March 1st
~Strive to build team camaraderie and respect. Comrades in arms. —John Wooden
~When you rush through things you rush towards death. Â You rush away from your loved ones and the present moment. Don't just look to live life day by day. Â Live life day by night. Â To live in the present moment is to live forever in a day.
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~When you sit in the full lotus position, your left foot is on your right thigh, and your right foot is on your left thigh. When we cross our legs like this, even though we have a right leg and a left leg, they have become one. The position expresses the oneness of duality: not two, and not one. This is the most important teaching—not two, and not one:
-Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
~To get your mind out of the fog, practice F.O.G. - Fitness-do something physical, Order - declutter an area, Generosity - doing for others gets us out of our own rut. —Coach Dan John
Let Us Practice Our Golden Rule by Elianna Navarro
Let us practice our Golden Rule:
Treat others how we want to be treated;
Never be mean,
Always be kind.
Live with joy in our heart.
Spread joy around the world.
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The Bright Side of the Road (Uncommon Life by Tony Dungy)
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~It is the lack of faith that makes people afraid to meet challenges, and I believe in myself. — Muhammad Ali
~We all need people that will give us feedback. That is how we improve. —Bill Gates
~The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become.
~Life takes place now. Â Start living now: there will never be a time when it is not now.
~Only the prepared individual deserves to be confident.—Dale Carnegie
These passages present a rich tapestry of interconnected wisdom about how to live meaningfully.
Several passages emphasize that life only exists in the present moment. The warning that "When you rush through things you rush towards death" reveals how hurrying disconnects us from what truly matters. Instead of merely living "day by day," we're invited to live "day by night"—experiencing each moment fully rather than racing through it.
Shunryu Suzuki's meditation on the lotus position offers a physical embodiment of this principle. When sitting in lotus, the left foot becomes the right, the right becomes the left, creating a physical state where ordinary distinctions blur. This posture teaches us about non-duality—things being "not two, and not one"—which parallels how the present moment transcends our usual categories of time.
The collection concludes with the direct instruction: "Life takes place now. Start living now: there will never be a time when it is not now." This serves as both the foundation and culmination of all other teachings—without presence, no other wisdom can be fully realized.
Suzuki's teaching on non-duality offers perhaps the deepest philosophical insight in the collection. He presents three examples of how reality transcends our either/or thinking:
This paradoxical thinking appears throughout other quotes as well. Tony Dungy speaks of finding joy amid struggle. Muhammad Ali discusses how faith overcomes fear. The advice to "set the bar low" while still seeking success teaches us to embrace imperfection while moving forward. These passages collectively show how wisdom often involves holding seemingly contradictory truths simultaneously.
Several passages highlight how our wellbeing depends on our relationships. John Wooden advises building "team camaraderie and respect," emphasizing the bonds between "comrades in arms." Bill Gates reminds us that feedback from others is essential for improvement.
This relational aspect of growth appears again in Coach Dan John's F.O.G. practice, where "Generosity" toward others helps clear our own mental fog. Elianna Navarro's poem about the Golden Rule connects individual behavior to global impact: "Spread joy around the world."
Tony Dungy's passage explicitly frames joy as a practice rather than merely a reaction to circumstances: "At every opportunity, be joyful and look at the bright side." He connects this to the biblical wisdom that "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps one's strength."
This connects with the meditation on having a "still mind" that "reflects only peace and holiness"—suggesting that our inner state is something we can deliberately cultivate. Muhammad Ali's statement about faith in oneself also speaks to this internal choice of perspective.
The F.O.G. practice (Fitness, Order, Generosity) offers practical strategies for maintaining mental clarity and positive outlook through physical activity, environmental organization, and service to others.
Dale Carnegie's quote—"Only the prepared individual deserves to be confident"—adds a crucial dimension to this collection. It bridges several themes by establishing the relationship between preparation and justified confidence.
This insight connects directly to Muhammad Ali's statement about faith in oneself. While Ali emphasizes the importance of self-belief in facing challenges, Carnegie clarifies that such confidence must be earned through preparation. Together, these quotes suggest that confidence without preparation is merely wishful thinking, while preparation without confidence leaves potential unrealized.
Carnegie's wisdom also relates to the paradoxical advice to "set the bar low." Setting realistic expectations isn't about lowering standards but about creating achievable steps that allow for proper preparation. This preparation then legitimizes the confidence needed to face greater challenges.
The quote further resonates with Suzuki's teaching on non-duality. True preparation involves both knowing and not-knowing—being ready for what we can anticipate while remaining open to what we cannot. This balanced approach creates a confidence that is neither rigid nor fragile.
Perhaps the most integrative insight comes in the quote: "The major value in life is not what you get. The major value in life is what you become." This suggests that all these practices—mindfulness, embracing paradox, building community, choosing joy, and now preparation—are valuable primarily because they transform us internally.
Carnegie's focus on preparation emphasizes that this transformation doesn't happen automatically but requires deliberate effort. The process of preparation itself changes us, developing qualities that justify confidence.
This transformative journey requires balancing realistic expectations ("Today will not be perfect") with persistent effort. It involves both self-reliance ("I believe in myself" - Muhammad Ali) and openness to others ("We all need people that will give us feedback" - Bill Gates).
What makes this collection powerful is how these diverse sources—from Zen Buddhism to Christian scripture to business wisdom—converge on complementary insights about living mindfully and meaningfully. Together, they offer a comprehensive philosophy that embraces:
The date heading "1 de marzo" suggests this may be a daily meditation or reflection—perhaps part of a practice of beginning each day with wisdom that nurtures a thoughtful, balanced approach to living. These teachings invite us not just to understand life intellectually but to embody these principles physically (like the lotus position), emotionally (through joy and gratitude), and relationally (through generosity and feedback).
The collection reminds us that wisdom isn't about escaping life's complexities but about engaging them more fully—with awareness, kindness, purpose, and well-earned confidence—embracing both the joys and challenges of human experience from a balanced perspective.
March 2nd
~The strength of the lower back and hips determines one’s ability to run, twist, jump, throw or lift, whichever the particular sport requires. —Harry Paschall
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
Accurate Self Assessment (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
Everything But This is Temporary (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~Every day there's sad news, but each day itself is glad news.
Get To The Inside (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life. —Louise Hay
~Just find your alignment. And those who are also in alignment will recognize you. —Abraham
~If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. —Mother Teresa
~Cultivate the habit of being grateful. ―Ralph Waldo Emerson
~Make your anger so expensive that no one can afford it and make your happiness so cheap that everyone can get it for free.
