It is one of the most interesting battles in the human experience.
We have an innate drive to seek comfort. To find safety. To avoid suffering, pain and awkwardness. Which is why we keep those pictures taken during puberty tucked safely away, only to resurface in wedding reception videos.
But if we give in to our desires for comfort our world shrinks. Our growth stops. And we squander our time on a couch, in bed, or on a lounger at the beach attempting to explain away our shrinkage.
But there is another epic force within all humans. The desire for growth. The yearning for self-improvement. The hunger for badassery. (Which science has proven to be even greater than the hunger for whatever you gave up for Lent. #peanutM&Ms)
The Power of Discomfort
Human growth is stimulated by discomfort.
That discomfort comes in many forms.
Putting yourself in new and novel situations.
Pushing your body physically to the bounds of your strength or stamina.
Trying new unnatural behaviors and responses.
Attempting techniques that feel foreign.
Applying the non-intuitive.
To become the best version of yourself, abandon the safe and face the threatening.
Because each time you do, you grow. You learn. You expand. You strengthen. You improve. And you increase in valuable ways.
Helen Keller, one of the greatest growth artists in human history (but a terrible driver) put it this way:
‘Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.’ -Helen Keller
Question for you:
How much time, energy and thought do you put into making yourself comfortable? Compare that to how much you focus on creating personal discomfort. As you change that ratio you will change your life.
Key Takeaway
To become the best version of yourself it is important to get comfortable with discomfort. Seek it out. Create it. Embrace it. Because discomfort is the condition that precedes all growth and improvement.
*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
Rapper Ice Cube is known for his hardcore gangster rap. As a member of NWA, he was the lyricist behind such classic hits as Fuck The Police, Gangsta Gangsta and Straight Outta Compton. As a soloist, Ice Cube penned more angry songs like, Natural Born Killaz, AmerciKKKa’s Most Wanted and We Had To Tear This MothaFucka Up. It seems Ice Cube could use a hug.
But Ice Cube’s biggest hit was the smooth groove It Was A Good Day. In the song, Cube recounts the events of a good day. In fact, the whole song is simply a long list of good things that happened to him in a single, ordinary day. In this positive recounting of a good day in South Central L.A., with no barkin from the dog and no smog, we can all learn a valuable lesson about good days.
Creating Good Days
To enjoy good days you need to know what a good day looks like to you. Because once you know what success looks like you can set up a routine to rack up good day points from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep at night. That’s what I try to do every day, like everyday people.
My Good Day
My day starts like Yung Gravy with a strong morning routine. (Floss 3 times baby I’m so clean.) When I wake up, the first thing I do is put a big smile on my face. When I do, I not only feel good right away, but I also give myself a point for day.
Then, if I get out of bed within one or two minutes of my alarm I give myself another point. I make my half of the bed and get more points. I walk to my bathroom and I do a little bit of light stretching. I weigh myself. And I take a long drink from the water bottle I set next to my sink the night before. For each of these activities, I give myself points. If my weight is good I get bonus points. Bing Bing Bing.
The rest of my day works the same way. If I am sitting at my computer by 6:10 am writing I am racking up points. When I publish a blog post, I earn more points. Then I make breakfast and pack my lunch at the same time. I give myself points for both eating well and saving myself money for not going out to eat. Cha-Ching-Ching
I give myself points for leaving for the office by a certain time each morning. When I sit down at my desk at my office I earn more points for creating my Daily Success List. Then I rack up more points for crossing things off that list, like Listerine.
In the evening I earn parenting points for things like coaching my daughter Ava’s track and field team, or my son Magnus’ football team. I rack up points helping with homework and driving my son Johann to piano or saxophone lessons. And for having a good conversation in the car along the way home.
I earn spouse points by spending meaningful quality time with my wife Dawn. That could be as simple as having a good conversation, watching a movie or a TV show together, taking a walk, or planning an upcoming adventure. You have to earn the spouse points every day. It’s fundamental. Like hitting your free throws, sinking your 2-foot putts or wearing deodorant.
