Excited to Wake Up Tomorrow

I've really been looking forward to getting my days started. Setting a schedule; sticking to it. Like many others, I find this time to be best utilized accomplishing things that I should've prioritized more appropriately anyway.

The theme song of this historical moment in time is "Discipline" from a young, San Francisco legend, Larry June. A couple lines that stand out are, "All my credit cards paid off, ain't s*** changed/I never ask for favors, b****, I'm self made". My chief responsibility during this time has been to improve my financial knowledge. It never has been and never will be anyone's obligation to hand us anything (*clears throat*). We have everything to gain from seeking and studying the information for ourselves and our families.

Another point of emphasis at this time... my business. Honorable Mention has been quiet in the last year, and of course that bothers me deeply. What better time to plot, plan, and design. This project also ties into the above statement, as I know longer want funding to be a barrier. Getting things done is far better things being perfect. I've also formulated another business venture that I'll share details regarding in the very near future.

One last thing. I encourage you to take this time to learn how to do things that you pay others to do for you. I love collaboration and strongly support small business, but it never hurts to understand the process. There's a myriad of free educational course all over the Internet. My go-to is edX.

Summation: I'm only "stuck" in the classroom. Let's make the most of this time and be an asset to society during the process.

LB

Time is of The Essence

I'm a strong advocate for not living in fear. By the same merit, I also think that all things, big or small, have a cause and effect. Generally speaking, we as people have been living pretty negligent for years. The fact that something of this magnitude could (and is) happening is always a possibility. We are not invincible.

Back to the topic of fear. By definition, the word means "to be afraid of someone or something as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening". In this case, that "something" is invisible and there is still quite a bit of guesswork going into how to combat it. The media certainly isn't doing us any favors in terms of providing a reassuring presence, and we should not think of them as that voice of reason. That's our responsibility.

The key is not being frustrated by this time. After all, I think time is what many of us need. Most importantly, I think the planet needs a break. Ideal outcome is that we come out of this knowing nature deserves better. Have you taken the time to consider who much we take from the world's resources with little reciprocation? How about how much we take from one another with very little reciprocation? Please, take this time to ponder, identify, and improve.

Stay safe, healthy, and productive. Love & Light.

Transplantation

Exactly 10 days ago, I packed up and left the place I've called "The Crib" all 28 years of my life. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't an emotional experience. The motions I went through the last few days prior to departure were crazy. However, everything that has occurred since I reached my new locational canvas of adventure has affirmed my decision. All the ups and downs of trying to pull it off were certainly worth it.

Now, the desert is home. The city of Phoenix is really growing on me. Although I've visited many times, it just hitting me that this is home... and I'm super excited to be stepping out of my comfort zone in a place that has many opportunities that I like to offer. The people are pure comedy: they bring out the heavy artillery of coats and boots for 65 degree weather. I've gotten some stares for wearing shorts, but folks would be on the beach if it were 65 in Chicago right now (LOL). 

Still maneuver through the higher education landscape, although I'm doing something completely different that shall be an interesting test. Still have plans to delivery great product through Honorable Mention (setting up shop, 2019 here we come). Still tuned into getting my golf game back right, in the perfect place to do so. Always remaining true to everything someone has taught me or I've taught myself, no matter what the address is. 

I have the best companion ever to get after the good, the bad, and the ugly with. Very, very happy we're here. Overly proud of us. 

Before I end, I just want say that if you're waiting to "be ready" for a major shift in your life, chances are your mind will play tricks on you and you'll never actually feel prepared. The high power got you, though. Your real family got you, too (even if they don't show it at first). Most importantly, you got you.

Podcast... Currently obsessed with podcast.

Lately, I've been very conscientious about what I take in... in all forms. Being that everything you interact with shapes you in some way, it's our responsibility to form a database of information that leads us in a positive direction. For me, my daily commute is long. Like, two hours each way long. Does the grind get annoying from time to time? Yes. Despite the challenge, I view my commute (mostly train, some walking) as an educational opportunity. I've began listening to less music that really isn't contributing to what I'm working towards, and focusing time on material that opens my mind and builds me up. 


With that being said, let's talk about podcast. Not sure if I'm late or early (I'm usually late), but there's a few podcast I think would be beneficial to any young person navigating their way through adulthood. Here are my top three in current rotation:

• Short Story Long: If you didn't watch Rob & Big at some point from 2006-08, what happened? Rob Dyrdek's cousin, Chris Pfaff (better known as Drama), turns out to be quite the entrepreneur. Along with being the founder and CEO of Young & Reckless Clothing, he host a weekly show entitled Short Story Long interviewing a who's who of individuals excelling in their chosen fields. It's overwhelmingly inspiring, and tangible jews are shared that are applicable to whatever you're into. I haven't heard one negative vibe yet. This is my morning go-to and helps me understand that the process is a process that has to be cultivated and loved. 

• How I Built This: I was put on notice of How I Built This around the time of Kate Spade's death. Her interview alongside her husband detailed where it all started (literally trappin' out of a tiny apartment, boxes everywhere), and is a testament that consistency matched with an all-in approach will get you where you desire to be. The episode with Daymond John (founder of FUBU) is a beautifully put together. A good "just get started" lesson. No one has it figured out at the beginning.

• Stacking Benjamins: Are you looking for a quality resource in terms of money management and investing? Listen to this! Great advice. Great principles. Even better guest. Comedy is even brought into the mix when money is often looked upon as no laughing matter. Very good work, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG. Disclaimer: I find the show is very ad heavy, but I'm not hating on them paying the bills. We are talking money, right?

The list can go on for eternity, but this is my staple collection right now. Let me know if they help spark some ideas! 

If it's not on my calendar, I'm not doing it.

Really, really. It's crazy how our electronic, synced to multiple devices calendar apparatus has become an extension of our minds. Or is it just me? I certainly feel bad when telling someone I'll attend this or that, only to forget placing it on my calendar, thus forgetting my word to said person. And, you know what? I used to feel slighted when someone gave me the same excuse (for lack of a better word). It indeed isn't an excuse, but rather the truth. A piece of material that weights 4-5 ounces literally tells us where to go, how to get there, and what we will be doing when we get there. Wow. Pretty neat when you really think about it. Being a part of the generation just before smartphones kind of makes me feel bad about the position we're in. Life seemed less complicated then. These days, daily planners just sit on shelves, waiting to go on sale. What a dismal, slow death at the hands of the digital lifestyle. 

And to think, as I'm writing this feeling bad for nostalgic reasons, I instinctively pick up my iPhone, open the Calendar app (after unlocking phone with my face), and smile at the day I have lined up with all the specifics detailed properly. The little things.