how one tends to feel about the passage of time (except maybe in 2020).
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
This line comes from the famous poem “The Night Before Christmas,” written by Clark Clement Moore in the early 1820s. The poem details a visit from Saint Nicholas, telling how he arrives by flying sleigh and comes down the chimney to deliver presents to children. As he flies away, he proclaims, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!” The poem remains extremely popular, and the phrase has sunk into our cultural consciousness.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Here’s a poetic way to say it’s extremely cold outside. The name Jack Frost actually comes from “Jokul Frosti,” who was a frost giant out of the Norse tradition and the personification of ice and snow. The actual phrase, “Jack Frost nipping at your nose,” is taken from “The Christmas Song” (commonly known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”), made popular by Nat King Cole.
There you have it! This year, instead of wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas,” try out a few more colorful holiday options.
3-2-1 ThursdayNote: You are receiving this email because you subscribed to my weekly 3-2-1 newsletter. Every Thursday, I share 3 ideas from me, 2 quotes from others, and 1 question for you to ponder. Occasionally, I also send out long-form articles on habits and self-improvement.
3 ideas, 2 quotes, 1 question (December 24, 2020)
“Working to deliver the most wisdom per word of any newsletter on the web.”
Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, on the value of time:
“You can do so much in ten minutes’ time. Ten minutes, once gone, are gone for good. Divide your life into 10-minute units and sacrifice as few of them as possible in meaningless activity.”
Source: Men’s Health (October 2017, page 41)
II.
The author Cheryl Strayed on trusting your gut:
“Don’t do what you know on a gut level to be the wrong thing to do. Don’t stay when you know you should go or go when you know you should stay. Don’t fight when you should hold steady or hold steady when you should fight. Don’t focus on the short-term fun instead of the long-term fall out. Don’t surrender all your joy for an idea you used to have about yourself that isn’t true anymore. Don’t seek joy at all costs.
I know it’s hard to know what to do when you have a conflicting set of emotions and desires, but it’s not as hard as we pretend it is. Saying it’s hard is ultimately a justification to do whatever seems like the easiest thing to do—have the affair, stay at that horrible job, end a friendship over a slight, keep loving someone who treats you terribly. I don’t think there’s a single dumbass thing I’ve done in my adult life that I didn’t know was a dumbass thing to do while I was doing it. Even when I justified it to myself—as I did every damn time—the truest part of me knew I was doing the wrong thing. Always.
As the years pass, I’m learning how to better trust my gut and not do the wrong thing, but every so often I get a harsh reminder that I’ve still got work to do.”
p.s. Play it cool. Get access to the Secret Newsletter!
Get a bonus issue of 3-2-1 sent to you each month by gaining access to my “Secret Newsletter.”
It’s easy. Just use the sharing links below or copy and paste your referral link in an email, on social media, or however else you’d like to share it.
If 3 new people sign up through your link, then you’ll automatically get the Secret Newsletter sent to you each month. (It goes out the 3rd Saturday of each month.) Thanks for spreading the word!
Both the past and the future are beyond our reach, it’s the present you must grasp. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. (Buddha) ========== There’s no greater risk that the one that comes from trying something without knowing what you’re doing. Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing. (Warren Buffett)
“Happiness is always there. You just have to choose to see it. There’s no point dwelling in the dark and ignoring the light of the stars.” – Carrie Hope Fletcher
Protect, serve, progress. Ever progressing. Progress through unity. Hope, peace, unity. Beyond the clouds we shine. Peace, passion, compassion. Strength, prosperity, perseverance. From the stars we came, to the stars we rise. Never forget, never forgive. Faith grants us strength.
La curiosidad mató al gato. – Curiosity killed the cat.
Literal Meaning/use: We say this whenever we want to discourage a person from indulging in excessive interest in other people’s business, for instance our own.
2020 was a terrible year for too many people. So much trauma, dislocation and illness. Everyone has their own stories, and everyone suffered (unevenly and unfairly) from the extraordinary shifts in our lives.
And yet, seeds were planted. Five or ten or twenty years from now, people will remember projects that were started, connections that were established, realizations that occurred. Doors were opened, babies were born and changes were made.
Few people celebrate forest fires, but we’re all eager to walk through the sylvan glades that follow.
If you were kept from planting all the seeds you hoped to in 2020, that’s okay. Because the best time to plant more seeds is always right now. Or perhaps tomorrow.
