Lots to be thankful for today.

I had a wonderful time on the water with some teammates. Getting time to get to know each other better, shoot the bull, and talking about things other than work was awesome.

My ride to and from Eau Claire was a combination of thought time, reading, and talking. The majority of it was productive, but there were also moments of relaxation and focus on the present.

One of the things that kept ringing through my head all day was a small handful of quotes from Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl. While laying in bed I switched up books for a change of pace and can across some of my favorite concepts. To summarize, they are all focused on remembering that we all always have a choice to make in our attitudes and emotions. Suffering, setbacks, challenges, and frustrations are all a part of our life and it is in how we handle them that we shape who we are.

And there were always choices to make. Every day, every hour, offered the opportunity to make a decision, a decision which determined whether you would or would not submit to those powers which threatened to rob you of your very self…

The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity – even under the most difficult circumstances – to add a deeper meaning to his life. It may remain brave, dignified, and unselfish. Or in the bitter fight for self-preservation he may forget his human dignity and become no more than an animal. Here lies the chance for a man either to make use of or to forgo the opportunities of attaining the moral values that a difficult situation may afford him. An this decides whether he is worthy of his sufferings or not.

… the tendency there was to look into the past, to help make the present, with all its horrors, less real. But in robbing the present of it reality there lay a certain danger. It became easy to overlook the opportunities to make something positive of camp life, opportunities which really did exist.

With all going on these quotes were wonderful reminders for me to stay present, focus on choosing my attitude and mindset, grow through adversity, and become better through whatever comes my way.

Thanks!!!

Yessir, that is a mouthful tonight! This is one of those days when leaving a portion out seems a little wrong as each has had an impact.

First off, and out of order, I’m thankful for life. Yes, this should be a pretty basic one but sometimes there are moments in life when I am more in tune with that gratitude. I should pause more often and start the day with that thought. There was a quote by Mahatma Gandhi that struck me today.

“Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Another basic human need I am very aware of and grateful for today is a great night of sleep. Last night I slept like a champ and got well over eight hours. Funny how much more clear my brain is after a great night of sleep. I feel more sharp, on my game, and energetic. There is much I want to do in my waking hours, it would be so easy to sacrifice sleep like I used to back in the day. Funny thing is that when my sleep total goes down my stress goes up, my health has issues, and I’m much less productive. An excellent night of sleep is what really set me up for today.

My day was a ball of fire from start to finish. I’m not quite sure what I was thinking but I scheduled way more into my morning and early afternoon than I probably should have. That said, I was dialed in, prepared, on point, and ready. The high intensity continued through until later in the afternoon and it was awesome! There were more than a few times in which I could feel myself going into a state of flow. The activities I’d chosen were essential, in my wheel house, and were a bit of a challenge. That balance and the tightness of the schedule led to a crazy high level of intensity. Throw in the time later in the day to breathe and take stock of what had transpired and it was almost perfect. I’m thankful for the drive time I have tomorrow morning to provide space to process everything just a bit deeper.

Something else I’m thankful for today was watching the boys bust their butts pulling weeds. Our Winona office building needed a little extra love and then boys wanted to make a few bucks. They loaded up and worked a half day outside while I worked inside. Throughout the afternoon I’d occasionally pop out and see how they were doing. I was impressed, not a whole lot of goofing off, they were working hard and it was great to see. By the time I was ready to head home they were already talking about coming back later in the week to finish up the job and do some additional yard work. Nothing like knowing your kids are busting their butts to make a parent proud.

Thanks!!!

Starting off the week with Monday night yoga has been exactly what the doctor ordered. Jump into work with both feet early Monday morning, go hard all day, shut off the computer, head out to the park, and begin the calm. By the time I’m heading out to yoga my mind is racing. Before I transition out of our first pose my soul is calm.

Yoga is outside at the park so there’s a wonderful feeling of safety as the small group is spread out well over 10 feet from each other. Getting additional time in the fresh air adds to the calming feeling. The downside is that the ground isn’t even close to flat. There are bumps, acorns, sticks, pine cones, pebbles, and ant hills. When doing yoga in the studio we’re always on perfectly level and consistent wood flooring. It is so much easier to balance with perfect conditions like that.

When we started tonight Carol reminded us to take a moment to let our feet get used to the uneven surfaces. Give our feet an opportunity to get used to the imperfections and then begin to find balance in the imbalance. It isn’t as simple as in the perfectly flat studio and everything is just a little different. Balance is set off slightly, angles feel a little awkward, and there’s more purposeful thought needed to get used to it. Uneven surfaces cause discomfort.

