I’m reading Cal Newport’s So Good They Can’t Ignore You, and I keep seeing his argument play out in real time at work. Newport says rare and valuable skills — career capital — are what give you leverage. The craftsman builds that capital through reps, not passion. Show up, get deep, get good. The leverage … Continue reading The Craftsman and the Machine
Tag: self-care
Make Your Own Map
Day 75 of 280 | The 7-40 Challenge Nobody is going to hand you the plan. I’ve only started realizing that this year. I knew if I wanted to be successful, I had to name my own goals — not adopt someone else’s and try to chase them with my own passion. That just doesn’t … Continue reading Make Your Own Map
Respond, Don’t React
Day 51 — The 7-40 Challenge February 25, 2026 Zig Ziglar once made a distinction that I think about more than I probably should. He said there’s a difference between responding and reacting. If you go to the doctor and they give you a medicine and ask you to come back in a few days, … Continue reading Respond, Don’t React
Odd Things I’m Grateful For: Day 34 and the Space Gratitude Fills
Day 34 of the 7-40 ChallengeTuesday, February 3, 2026 I got to work at 6:00 AM this morning. I didn't leave my office until 4:30 PM. I spent most of my day in meetings or working through data issues. It was mentally taxing. But because of the program I have in place, I was able … Continue reading Odd Things I’m Grateful For: Day 34 and the Space Gratitude Fills
Day 12: More Than Just Checking Boxes (Why This Challenge Is Emotional)
I'm in the Emotional chapter of "Made to Stick" this morning, and something caught my attention. The Heath brothers tell a story about a soldier cook. He had retired, but when offered an opportunity to cook for soldiers in Iraq, he jumped at the post. When asked about his job, he didn't say "I prepare … Continue reading Day 12: More Than Just Checking Boxes (Why This Challenge Is Emotional)