I’ve benefited from countless lucky breaks through the years of this career, and many of them are the result of the people I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, listen to and teach.
To help create an institution of scale and impact, Akimbo the platform for learning that I’ve been talking about on this blog for years is now an independent B corp. In 2020, the leadership and coaches at Akimbo have shown up in ways that no one could have expected, and the tens of thousands of alumni are grateful for all of it.
Thank you to each of them, and to you. For caring and for leading.
Examples of Hyperborean in a sentence “Those lucky enough to be permanent hyperboreans see the Northern Lights on a regular basis.” “He won Pictionary with his sketch of a famous hyperborean — Santa Claus.”
… that today is Bob Hope Entertains the Troops Day? On this day in 1948, Bob Hope began his long tradition of annual Christmas tours when he agreed to entertain U.S. airmen in Alaska. Hope’s mildly irreverent humor, teamed with his variety troupe’s beautiful women, provided a welcome respite for the U.S. forces, a reminder, in Hope’s words, “of what they were fighting for.”
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won’t expect it back.”
It takes courage to speak up when needed, but it also takes courage to listen. Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. (Winston Churchill) ========== When a problem arises it is not a sign to stop, it’s merely a sign to change your plans slightly. Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines. (Robert H. Schuller)
“Top 15 Things Money Can’t BuyTime. Happiness. Inner Peace. Integrity. Love. Character. Manners. Health. Respect. Morals. Trust. Patience. Class. Common sense. Dignity.” – Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Onwards and forwards forever. Whispers in the wind. Dignity, pride, honor. True and sure. Whispers in the wind. Freedom restored. In spirit and truth. Beacon in the darkness, light of hope. The first, the true. Love, friendship and brotherhood.
La curiosidad mató al gato. – Curiosity killed the cat.
Literal Meaning/use: We say this whenever we want to discourage a person from indulging in excessive interest in other people’s business, for instance our own.
SchwagSHwagPart of speech: nounOrigin: Unknown, 1990s
1Products given away free, typically for promotional purposes.
Examples of Schwag in a sentence “The indie band’s schwag featured an image of the lead singer’s dog.” “Jane loved showing up to events early so she could get schwag.”
The landlord acts like he owns the place, because he does. The landlord makes the rules and has the power to enforce them.
The host acts on behalf of those that are being served. “Gracious” is the goal.
And guests realize that they’re in a fortunate position and try not to abuse it.
As Dave Winer has pointed out, the web has no owner. We’re all guests, except when we have a chance to be a host. Acting like a landlord is counter to what makes the whole thing work.
The same might be true for the places you hang out as well.
Deputedə-PYOOTPart of speech: verbOrigin: Late Middle English, unknown
1Appoint or instruct (someone) to perform a task for which one is responsible.
2Delegate (authority or a task).
Examples of Depute in a sentence “The dean decided to depute the review process to the department head.” “He deputed the responsibility of answering emails to the secretary.”
Quality has a very specific definition: Did it meet the customer’s requirements?
Any experience, product or deliverable that meets that spec is deemed to have met the quality standard. If it doesn’t, it’s not of quality.
And so we need to begin with, “who’s it for?” because the customer might not be who we think it is.
“Was it a good wedding?” might mean, “did the host feel fully seen, empowered and celebrated?” or it might mean, “did you have fun?” or it might mean twenty other things.
The second question goes along with that, which is, “what’s it for?” This product or experience, what did the customer hire it to do? Again, being clear about this is the only way to improve what we’re doing.
Only after we answer these two questions can we dig into how to be more clear about what we’re offering and to whom, along with how we can make our work more effective and efficient.
[And then it gets complicated…]
What if there’s more than one “who”? What if instead of trying to please one customer, you have a variety of customers? Or if there are internal constituents, or non-paying entities who have a say in it?
What if you try to do it again? Which elements could be improved? Become more efficient? Have less impact on the workforce or the environment? Become more reliable?
And what if the organization is more than just a few people? Where do processes, supply chain management and systems come into play?
But we still have to begin at the beginning. Who’s it for and what’s it for?
$26.00 EGO IS THE ENEMY MEDALLION 1 “Ego sucks us down like the law of gravity” – Cyril Connolly
Inspired by the international bestseller Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday, Daily Stoic is excited to introduce the Ego Is The Enemy medallion.