As one of my mentors once taught me, “when we are not comfortable we are growing.” So many moment of learning happen when the ground is slightly askew.

On level ground everything comes a little more natural due to muscle memory. In those trainings my brain can go a little too far into auto pilot. On uneven surfaces I have to focus a little more and be a little more intentional – I must be more present. By practicing balance in discomfort I become more present and focused.

On level ground my muscles strengthen and stretch in the same way each practice. On uneven surfaces I have to hold my weight slightly different each time. Muscles just outside of the normal spots get worked. My body stretches in ways it wouldn’t normally stretch. The morning after I often find myself a little more tight and tender thanks to working parts I’m not used to. By working in discomfort I become stronger and more adaptable.

On level ground I am used to where my body can typically go and I don’t go push beyond my normal as much as I should. On uneven surfaces I feel more confident to play. There’s not a “normal” so why not try pushing it a little? I don’t have any preconceived ideas of how far I could go so I am free to go past the limits my mind would typically remind me of. By working in discomfort I free my mind to experiment and play.

Whether in yoga or life there are always two paths to choose. The steady and level is great for practice, for building a base, for starting. If I don’t choose the uneven surfaces occasionally I’ll begin to plateau and stagnate. By purposefully and intentionally moving to an uneven surface I can learn, grow, experiment, and focus more than ever. The way of unevenness, off balance, and slightly askew is the path of growth. If I live on the flat I’ll grow, but if I live on the uneven path I’ll grow beyond the limits of the flat.

Thanks!!!

A handful of years ago I used to listen to the Freakonomics podcast on a regular basis. There were many memorable and interesting episodes, but one that really stuck out was on “the upside of quitting.”

Kind of a crazy thought, isn’t it? How often in life are we told that quitting is never the right answer? Or “don’t be a quitter”? There’s also the all time fan favorite – “quitters never win.” Throughout life our brains are wired to see quitting as a failure, the sign of a poor character, and as weakness incarnate. Honestly, when the thought of quitting anything crosses my mind I get a little shiver of discomfort up and down my spine. It just doesn’t seem natural.

One of the four core values of my teams is Grit – passion and perseverance for a long term goal. Quitting just doesn’t fit that value. By even acknowledging Grit as a value I’m setting the tone that quitting will not be tolerated.

Tonight the boys and I fired up Alone for a couple of episodes and saw one of the rarities of the show. One of the contestants was forced to be pulled due to massive weight loss. After surviving in the Arctic for almost two months alone and with only the food she could trap, hunt, or collect herself she just wasn’t able to consume enough calories to maintain a healthy weight. When she showed us what she looked like all we saw was a skin covered skeleton. The show’s doctors determined that she needed to be pulled due to the health risks of losing so much weight. If she was allowed to continue she would have been at high risk of multiple organ failure and death. Hence, they forced her to go home (after seeking immediate medical attention).

Thanks to the format of “Alone” we were able to hear her inner monologue. Do you know what she was saying when she was looking at herself the night before the medical check? “I was nervous to look at myself, but I’m so glad I did!” “Look at how strong I look?” “I look like an Ironman triathlete!” “Look at my muscle definition!” All she saw was a strong and healthy body that was ready to continue. Quitting was the last thing on her mind. When she was told she was getting pulled her level of shock was painful to watch. She literally had no idea she wasn’t healthy!

How in the world could this be? Her perception and reality were so out of alignment that anyone with a basic understanding of human health could understand it.

Simple… she is an incredibly gritty individual who would never have quit under any circumstance. Period. She was tough as nails and was willing to do anything to reach her goal of winning the show. Not sold on how gritty she was? Here’s a few fun facts. She cut herself horribly on the thumb. She accidentally stabbed herself in the leg with an arrow that was covered in squirrel blood. She accidentally lit her shelter on fire and put it out with her hands. Oh yeah, she was also bitten in the hand by a squirrel. Any of these individual incidents could have been a game ended for her and yet each time she seemed to get up even stronger than before. She wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of her dream and she proved it over and over again.

But what happens when grit is used in the wrong way? What if we get to the point that the best move for us truly is to quit? How do we know it? How do we “flip the Grit switch off” when quitting becomes the right answer? How do we really know if quitting is the right answer or if maybe we should grit it out instead?

I hope you’re not looking to me for an answer… I’m struggling on this one too!