I rack up points by eating well, exercising and reading. I earn points when I reach out to a friend or family member. And when I spend quality time with my 2-year-old Border Collie, Lola. I earn points when I laugh or make other people laugh. I earn extra points if milk sprays out of someone’s nose.
Finally, I earn points by wrapping up my day with brushing and flossing. And by filling my water bottle for the next morning so I can do it all over again. And if I get to bed by my predetermined time I get bonus points. Not only because I met my own expectations for the day, but because I put myself in a position to have a great day again tomorrow.
Key Takeaway
A good day is not about extraordinary events. It is simply a day spent doing the things you value. It is a day when you execute your habits and routines. A day when you live the way the ideal you lives. Give yourself points all day long for living up to your own expectations. You will find great rewards in keeping your commitments to yourself and others. You will enjoy the process of improving yourself and your relationships with your family and friends. You will score career points through your productivity and steady accumulation of results. And by keeping a mental tally of all the positive actions you take throughout the day when you lay down to sleep at night you can take great comfort in knowing that today was a good day. And you made it happen.
If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
Life is full of verbing. Because as living creatures there is so much to do. There’s all this eating, cleaning, and clothes-wearing. Then there’s the work. And the communicating. And the passions and hobbies. Throw in the phazillion things you have to do in between all the things you have to do and it’s a wonder you ever get anything done.
But what’s the best way to do your thang?
There are best practices that tell you how something should be done.
There is the old-school approach.
And the new school approach.
And the too cool for school approach.
There is the classicly trained way.
The disrupting way.
The fast way.
The slow way.
And the curds and whey.
But here’s the secret everyone should know.
You don’t have to choose any of them ways.
There is more than one way to do everything. Just ask a skinned cat.
Don’t worry about following others. Or the establishment.
Take your own approach.
Your resources and constraints will always be unique to you.
And just like Harry Styles, your tastes and styles are your own too.
Your uniqueness and individuality are your strengths.
Take a non-traditional approach.
Discover what works for you.
There’s a great chance that you will discover a better way.
Or at least a better way for you.
*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
Happy Leap Day! February 29th is your lucky day. In fact, it’s luckier than a 5-leaf clover. And it’s rarer than a mooing steak. In fact, it is so rare that it only happens every 4 years. Like the Olympics, a Presidential election, or a J-Lo wedding.
Opportunity Day!
However, it is not the rarity of Leap Day that matters. It’s the opportunity. Today is a bonus day! Which means that today is the perfect day to do something extra. Like Michael Jackson said, today, ‘You got to be startin’ somethin.Or finishing somethin’. Or working hard on somethin’.
Take a few minutes to think about those things you can never seem to find the time to start, plan or complete. Take a leap and get rolling today.
Possible Leap Day Activities:
Exercise
Take a hike
Play a Game
Start a blog, vlog, slog, or drink Glogg
Start a business
Pick up a new hobby, or re-engage in an old hobby (like Holly)
Create a podcast
Play an instrument
Create a product
Start a book (reading or writing)
Paint
Marie Kondo your house
Volunteer, or sign up to volunteer
Go to church (or find a place of worship to go to this week)
Start a meetup
Join a club or worthy organization
Ask someone to be your mentor.
Call someone you haven’t talked to for too long
Find a Dentist
Find a Doctor
Find a nurse
Find a lady with an alligator purse
Start your taxes
Plan a vacation
Organize a girls’ night, or a guys’ night, or a Michael Knight
Make a career or life plan
Do something more you, because no one knows you better than you
Bonus Time Is Start Time
Me in my office. That leaf is what the original Adam was wearing when he got in trouble with God.
I started planning my own business, The Weaponry, during a little bonus time like you have today. Now we have been in business for nearly 8 years. We have 2 offices and clients from Quebec to California.
I started this blog during a little bit of free time. This is post number 966.
The pink and red countries are where my blog has been read. Crazy, right?
During the last leap year in 2020, I used the bonus free time provided by the COVID-19 lockdown to write my first book, What Does Your Fortune Cookie Say?
Today, will use some of my bonus time to work on my next book currently titled, Adam Albrecht’s Next Book. Catchy, I know.
The 3 Big Bs
My business, blog, and book represent the 3 biggest elective projects of my life. And they were all birthed during bonus time. It was time that I used wisely.
