Tag: IowntheMorning

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

Be Prepared #9: Lessons from Thanksgiving

Last week, I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my family. Since most of our family members were out of town, we decided to skip the usual home-cooked meal and chose a restaurant near my parents’ house. It was a fantastic spot with breathtaking views of NYC—a perfect choice for the occasion.

As always, we prepared for the experience:

  • We reviewed the menu beforehand and decided what we’d order.
  • We checked traffic to ensure we’d arrive on time.
  • We even made sure to get there 15 minutes early, as requested.

But despite all that preparation, I overlooked one key detail: parking.

When we arrived, we discovered the restaurant offered valet parking—for a fee. We opted to find a self-parking facility instead to save a little money and get some steps in. After following the signs, we ended up paying the same fee for parking, but with added inconvenience. To top it off, we didn’t know the quickest route from the parking lot to the restaurant.

The lesson? Being prepared is important, but being totally prepared is vital.

In hindsight, I should have anticipated the parking situation and decided on the valet option ahead of time. While we did get our steps in, having a clear plan for parking would have been more efficient and less stressful.

Preparation isn’t just about ticking off a checklist—it’s about thinking through the full experience and anticipating potential challenges.

💡 What’s one area where better preparation has made a difference for you? Share your story!

#JustBeBetter

#StayHealthy, StayStrong,

#IOwnTheMorning

#BePrepared


Every Day Is an Interview: Approach the Holidays with a Plan

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂

The holidays are often associated with joy, gratitude—and, for many, the fear of gaining weight. When we approach the season with that mindset, we’re setting ourselves up for a self-fulfilling prophecy. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Instead of focusing on potential pitfalls, shift your mindset to one of strength and intention. Here’s an inspiring game plan to stay on track while fully enjoying the holiday:

1️⃣ Start Strong: Begin your day with a workout to boost energy and set a positive tone.
2️⃣ Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to curb cravings and stay refreshed.
3️⃣ Eat Smart: Have a light, nutritious breakfast to avoid overindulging later.
4️⃣ Plan Your Plate: Fill your dinner plate with:

  • ¼ protein
  • ¼ carbs
  • ½ vegetables (skip the heavy casseroles!).
    5️⃣ Dessert in Moderation: Savor your treats, but don’t overdo it. Balance them with more water.
    6️⃣ Snack Wisely: Stick to veggies and water during pre- and post-meal grazing.
    7️⃣ Stay Active: Avoid sinking into the couch for too long. Keep moving and engage with family or friends.

This strategy allows you to enjoy the holiday feast without sacrificing your long-term health goals. It’s all about balance, mindfulness, and staying aligned with your vision of wellness.

Without a plan, it’s easy to lose focus and fall into the usual holiday traps. But with a clear, actionable approach, you can savor the season and feel great about your choices.

💡 What’s your plan for the holidays? Share your strategies in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!

Just Be Better

Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

Everyday is an Interview: Smart Shopping Tips for Sale Seasons

This is a revised version of my blog (Don’t Fall for It), published on 11/27/23

The holiday shopping season comes with enticing buzzwords: Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and Holiday Sale Extravaganza. These are crafted to draw you into spending, often on things you don’t need. Resist the hype and stay in control of your finances with these practical tips for navigating the season’s sales:

1. Buy Only What You Need

Sale events are designed to make you purchase more than planned. Before heading to the store (or clicking “Add to Cart”), define what you actually need. Stick to that list.

2. Avoid Impulse Buys

If you hadn’t considered buying an item before the sale, don’t let a flashy discount tempt you. Sales events often highlight products you don’t need but suddenly want. Stay focused.

3. Plan and Stick to Your Budget

Establish your spending limit before shopping. If an item exceeds your budget, let it go—no exceptions. A deal isn’t a deal if it causes financial strain.

4. Know the Cost Upfront

Be wary of hidden fees or unexpected costs. Research thoroughly to ensure transparency. Step away from the transaction if you uncover surprise charges—it’s likely not worth the risk.

5. Your Budget Is More Important Than the Sale

Salespeople may try to convince you that a purchase is essential, but it’s not. Your financial stability takes priority over any discounted item.

6. Track Pricing Cycles

Avoid paying full price for items. Pay attention to the sales cycles throughout the year, and plan your purchases when prices are at their lowest. I use the Honey Extension/app to do this. It works great.

Budgeting Is a Year-Round Process

Smart holiday shopping starts long before November. Prepare for gifting by identifying what you’ll need to buy and saving steadily throughout the year. By doing so, you’ll have the funds ready when it’s time to shop—without the stress of overspending or running into debt.

Careful planning can make the holiday season joyful and free from financial worries. Remember these rules, and let your budget guide your decisions, not the sale signs.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy Stay Strong

#IOwntheMorning