IowntheMorning – Page 5 – Everyday is an Interview

Rainy Weather

It never ceases to amaze me how drastically driving skills deteriorate when it rains. I’m not talking about the speed demons who think they’re training for NASCAR—I mean the drivers who slow to a crawl at the first sight of raindrops.

Last week, we had a serious downpour. I expected a slightly more challenging commute, but I didn’t realize the real test would be my patience, not the road conditions. For 15 minutes, I was stuck behind a driver too terrified to approach the speed limit, braking at every slight curve as if the road were made of ice. When I finally reached the highway, I hoped for relief—only to find the slowest drivers clinging to the left lane, tapping their brakes every few seconds like they were keeping time with a song on the radio.

It was clear: these people were scared. It was as if they were experiencing rain for the first time.

Here’s the thing—driving while scared is dangerous. It doesn’t just put you at risk; it endangers everyone around you. If you’re uncomfortable driving in certain conditions, be honest with yourself. I know I’m not great in the snow, so I avoid driving in it whenever possible. That’s not weakness; that’s self-awareness.

So, be smart. Be safe. And if rain makes you a hazard on the road, consider another way to travel.

#JustBeBetter

#StayStrongStayHealthy

#IOwntheMorning

#WWKDD

Too Busy? That’s a Good Problem to Have

When people tell me they’re too busy, I tell them they’re lucky—lucky to have a purpose.

Being busy at work means you have responsibilities that matter. Being busy with family means you have people who value your time and presence. Busyness is often a sign of a full, meaningful life.

But even when we understand that being busy can be a good thing, there are moments when the sheer demand for our time leads to stress and anxiety. When that happens, we need to take two important steps:

1️⃣ Recognize it – Acknowledge when busyness turns into overwhelm.
2️⃣ Develop strategies to manage it – Have tools ready to regain control.

How I Handle Stress from Busyness

I’ve gotten better at recognizing when stress starts creeping in. But the real challenge is what to do next.

Here’s my go-to strategy:

✅ Box Breathing – I use a simple breathing technique to reset my mind:

Inhale deeply through the nose for 4 seconds
Hold for 2 seconds
Exhale slowly through the mouth for 4 seconds
Hold for 2 seconds
Repeat as needed

This quick breathing exercise reduces stress, clears my head, and helps me regain focus.

✅ Singular Focus – Once I feel calmer, I tackle one thing at a time—no multitasking. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when everything demands your attention at once. But by focusing on a single task and completing it before moving on to the next, I simplify my busyness into productivity.

Final Thought

Being busy isn’t the problem—letting it control you is. Recognize it, reset, and take things one step at a time.

What are your strategies for managing busyness? Drop a comment, and let’s share ideas!

#JustBeBetter’

#StayHealthyStayStrong

#IOwnTheMorning

#WWKDD

One Thing at a Time

I once had a friend tell me that tackling one thing at a time until completion doesn’t necessarily make you more time-efficient. He was referring to grading one question on a test for every student before moving on to the next question.

I took him at his word and tried it his way. While I wasn’t any slower, I was far less accurate and, ultimately, much less effective. That lesson has stuck with me ever since.

Focusing on one thing at a time isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about excellence. Recently, I caught myself juggling multiple projects: developing online training, writing a book, and composing music for an album. Thankfully, I didn’t have a Taekwondo test to prepare for on top of it all.

If you want to be successful, commit to finishing one thing before jumping to the next. Watch what happens when you truly focus—your progress compounds, your results improve, and you build something meaningful over time.

One thing at a time. One step closer to success.

#JustBeBetter
#StayHealthyStayStrong
#IOwnTheMorning
#WWKDD
#OneThingAtATime

Flexibility

The other day, I was listening to a presentation on the parts of the periodic table. The instructor explained that nonmetals are brittle, and then she asked the class, “What’s the opposite of brittle?”

A student confidently answered, “Strong.”

It wasn’t the right answer. The correct term is malleable (Flexibility). But that moment stuck with me because the student’s perspective was insightful in its own way.

Think about it… Flexibility = Strength.

This concept resonated deeply.

I want to be strong, and I work hard to achieve this—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But to be even stronger, I must also work on my flexibility.

Strength isn’t just about how much weight you can lift, how fast you can run, or how unshakable you appear. True strength lies in your ability to adapt, to bend without breaking, and to adjust when life throws unexpected challenges your way.

So, flexibility is an essential part of strength, whether it’s stretching to prevent injury, opening my mind to new perspectives, or adapting to life’s curveballs.

This week, I challenge you and me to focus on building strength and flexibility.

#JustBeBetter
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#IOwnTheMorning
#WWKDD

Resolutions

It’s been a few weeks into the new year, and now is the perfect time to assess your progress.

First, ask yourself: Are you still keeping your resolutions? Are you still committed to the changes you made just a few weeks ago?

Suppose the answer is yes, great job! Keep pushing forward. If not, take a moment to reflect on why those resolutions may have faltered. Were they too ambitious? Were they not specific enough? Or perhaps life simply got in the way. Whatever the reason, don’t let that stop you from getting back on track.

Here’s another critical question: Do you have any new changes or goals you’d like to set for yourself? If so, are you planning to start next year?

