30 Years. 30 Reflections.
Later this week I will turn 30 years old. I’m not a big “Birthday Guy,” but this year was different. I’m in a special stage of life, and so I’ve made an effort to be thankful for this particular trip around the sun.
One of the things I wanted to collect was 30 observations, reflections, and pieces of advice that I believe has most formed who I am today.
Here they are.
1. Marriage will complete you
2. Having a child will expand you.
3. Having two children will challenge you. (Even 8-weeks into Double Dad Life)
4. Work ethic is one of the single most valuable skills. Learning to complete tasks to the best of your ability will take you further and open more doors than just about anything.
5. Make an effort to spend time with people you respect. This rarely happens organically on a regular basis. You’ve got to initiate the connection.
6. Read old books. Old books have stood the test of time. The best-seller list isn’t necessarily a representation of quality.
7. Bulgarian split squats are the king of lower body lifts.
8. Measure progress over an uncomfortably long timetable rather than short sprints.
9. Speaking of sprints. The best way to get faster or jump higher is learning to actively strike the ground. Getting stronger will also generally help.
10. Strong glutes will significantly reduce lower body injuries and likely improve any back problems.
11. If you’re stuck while creating, document. Document what you’re doing. Someone will find that helpful or inspiring. Which is the point of creating.
12. Some people are truly talented. But we all have the ability work and improve.
13. Traveling to a new culture should be required. Living in another culture should be highly encouraged.
14. Praise people specifically. Any time you say, “Good job,” follow with exactly what was good.
15. Cooking tasty and nutritious meals for your children is one of the best gifts you can give them. It helps them today, and if you can teach them how to make meals themselves it will serve them for their entire life.
16. To create good art, you must understand the rules of the discipline. Learn the rules so you can learn how to break them. Creatively broken rules are captivating.
17. Learn to apologize sincerely.
18. If you want to give someone a good gift, give them an experience rather than an object. It’s even better if you can join them.
19. Some people are extremely focused on a singular goal. Other people have many aspirations. Neither is better, but it’s important to understand and communicate with both.
20. When someone else has success, it does not imply you won’t have any. “Their piece” has no impact on “your piece.” Blessings aren’t pies. Pies are blessings.
21. The key to physical longevity is finding your balance between strength, mobility, and conditioning. It’s great to spend training cycles focused on one of those, but over time none of them should be neglected.
22. 95% of the time it’s better to listen. But, when its time to speak don’t waste your 5%.
23. Doing fulfilling work that you’re proud of is the epitome of profession.
24. Strength training is such a relevant metaphor for life. Consistent, tough action will ultimately lead you to accomplishing the initially impossible goal.
25. The small tasks that you always procrastinate are the barriers of entry for the life you want. Get in a good habit of completing the small chores.
26. A good warmup leads to a good workout.
27. There IS such a thing as too much caffeine.
28. If you’re chronically tired try spending more time outside.
29. Adventures in the outdoors are some of my favorite memories.
30. Unsustainable methods produce unsustainable results.
31. Bonus: Having a weekly or a monthly competitive outlet is essential for a healthy mind. The immediate result – win or lose – is a nice counterbalance so the long term grind we typically live our lives in.