~Festina Lente (Make haste slowly)
True strength begins with accurate self-assessment. Physical strength—specifically "the strength of lower back and hips" that determines athletic capability—serves as a powerful metaphor for our broader human capacities. This physical foundation parallels our need for honest self-evaluation, as Seneca warns against overestimating our abilities and Goethe cautions against both overvaluation and undervaluation.
The revolutionary insight emerges when we connect these concepts: true strength flows from genuine self-understanding. We cannot harness our full potential—whether in athletics, relationships, or career—without first seeing ourselves clearly. This creates a virtuous cycle where accurate self-knowledge enables greater strength development, which in turn reveals more about our true capabilities.
A profound theme running through is the distinction between what is temporary and what endures. Ryan Holiday articulates this directly: "Professions are temporary, family is permanent." This permanence principle helps us navigate the competing demands of modern life by establishing a clear hierarchy of values.
The unified message teaches us that while we should pursue excellence in our work and physical development, these pursuits must be bounded by our commitment to what truly lasts. As the second analysis states, our most important work isn't necessarily what we accomplish professionally, but "who we are to our closest loved ones." This perspective transforms how we approach daily decisions, encouraging us to "make our happiness accessible, our anger costly, and our commitments deep."
Robert Greene's wisdom about getting to "the inside of things" connects beautifully with the overall philosophy. There is a progression from outer appearance to inner reality that applies to multiple dimensions of life:
This journey inward represents the path to authentic living. When combined with the "festina lente" principle—make haste slowly—we see that meaningful growth requires both determination and patience. The master in any field, whether parenting or professional work, develops an intuitive understanding that makes complex activities appear effortless.
The cultivation of gratitude, the protection of family time, the setting of meaningful boundaries—these are not merely abstract ideals but daily practices that bring the philosophy to life. Practical approaches to embodying these principles:
The quotes from Mother Teresa, Louise Hay, and others offer specific pathways to implementing this integrated philosophy. Together, they teach us that our most profound impact often occurs in our smallest circles, precisely because those intimate relationships represent what is most permanent in life.
What emerges from this unified analysis is nothing less than a comprehensive art of balanced living. Each day, realign with what matters most— assess ourselves honestly, strengthen what needs strengthening, prioritize what truly endures, and practice presence within our most important relationships.
The wisdom here doesn't ask us to abandon ambition or excellence, but rather to pursue these within a framework that preserves what is most precious. It teaches us that authentic strength flows from honest self-assessment, that mastery comes from patient inside-out understanding, and that meaning itself is found not in grand achievements but in the quality of our most enduring connections.
March 3rd
~What you are afraid to do is a clear indicator of the next thing you need to do. —Anthony Robbins
You Are Not a Babysitter (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
Cultivate the Craftsman Ethic (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
(Dis)integration (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~Pure pragmatism can't imagine a bold future. Pure idealism gets nothing done. To innovate, delicately blend the two. —Simon Sinek
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~Staying focused is difficult without vision.
~It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside. It's what's on the inside that counts.
~Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever, and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow.  —Saint Augustine of Hippo
The Path to Authentic Growth: Synthesizing Life Philosophies
The Anthony Robbins quote—"What you are afraid to do is a clear indicator of the next thing you need to do"—serves as a foundation for understanding personal growth. This profound insight reveals that our fears often point directly to our necessary areas of development. When we feel resistance toward something, it frequently signals an opportunity for meaningful advancement in our lives.
This concept of facing fears as a pathway to growth connects directly to several other philosophical principles:
Simon Sinek's observation that "Pure pragmatism can't imagine a bold future. Pure idealism gets nothing done. To innovate, delicately blend the two" offers a framework for implementing these principles effectively in our lives.
This balance manifests across several domains:
Several reflections emphasize that our internal state determines our external reality:
The passages on the "Craftsman Ethic" provide a framework that extends beyond professional work to all areas of responsibility. Whether it's parenting or professional endeavors, the message remains consistent:
This approach transforms ordinary tasks into opportunities for mastery. The craftsman doesn't distinguish between important and unimportant work—all work deserves full attention and excellence. Similarly, good parenting requires seeing the dignity in daily tasks that might otherwise seem mundane.
Clear vision provides the motivation and direction needed to maintain focus and overcome obstacles. Without a compelling purpose, even the most disciplined person will eventually find their resolve weakening. The craftsman has this vision of quality work. The good father has a vision of what responsible parenting looks like. The stoic has a vision of inner harmony and virtue.
These visions aren't merely abstract ideals—they provide practical guidance for daily decisions. When faced with choices, we can ask: "Which option brings me closer to internal integration? Which better embodies the craftsman's ethic? Which more fully embraces my responsibilities?"
When we combine these philosophical perspectives, a powerful approach to life emerges:
This integrated philosophy addresses our relationship with ourselves (internal integration), our work (craftsman's ethic), our responsibilities (parenting and other roles), and the balance between idealism and pragmatism needed to translate philosophy into action.
Authentic living requires courage to face fears, dedication to meaningful work, internal coherence, balanced perspective, and holistic self-care. When we align these elements, we create a life characterized by meaning, quality, and harmony—where our actions reflect our deepest values, and we find satisfaction in the work itself rather than just its rewards.
The path forward is clear: identify what you fear, recognize it as a growth opportunity, approach it with a craftsman's dedication, maintain internal integration throughout, and balance idealistic aspiration with pragmatic action. This is not merely a strategy for success—it is a framework for a life well-lived.
March 4th
~You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. —C.S. Lewis
~What's the good word?
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy
~It’s better to be happy without a lot of things than to be unhappy trying to get a lot of things. —Dusty Slay
You Have To Make Adjustments (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
Wim Hof Breathing Exercise (Becoming Wim Hof)
~Are you inventing things to do to avoid the important work
~It doesn't matter where you came from. All that matters is where you are going. —Brian Tracy
~One simple rule: If it came from a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don’t. —Michael Pollan
~Greatness is the combination of a lot of small things, done well, each and every day.
Greatness is not a singular achievement but rather the culmination of consistent, mindful actions performed day after day. This essay explores how various philosophies, practices, and wisdom traditions converge on this fundamental truth, offering a comprehensive framework for living with purpose and achieving meaningful growth.
"Greatness is the combination of a lot of small things, done well, each and every day." This deceptively simple statement encapsulates a profound truth about human achievement and personal development. It suggests that extraordinary outcomes emerge not from sporadic heroic efforts but from the patient accumulation of deliberate practices.