Now it’s your turn to do something meaningful. Don’t miss the opportunity today is offering You.
Key Takeaway
Time is your more precious resource. Use it wisely. Alchemize it into magic. And when you get a bonus day or a bonus hour, take advantage of it. Otherwise, when you come to the end of your time, you will wish you had.
Which begs the question: What will you do with your Leap Day?
Note: Happy Leap Day Birthday to my friend Jeff Hilimire, who turns 12 today.
Jeff ‘The Leap Day’ Hilimire, shows us how big he was when he was born.
Life isn’t easy. How could it be? You live on a planet with 8 billion people who are always getting in your way. Throw in gravity, the laws of physics and the constraints of time and space, and life on Earth becomes a gigantic obstacle course. It’s like Wipeout. Only everyone has to carry a coffee and a mobile phone.
But the obstacles are what make your adventure interesting. A video game is an intriguing challenge specifically because of the elements added to prevent you from reaching your goals. Your real life works the same way. Only here in the real world, when you die, you really die. Which means that we are all starring in our own horizontal version of Free Solo.
But don’t curse your challenges. They are a gift. The resistance makes the story. That injury you face is there for you to overcome and make your triumph even sweeter. The bad boss, the job you lost, the pitch you didn’t win, and the thing that broke are all setbacks that set you up for a great comeback.
It’s hard to look forward to adversity. We prefer smooth sailing. But when you reflect on your human experience, it’s easy to see that adversity creates advantages. The resistance builds strength. And friction summons resolve. Those are gifts that stay with you forever. Like luggage.
Key Takeaway
Resistance is a gift. It makes you stronger. More resourceful. More capable. And more confident. Right now, you are becoming a stronger machine. And your story keeps getting better.
*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
On Thursday morning I met my great friend Roland ‘Rocky’ Larochelle for breakfast. We hadn’t seen each other for more than a year. When I arrived at the Starbucks he met me by the front door and we heartily greeted each other. It was a great start to the morning. Like Tony The Tiger Great.
Roland had already ordered, so I walked to the counter and ordered a breakfast sandwich and grabbed a chocolate milk from the cooler. Because chocolate milk is my jam. Then I made my way to the small round table where Roland was sitting with his vente coffee. As I sat down, excited to catch up on the past year with an old friend, Roland moved his coffee to the side of the table to make room for me. This is typically an uneventful act. But that morning, the act was most definitely eventful.
In the process of moving his tall and freshly full coffee, the cup tripped and tipped. In an instant, the entire drink splashed onto the table and then poured onto the floor.
The aftermath. It looks like the coffee spilled in the shape of Pangea.
That’s Just Life
These types of mishaps happen all the time. Things are constantly going wrong in both our professional and personal lives. How you respond to such events determines the tone of your life.
You can allow such incidents to make you angry, bitter, deflated or depressed. Or, you can recognize that these setbacks are an expected and unavoidable element of life. You take the hit and roll with it. Like Tina Turner. (That was supposed to be a reference to Proud Mary, not Ike.)
The filter you use to interpret your setbacks determines whether you are floored by them or strengthened.
The Response
For a brief moment after the spill, there was no response. It was like that moment after you see a flash of lightning before you hear the inevitable thunder. You know it’s coming. But you don’t know how soon it will hit. And you don’t know if it will rumble or crack.
Then it hit.
Roland and I both erupted in laughter. It was the best possible response. We recognized that our 20-year friendship had just added another funny story. A new layer. An event to talk about.
Roland is clearly a great guy to spill coffee with.
There is no use crying over spilled coffee. Even $7 coffee. So we moved our things to the next table and began the clean-up. We grabbed napkins and notified the barista-janitor behind the counter of the caffeinetastrophe that had just occurred at table #9.
Within 2 minutes there were no signs of the spill on the table or the floor. Just as the final drops were being mopped another Barista in her superhero apron appeared at our table and presented Roland with a replacement coffee that she had made without us even asking. Thanks, SuperBarsista! You saved the day!
