"Gaining enlightenment is an accident. Spiritual practice simply makes us accident-prone.” - Suzuki Roshi There’s a famous story in the world of Zen Buddhism where the Zen master says to the student “Enlightenment is an accident.” To this the student stands up and yells in frustration, “Accident! You’re telling me that it’s all an accident?! If that’s … Continue reading Getting Lucky Takes Practice
The Layering Technique for Habit Formation
Today I want to share a simple hack for building positive habits into your life. A technique I call “Layering”. No matter how crappy you are with habit formation, I promise that this one will work for you. The premise is simple - start off with one positive habit, and then start layering other positive … Continue reading The Layering Technique for Habit Formation
Demystifying the Law of Attraction
The “Law of Attraction” is a concept I have a hard time believing in. It’s one of those mystical, psuedo-scientific, woo-woo hippie concepts I just can’t seem to give credit to. Books like “The Secret” and “The Law of Attraction” and names like Abraham Hicks pop up all over the internet and have a cult-like … Continue reading Demystifying the Law of Attraction
You get what you’re looking for
Today I’d like to start off by telling two stories that I believe illustrate an important principle in life - the principle that “you get what you’re looking for.” Both of these are not my original stories, and I don’t know where they originally came from, so apologies in advance for any accidental plagiarism. Story … Continue reading You get what you’re looking for
The Law of Sequencing
A universal law that I have been noticing and applying lately in my life is what I like to call "sequencing". Sequencing AKA the order in which you do things, plays a very big role in the results that you get in life, whether it be at work, in relationships, or in your own personal … Continue reading The Law of Sequencing
The Black Belt Mindset
During my recent trip to Brazil I had the opportunity to go to a Jiu Jitsu tournament. A friend of mine (black belt!) was competing in the 80 kilo weight class and invited me to join. Opportunity I couldn't pass up! It was an awesome event because it wasn’t just one fight - at any … Continue reading The Black Belt Mindset
Kill the Dragon
I believe that how you start your morning is largely a predictor of your ability to dominate a day. If you wake up early, have a consistent practice such as exercise or meditation, and take conscious effort to gain control over your body and mind first thing when you wake up, you will be better … Continue reading Kill the Dragon
You are ALREADY the best version of yourself
One of the things that pisses me off about the world of self-help, self-development, etc etc. is that there is this assumption that there is something wrong with us. That we need to improve areas of our lives to become the best versions of ourselves. I'm guilty of it as well. I see the version … Continue reading You are ALREADY the best version of yourself
Only YOU can make yourself happy/sad/angry/calm
I believe that you and only you are in control of your happiness. If you are happy, it’s your fault. If you’re sad, angry, depressed, it’s your fault. Only YOU can control and regulate your mood on a daily basis. We can’t control what external events happen to us in life - but the one … Continue reading Only YOU can make yourself happy/sad/angry/calm
Every memory has a feeling attached to it
I want you to try an exercise with me right now. Close your eyes. Take five to ten deep breaths. Think of a memory that brings a smile to your face. Something that instantly makes you happy. Hold that image in your mind. Try to make it as vivid as possible. Then pause. Try to … Continue reading Every memory has a feeling attached to it