The Wim Hof breathing technique serves as a perfect microcosm of this principle. Each breath represents a "small thing" that, when performed with intention and precision, builds physiological resilience over time. The practice instructs: "Take 30 deep relaxed breaths to saturate the body with oxygen," followed by measured breath retention. This seemingly simple routine, when practiced consistently, can transform one's relationship with stress, cold exposure, and immune function.
What makes this approach powerful is not the intensity of any single session but the cumulative effect of regular practice. As Hof's instructions emphasize: "Always try to relax. Forcing it will cause us to take steps back. We need to go at our own pace." This patience and consistency mirror the broader philosophy that greatness emerges gradually through sustainable effort.
Leo Tolstoy's "Calendar of Wisdom" reinforces this approach through its emphasis on moderation, particularly in eating. Tolstoy frames excessive consumption as a spiritual failing—"a sin against ourselves" that dishonors the divine spark within us. "All spiritual teachings," he notes, "start with restriction." This connects directly with Michael Pollan's straightforward nutritional guidance: "If it came from a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don't."
Both Tolstoy and Pollan suggest that controlling our appetites is not merely about physical health but about developing the self-discipline that underlies all meaningful achievement. Tolstoy advises: "Use food to serve us in fighting hunger, not to develop sophisticated tastes," and warns that "many modern ailments are unable to take foot in us if we do not eat to excess." Each meal becomes an opportunity to practice the restraint that builds character and supports well-being.
This perspective aligns with Dusty Slay's observation that "It's better to be happy without a lot of things than to be unhappy trying to get a lot of things." True satisfaction comes not from accumulation or indulgence but from appropriate restraint and clear priorities.
C.S. Lewis reminds us that "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream," emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and aspiration throughout life. However, this aspiration functions best when paired with realistic expectations: "To find success, set the bar low. Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way."
These complementary perspectives suggest that meaningful goals should be both inspiring and achievable. The practice of setting small, incremental goals allows for continuous progress while avoiding the paralysis that often accompanies perfectionism. Each modest achievement becomes a building block in the architecture of personal development.
This connects to Ryan Holiday's reflection on making adjustments in parenting: "No matter our children's ages, we have to be ready to make adjustments. Whatever our job is, it can and must be adjusted so that we may focus on our most important job. FAMILY COMES FIRST." Effective goal-setting requires this flexibility—the willingness to recalibrate our expectations and approaches as circumstances evolve.
The pointed question "Are you inventing things to do to avoid the important work?" challenges us to examine how we allocate our attention and energy. This connects directly to Holiday's emphasis on family as the primary commitment around which other responsibilities must be organized.
Brian Tracy's insight that "It doesn't matter where you came from. All that matters is where you are going" reinforces the importance of forward focus. Rather than dwelling on past limitations or advantages, this perspective encourages us to concentrate on the trajectory we can create through consistent, intentional actions.
Together, these various quotes and practices suggest a cohesive philosophical framework for meaningful living:
To embody this integrated philosophy in daily life, we might:
Imagine your life as a complex mosaic. Each small, well-executed action is a single tile. Some days you'll place tiles perfectly, some days less so. The occasional misaligned piece doesn't diminish the overall beauty of the work, and over time, these countless small contributions create a magnificent, intricate picture of personal growth.
This perspective allows us to approach life with both patience and purpose. We understand that today's small efforts—breathing practices, food choices, moderation in consumption, appropriate goals, family focus—contribute to tomorrow's accomplishments. "What's the good word?" becomes not just a casual greeting but an invitation to recognize the value in these daily disciplines.
As we contemplate these principles on "4 de marzo" or any other day, we're reminded that greatness isn't a destination but a practice—a continuing commitment to performing small actions with awareness, intention, and consistency. Through this patient accumulation of mindful efforts, we gradually construct lives of meaning, purpose, and genuine achievement.
March 5th
~Kaizen is the belief that small changes over time can create huge life change. Do small improvements daily and tweak your way to a happier life.
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
Day 64: Your Agent Wants a Second Book (Daily Pressfield by Steven Pressfield)
~Don't try to be more than you are.  Just try to be all that you are. —Naomi Judd
11 Genius Rules For Life (Naval Ravikant)Â
Look Wider and Think Further Ahead (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~Do not think that you will become great; be great now. Do not think that you will begin to act in the future; act now. —Wallace Wattles
~A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes the dream come true.
~If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over? —John Wooden
When we examine this collection of quotes and principles, a cohesive philosophy of personal development emerges—one that balances ambition with practicality, authenticity with growth, and immediate action with long-term vision.
The Kaizen philosophy serves as the bedrock upon which many other principles rest. This Japanese concept teaches us that meaningful transformation doesn't happen overnight but through consistent, incremental changes that compound over time. Those small daily improvements gradually create massive life change.
This foundational idea connects directly to John Wooden's practical wisdom: "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over?" Both emphasize being deliberate and patient with improvement. When we rush or seek shortcuts, we often create more work for ourselves later—having to restart takes more time than doing things properly the first time, even if slowly.
The advice to "set the bar low" might initially seem to contradict Wallace Wattles' encouragement to "be great now," but these ideas actually complement each other beautifully. Setting manageable expectations allows us to take action immediately rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Wattles isn't suggesting we must achieve our ultimate potential today, but rather that we should embody greatness in our present actions, however small they might be.
This pairs naturally with Naval Ravikant's rule to "When Inspired, Act Immediately." Inspiration provides emotional energy that's valuable but fleeting. By combining realistic expectations with immediate action, we capture that energy before it dissipates.
Naomi Judd's insight about being "all that you are" rather than "more than you are" aligns perfectly with Naval's rule to "Choose to Be Yourself." Both recognize that authenticity creates a more fulfilling and sustainable path than imitation. This authenticity principle strengthens the Kaizen approach—when we're aligned with our true nature, small improvements feel more natural and sustainable.
This theme of authenticity also explains why we should "Do What Feels Like Play to You, But Looks Like Work to Others." When we operate within our authentic strengths and interests, work doesn't feel like drudgery. This creates a positive feedback loop that sustains our improvement practice—we're more likely to make daily progress in areas that genuinely engage us.
The quote about transforming dreams into goals, goals into plans, and plans into reality provides the practical framework for implementing these philosophical ideas. It shows us the bridge between abstract concepts and concrete results:
Robert Greene's "Look Wider and Think Further Ahead" emphasizes expanding our perspective beyond immediate problems. This global viewpoint allows us to see how current challenges connect to our larger goals and purpose. As Greene notes: "The person with the more global perspective wins."
This strategic thinking connects with Naval's concept of "Creating Empty Space." Both suggest stepping back from day-to-day concerns to gain clarity and advantage. Without some margin in our lives, we lack the capacity to implement even small changes consistently or to see the bigger picture.