Key Takeaway
Setbacks happen. Everywhere, all the time. It’s not your bad luck. It is life. And physics. Those things are constantly spilling your drinks, breaking your things, blocking your progress, and stealing your time. Just roll with it. These are the basic challenges in the game of life. Keep playing. It makes the whole adventure of life more interesting. It makes you stronger and more capable for the next challenge. And all those setbacks transform into stories. And sooner or later you realize that a good life is just a collection of good stories.
*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
Last summer my family and I spent two weeks in Europe. We flew into London, then visited Paris, Bern, Switzerland and Munich via train. Exploring Europe by train is a fun experience. And not just if you see London and you see France.
However, making short connections in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language can raise your stress level like that recurring dream about missing your college final exams, while naked, and public speaking.
I’m not Zurich about this.
The most challenging part of our train travel was the leg from Bern to Munich. The issue was that we had to switch trains in Zurich and we only had 10 minutes to do it. We had never been to the station. And we had no idea where our connecting train platform was. I felt like Harry Potter the first time he had to find Platform 9 and 3/4.
To make matters worse, the train we were on was delayed. Which meant that our short 10-minute layover was cut in half. Gulp. We would only have 5 minutes to sprint to our next train in Zurich. But with 5 people hauling 10 overstuffed roller bags and duffles, sprinting does not look like sprinting. It’s more like waddling.
To further elevate our challenge, we were on the upper level of the inbound train and had to haul our massive bags down the train’s tight staircase just to begin the hunt for our next train. Plus, the train was completely packed. And while we were feeling urgent like Lou Gramm of Foreigner, we had to contend with other passengers who exhibited none of our need for speed.
Finally, as our train rolled to a stop at the Zurich train station we each grabbed our 2 bags, plus our backpacks, and clumsily navigated the stairs, trying not to fall or drop our bags on the other passengers. Then we wiggled our way off the train and onto the bustling platform. We hustled towards a monitor where we discovered that our train for Munich was on the other side of the platform we were standing on! It was the best possible scenario!
But now, we had only 3 minutes, and there was a large crowd of people trying to cram onto the train. Because everyone loves Munich. Kinda like Raymond. And bacon.
We got in line and waited for our time to board as the time ticked away. Slowly, we inched our way to the steps, and one by one, all 5 of us and our 10 bags boarded the crowded train car.
However, our progress promptly stopped. We found ourselves just inside the train door with nowhere to move. We had no idea if we were on the right car. We had no idea if we had assigned seats. And we had no idea where to store our 10 big bags because there didn’t appear to be any available space on this overstuffed train.
Then something wonderful happened. The train started to move. We were pulling out of the station. And a big smile spread across my face.
Yes, we were still lost, and confused. We were in a foreign country where we didn’t speak the language or understand the systems and processes. We didn’t know where to sit, where to put our bags, or how to get out of the way of the other passengers.
But we were on the train. And despite the confusion and chaos we were experiencing, we were headed to Munich.
My crew, happy to be rolling with the punches.
Key Takeaway
In life getting on the train is the main thing. You can figure out the rest from there. Just get yourself to the starting point. Get to the gym. Start the business. Open the blank document. Pick up the power tool. Land the job. Sit down with the instrument. Show up to the support group meeting. That is the first step. You’ll figure the rest out as you go.
*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
I spent a lot of time this fall with Oscar-nominated cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth. Jeff was the cinematographer for a couple of little movies you may have heard of, including Fight Club, and A Social Network. He also filmed the Shake It Off video for Travis Kelces’ girlfriend, Taylor, which has been viewed a Dr. Evil-sized 3.3 billion times!
Our team at The Weaponry worked with Jeff and his director brother Tim on a great new TV commercial for a great client that I can’t talk about yet. Kinda like the way you can’t talk about Fight Club. Except in this case nobody gets punched in the tooth.
The Photos
Throughout the month-long multi-timezone shoot, the agency, client and the Cronenweths would take a picture after we wrapped at each location. As we gathered for our team photo following an early morning sunrise shooot, Jeff gave our group a piece of advice. He told us to position ourselves so that we could feel the warmth of the sun on our faces. This would ensure that our face was lit for the picture. It was great advice that allowed us all to direct ourselves, kinda like Kevin Costner, Tyler Perry, or Pam & Tommy.