Ego is that outsized sense of self-importance, that malignant self-absorption, a belief that one is somehow inherently better and entitled to more than everyone else, what NBA Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley famously called “the disease of me.” It’s the voice whispering in our ear, alternatively, that we’re invincible or that we suck and everyone is plotting against us. Ego is that toxic force that makes real teamwork, empathy, vulnerability and artistry impossible.
Name one situation you’ve ever been in that called for more ego. It repulses advantages and opportunities. It’s a magnet for enemies and errors.
Whatever we’re doing in life–whether we’re aspiring to do something, experiencing success or in the middle of difficulty–ego is the enemy every step along the way. That is why we designed the back of the coin to illustrate the three stages of this cycle: Aspiration. Success. Failure.
The purpose of this coin is to remind us to be:
Humble when ambitious Gracious when successful Resilient when we fail These stages circle the writer Cyril Connolly’s wisdom: “Ego sucks us down like the law of gravity.”
The front of the coin features a bust without a head. A reminder that ego can topple us at any moment.
In an era that glorifies selfie culture, reality TV, and other forms of shameless self-promotion, the battle against ego must be fought on many fronts. We hope that by carrying this medallion, you’re able to protect yourself against your greatest foe — your own ego.
Each coin is handcrafted in the United States by a custom mint operating in Minnesota since 1882. The same mint where the iconic AA anniversary medallions were created in 1973 by Bill Westman, an employee. Westman wanted to create something to leave with people he interacted with in recovery groups and to mark their achievements in sobriety. To remind them of the messages of AA and help keep them on their road to recovery. Westman’s advice was “carry this in your pocket or purse and when temptation is great, reach into your pocket and feel the medallion and remember your struggle to get this far.”
Each coin is shipped in a custom-designed box with an accompanying information card, explaining the practice to anyone receiving the coin. Each coin has a unique finish and character.
Dimensions: 1 9/16” in diameter, 2.778 MM thick, 26.2 grams.
Shipping Information: We ship worldwide. North American orders are shipped from the U.S. and the rest of the world from the U.K.
NOTE: If you’re interested in purchasing all 8 of our Daily Stoic medallions, you can save $52 by clicking here.
1-Sentence-Summary:Eat To Beat Disease will help you be healthier and fight off infection by identifying how food affects your immune system and what to put into your body that will make you more resilient against illness.
Read in: 4 minutes
Favorite quote from the author:
Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. These diseases are all increasing in prevalence every year and the cost in lives and medical care to treat these kinds of diseases is astronomical. But what if I told you the prevention of these ailments could be as simple as eating certain foods?
Believe it or not, your body has a sophisticated system built in it to beat these diseases and more, and even to prevent aging. The key to unlocking that potential is eating the right food. The latest science is showing the specific benefits of many foods, from nuts and berries to cheese and cocoa.
In his bestselling book, Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself, Dr. William W. Li shines light on the body’s amazing disease-fighting and anti-aging mechanisms and which foods will unlock this power. Using the latest research, he demonstrates that when it comes to your health, the best medicine is actually food.
These are just 3 of the many great lessons I got out of this book:
If you want to boost the body’s natural cancer defense system, eat lots of soy and broccoli.
Help your microbiome by eating fermented foods, cheese, and fruit.
Protect your DNA from aging by eating berries and nuts.
Let’s dig right in!If you want to save this summary for later, download the free PDF and read it whenever you want.
Lesson 1: To boost your body’s cancer defense, reach for soy products and broccoli.
Did you know right now as you’re reading this, you are developing cancer? It sounds scary, but the truth is, your body makes around 10,000 potentially cancer-causing cell division mistakes every day. Of course, your body has a way to fix this, and it’s known as angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis the process by which your body forms and maintains blood vessels. So when there’s a mistake, or a tumor, angiogenesis can make sure blood vessels don’t provide it with nutrients and starve it. This process can stop cancer in its tracks, unless blood vessels aren’t working regularly and provide blood to the wrong places, resulting in cancer.
Amazingly, research shows there are foods that can help your body with angiogenesis and thereby give you extra protection from cancer.
Soybeans are one of these foods, because they are high in genistein, a potent substance that blocks blood flow to tumor cells. You can get soy from tofu, soy sauce, edamame, or soy milk. Research shows that the most benefits come from having 10 grams a day of soy products.
Another cancer superstar is broccoli. Broccoli had brassinin and sulforaphanes two things that help support healthy angiogenesis to protect from cancer.