Steven Pressfield's advice to "Think in terms of careers" encourages us to imagine not just one achievement but an actual body of work. This perspective aligns perfectly with Kaizen—it's about building something meaningful over time through consistent effort rather than focusing solely on immediate outcomes.
Naval's final rule about "Overcoming the Need for External Validation" addresses a critical barrier to authentic growth. When we're constantly seeking approval from others, we often pursue goals that aren't aligned with our true selves. By freeing ourselves from this need, we can focus on the small, meaningful improvements that matter to us personally.
The principle to "Master the Basics" reinforces both Kaizen and realistic expectations. True mastery doesn't come from attempting advanced techniques prematurely; it comes from repeated practice of fundamental skills until they become second nature. This patient approach to skill development embodies the philosophy of small, consistent improvements leading to significant change over time.
When viewed as a whole, these diverse quotes and principles create a comprehensive approach to personal development. The central message is that sustainable growth comes not from dramatic transformations or external validation but from being true to ourselves and making small, consistent improvements in areas that genuinely matter to us.
This philosophy combines strategic patience with immediate action, personal authenticity with global perspective, and practical realism with aspirational thinking. Together, these balanced principles offer a path to meaningful development that respects both who we are now and who we can become.
March 6th
~People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves. —Aesop
Innovation and Risk Taking (Daily Drucker by Peter Drucker)
~A good swing from a good set up will produce a good shot. —Dave Pelz
~Shoshin - Embrace the beginner’s mind, open and receptive to the endless possibilities that surround us.
~Hara Hachi Bu - everything in moderation
~Ganbaru - Patience. Â Commit to excellence. Â Do you best, irregardless of the results.
~Start with the end game.
Don’t Tell Yourself Stories (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work.  You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction.  Those who are motivated only by desire for the fruits of action are miserable, for they are constantly anxious about the results of what they do. ―Bhagavad Gita
~We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified. —Aesop
~We are so lucky to be alive.  Most people have never been born.  And because we are so lucky that we get to be alive we are also lucky that we get to die.  —Richard Dawkins
~Mens sana in corpore sano. ~ A sound mind in a sound body. —Thales
~He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices for those which he has. —Epictetus
The central thread seems to be about our relationship with desires and outcomes. Both Aesop quotes warn against excessive attachment to wants - people resent others having what they can't have, and fulfilled wishes often disappoint. This connects directly to the Bhagavad Gita passage, which explicitly advises against acting solely for rewards, suggesting that attachment to outcomes leads to anxiety and misery.
The Dave Pelz golf advice might seem disconnected at first, but it actually complements this wisdom perfectly - focus on proper process (the setup and swing) rather than fixating on the result. This echoes the Gita's teaching about action without attachment to fruit.
Epictetus offers a practical approach to this philosophy - finding joy in what you have rather than longing for what you lack. This creates a mindset that aligns with the Gita's advice about avoiding anxiety over results.
Dawkins' quote provides an existential perspective that deepens these insights. By recognizing the remarkable chance of our existence, we can appreciate life itself as the gift, rather than specific outcomes within it. The inevitability of death becomes something to accept rather than fear.
Finally, Thales' "sound mind in sound body" ties everything together - suggesting that physical and mental wellbeing come from this balanced approach to life: doing proper actions without excessive attachment to outcomes, appreciating what we have, and maintaining perspective on our brief, precious existence.
These quotes collectively suggest that happiness comes not from getting everything we want, but from proper action, gratitude for what we have, and maintaining perspective on our place in the universe.
March 7th
~I know where I'm going and I know the truth. I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want. —Muhammad Ali
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
#11 The Buildings or the Roads? (This is Strategy by Seth Godin)
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~What's the good word?
~Once you carry your own water, you'll remember every drop.  —African Proverb
How Are You Filling Their Bank? (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
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~The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them. —Mark Twain
~We must live together as brothers, or perish together as fools. —Martin Luther King Jr.
~The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100% —Arnold Schwarzenegger
These quotes and reflections center around several interconnected themes:
Muhammad Ali's quote ("I'm free to be what I want") establishes a foundational principle about personal autonomy and the courage to define yourself on your own terms. This connects directly to the Schwarzenegger quote about the mind being the limit—both emphasize that our beliefs about what's possible shape what we can achieve.
Seth Godin's insight about "Buildings or Roads" offers a sophisticated framework for understanding change. Buildings (nodes) can be replaced easily, while roads (connectors/systems) resist change. This creates an interesting tension with the personal freedom theme—we may be free as individuals, but we operate within systems that have deep resistance to change.
This balanced approach acknowledges that while systems are resistant to change, individuals operating with awareness and strategic intention can gradually reshape them through consistent, purposeful action.
The reflection "My still mind reflects only peace and holiness" introduces the importance of inner calm. This connects beautifully with the African proverb about carrying your own water—both speak to personal responsibility for our internal states and appreciating what we have.
Ryan Holiday's "How Are You Filling Their Bank?" provides a powerful metaphor for how our daily actions create memories in others. This connects with MLK's quote about living together as brothers—both emphasize our interdependence and responsibility toward one another.
The line "What's the good word?" serves as a bridge between the personal and interpersonal themes, suggesting that our communications with others matter deeply.
"To find success, set the bar low" initially seems to contradict the ambitious spirit of quotes from Ali and Schwarzenegger. However, this apparent contradiction reveals an important balance: while we should dream big (mind as the limit), we must also acknowledge daily realities (nobody's going to get out of your way).
When taken together, these quotes form a comprehensive philosophy that balances:
This collection creates a thoughtful framework for living a meaningful life that honors both personal potential and our connections to others—acknowledging the systems we operate within while still believing in our capacity to define ourselves and make positive contributions to others' "memory banks."
March 8th
~Do less better.
~Learning to love the last group of the day, the hard group—the group of kids you don't necessarily enjoy initially—that's what makes you a great coach.
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
Ready For What May Come (Daily Challenge by Tony Dungy)
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~Stop going through the motions and start growing through the motions.
~The three types of physical good deeds are saving lives, giving gifts and being sexually benevolent.  Verbal good deeds are telling the truth, speaking to reconcile conflicts, speaking sweetly and pleasantly and  speaking meaningfully.  The three mental good deeds are being detached, being loving and being realistic.
Retain Your Sense of Wonder (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~Every test in our life makes us bitter or better. Every problem comes to break us or make us. The choice is ours whether we become VICTIM of VICTOR.