It seems so easy to make the call from a third party perspective. She looked like she was about to die and therefore she should quit – death is not worth the price of victory. How often have we heard the story of the mountain climber who pushes back on the preset turnaround time only to die chasing their dream? “Why would they do that? I would never do that, it’s not worth it.”

So today I’m thankful for a thought that will be hanging in my mind for quite some time. Maybe I need to fire up that old podcast again – there may be a nugget I am missing. Today I’m content with letting that seed in my mind establish roots and grow.

Thanks!!!

When going back to re-read some of my favorite books there are always ideas that impact me a little differently based on what is going on in my life at the time of the reading. Sometimes a point might be totally lost on me in one read but then hits me right between the eyes the next. I am truly seeing why some people swear by the “Five Foot Shelf” theory that all the books one truly needs for a true education can fit on a five foot long shelf. Instead of reading new, focus on reading those five feet of paper voraciously and in great depth. Essentialism – The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown has continued to solidify its argument for its 3/4″ on the shelf during each reading.

What I am thankful for today is a lesson from the book that I’ve kind of cruised by quickly in the past. The ideas is one that I have read but have glossed over, falsely thinking I’d already had it figured out. This time around I’ve realized that I need to focus on it even more if I want to continue to improve not only my writing, but my gratitude practice and joy.

The concept? Looking for the lead. Yes, very simple. He describes it as the skill that the best journalists poses, the ability to look past and through all the details to truly distill all the information into the one unifying theme that really matters to anyone. What is the lead of the story? What is the concept that the entire rest of the information pivots on?

In life there is so much noise and extraneous detail. I find that I can easily be pulled in one direction or another via logic or emotion. Sometimes there’s so much to process that all of my energy goes there instead of digging to find the deeper meaning. As I reflect and think back I see that those are often the moments when my blogging – and my thought process – is focused on relaying the details and information. The true why, the true meaning, the real lesson are all left for someone else to find on their own. Sadly, when I write that way I often lose sight of that and end up just reporting versus processing and thinking. When my blog really “feels right” it’s usually when I’ve stumbled upon the lead. Everything makes sense because I can pause and say “that’s what it’s really all about!” In an instant I can see the essence of what I am thankful for and it is so much greater than each individual part.

Sitting here initially pondering what I am thankful for today my brain was swirling in several different directions. I almost felt creatively choked by the options and my thought processes. In an instant my brain tripped back to what I’d read yesterday… to find the lead. My mind wasn’t cleared, but I was able to set everything on the periphery. I mentally examined each piece individually. I let my brain put different components together to see how they all fit. After a little while I could see the core concept very clearly in front of me.

The funny thing is that what I found wasn’t what I wanted to blog about today! The process I’d just gone through to mentally unpack my brain and find the lead was priceless! In a short period of time I was able to help my brain put everything together into one common theme and that brought about a sublime state of serenity.

If you haven’t picked up Essentialism yet, please feel free to check it out if you’re ever feeling pulled in too many directions. Just be a little warned, it will make you feel a little uncomfortable at times as it pushes you out of your comfort zone. After reading it I’d be sure to strike up a conversation with you about it if you’d like.

Thanks!!!

There were many ways I could have taken my blog tonight. Had I tried to give specifics and details it would never have completely told the story. Sometimes the story gets in the way of its own essence.

From wake up this morning until bed this evening I haven’t picked up my phone once. No email, no calls, no texts, no checking weather, no social media, no news, and no random surfing. It has been on my nightstand all day long and will be there throughout the overwhelming portion of tomorrow.

Throughout the overwhelming majority of the day I was focused on being intentionally present in all I was doing in the moment. I focused on not being nervous, not thinking to the future, not being worried, not thinking about things outside my control, and not letting my mind wander. I was focused on being present in all I did.

They day has been a wild one and there’s been a lot going on. That said, I’ve found deeper calm, deeper meaning, and inner peace that I wouldn’t have had if I wouldn’t have focused on being present in each moment.

Was I perfect in my endeavor? Not by a long shot. I have much improvement in front of me. Did I make progress and grow today? Yes. One step forward, many more to go.

Thanks!!!

After seeing each of the boys head out on the tube I started to get an idea. Once Nick jumped on with Lauren I saw the idea could hatch into a reality. Against my better judgement I asked Nick if he wanted to hop on the tube like we did back in the good ol’ days when we were kids. Jennifer hit the throttle and we were off!