Positioning ourselves so that we can feel the warmth of the sun on our faces. Jeff and Tim are in the front. John Hancock is in the back.
But I couldn’t help but think that Jeff’s great advice transcends photography and film. In fact, I think it is one of the best pieces of advice and direction we can give another person.
The Sunshine Advice
Always position yourself so that you feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face. Don’t be content to stand in the shadows. As you navigate your personal journey always position yourself amongst people who shine on you. Surround yourself with others who provide the warm glow of kindness, support, respect and encouragement. Find a career where you can feel the glow of the work you do on your face. Spend time in places where you can feel the warmth of the people and the culture. That warmth you feel is the sign that you are exactly where you should be.
Key Takeaway
When you are in the right place with the right people doing the right things you can feel it like warm sunshine on your face. Seek out that feeling. Enjoy it when you find it. And don’t settle for less.
*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
I have bought 5 homes in the past 20 years. I know a lot about the process. After all, I do it every 4 years. Which means every time you watch the Summer Olympics, vote for president, or admit you were wrong, I am buying a house.
The critical first step to buying a home is considering how much you can afford. You start with a price range, that includes the minimum and the maximum amount you would spend. You know, like something between $200,000 and $300,000. Ish.
Then you shop for your home. The final price of the house you buy falls in one of two places:
A. At the top of your price range
B. Above the top of your price range. (Am I right?)
The challenge is that once you see how good the homes at the top of the range are it is hard to settle for anything less.
Applying this to the rest of your life.
To maximize your life, approach it the same way you approach purchasing a new home.
This means that you should have minimum expectations for your life. And you should have maximum expectations for your life. This includes relationships, careers, adventures, investments, health and anything else that leads to your happiness and sense of achievement, accomplishment and fulfillment. (Basically all the ments.)
Then, like with the home buying example, push yourself to the top of your range. Or beyond. Don’t settle for less. Always strive for the upper limit. Because when you do, you will often find yourself above it.
Key Takeaway
Imagine what you are capable of at your best. Then don’t settle for less.
*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
It’s that time again. Time to mash some taters, crush some cranberries, jam some yams and think about thanking. It’s a great day for us all to reflect on our blessings. And not just the ones we got after sneezing in public. So before I fall asleep in front of the football game, here is my annual reflection.
23 Things I’m Thankful For In 2023.
My Wife. My wife Dawn and I have now been married for 21 years. She is the best. Rocky Balboa once said of his wife Adrian, “She’s got gaps, I’ve got gaps, together we fill gaps.” I love the way Dawn fills in all my gaps. And all my Banana Republics.
2.My Kids. My little people are a gift. Ava (18), Johann (16) and Magnus (13) are funny and smart. I love seeing them each tap into their unique talents and passions. And I am thankful for the opportunity to see the world through their eyes. I’m also thankful that they each have eyes.
3.They Weapons: The Weaponry, the advertising and ideas agency I lead, has already had its best year ever in 2023. Businesses are people-powered. And I am thankful for the great people on our great team.
4. My Health: I turned 50 this year and I feel great. I had a physical a few months ago. I had a colonoscopy too. (Because they save lives.) Everything looked as good as I feel. My mental health is good too. That warrants a good thank’n.
5.My strength: I am thankful for my physical strength. It’s proof that good habits compound. Like interest. Not like a fracture.
6. Books: I am having my best reading year of all time. I will finish the year having read at least 40 books. And not one paper cut. Each book makes me a little smarter and a little better thinker. And I could use all the help I can get. I will share a full list of my titles at the end of the year.
7. Travel to Europe. My family went to Europe for 2 weeks this summer. I am thankful to be able to experience London, Paris, Switzerland and Munich with my tribe. I also learned how to say I don’t speak the language in 4 languages. Including English.
8. My Parents: Bob and Jill Albrecht are still going strong. I love that they are less than 4 hours away and that I get to see them several times a year. I have friends who have lost parents this year. Which makes me even more thankful for a tank full of parents.
9. My Mother-In-Law: My MIL is 86 years old and is doing great. She’s with us for some turkey this week. Family always makes Thanksgiving better. And my family is not getting together this week, because of #10.