10 Commandments
~Your energy and enjoyment, drive and enthusiasm will stimulate and greatly inspire others. —John Wooden
~Good actions ennoble us, and we are the sons of our deeds. — Miguel de Cervantes
I notice you've shared a rich collection of quotes, principles, and ideas centered around March 8th. Let me explore the connections and themes running through this compilation.
"8 de marzo" refers to March 8th, which is International Women's Day. This global celebration honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for gender equality. This date provides an interesting backdrop to consider this collection of wisdom.
Several entries emphasize the value of thorough preparation:
This connects to the concept of growth mentioned in "stop going through the motions and start growing through the motions." True preparation isn't just about going through required steps but actively developing oneself through those actions.
Many entries address how our mental approach shapes our experience:
Several entries focus on developing virtuous character:
There are references to cultivating inner tranquility:
These principles come together to form a holistic approach to living well:
True growth comes through mindful preparation, ethical action, maintaining wonder, and choosing positive perspectives in the face of challenges. These principles transcend specific traditions while drawing wisdom from various sources.
March 9th
~You don't have to be great to serve, but you have to serve to be great. —Jon Gordon
This is the Only Success That Matters Now (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~Saving money and investing money are both good habits. Small amounts of money invested regularly for many decades without deliberation is one path to wealth. —Kevin Kelly
You Are the Average of the Five People You Spend the Most Time With (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~The calm after the storm is the best time of day. But first, you have to embrace the storm.
~Where there are friends there is wealth. —Plautus
~We spend far too much time complaining about the way things are, and forget that we have the power to change anything and everything.  ―Bozoma Saint John
The opening quote by Jon Gordon ("You don't have to be great to serve, but you have to serve to be great") establishes a fundamental relationship between service and greatness. This connects directly to Ryan Holiday's "Daily Dad" reflection about redefining success through your relationship with your children and community.
Jessica Grose's question about whether something improves your relationship with your children or helps your community provides a practical filter for decision-making. This suggests that true success isn't measured by career achievements but by the quality of our relationships and community impact.
The reflection continues by noting that while career success is worth pursuing, it pales in comparison to meaningful family moments — "quiet evening at home," "Sunday in the park," "breakfast full of laughter." This represents a profound shift in how we measure success: from external achievements to meaningful connections.
Kevin Kelly's quote introduces a different dimension of success: financial wellbeing through consistent, patient action. The key insight here is that small, regular investments over time — "without deliberation" — can lead to wealth. This echoes the patient, long-term approach needed for building relationships and community that was mentioned earlier.
Ryan Holiday's "Daily Stoic" reflection expands on this theme of influence by focusing on how our social connections shape who we become. The central idea — "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with" — suggests that our environment profoundly shapes our character and potential.
The quotes from Musonius Rufus ("From good people we learn good") and Goethe ("Tell me with whom you consort and I will tell you who you are") reinforce this ancient wisdom about social influence. The reflection then provides practical questions to evaluate our relationships:
This connects back to the earlier theme about what truly matters in life. If family and community are the true measures of success, then carefully choosing who we spend time with becomes essential to living well.
The final quotes tie everything together:
Taken together, these reflections suggest a cohesive philosophy:
This collection of wisdom encourages a fundamental reevaluation of how we measure success and fulfillment in life, shifting from external metrics to the quality of our relationships and service to others.
March 10th
~Most stress is caused by overestimating the importance of our problems.  —Michael LeBoeuf
Knowledge is Your Superior (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
~Mi tiempo es como un campo en el que yo puedo sembrar cosas importantes. Al igual que un agricultor planta semillas en la tierra para que crezcan y den frutos, yo puedo usar mi tiempo de manera sabia para hacer cosas que sean significativas y valiosas para mÃ.
~When in doubt, train your grip and your core. —Pavel Tsatsouline
~After every complaint, immediately find something positive to say.
Welcome to Unavoidable Reality (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~Know the rules before you break them.
~Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years.  If something is wrong, fix it if you can.  But train yourself not to worry—worrying never fixes anything. —Ernest Hemingway
~Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. —R. Collier
Key Themes and Connections
Robert Greene's "Knowledge is Your Superior" section emphasizes the importance of knowledge while simultaneously advocating for humility about what we know. There's a beautiful tension here:
This humility about knowledge connects to the Michael LeBoeuf quote about overestimating the importance of our problems. Both suggest that our perspective is limited and that maintaining humility about what we know helps us avoid unnecessary stress and dogmatism.
Several quotes address how we use our time and set priorities:
These all revolve around the central question: what deserves our time and attention? They suggest prioritizing family, meaningful activities, and realistic expectations.
Several quotes address our mental habits and how they affect our wellbeing:
These all suggest that our mental habits profoundly affect our experience, and that cultivating discipline over our thoughts is worthwhile.
Several quotes emphasize the value of consistent small efforts:
These all point to the power of consistent, daily practice over dramatic but unsustainable efforts.
March 11th
~Let other people do what they need to do to make themselves happy. Mind your own business, and do what you need to do to make yourself happy. —Leon Brown
~Practice radical honesty.  Honesty leads to taking responsibility. Today I will not lie.  —Anna Lembke
~Better. Faster. Stronger.
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
~Let us make our happiness readily accessible, our anger costly and our commitments deep.  Our most important work isn’t what we accomplish professionally but who we are to our closest loved ones.
Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy
~Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort. —Epictetus
~The man who chases two rabbits catches neither. ―Confucius
Intensity of Focus - Awaken the Dimensional Mind~The Creative Active (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~Are you inventing things to do to avoid the important work?
~I refuse to live an unlived life. —Les Brown
~Pride makes us artificial; humility makes us real. — Thomas Merton
~Men of quality are not threatened by women seeking equality.
At the foundation of this collection is the call to take ownership of your life. Leon Brown advises to "Mind your own business, and do what you need to do to make yourself happy," emphasizing that we must take responsibility for our own contentment rather than trying to control others. This pairs naturally with Anna Lembke's call for "radical honesty" and taking responsibility, suggesting that personal growth begins with truthfulness about our own actions and choices.
The declaration "I refuse to live an unlived life" from Les Brown stands as perhaps the most direct challenge in the collection—a rejection of passive existence in favor of deliberate, conscious living. This theme of personal accountability forms the bedrock upon which the other wisdom stands.
Several quotes highlight how success comes not from scattered efforts but from concentrated attention:
Confucius's observation that "The man who chases two rabbits catches neither" elegantly captures the futility of divided focus. This wisdom is echoed in Epictetus's more nuanced advice that not every challenging pursuit is worth our time—we must choose endeavors that align with our true objectives.
