Author: cbarney.45

“A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.” – Mark Twain

Choosing not to read is exactly that – a choice. If you do not read to sharpen your mind, it will become like a dull, rusty blade. It won’t be as effective as it should be when you need it most.

Even if you have the ability to improve your mind, but don’t do anything about it, you will be no better than those who are unable to read at all.

Leave the bitterness behind you or you will never be free. Don’t hold grudges. Why are you choosing to be unhappy about something that has already happened, something that you can’t change? Forgive others and forgive yourself to set yourself free. 

How far you get in life is determined by your mental fortitude. It doesn’t matter how strong you are physically if you can’t handle the pressure or quit. It doesn’t matter how smart or talented you are if you can’t persevere through a little adversity. The most talented people aren’t always the ones who win out in the long run. It’s the ones with mental strength who win.

Re-train your brain. Get used to living in your discomfort zone. Monitor your thoughts and don’t believe everything that you think. 

There’s a difference between “I Can’t” and “I’m not willing to do whatever it takes to do this.”

What are you doing to improve today? Sometimes, this involves adding things to your day. Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables, getting enough protein, fiber, and healthy fats? Are you working out enough or reading? 

Other times, improving requires that you eliminate things from your day. Instead of eating that chocolate or those pretzels, maybe you commit to feeling a little hunger pang. Maybe you watch one less tv show at night so you can go to bed a half hour earlier. 

Everyone can improve, and everyone can optimize their day by either adding or subtracting something to/from their day. The key is to be intentional about it. If you live your life without any thought or any reflection, you probably can vastly improve yourself in a short period of time by making small changes. But the first step is to be aware. 

Review your average day and look at making the smallest, but most impactful changes today. 

Work on building up your courage. Do the right thing always, not just when it’s convenient for you. Stand up for the little guy. Stop others when they are gossiping. Go against the grain, against the status quo, and against what is popular if you feel that it is incorrect. 

All of this takes courage. It can be difficult to disagree with others, especially with your family, friends, or co-workers. Sometimes it’s easier just letting it go, but easier is not better. 

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr. 

“If you see fraud and do not say fraud, you are a fraud.” – Nassim Taleb

“If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it.” – Marcus Aurelius