On August 2nd, I learned first-hand about updrafts and cloud formation.

On August 2nd, I checked off a bucket list item.

On August 2nd, for 24 minutes, I sat — dancing in the clouds over Dennison, MN — with my fears.

On August 2nd, I flew a glider plane.

I come back again and again

Comfort

Discomfort

A space for both

Often, in conjunction…

More and more, I believe that life is a choice—of utmost importance, our perspectives. A simple—albeit hard to implement—hack that has helped lead me here: “What is the gift of [insert anything]?” It’s funny to think about old me who used to cringe at the constantly upbeat, rose-colored glasses folks.

Am I becoming one of those?

Mastery in action is an awe-inspiring thing to watch. Watching human peak performance is mind-blowing.

Earlier this week, Gretchen Walsh continued to do what Gretchen Walsh does best: wow the swimming world. The 2025 World Aquatics Championships are in full swing this week. Despite the United States Team being obliterated by “acute gastroenteritis”, Gretchen Walsh came through with the 2nd fastest time in history in the 100-meter butterfly — 2nd to her own World Record. Prior to her swim, Gretchen Walsh owned the 7 fastest times in history in the 100-meter butterfly. She now owns the 8 fastest times in history.

Here’s the race video.

Earlier this week, I did a deep dive into a podcast with Dr. Mike Israetel around motivation, habits, and discipline. He provides a powerful framework for thinking about adherence. The constructs he discusses are thrown around all the time. However, the way — and the order in which — he presents these constructs provide a mental framework for you as you work toward something. Here’s a summary.

Last week I shared some thoughts on the value of routines. Within that piece, I mentioned the use of Wim Hof breathing — an amazing tool that helps prep my body, tidy up my thoughts, and align my emotions. I’ve received a number of follow-up emails about this so I wanted to elaborate…

Here’s a question I’ve been trying to answer: does talent—natural talent—really exist? I don’t believe so. My wife, on the other hand, disagrees. My guess: others reading this also disagree. That’s okay—I’m enjoying my quest.

In June of last year, I received an unexpected gift. I graduated from high school in 1998. Growing up, my dad’s job required our family to move around a bit. I had the gift of going to two different high schools: one in Michigan and one in California. As a result…

I’ve been speaking in front of crowds for the past 20 years. Twenty years in, I’m still waiting for the night I go to bed before a presentation — totally ready — and sleep like a baby. I’m also still waiting for the day I wake up the morning of a presentation — totally ready — without a worry in the world. At this point, though, after 20 years, I don’t know if I’ll ever be totally ready. But, I sure have learned how to get ready.

I recently came across this quote:

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.

-T.S. Eliot

It smacked me in the face this morning.

Unfortunately, it’s not the other way around: motivation doesn’t generate action. Especially over the long-haul. Kind of ironic how that works out. The more action we take toward something — i.e., the more committed we are — the more motivated we become. I guess it’s along the lines of what George Mack argues, “momentum is a mind-altering drug.”

I turned 45 on February 9, 2025. Yikes! For some reason, this one seemed OLD. Maybe it’s because I clearly remember my 40th birthday— and that seems like a blink ago. Or, maybe it’s because my 4-year-old son said to me—just a few days before my birthday—“Dad, you’re gonna go up and see God when you’re 50.”

Gosh, I might have just dug myself into a deep hole with that title. I’ll see if I can climb my way out. No promises.

I’m passionate about coaching. I’m passionate about what coaching can do for others. And, I’m passionate about how coaching, when working with someone GREAT, can be a transformational process—directly and indirectly.

This is where YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED:

If you currently work with an athletic coach, or have worked with an athletic coach at some point in your life, who you consider to be GREAT, I would love to speak with you.

I’m likely just another typical human being in search of the hack. I guess I find the search—the process—for the hack thrilling. As such, I was recently motivated to purchase Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy…

LAWN UPDATE

I used to be part of a local cycling team. Every Tuesday and Thursday the team met for a 40-mile bike ride. There was an individual on the team — not the best, but certainly up there — who had a presence about him. He was a leader. When he spoke…

There’s a magical container over at the Eden Prairie Community Center. It’s abundant with little vessels key to fulfilling basic human psychological needs that fuel satisfaction and enjoyment. Every day one can go there and pick up one of those vessels, open it up…

I’m all about goals. We have to set them—firmly plant them—and then let go. Immerse ourselves in the process. Get curious about what will happen. The latter part—letting go—being the hardest part.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I swim. I’m lucky to be part of a masters swim program that has a coached practiced Monday through Friday from 6-7am. Ideally, I get to the pool deck around…

I could try to say this better. I can’t. More often than not, we just need to listen…