Robert Greene deepens this concept by emphasizing that true development comes from the "intensity of attention" rather than merely going through the motions. His counsel to "not simply read books, take them apart" and to "strain to understand people at their core" suggests that meaningful growth requires active, penetrating engagement rather than passive consumption.
The provocative question "Are you inventing things to do to avoid the important work?" directly challenges us to examine whether our busyness serves as a distraction from what truly matters—a powerful prompt for honest self-reflection.
The collection provides profound guidance on human connection, particularly through the lens of marriage and equality. Tolstoy's Calendar of Wisdom entries frame marriage as something of deep significance both personally and socially, with George Eliot beautifully describing the union as "two souls...united to support each other in their work, in their successes and misfortunes."
The quote "Men of quality are not threatened by women seeking equality" adds crucial depth to this relationship wisdom. It suggests that authentic connection requires mutual respect and recognition of equal worth. This perspective transforms our understanding of the marriage passages—revealing that true union depends not on hierarchy but on partnership between equals.
This equality quote also resonates with Thomas Merton's insight that "Pride makes us artificial; humility makes us real." True quality of character, as implied by both quotes, comes from the security and humility to welcome others as equals rather than seeing their advancement as threatening. The man of quality, like the humble person, has nothing to prove and no position to defend against others' legitimate claims to dignity and respect.
A fascinating thread running through these reflections is the balance between high aspirations and practical expectations. The advice to "set the bar low" and recognize that "Today will not be perfect" seems at first to contradict calls for excellence like "Better. Faster. Stronger." However, together they suggest a nuanced approach: maintain high standards for character and effort while being forgiving about perfect outcomes.
The counsel to "make our happiness readily accessible, our anger costly and our commitments deep" perfectly captures this balanced philosophy—suggesting we should be generous with joy, careful with negative emotions, and serious about our important relationships and values.
Perhaps the most profound connection among these quotes is their collective emphasis on living with depth and authenticity. Robert Greene's encouragement to look beneath the surface—taking apart books and understanding people's core motivations—connects directly to Les Brown's refusal to live an "unlived life." Both suggest that meaningful existence requires active engagement rather than passive acceptance.
When viewed through this lens, the equality quote takes on additional significance. Recognizing women's equality requires looking beyond surface conventions to see others' true worth—exactly the kind of depth and authenticity advocated throughout the collection. A person of quality isn't threatened by others' equality precisely because they've developed the capacity to see beyond superficial status to what truly matters.
These reflections create an interesting tension between individual focus and social responsibility. While Leon Brown advises minding one's own business, the equality quote reminds us that our attitudes toward others reflect our character and impact the community. This suggests that complete personal development includes both internal work and how we relate to others.
Similarly, while Tolstoy emphasizes the social importance of marriage and family, other quotes focus on individual development and responsibility. Together, they suggest that personal growth and social connection aren't opposing forces but complementary aspects of a well-lived life.
What emerges from these diverse quotes is a remarkably coherent philosophy: Live with focused intention rather than scattered attention. Take responsibility for your own happiness while respecting others' equality and dignity. Maintain high standards for character while being realistic about daily outcomes. Look beneath the surface to understand both people and ideas more deeply. And recognize that true fulfillment comes from balancing personal development with meaningful connection to others.
These March 11th reflections, drawn from wisdom traditions across cultures and centuries, offer not isolated insights but a comprehensive approach to living with authenticity, purpose, and depth.
March 12th
~I am the tool with which God works. My virtue is to participate in this work, and I can do so If I keep the instrument which is given to me, namely my soul, in immaculate condition. —Leo Tolstoy
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
10 Commandments
Day 70: A Body of Work Exerts a Pressure (Daily Pressfield by Steven Pressfield)
~When you don't do/say what you are called upon to do/say, you're putting the entire ship at risk.  Be willing, when called upon, to tell your fellow man that he's going astray. —Dr. Jordan Peterson
Seeing Things As the Person At Fault Does (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice. —Brian Herbert
~Each day: appreciate the struggle. This is the time when we are actually artists, when we have nothing but the dream and the work. These are the good days. Be grateful. —Steven Pressfield
~No soy la libertad pero sà soy él que la provoca. —Facundo Cabral
~Most people fail not because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit. —Les Brown
The day begins with Tolstoy's profound statement about being "the tool with which God works," suggesting our purpose is to maintain our souls in "immaculate condition" to participate in divine work. This spiritual foundation sets up the Ten Commandments that follow—traditional moral guidelines that have shaped Western ethics for millennia.
The Commandments establish a framework for both our relationship with the divine (Commandments 1-4) and with fellow humans (Commandments 5-10). This creates a bridge to the Stoic wisdom from Marcus Aurelius and Socrates about understanding others' perspectives and recognizing that "nobody does wrong willingly."
Steven Pressfield's reflection about a "body of work" that "exerts pressure" connects beautifully with Tolstoy's idea of being an instrument for higher work. Both suggest we have something within us seeking expression—whether divine or creative—and we have a responsibility to bring it forth.
This creative responsibility extends to moral responsibility in Jordan Peterson's warning that not speaking up when "called upon" puts "the entire ship at risk." This idea of answering a call—whether creative, moral, or spiritual—runs throughout the day's reflections.
The collection emphasizes the importance of continuous growth through learning and understanding. Brian Herbert's quote identifies learning as simultaneously "a gift," "a skill," and "a choice," suggesting multiple dimensions to our development.
This connects to the Stoic teaching about seeing things from others' perspectives—a type of learning that leads to compassion rather than rage. We're encouraged to understand that others, like us, are operating from their own notions of good and evil.
There's an interesting tension in the collection regarding expectations. One quote suggests setting the bar low because "today will not be perfect," while Les Brown warns that most people "fail because they aim too low and hit." This apparent contradiction actually reveals a nuanced truth: we must be realistic about daily challenges while maintaining ambitious long-term vision.
The Spanish quote from Facundo Cabral—"I am not freedom but I am the one who provokes it"—beautifully ties together many themes. It suggests we aren't the ultimate source of freedom or creativity, but we can be catalysts who bring these forces into the world, echoing Tolstoy's idea of being an instrument.
What connects everything is the call to conscious, intentional living that acknowledges both our limitations and our responsibilities. We are asked to:
The collection reminds us that we are simultaneously humble instruments and powerful catalysts, capable of bringing important work into the world if we maintain our moral compass and answer our unique calls.
March 13th
~In order to be remembered, leave nothing behind but love.
~What's the good word?
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
Daily Drucker by Peter Drucker
~Instead of showing up to let everyone know how great we are, show up to find out how great everyone else is. —Simon Sinek
~Walk! Just walk.