10. My Sister’s Wedding!: My baby sister Donielle is getting married next Saturday in my hometown. So my family is traveling home to Hanover, New Hampshire next Thursday. I am thrilled Donielle is getting married, and that my parents, my 3 sisters and their families will all be back home for the first time together since 1996. Which was just 4 years PM. (Post Mullet)
11. Puerto Rico: 2 weeks ago my high school friends Dan Richards, James Colligan and Matt Prince got together for an epic Guys Weekend in Puerto Rico. We saw Ludacris perform at a private party. We rode an 8300-foot zip line. We drove side-by-sides through jungly mud. We played 11 games of pickleball. (I lost most of them.) We visited Old San Juan, hiked, swam in the ocean and had an all-around amazing guy time. And I still feel like Guy Smiley thinking about it.
12. My Most Recent Commerical Shoot. The Weaponry had an epic commercial shoot this fall. We filmed in Los Angeles, Telluride, Utah, Chicago, Cape Cod, and Western Massachusettes. I can’t wait to share the final spot. It is one of the most beautiful commercials I have ever been part of. Plus, I got to meet new people, deepen my relationships with others, and see several old friends as I traveled the country. It was an experience I will never forget. At least not until I forget everything else too.
13. Coaching Football: I coached my son Magnus’ 7th grade football team this fall. We went 5-3 this season, after winning 3 games total in the past 2 years. The players were great. The coaching staff was great. I am thankful to have so much time with Magnus. And that he was healthy throughout the season. And I love that I get called Coach all over town. It makes me feel like Craig T. Nelson.
14. My John Deere Lawn tractor: I love mowing my 1.7-acre lawn. That’s all I have to say about that.
15. My Jeep Wrangler: We have a red Jeep Wrangler, and I love driving that thing. Especially in the summer with the top off. (The Jeep’s top, not mine.) It’s a very American feeling. #jeepwave
16. Speaking Opportunities: This year has been full of amazing speaking opportunities. Much of it stems from my book What Does Your Fortune Cookie Say? But other opportunities have come from business-related topics and student groups. I have traveled to Dallas, Minneapolis, Madison, Columbus, Chicago, Florida (x2), and more. I am always happy to speak. I’m typically called to kick off events with energy or keep people awake at the end of the day. Only in a healthier way than Redbull. Or cocaine.
17.Coaching Track & Field. This year was my 3rd year coaching my daughter Ava’s Homestead High School track team. Ava had a great season and is just 2 feet shy of the school’s 43-year-old discus record. She is working hard to far surpass that mark this year. I am thankful for the time together and how inspiring she is to watch train. I can’t wait to see what the next year holds for her. Plus, I really like the other coaches.
18. Expanding My Ripples Media Team: I published my book with Ripples Media because of the opportunity to be part of a community of authors. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know the other writers and sharing knowledge. It’s fun to join a new community later in life, especially when it’s not at The Villages.
19. My dog Lola: I have a 2-year-old Border Collie named Lola. I am thankful for the joy and friendship she has brought to my home. She brings a lot of energy to our family. And she is always happy to see me, even when the rest of the world isn’t.
20. UW Track and Field Team Reunion. I got to see a bunch of my college track teammates a month ago in Madison, Wisconsin. Many of them I hadn’t seen in 5, 10 or 20 years. See your people in real life. It’s different. Like Nuprin.
21.Laughing: I have laughed a lot this year. I’m thankful for all the funny people and funny situations from the past year. If laughter is the best medicine I am happily overmedicated.
22.Food on the table: I have never gone without this year. That blessing is not lost on me.
23. Shelter: I am thankful for my home. We have been in our current home for 2 years. It is the only house I have lived in as an adult that doesn’t feel temporary.
Bonus Jonas
24. New Friends: I have met a lot of new people this year. They have expanded my world in innumerable ways. (Who needs to numer anyway?)
Key Takeaway
Take time to count your blessings. Today is a great day to recognize all the good in your life. Thank you to all my family and friends. At the end of our days, the only thing that will really matter is the impact we have on each other.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.
Adam Albrecht Blog 