High school graduation pic | Class of 2007
When we think about our personal journeys, we tend to focus on the high points—the triumphs and successes that make us proud. But often, it's our failures and the adversities we've overcome that truly shape us. Here are a couple personal stories about overcoming adversity that have deeply impacted my life and career. The Battle of the Bulge Some of you might recall my high school days, when I weighed a hefty 300 pounds. I struggled with self-esteem, fitting in, and all the obvious challenges facing an obese 17 year old. The summer after graduation was a turning point—participation in a one week boot camp program led by the Delaware State Police catalyzed a drastic weight loss. It involved early morning runs and eating only what they gave us, kicking off a significant change that led to a loss of over 100 pounds by the time I started college just a couple months later. In just one week at this camp, I lost 15-20 pounds. Motivated by this change, I decided to maintain the routine. I committed to running daily (for, I think, 400 days straight) and eating just two moderate sized meals each day. Of course, maintaining this regimen was not easy, but it was my stepping stone to a healthier lifestyle. Now, I maintain a steady weight and regularly workout at my local CrossFit gym (shout out to Kal-El). This has significantly improved my fitness level beyond what cardio did to shed the pounds. As fitness expert Jillian Michaels stated, "It's not about perfection. It's about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where transformation happens. That's how change occurs." This transformation taught me discipline and resilience and boosted my confidence—traits that would prove vital in my entrepreneurial journey. The (Very Brief) Life and Death of RunFuel I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit, from selling knick-knacks I'd find around the house (back to my parents who bought them in the first place) as a child to owning and operating a successful landscaping business before I could even drive. I actually had to pay people to drive me around! My spirit of enterprise was further ignited after stumbling upon a couple business books and podcasts which led me to embark on an ambitious journey to start a business called RunFuel—a mixable powder to fuel runners with a burst of energy. I hired virtual assistants (VAs) from overseas, sourced products from China, and put in effort to test and market the product. But amidst the excitement, I faced two significant hurdles: the cost of producing RunFuel was higher than what the market was willing to pay, and around the same time, I learned that we were expecting our first child. I lost interest and the business fizzled before it could truly take off. The experience was disheartening and I felt a sense of embarrassment. However, when I reflect on it now, I realize the experience taught me valuable skills. I was managing VAs, coordinating with overseas producers, marketing, and so much more. The lessons I learned became instrumental when I later ventured into real estate, where I continue to focus much of my efforts. Robert Kiyosaki says, "In school, we learn that mistakes are bad, and we are punished for making them. Yet, if you look at the way humans are designed to learn, we learn by making mistakes. We learn to walk by falling down. If we never fell down, we would never walk." Embracing this concept of learning from failure has transformed my entrepreneurial journey. Both of these life lessons—the weight loss and the business flop—taught me about resilience, discipline, and the power of self-confidence. And they've had a positive impact on everything from my social life to my marriage, and my overall happiness. It's a constant reminder that no obstacle is too big to overcome. So, as you journey through life, remember: your failures and adversities aren't the end of the world. They're just redirection to better paths. And, in the words of my parents, “shake it off, and get back at it.”
Artificial Imagination Speaking of resilience, isn’t it remarkable how swiftly nature can reclaim its territory and transform it into something uniquely beautiful. In this image, I envisioned an old, abandoned bar in a tropical resort that has been entirely retaken by the forces of nature. Intriguing, isn't it?
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created on MidJourney V5.2
Vibe Challenge Strength in Struggles Challenge: Each day this week, reflect on a challenge you've successfully navigated. Then, identify a particular skill or personal trait you've developed or strengthened as a result of overcoming that adversity.
My Weekly Vibe
City: I spent a quick 24 hours in Asheville, NC recently on my way to a wedding. I know it’s been buzzy for years, and everyone is familiar with the incredible Biltmore Mansion, but the hype is real! The food was off the charts (we loved Cúrate) and the beer and wine scene may be the best I’ve seen for a city that size. It’s a very walkable city with endless things to get into. If hiking is your thing, the Great Smokies are right outside your door. I love where I live, but if I ever wanted to move south, Asheville would be high on my list.
Tech: Meta is on a mission to kill Twitter, so maybe the Elon v. Zuckerberg fight rumors are real? The actual news is that Meta is launching a text based social media app called Threads to lure non-Elon disciples over to their platform. It’ll share many of the same features and UX, but with less birds and more ease for users of Facebook and Instagram. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming months. I always enjoy good ol’ fashioned billionaire brawl.
Sleep: If you’re like me and need a silent room with no light to get a restful sleep, then don’t have kids. In all seriousness, this sleep mask is amazing for creating that pitch black atmosphere even when little feet come tumbling in with a flashlight. It’s super comfortable and works well for side sleepers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t solve the occasional snoring problem, ahem Rachel
Beer: I typically lean towards the red vino, but I don't shy away from a well-crafted beer occasionally. Especially when a wine glass might draw curious glances on sandy shores or beside the pool. So, naturally, as the mercury rises, so does my beer intake. But, when I do savor a beer, I prefer quality over anything (apologies to Coors Light aficionados). The finest I've ever tasted is named 'King Julius', an American Double IPA that strikes an impeccable balance between hoppiness and fruitiness. The bad news? It calls for a road trip to Connecticut to acquire, due to their limited distribution and speedy sell-outs. Luckily for me, I have a buddy who regularly undertakes this journey and returns bearing a hefty haul. If you find yourself in the vicinity, I hear that the brewery itself is a fun spot, worth a tour.
Billionaire Brawl | Photo Cred: Blue Wizard / Kotaku
Weekly Muse "The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." - Confucius
Real Estate While the real estate market isn't exactly setting off fireworks, there are definitely some regions throwing more than just a sparkler party...
If you haven’t noticed, the U.S. is experiencing a considerable wealth migration—$100 billion, to be precise—with its economic center of gravity tilting towards the Southeast. In a span of two years, this region welcomed 2.2 million new residents, equivalent to the population of Philly combined with Denver! Consequently, six burgeoning southern states have overtaken the Northeast in GDP contributions, an unprecedented shift. This movement isn't limited to individuals; corporations like Dun & Bradstreet are strategically relocating their headquarters to the South. Cities like Nashville, Atlanta, and Charlotte are now top-tier destinations, signaling a significant paradigm shift in the American economic landscape. For both homeowners and investors, the Southeast is unequivocally emerging as an epicenter of opportunity. It might be time to start working on that Southern drawl
Since we recently celebrated the birth of our great nation, I thought I’d share this beauty that was brought to life that same year. Do you think the $30 million estate comes with a cleaning service? (courtesy of McLean Faulconer Inc, Realtors)
Unusual Find Every 25th of December, the tiny town of Santo Tomas in Peru joyously observes "Takanakuy", a term from the Quechua language that translates to "to strike one another". People of all ages and genders, including men, women, and kids, use this occasion to settle old disputes through physical combat. Subsequently, they all partake in communal drinking, symbolizing the start of a new year on a fresh note. This unique tradition has gradually permeated other settlements and urban areas, with Cuzco and Lima being notable examples. Americans probably couldn’t handle this, right? Although, it does sound a bit like Festivus to me...
Photo Cred: Fascinating Twitter Thread
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