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~Seek out intentional hardship. (The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war.)
~There’s always time to make the ball your friend.
~The best answer comes from the person who is not angry.
~Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still. Â Teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10 Commandments
Don’t Let Them Steal You From Your Family (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it. —Paulo Coelho
~If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over? —John Wooden
~A single twig breaks but the bundle of twigs is strong. —Tecumseh
Peter Drucker emphasizes that plans must translate into actual work with accountability and measurement. This connects beautifully with the quote "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" Both stress the importance of intentional effort and proper prioritization. The Daily Dad entry reinforces this by urging us to protect family time from outside demands, suggesting that our deepest priorities should guide our time allocation.
The Simon Sinek quote about showing up to discover others' greatness rather than displaying our own represents a humble approach to relationships. This connects with "leave nothing behind but love" - both suggest that our legacy is ultimately about how we've affected others, not our personal achievements. The commandments about not coveting and not bearing false witness similarly guide us toward focusing on others rather than ourselves.
"Seek out intentional hardship" and "The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war" both advocate for voluntary discipline as preparation for inevitable difficulties. This connects with Drucker's emphasis on measurement and accountability - both are forms of self-discipline that lead to better outcomes. The simple directive to "Walk! Just walk" suggests that even small disciplined actions matter.
"A single twig breaks but the bundle of twigs is strong" directly speaks to the power of community. This connects with the Ten Commandments, which largely regulate community relationships. The Paulo Coelho quote about everyone playing a central role in history suggests that our individual actions matter precisely because they affect the larger community.
"Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still" encourages continuous learning and improvement. Setting the bar low, as another quote suggests, gives us permission to progress gradually rather than demanding immediate perfection. This connects with Drucker's emphasis on measurement - we improve what we measure.
These various quotes, despite coming from different sources and traditions, create a coherent worldview that values humility, discipline, community, continuous improvement, and proper priorities. They collectively suggest that a well-lived life balances personal development with service to others, combining high standards with patience toward imperfection.
March 14th
~What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say. ―Ralph Waldo Emerson
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~What's the good word?
#12 - The Unseen Assistant & The Mysterious Vandal (This is Strategy by Seth Godin)
~Imagination is not the talent of some men, but the health of every man. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
~Resolve to live until you die. Â Don't get life and death confused. Â While alive, it's best to get to living. Endeavor to live 365 days out of the year. We will last longer with the right attitude and poor health, than with a poor attitude and good health. Refuse to worry about your health. Â Instead, be genuinely grateful that your health is as good as it is. Â Just being grateful for current levels of health is vaccination against future ailments and pain. Â Besides, it's better to wear out than to rust out. (Magic of Thinking Big)
Immerse Yourself In the Details (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~It does matter to have values and a personal morality that involves healthy ways to live. In the absence of such a covenant towards yourself, how can you develop the strength to make the right choices and maintain the self-discipline required to maintain consistency? —Erwan Le Corre
~We all have an unsuspected reserve of strength inside that emerges when life puts us to the test. —Isabel Allende
~After I complain I will immediately say what I am thankful for.
~Life is a journey, and if you fall in love with the journey, you will be in love forever. — Peter Hagerty
~Only the educated are free. —Epictetus
The Art of Engaged Living: Wisdom for Authentic Growth
Ralph Waldo Emerson's observation that "what you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say" reveals a fundamental truth about how reality operates. When our actions align with our stated values, we create harmony; when they don't, we create dissonance. This connects directly to Seth Godin's system metaphor in Strategy #12—the "unseen assistant" represents systems that work naturally with our efforts, while the "mysterious vandal" sabotages us when we work against natural patterns.
Consider how this plays out in personal development: Someone might claim they value health while consistently choosing behaviors that undermine it. The reality principle (what we actually do) always overcomes our declarations or intentions. The systems around and within us respond to our actions, not our words.
As surfers know, working with the wave's natural energy creates momentum and flow, while fighting against it leads to frustration and failure. Our lives contain countless such systems—whether biological, social, or psychological—that function either as helpful assistants or mysterious saboteurs depending on how we engage with them.
"To find success, set the bar low" presents an apparent contradiction when placed alongside aspirational quotes about inner strength and personal values. Yet this tension reveals a complementary approach to growth:
This dual perspective resembles the Stoic practice of preparing for difficulties while maintaining inner virtues. By expecting imperfection in daily execution while holding to deeper principles, we create sustainable growth. The commitment to say what we're thankful for after complaining exemplifies this balanced approach—acknowledging difficulties while reorienting toward appreciation.
Erwan Le Corre's question—"In the absence of such a covenant towards yourself, how can you develop the strength to make the right choices and maintain the self-discipline required to maintain consistency?"—reminds us that personal values form the backbone of resilience. Without these deeper commitments, we lack the internal structure needed to navigate life's inherent challenges.
"Magic of Thinking Big" offers a profound distinction: "Resolve to live until you die. Don't get life and death confused. While alive, it's best to get to living." This perspective serves as a keystone connecting our other ideas about engagement, systems, and attitude.
The advice to "endeavor to live 365 days out of the year" suggests a commitment to consistent, daily engagement with life rather than selective participation. This connects to Peter Hagerty's wisdom about falling in love with the journey—both emphasize showing up fully for the process of living rather than waiting for perfect circumstances or special occasions.
When the author states "We will last longer with the right attitude and poor health, than with a poor attitude and good health," they're expressing an insight about human resilience that complements Isabel Allende's observation about our "unsuspected reserve of strength." The quality of our inner stance toward life—our attitude—often determines our outcomes more than external circumstances.
This relates beautifully to Godin's systems metaphor. The "right attitude" functions as an internal system that acts as an "unseen assistant," helping us navigate challenges effectively. Conversely, a poor attitude operates like the "mysterious vandal," undermining our efforts regardless of external advantages.
The meditation on a "still mind reflecting only peace and holiness" connects to Emerson's view that "imagination is not the talent of some men, but the health of every man." Both suggest that when we remove artificial barriers and noisy thinking, we return to a more creative, peaceful baseline—much like water naturally returns to stillness when undisturbed.
The counsel to "be genuinely grateful that your health is as good as it is" rather than worrying about it represents a practical application of this mental stillness. This gratitude practice isn't just psychological comfort—it's described as "vaccination against future ailments and pain," suggesting tangible beneficial effects. Rather than being distracted by worries about potential future health problems (which creates mental turbulence), genuine appreciation for current wellbeing fosters the very peace that the meditation describes.
