Most people want to grow, but few make time for it. What is the difference between those who stay stuck and those who level up? Small, consistent habits—like reading for just 10 minutes a day.  Here is an excerpt from this week's newsletter (Sign up to learn more): “Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” - Jim Rohn Reading is often hailed as a cornerstone of personal growth, creativity, and mental clarity. Yet, finding time to read—even for 10 minutes—can feel like an uphill battle in our fast-paced, distraction-filled lives. Focusing on a book might seem nearly impossible between endless notifications, busy schedules, and the constant pull of entertainment on screens. Here are a few reasons why it matters: Small Habits Lead to Big Change: I love this one because it is so true and because I talk about the positive benefits of good habits and systems. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, emphasizes the power of small actions: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”Reading for just 10 minutes daily builds a system of consistent learning and self-improvement. Expand Your Knowledge Base: Every skill you master builds on what you already know. Reading broadens your perspective, deepens your understanding, and keeps you learning. Whether exploring leadership, self-discipline, or creativity, reading equips you with the tools to level up. Improves Critical Thinking: In a world flooded with information, your ability to discern, analyze, and apply knowledge is invaluable. Reading fosters critical thinking, making you better equipped to solve problems and make sound decisions. Enhances Communication Skills: Great communicators are almost always great readers. Books expose you to different writing styles, tones, and ideas, naturally improving your ability to articulate thoughts and connect with others. A Multiplying Effect: As Scott Adams (creator of Dilbert) explains, you don’t need to be the best at one thing. Instead, become good enough at multiple skills; your unique skill stack will set you apart. Adding reading to your stack multiplies the value of your existing skills by giving you access to new ideas and strategies. Reading is more than just a habit—it’s a skill and a powerful one. If you’re building a skill stack (the combination of skills that make you uniquely effective), reading is one skill you can’t ignore. Here’s to your journey of daily improvement and exponential growth! Please check my bio to sign up for my weekly newsletter to learn more about eliminating toxic people from your life! Sundays @ 7AM CST

What’s the first thing you need to do tomorrow to create momentum?

Here’s the truth: confident, successful people don’t waste time tearing others down. They’re too busy building, growing, and pushing forward. So when negativity comes your way: Stay focused—their words don’t define you Rise above—don’t engage in their drama Let your success speak—your progress is the best response

Resilience is the ability to rise after every fall, to keep moving forward despite adversity, and to grow stronger through challenges. It’s not just about enduring hardship—it’s about adapting, learning, and becoming better because of it. How we frame challenges and obstacles may also affect our resilience. If we view challenges and obstacles as things to fear or as things that will hold us back, we will naturally tend towards a lower level of resilience. If we look at these things as opportunities to build experience, grow, and become stronger, we will have higher levels of resilience.

Our standards define the limits of our potential. If they are too low, they become chains that hold us back. Growth requires breaking through self-imposed ceilings, challenging what you believe is possible, and setting new, higher standards. “When you raise your standards and turn your ‘shoulds’ into ‘musts,’ your entire life changes.” – Tony Robbins

Tomorrow's success is created from the actions we take today. Every fear we have, every obstacle we overcome, and every problem we solve helps us build the experience we need to become successful.

Rest isn't a reward; it's a necessity. To get better each day, you need to recharge. Balance pushing your limits by giving your body and mind time to recover. That's how you sustain growth.

Are you using your mornings to build momentum or letting them slip away?

@AKALiHeping Great perspective.

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” – Napoleon Hill Every day we hesitate is a day of progress lost, a day you’ll never get back. Stop waiting for the “perfect time”—it doesn’t exist. Start now, no matter how small the step. The best way to make a better future is to start creating it today.

Are you spending your time on what truly matters or just staying busy?

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” — Winston Churchill People who try to bring you down are not ahead of you. They are behind, projecting their fears, insecurities, and failures onto you. Do not slow down to stoop to their level. Stay focused—their words don’t define you Rise above—don’t engage in their drama Let your success speak—your progress is the best response

When you’re just starting, nobody knows who you are. Nobody is waiting for you. Nobody is coming to give you a shot. Action and consistency is a good place to start. “Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.” – Harvey Specter (Suits)

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler. In a world that never stops changing, the best tool you can have is a willingness to learn. Adapt, grow, and stay ahead by staying curious. The key to staying relevant and thriving is to embrace a mindset of continuous learning rather than retaining what you already know. By staying curious and open to new ideas, you position yourself to survive in a changing world and lead in it. Learning isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower in an ever-evolving landscape.

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” – Napoleon Hill Every day we hesitate is a day of progress lost, a day you’ll never get back. Stop waiting for the “perfect time”—it doesn’t exist. Start now, no matter how small the step. The best way to make a better future is to start creating it today.

RT @MotivateYouTube: Taking care of yourself is productive

Definitely. “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” — Theodore Roosevelt Inaction can lead to missed opportunities. Train yourself to make informed decisions quickly and take action. Sometimes, even a wrong decision is better than hesitation.

Pain is a forge. Weak men break on it. Strong men are shaped by it. The choice is yours. It is incredible how many people run away from the challenges in their lives. Instead of embracing these moments as opportunities to learn, grow, and become a little better every day, they fear these moments.

Wise advice. This is a dad hack we should teach our kids. If you loan money to your family, you might lose both. If you give it, you might keep both. Lending money to family members can create an inconvenient mix of finance and emotion, often leading to tension, resentment, and broken relationships. While you may have good intentions, a loan introduces expectations, obligations, and pressure that can harm the very bond you’re trying to protect

@VaNiisays Purpose without direction leads nowhere. Decisions without discipline create chaos. Guide both, and you shape your destiny. Yet sometimes, you must take action even in the absence of a purpose. Action is better than inaction, even if your purpose remains unclear.

@mattquilliec A lot can be accomplished by your aspirations outside your 9 to 5 when you prioritize your work. As you said, do not waste your time.