Between all the bouncing from wave to wave I learned a few things:

• Re-living childhood memories can be a blast, albeit a little uncomfortable
• My back hasn’t quite bend like that in many years
• I don’t remember all of my body parts hurting that much when I was younger
• No matter how hard I dug my toes into the water behind me they were no match for the power of the boat motor
• Even after 40 years of knowing each other Nick and I can still talk each other into fun/bad ideas
• Shared suffering with a brother can also be an awesome source of laughter
• It’s fun to act like a big kid

Something else I’m thankful for? Getting back on the boat in the same condition as when I got on the tube. Funny, thirty years ago that wasn’t even a thought. Today it something I’m grateful for.

Throughout the day we’ve had a ton of family time which has been awesome. Occasionally there’ve been some moments of downtime. In those quiet moments I’ve reached for one of my favorite books – Essentialism by Greg McKeown. If I could only read a half dozen non-fiction for the rest of my life it would be one. Sometimes I’m a slow learner and I need to read, re-read, re-re-read, and re-re-re-read books to let them start to sink in completely. Honestly, I’m not even sure how many times I’ve read Essentialism, but I know it is four at minimum. Each time different things hit me a little deeper than before. I’ve enjoyed seeing points where I’ve made progress as well as finding next areas of weakness to target. The whole mindset is very much a process and re-re-re-reading it is helping me continue to stay on the path.

The funny part is that this time its been because of what I’ve learned from this book that I have time to read it! By eliminating the nonessential (mindless tapping and swiping on my phone) I’ve created more space in my life to read.

Thanks!!!

One of my tactics for reducing my phone screen time is to keep a book with me at almost all times. When there’s a pause and I feel the gravity to reach for my phone I instead reach for my book. It’s crazy how much more reading I’ve been doing via this process!

Today I grabbed my copy of The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday. When I opened up to my most recent bookmark there was a mind blowing quote that really resonated with me.

Problems are rarely as bad as we think – or rather, they are precisely as bad as we think.

It’s a huge step forward to realize to happen is never the event, but the event AND losing your head. Because then you’ll have two problems (one of them unnecessary and post hoc).

With all that is going on in the world I can’t help but think of how many times I’ve gotten worked up, fired up, or angry over something out of my control – or worse, something that hasn’t even happened yet. How often have I lost my cool and lost my head? How much extra stress did I bring upon myself (and unintentionally to others) as a result of creating a worse situation than what I originally faced?

The next time something unexpectedly goes wrong this will be one of the first things to cross my mind… the mind I will intentionally choose to keep during the challenge.

Sometimes I have to censor my blogs for professional reasons – today is one of those days. That said, I’m confident I can make my point while staying within the lines of professionalism.

Over the past few days I’ve been interviewing many candidates for a new position. In those conversations there have been a few who have stuck out in incredibly positive ways. High energy, positive attitudes, histories of success, excellent examples of both growth mindset and grit. The conversations went so well I felt like I was talking with someone who was already on our team. They could see where we wee going and the conversation flowed like I was talking with a teammate and friend. Those interviews all left me feeling energized, excited, and even more confident in our future. I’m grateful for all of those excellent interviews this week!

Thanks!!!

Hmm… What am I thankful for today? My mind is kind of feeling like mush as it’s been kind of nonstop since I woke up this morning. The morning flew past in a turbulent confluence of phone interviews, prep, calls, brainstorming sessions, planning, and everything in between. The rest of workday kept up that breakneck pace as I plowed through a task list that seems to keep growing faster. That said, I really like where this is all leading to. We’ve got a handful of excellent things rolling that are going to be very awesome in a matter of a few weeks. It almost feels like the building pressure before a wicked summer storm… the pressure builds into a crescendo, hits hard, and then leaves the world more green, beautiful, clean, and cool. I just need to batten down the hatches (and sneak a few peaks at the strength of the storm to enjoy viewing its power) and know this is all for the one term good.

All that said, it’s been a fun day. After work we ate, ran to the grocery store and got everything done around the house. While I type this is the first time I’ve sat down and enjoyed the sound of quiet all day. After typing that sentence I just realized I sat here and just listened to the sound of the crickets for a moment or so. How relaxing to hear the sounds of nature through open windows while enjoying a moment of silence?

I know I’m rambling a bit here, but I think what I’m most grateful for today is taking the time to pause, think, reflect, and type my blog tonight. It’s a brief respite to stop and collect my thoughts.It’s time for me to process all that’s gone on today and put meaning to it, to draw meaning from it, and to learn from the day. These moments of peace are when my mind has the quiet to think and my soul has the serenity to be present. There are no demands on me or my time, the only task to complete is to consider the day and all the things I am grateful for in it. The sound of this quiet peace is a beautiful thing.

