Does the number 1,440 have any meaning to you? If not, it should. We only have 1,440 minutes each day. How can we maximize that time and prioritize the things that matter most? It’s hard, and no matter how proficient we are at optimizing our schedule, no one is perfect and we all slip up. Fortunately, there is a roadmap that can help. Psychologists point towards five fundamental areas that warrant our focus to cultivate a rewarding life:
Relationships: Nurture meaningful bonds with family, friends, partners, and coworkers.
Health: Emphasize both physical and mental vitality, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sound mental health.
Spirituality: Cultivate inner tranquility, purpose, and a deeper connection with the cosmos, regardless of religious affiliations or personal belief systems.
Learning: Pursue incessant personal evolution and cognitive advancement, promoting a lifelong learning ethos.
Work: Optimize your professional endeavors and monetary stability, melding career progression and job satisfaction.
Juggling all five may seem like a Herculean task. However, an approach based on balance, time-management, and self-awareness can go a long way in bringing harmony to these domains. Which pillar feels like a bit of a struggle for you? How do they line up in your life right now? For me and Rachel, putting 'relationships' front and center, particularly our marriage, tends to make managing the rest a whole lot easier. But don't get me wrong, it's a dance. Thriving in your relationship is a tall order if you're battling health issues or feeling unfulfilled at work. It's all about giving each pillar its fair share of your time. If you're interested in diving deeper into this topic and bringing about positive change, I recommend James Clear's article on the Eisenhower Box method. Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, draws lessons from the lifestyle and disciplined routine of, you guessed it, former President Dwight Eisenhower. Trust me, it's a worthy read!
Artificial Imagination I'm currently obsessed with neon shades and landscapes. So this week, I imagined a neon-hued beach. There's something about this picture, with that lone person heading towards the water, that sparks a whole saga in my mind. Maybe a project for another day?
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created on MidJourney V5.1
Vibe Challenge Neon Dream: For this week's challenge, I'd love to see you take a swing at creating your own neon dream with MidJourney v5.1. If you're new to the world of AI, don't sweat the small stuff. Just enjoy the process. And a word to the wise: it can become very addictive!
My Weekly Vibe
Book: There are some books that truly resonate with specific stages of life and business. For me, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz was perfect for learning more about scaling an organization and managing people. Horowitz is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley's most respected venture capital firms. He wrote this book to offer hard-earned insights into the toughest problems business schools don't cover. His work is particularly valuable if you've already taken the reins of an organization and are navigating the challenges of growth.The content may not be relevant to everyone's journey. Regardless, the book is an entertaining read with its clever infusion of Dr. Dre references and personal anecdotes.
Movie: Last week, I was absolutely riveted by 'BlackBerry,' a new biographical comedy-drama. Not your run-of-the-mill business film, it's an engrossing tale of the BlackBerry - the world's first smartphone. The movie follows Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the duo behind BlackBerry's dazzling ascent and dramatic downfall. It's a story-led, character-driven masterclass in storytelling with rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. The acting is absolutely stellar, making this movie a must-watch.
Snack: Most days I find myself needing a little extra something to hold me over until dinner. I found these surprisingly delicious steamed asparagus snack packs. Maybe I’m weird for snacking on asparagus, but I promise it’s way better than it sounds. Also, each pack is only 15 calories, vegan, gluten free and a bunch of other healthy stuff. Try one for yourself!
Wine: If, like me, you love a glass of bold red wine with dinner, you’ve got to check out Herman Story Wines. They are crafting some seriously tasty wines, like the ‘Milk and Honey’ blend – it’s a date night favorite. Bottles can be hard to find, but, for locals, I’ve found it at La Fable and Harvest Tide. Or, if you’re feeling a little adventurous and the budget allows, why not make a trip to California and visit their tasting room in Paso Robles? It’s definitely on my bucket list.
Russell P. From, founder of Herman Story Wines
Weekly Muse "Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away." - Marcus Aurelius
Real Estate (Delaware + Maryland) The more things change, the more they stay the same….
Over the past week, there hasn't been much fluctuation in the market. Housing inventory continues to be extremely limited. Home prices have remained relatively stable in most regions. Buyers continue to struggle finding homes within their budgets, and sellers are reluctant to move. Over 90% of homeowners across the country either have a mortgage rate less than 6% or own their homes outright. So it's a tough decision for many to swap a 2.8% mortgage rate for one at 6.8%. Nevertheless, some people are compelled to move due to factors like job relocations, the arrival of new babies, or retirement. For such individuals, the key is to be patient and to work with a savvy agent. When buyers do find the right home, it's crucial to act swiftly and make a strong offer. Otherwise, the house may be off the market quicker than Kanye's last sponsorship deal.
Anyone want to go halfsies on (buy this and I’ll visit) this insane estate in Easton, Maryland? Think of the Gatsby parties you could host! (courtesy of Benson & Mangold)
Unusual Depressing Find MTV’s TRL first aired almost 24 years ago! I remember rushing home from school to catch those music videos and debating with my buddies who was the better catch—Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera. If you want to take a trip down memory lane, check out this Spotify playlist that will bring back all the feels. Or you can wander down a ‘90’s kids’ rabbit hole with this article about the show.
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