The answer to the last question should be a resounding NO if you’re serious about success. Waiting is the enemy of progress. Success doesn’t hinge on a particular day or date; it’s about action—right now. Most people have already given up on their New Year’s resolutions by this point. Don’t let that be your story. Instead, change today, not tomorrow, and certainly not next year.

What’s the change you’re ready to commit to? Define it clearly. Write it down. Then, take your first step, however small, toward making it a reality. Remember, every day is an opportunity to improve and grow. You don’t need a new year to start fresh—all you need is the decision to begin.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#IOwnTheMorning

#WWKDD

Flexibility

The other day, I was listening to a presentation on parts of the Periodic Table. The instructor talked about how nonmetals are brittle. She then asked what the opposite of brittle is, and the students said it was strong.

Think about that for a moment… Flexibility = Strength.

I want to be strong, and I work hard to be strong. But if I want to be even stronger, I need to work on my flexibility, too. Strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights or pushing through tough situations. It’s also about adapting, bending without breaking, and finding balance in facing challenges.

This lesson applies to more than just physical fitness. In life, rigidity can be a weakness. Adapting to change, embracing new perspectives, and recovering from setbacks make us truly resilient. True strength lies in the interplay between power and pliability.

So today, I’m committing to becoming more flexible—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Flexibility isn’t just a physical trait; it’s a mindset, a lifestyle, and a key to unlocking greater strength.

What about you? How can you incorporate flexibility into your pursuit of strength?

#JustBeBetter
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#IOwnTheMorning
#WWKDD

Rise, Learn, and Grow

It’s essential to rise one more time than you fall. But let’s be honest: growth doesn’t come from simply getting back up—it comes from learning from the fall.

For years, I used to dwell on my mistakes through the lens of embarrassment and regret. I’d replay what I did wrong, questioning myself: What was I thinking? How could I mess up like that? This cycle of negative thoughts didn’t lead to growth—it kept me stuck.

Lately, I’ve shifted my perspective. Instead of obsessing over what I was thinking, I asked, What did I learn? After all, I’m an imperfect human—sometimes more human than I’d like to admit.

This change in mindset has been transformative. Rather than spiraling into negativity, I’ve begun to embrace the lessons from my mistakes. I’m growing, not just getting back up but moving forward.

And let me tell you—it’s made all the difference.

Why not give it a try? The next time you stumble, focus on the lesson, not the regret. Growth might just surprise you.#JustBeBetter
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#IOwnTheMorning
#WWKDD

WWKDD: Everyday Is an Interview

As a Science/STEM consultant in K–12 academic settings across New Jersey, I’ve spent years working closely with school administrators who are deeply committed to improving their schools, supporting their staff, and enriching their students’ learning experiences. Despite their dedication, many face challenges stemming from a lack of understanding in certain areas. That’s where I come in.

One day, during a discussion with an administrator, they shared something unexpected: “When I’m unsure about what to do, I ask myself, ‘What Would Kevin Doyle Do?’ (WWKDD).” At first, I thought it was just a lighthearted comment. But now, administrators are wearing wristbands emblazoned with WWKDD. This simple phrase has become a reminder of the impact we can have on others through our actions, decisions, and leadership.

This experience reinforced a powerful truth: Everyday Is an Interview. Whether we realize it or not, our actions inspire those around us. People are constantly observing, learning from what we do—and sometimes, what we don’t do.

So, as we step into this new year, let’s act with purpose and intention. Let’s inspire others to rise higher by showing them what it means to lead, care, and do the right thing, even when it’s hard.

Happy New Year! Go out there and make a difference.

#JustBeBetter
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#IOwnTheMorning
#WWKDD

Happy Holidays!

The holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect and recharge. It’s a time to:

Celebrate the moments that matter
Share the joy with loved ones
Practice gratitude for all we have
Look ahead to new possibilities

Take this time to enjoy, relax, and refocus. As we prepare for a new year, let’s embrace opportunities for growth and strive to be the best version of ourselves.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a fantastic start to the new year. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

#JustBeBetter

#StayStrongStayHealthy

#IOwnTheMorning

Learn from the Past

Life has a way of testing us, often when we least expect it. But the key to resilience is simple: get up one more time than you fall.

Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities in disguise—if we choose to see them that way. For years, I didn’t. When I made mistakes, I would let embarrassment and regret take over. I’d dwell on what went wrong and beat myself up, replaying the question, What was I thinking? This negative cycle kept me stuck. I wasn’t learning or growing; I was just spiraling.

Recently, I’ve shifted my mindset. Instead of focusing on what I was thinking, I now ask myself: What did I learn? This change has been transformative. I’ve accepted that I’m an imperfect human—sometimes too human—and that’s okay. By embracing my flaws and using my mistakes as stepping stones, I’ve started growing in ways I never thought possible.

The difference is night and day. When I stopped punishing myself for being human and started looking for lessons, my confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose grew.

I encourage you to give this approach a try. The next time you stumble, don’t focus on the fall—focus on the lesson. See how it feels to grow instead of spiral.

Stay strong. Stay healthy. Keep improving.

#JustBeBetter
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#IOwnTheMorning
#WWKDD