INSIGHTS
#1. “We go through life thinking everyone else has it better than us until we grow up and realize we’re all in our own tiny boats of self-doubt and second-guessing.” (Alexi Pappas on the battle that we are all fighting)
#2. The most valuable skill isn't inspiration but the ability to work without it.
#3. If you feel bored, frustrated, lazy, or unmotivated in life, it’s because you haven’t tasted real independence. Read that again. —Once you experience independence it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
#4.
The five levels of rich:
Level 1 - No car
Level 2 - Cheap car
Level 3 - Range Rover
Level 4 - Ferrari
Level 5 - No car
(From Codie Sanchez)
#5."When you enjoy your days and you consistently spend less than you earn, you have peace of mind. Which is priceless." – Darius Foroux
#6. I realized how toxic dependency is for a human being. Being dependent on someone else means they can cut you off at any time. They have control over you. —
If people have the power to feed you, they have the power to starve you. - Be vigilant. (From ME)
INTERESTING PIECES OF WRITING
Unconventional Habits of Successful People for a Productive Week
Sunday Secrets
Sundays can be the day you sharpen your sword for the battles of the week ahead.
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly glide through their week, tackling challenges with a smile, while others struggle to keep up? The secret might lie in how they spend their Sundays. It’s not just about rest and relaxation; it’s about setting the stage for a week of success.
Let’s break away from conventional Sunday routines and explore seven unconventional productivity habits that can transform your typical Sunday into a springboard for a thriving week.
Integrating unconventional productivity habits into your Sunday routine can set a positive tone for the week ahead. Here are seven such habits that you might find beneficial:
1. Nature Immersion
2. Digital Detox
3. Creative Hobby Time
4. Future Self Journaling
5. Mindfulness and Meditation
6. Random Acts of Kindness
7. Adventure Day
Nature Immersion
Instead of the usual prep work for the week, spend significant time outdoors. Whether it’s a hike, a walk in the park, or simply sitting in a garden, connecting with nature can rejuvenate your mind and body, reducing stress and increasing creativity for the upcoming week.
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was known for his long walks, which were a form of exercise and a way to clear his mind and encourage creative thinking. These walks in nature often helped him develop innovative ideas.
Digital Detox
Designate Sunday as a tech-free day, or at least set aside a few hours without screens. This break from digital devices can help reduce mental fatigue, boost concentration, and improve sleep quality, contributing to higher productivity during the week.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, practices what he calls “Think Weeks,” where he disconnects from digital devices and spends time in a cabin reading and thinking deeply without the distractions of technology.
Creative Hobby Time
Engage in a hobby entirely unrelated to your work. Creative activities can stimulate different parts of your brain, boost your mood, and enhance problem-solving skills, whether painting, playing a musical instrument, or cooking a new recipe.
Albert Einstein famously played the violin as a hobby. He often turned to music to help him think through complex problems and find creative solutions, demonstrating the power of engaging in creative activities outside one’s professional field.
Future Self Journaling
Spend some time writing a letter to your future self, outlining your goals, aspirations, and the actions you must take in the upcoming week. This practice can help clarify your long-term vision and align your weekly tasks with these broader goals.
Oprah Winfrey is known for her practice of keeping gratitude journals. She writes down things she is grateful for, which can be seen as reflecting on her present and future self, fostering a positive mindset for the upcoming challenges.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Incorporate mindfulness exercises or meditation into your Sunday routine. These practices can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and increase emotional resilience, helping you tackle the week’s challenges more effectively.
Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, strongly advocates mindfulness and meditation and even integrates these practices into his company’s culture. He attributes much of his success to the clarity and focus gained through meditation.
Random Acts of Kindness
Perform a random act of kindness for someone else. This can be as simple as helping a neighbor, volunteering, or sending a thoughtful message to a friend. Such actions can increase your well-being and happiness, vital to maintaining high productivity levels.
Through her Born This Way Foundation, Lady Gaga focuses on empowering youth and inspiring kindness. Her acts of kindness, big and small, are a testament to how spreading positivity can be a part of one’s routine.
Adventure Day
Plan a small adventure or a new experience each Sunday, like visiting a new town, trying a new sport, or attending a workshop. New experiences can stimulate your brain, inspire innovation, and break the monotony of routine, keeping you energized for the week.
Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, is known for his adventurous spirit, often trying new and daring activities like hot air balloon trips and kitesurfing. These adventures serve as a break from his routine and inspire innovation in his business ventures.
Conclusion
Incorporating these seven unconventional habits into your Sunday routine is more than just a change of pace; it’s a transformational approach to living. By connecting with nature, taking a digital break, engaging in creative hobbies, journaling for your future self, practicing mindfulness, spreading kindness, and embracing new adventures, you’re not just preparing for the week ahead but cultivating a lifestyle of balance, creativity, and resilience.
These habits serve as the building blocks for a productive week and a fulfilling life. As you experiment with these practices, remember that the ultimate goal is to find what works best for you, creating Sundays that recharge and inspire you for every challenge and opportunity that the new week may bring.
I hope this helps.
UNFORGETTABLE VIDEOS
I have already watched the movie Sinners three times, and it is a masterpiece. I am absorbing so much from the film through interviews and perspectives. This interview on The Breakfast Club was one of the best as Coogler dives into his inspiration and thought process while making the movie. Please see the film, it is an unforgettable experience.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
Mastery by Robert Greene is a deep dive into achieving greatness by unlocking your innate potential through disciplined learning and long-term focus.
Drawing from the lives of masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Darwin, and Temple Grandin, Greene reveals that mastery isn’t reserved for the chosen few—it’s a process anyone can follow. The book breaks down three key phases: apprenticeship (learning the rules), creative-active (applying and experimenting), and mastery (intuitive flow and innovation). Greene emphasizes the power of mentorship, deliberate practice, and trusting your unique inclinations. The message is clear: genius isn’t born—it’s forged through years of dedication, curiosity, and persistence. By mastering your craft, you elevate your skill and shape your destiny.
Mastery calls us to slow down, focus intensely, and embrace the long game to achieve exceptional results. Although I have read this book before, it really resonated with me this time around.
The 3 Stages of Mastery
1. Apprenticeship (Learn)
Observe.
Absorb knowledge.
Develop discipline.
Humble yourself and learn from setbacks.
2. Creative-Active (Apply)
Experiment with your skills.
Think independently.
Begin innovating.
3. Mastery (Transcend)
Intuition takes over.
You synthesize knowledge effortlessly.
You contribute original work to your field.
Action Steps to Begin Your Path to Mastery
Identify Your Calling – Follow your deep interests, not trends.
Find a Mentor – Seek guidance from someone a few steps ahead.
Commit to Long-Term Learning – Put in your “10,000 hours” deliberately.
Work Through Resistance – Don’t fear boredom or failure.
Create Your Own Path – Innovate after mastering the fundamentals.
Trust Your Intuition – Over time, instinct becomes more reliable than logic.
📚 30-Minute Reading Consultation — Let’s Unlock the Power of Books!
Stuck on what to read next? Want to actually use what you’re reading to level up your life or business?
In just 30 minutes, we’ll:
✅ Identify the books that align with your goals
✅ Create a simple plan to make reading a consistent habit
✅ Show you how to apply what you read for real results
This isn’t just about reading more — it’s about reading with purpose.
Perfect for busy professionals, growth-minded individuals, or anyone ready to turn books into breakthroughs.
🕒 Book your session now and make every page count.
STRATEGY
Always Ask for What You Want.
“Closed mouths don’t get fed.” — African Proverb.
Whether you’re seeking a new role, project support, or an introduction to someone influential, make your desires known.
I spent years of my life in different jobs, thinking that if I asked for what I wanted, I was being too bold, so I let my actions do the talking. But funny enough, sometimes words speak louder than actions. I eventually realized no one can read your mind, no matter how much you want them to.
We are all in our heads and focused on what is in our world, so no one will ever know if you don’t clarify your intentions. This lesson took me so long to understand, as I assumed others should know, but I was the one deluded.
Asking for what you want doesn’t guarantee success, but it can open up possibilities that wouldn’t exist if you kept quiet.
Each “yes” can be life-changing.
Question For You
The journey into self-love and self-acceptance must begin with self-examination… until you take the journey of self-reflection, it is almost impossible to grow or learn in life.
Did you carve out time for self-reflection this week? If not, when will you?
