Personal Growth – Everyday is an Interview

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

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

Who I Want to Be

Everyone occasionally needs a wake-up call to remind themselves to embody the person they want to be. It’s easy to act with composure and confidence when things are going well or others are watching. However, the true test of character arises in moments of frustration and adversity or when no one is watching.

How do you behave when:

– No one is watching?

– You feel overwhelmed by emotions?

– Circumstances aren’t in your favor?

It’s essential to acknowledge that no one is perfect. Instead of criticizing ourselves for these moments of weakness, we should embrace them as opportunities for reflection and growth.

When we recognize that we’re not living up to our ideals, we must take a step back and assess our reactions. This self-awareness is the first step toward making positive changes. Ask yourself:

– What triggered this reaction?

– How can I respond differently next time?

– What steps can I take to align my actions with my values?

By committing to an ongoing self-evaluation process, we can gradually transform setbacks into stepping stones toward becoming the best version of ourselves. Remember, growth is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and continue striving to be the person you truly want to be.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

#iownthemorning

Consistency: The Key to Building Lasting Habits

Habits are formed when consistent action is taken.

If I want to learn a song, I must consistently practice it. Consistently, day after day. No Excuses.

To learn a new technique in Taekwondo, I must consistently practice it—consistently, day after day—without excuses.

If I want to get stronger, I move heavy things—consistently, day after day—without excuses.

If I want to get leaner, I must eat well—consistently, day after day—without excuses.

New habits do not come because you manifest them. They go because you work at them consistently. There is no magic number, i.e., 21 days, 60 days, etc. It is up to you and how consistently your practice it.

Pick one, get started, be consistent.

# Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#iownthemorning

Genuine

Everyone likes a compliment. However, if you want the compliment to be valued by the recipient, it has to be meaningful. We all know the person who compliments us like there is no tomorrow. Over time, people react similarly to the comment as they eventually did to Little Boy Blue.

Give authentic compliments. The idea is to help others feel good about themselves. The best way to do this is to give a compliment based on effort, based on the reality of their results, and only when deserved. It is great to be a nice person, but it is better to be an authentic person.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Be Prepared

Nothing is worse than saying no to an opportunity because you didn’t complete everything else that needs to be done. Procrastination will interfere with opportunities and take away your ability to grow. Front-load everything you can so that when “Life Happens” or “Opportunity Knocks,” you are ready to say yes.

#Just Be Better

# Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

Force The Future #4 – Prepare

At this point, we are prepared. We are not letting our past overwhelm our future; our preparation allows us to worry less about the future. Now, what do I do? It is time to build the habits we need to force the future. Building habits today is the most important thing we can do to force the future. By building habits, we adopt the skills and characteristics we want to have in the future.

Take time today to map out the future you want, determine the habits you need to succeed, and start implementing the habits immediately.

#Just Be Better

# Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Force the Future #3

The best route to success is forged with your preparation. Preparing has significantly influenced my accomplishments, and not preparing is one of the biggest reasons for my failures. I believe in “Force the Future” because it encourages us to prepare for the future we want by working today to develop the habits we need to be successful. No matter what you desire for your future, the better your preparation, the better your chances for success. If you want it in the de, force it by preparing for it today.

#Just Be Better

# Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Force the Future #1

Too often, people tell me they are scared of what the future will offer them. Maybe they will get an awful disease; they will not find the “one” to spend the rest of their lives with; they will not reach their goals; they will not be able to afford the future they want; they will not get into the school of their dreams, etc. These concerns are legitimate, but worrying about the future will not help you thrive and survive. To have a better chance of succeeding in the future, you must start those habits today that will influence your future most. I term this idea as Force the Future.

How do you force the future? The solution is easy: develop those habits and skills today that will force the future. Forcing the future does not mean you will get everything you want, but it does mean you have more say in influencing your future successes.

Case in point, if you are worried about living your future life as a fat person, spend the time now to develop healthy eating habits. If you are worried about financial security, start putting money (if you already do, add more) aside in an interest-bearing investment. If you are concerned about the effects of a bad habit you have, start doing your research on the habit to find the best strategies for stopping it before it influences your future. None of these guarantees success, but it forces your future to work harder to overcome the foundations you have laid for it.

#Just Be Better

# Stay Strong, Stay Healthy