One other thing that I’m very thankful for today has started happening a little more and more often recently. Old friends and acquaintances have kind of come out of the blue to talk strategy and life. Each has been a very welcome addition to my day and I’m thankful for those rekindled connections. They inspire me to remember to utilize my time for the right things and to connect with people via real conversation instead of social media dialogue. Social media is easier, but conversation is better. In all cases it’s amazing how our dialogue flows right back into the same old rhythms, kind of like riding a bicycle. They’ve all added an extra touch of joy to my life and I grateful for them.

So there we have it, another day, more things to be grateful for. I’m so blessed to have this time to think and be, to have a life filled with busyness building towards some great things, and to reconnect with past colleagues.

Thanks!!!

It can be so easy to focus on the obstacles we are all facing with COVID. Things are not normal. We aren’t able to do many of the things we love in quite the same way we used to. We aren’t able to readily hang out in person with the loved ones we’d like to spend time with like we could only five months ago. The gravitational pull towards the obstacle is so great sometimes. It takes a strong will and effort in order to stay positive and find a solution.

Isn’t it inspiring when you see people and businesses finding solutions instead of being frustrated? Their positive and optimistic spirit lift us all up and remind us to abandon negativity. They stop, think, and find a way to get back to a “new” form of normal. When I see someone persevere and create their own path like this I can’t help but pause and wonder think about the mental obstacles I cower at. How can I be like them and find a way to be successful? What do I need to look at just a little differently to find a way to create success? How can I muster up the positivity and optimism they used to push through and persevere?

And this is where I have to give huge kudos to Mandy, Nick and the entire Root Down Yoga Studio family.

Root Down is where Becky and I used to go somewhere between 1-2 times per week (depending on the boys’ activities during the week). Their heated studio was a place of deep serenity for us. A place we could have our yoga date nights. An opportunity to decompress after a long day of adulting. An awesome all around workout that left us a sweaty, yet very relaxed, puddle. A place where we made new friends and had fun interactions. A place of inspiration and deep thought. That heated area is a place in La Crosse we totally are in love with and can’t wait to get back to.

If you know Root Down even a little it’s no surprise that they have followed every guideline and best practice in order to keep everyone as healthy as possible. When there could no longer be classes indoors they pivoted and started offering an online class on the weekends that people could Zoom in for. They did that to keep cash coming in, right? Nope! They donate 100% of the class donations to local nonprofits across the area? How incredible is that? Becky gets her weekly yoga inside (I struggle to focus doing it in the house) thanks to Root Down’s willingness to find a way to continue. You can check out their next class at: https://www.facebook.com/rootdownyogastudio/

For the folks like me who struggle at home they started doing classes OUTSIDE at local parks. Very strict social distancing rules are in place at all times and the numbers of classmates are very limited (be sure to sign up early!). As someone living in a high risk household I haven’t for one second felt even remotely nervous being in those classes. Not only does it give me an opportunity to have yoga again it also blends so much of what we miss from being inside – interaction with the class and the teachers. Having a real life instructor coaching us from the front makes all the difference for me. For the 60 minute practice I don’t even know that COVID exists. It’s a very welcomed reprieve from all that’s going on in the world. It makes a huge impact on my emotional well being and I feel so much more relaxed after going.

I’m so thankful for Root Down’s willingness to stay positive, stay upbeat, and find a way to keep offering yoga. They inspire me to remember to find ways to create awesomeness when I run into an obstacle. Mandy, Nick, and the rest of the Root Down family – thank you for being such outstanding human beings and bringing joy to our lives!

I’d be remiss to not give a HUGE shoutout and thank you to Pam. She’s been our instructor quite a bit recently and her coaching and instruction is AWESOME!!! Pam is always upbeat, outgoing, smiling, and so easy to talk with. One of the things I specifically appreciate is her willingness to push me past where I think I can go. There have been more than a few times when she’s helped me stretch further or hold longer than I normally would have. This evening she totally busted me dogging it and talked me into getting both legs straight up in the air doing tripod. Coaches who push us just past the edge of what we thought possible yet not so far that we fall are the best in the world. Pam – dude, thank so being such an awesome coach, a source of positivity, for smiling constantly, and for pushing me. I appreciate it greatly!

Thanks!!!