Studies have shown eating broccoli is linked to a 59 percent lower risk of prostate cancer, 33 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer, and 28 percent lower risk of melanoma. You only have to eat one to two cups of broccoli a week to receive cancer-fighting benefits.
Lesson 2: Fruit, cheese, and fermented foods support your microbiome, which is essential to your overall health.
You probably are aware that your body isn’t just your own. By that, I mean you share it with trillions of microorganisms, many of which are essential to your body’s functions. It’s called your microbiome, and keeping them healthy keeps you healthy.
For example, in your gut, you have bacteria that produce oxytocin and dopamine. Through the gut-brain axis, these bacteria communicate with the brain and have an effect on your mood. Having certain types of bacteria in your gut can actually reduce anxiety. Other bacteria produce metabolites which help prevent diabetes.
So what can you eat to support your microbiome? Research shows eating cranberries and drinking pomegranate juice encourages growth of a the bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila, which supports immune health, fights inflammation, and protects you from obesity.
Another awesome food for fighting inflammation is sauerkraut, a German dish of fermented cabbage. It has been shown to encourage stem cell growth in the intestines and prevent inflammation.
Lastly, there is good news for cheese lovers. You can feel good about sprinkling that Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on pasta and more. The hard cheese is packed with Lactobacillus rhamnosis, which studies show will decrease your risk of cancer, gastroenteritis, and postnatal depression.
Lesson 3: When you eat lots of nuts and berries, you can protect your body from the effects of aging.
Good health depends on your body’s genetic code, known as your DNA. But sadly, your DNA is damaged continuously throughout your life. This can be the result of infection, inflammation, toxic chemicals, pollution, and even the sun. Thankfully, your body has ways to defend itself and repair this damage.
It does this by scanning for damaged DNA and replacing it. It also protects your DNA with end caps called telomeres, which essentially keep it from fraying. As you age, telomeres get shorter, so keeping your DNA healthy takes some extra work. Two foods shown to help with this are nuts and berries.
In a study, researchers gave participants 3 cups of a berry juice every day. After just one week, the juice drinkers showed a 66 percent increase in the ability to protect against DNA damage compared to the control.
Another study had participants eat just 10 grams of nuts every day. After a year, participants’ telomeres increased in length by 8.5 units. What makes this change so significant is that on average, normal aging processes usually shorten our telomeres by 15.4 units every year, meaning eating enough nuts can basically reverse the clock on aging DNA.
Eat To Beat Disease Review
Eat To Beat Disease is fascinating because it approaches diet as a way to aid your body’s natural defense against disease rather than just lose weight or give a miracle cure. It gives the specifics of what you can eat, how much of it, and what benefits it has. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a little more about how diet can not only prevent disease but also slow the aging process.
Who would I recommend the Eat To Beat Disease summary to?
The 37-year-old that is overweight and wants to learn the science of getting healthy again, the 55-year-old healthcare worker that’s curious to know more about how nutrition affects the body, and anyone that would like to know how to eat to live longer and healthier.
… that today is World’s First Website Day? On this day in 1990, the world’s first website and server went live at CERN. The first website began as a simple page of links that allowed a group of scientists to share data in the confines of their laboratories. And as you know, since then the Web has become an inextricable part of the lives of billions of people!
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“Anyone who has lost track of time when using a computer knows the propensity to dream, the urge to make dreams come true, and the tendency to miss lunch.”
Your destiny is formed by every decision you make. It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. (Tony Robbins) ========== Focusing on irrelevant facts is like looking through clouded eyes. Knowledge is power only if man knows what facts not to bother with. (Robert Staughton Lynd)
Peace, progress, prosperity. Shield in the darkness. Conquerors of darkness. All is good to those of pure hearts. Serve and obey. One house, one family. United we stand, united we conquer. Many skills, many virtues. Glorious, victorious. By sword and shield.
… that today is Chipmunks #1 Hit Day? The Chipmunks were at the #1 position on the music charts on this day in 1958 as Alvin, Simon, and Theodore sang with David Seville. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late), the novelty tune that topped the charts for a month. And it is still a Christmas favorite today!
~~~
Today’s Inspirational Quote:
“Lean forward into your life… catch the best bits and the finest wind. Just tip your feathers in flight a wee bit and see how dramatically that small lean can change your life.”