Robert Greene's advice to "immerse yourself in the details" provides a methodology for developing authentic understanding. By letting "our study of the details guide our thinking and shape our theories," we combat the human tendency to impose preconceptions onto reality. This immersion helps us see "how the parts reflect the whole" and recognize essential patterns—precisely what an effective surfer does when reading waves.
This approach relates to both Godin's system awareness and the "Magic of Thinking Big" perspective on engaged living. To effectively work with systems (like a surfer choosing the right wave), we must deeply understand the details and patterns at play. Similarly, to truly "live 365 days out of the year," we must be present for the specific details of our experience rather than abstract theories about life.
The metaphor of "wearing out rather than rusting out" encapsulates a philosophy of engaged living. Mechanical parts that get used regularly develop a healthy wear pattern, while unused parts corrode through rust. Similarly, our capacities develop through active engagement with life rather than protective avoidance.
This connects directly to Emerson's first quote about actions speaking louder than words. The choice to "wear out" rather than "rust out" is fundamentally about taking meaningful action rather than merely contemplating or talking about life. It also relates to Greene's advice to immerse ourselves in details—full immersion in life's experiences rather than theoretical understanding.
Epictetus' statement that "only the educated are free" takes on deeper meaning when connected to these other ideas. True education isn't just accumulating information but developing the ability to:
When we develop these abilities, we're no longer blindly reacting to circumstances but consciously navigating them—the essence of freedom as the Stoics understood it.
Combining all these perspectives reveals a philosophy we might call "clear-eyed optimism." This approach acknowledges reality's challenges (setting reasonable expectations and recognizing systems) while maintaining an inner stance of engagement, gratitude, and value-driven action.
This perspective resolves the apparent tension between realism and aspiration. The clear-eyed optimist doesn't deny difficulties but chooses to engage with them from a place of gratitude and purpose. They understand that true freedom comes not from avoiding life's complexities but from developing the wisdom to navigate them skillfully—wearing out rather than rusting out, falling in love with the journey, and living fully each day with a grateful heart.
Through this integrated lens, the highest education isn't academic knowledge but the wisdom to distinguish between living and merely existing—and the courage to choose the former each day. By immersing ourselves in the details of our experience, working with rather than against natural systems, maintaining our personal values, and approaching life with genuine gratitude, we embody the art of engaged living that these various wisdom traditions collectively describe.
March 15th
~Do everything with so much love in your heart that you would never want to do it any other way. —Yogi Desai
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
Get Your Eyes Checked (Daily Challenge by Tony Dungy)
~Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us. —Thomas Paine
The Present is All We Possess (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~Deep flow is the ultimate therapy. Therapy is flow. —Josh Waitzkin
10 Commandments
~Happiness will never come to those who don't appreciate what they already have.
~Show up. Honest Effort. Make a difference.
The central theme connecting these passages is the importance of mindful presence and perspective. Yogi Desai's quote about doing everything with love speaks to intention and mindfulness in action. This connects directly to the Daily Stoic passage about the present moment being "all anyone truly possesses." Both emphasize that how we approach our current moment—with love or mindfulness—determines the quality of our experience.
This theme of perspective continues in the Matthew scripture about the eye as "a lamp that provides light for your body." The passage suggests that our vision—both literal and metaphorical—shapes our entire experience. This relates to the Tony Dungy reflection on having clear spiritual vision and minimizing distractions, which echoes the Stoic teaching about not grasping for past or future at the expense of the present.
There's also a thread about setting appropriate expectations. The quote "To find success, set the bar low" initially seems contradictory to other aspirational passages, but it actually complements them by suggesting that realistic expectations free us from perfectionism. This connects to the Stoic teaching that wanting more from the past or future "robs us from being in the present."
The collection also addresses the tension between external validation and internal character. Thomas Paine's distinction between reputation (external) and character (internal) pairs with the reflection on happiness coming to "those who appreciate what they already have." Both emphasize internal values over external measures.
The 10 Commandments appear as a foundational moral framework, establishing boundaries that enable the positive pursuits mentioned in other passages. The first four commandments particularly connect to the "Daily Challenge" reflection on seeing life through spiritual vision.
Josh Waitzkin's quote about "deep flow" as "ultimate therapy" bridges several concepts. Flow requires present-moment awareness (connecting to the Stoic passage), often involves doing things with love (Yogi Desai), and represents a form of clear vision without distraction (Tony Dungy's reflection).
Finally, "Show up. Honest Effort. Make a difference" serves as a practical distillation of these philosophical ideas—being present, approaching life with intention, and focusing on what truly matters.
Together, these passages offer a holistic approach to living meaningfully: be present, maintain perspective, act with love, appreciate what you have, follow moral guidance, and make consistent effort with the right intentions.
March 16th
~Knowledge will give you power, but character respect. —Bruce Lee
~The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. —Mark Twain
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
That Sacred Part of You (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~What's the good word?
~There is nowhere to arrive except the present moment. —Thich Nhat Hanh
It’s Not Possible Without Struggle (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. —Lao Tzu
~One’s first step in wisdom is to question everything — and one’s last is to come to terms with everything. — Georg Christoph Lichtenberg
~To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. —Oscar Wilde
The Bruce Lee quote establishes an important distinction between knowledge and character - both are valuable, but character earns deeper respect. This connects directly to the Marcus Aurelius passage about our "capacity for understanding" being sacred, suggesting that how we use our knowledge (our character) matters more than simply possessing it.
The Daily Stoic reflection expands on this by explaining that our ability to reason gives us power to improve circumstances, but this comes with responsibility. This completes the cycle Bruce Lee introduces: knowledge → power → responsibility → character → respect.
Several quotes emphasize the importance of present-moment awareness:
Thich Nhat Hanh directly states "there is nowhere to arrive except the present moment," while the Lao Tzu quote explains how past-focused thinking leads to depression and future-focused thinking creates anxiety - only present-moment awareness brings peace.
This connects to Mark Twain's observation about fearing death. When we live fully in the present (as Twain suggests), we overcome the fear of death that stems from clinging to life. The Oscar Wilde quote reinforces this by distinguishing between merely existing versus truly living - suggesting that present-moment engagement is what makes life "rare" and valuable.
The quote about setting the bar low acknowledges that perfection is unattainable and external obstacles are inevitable. This ties directly to the Daily Dad reflection that putting family first requires "painful choice," "tradeoffs," and "constant struggle" - suggesting that meaningful living requires embracing difficulty.
This connects to Lichtenberg's wisdom about questioning everything initially but eventually "coming to terms with everything" - suggesting that wisdom involves both critical thinking and acceptance of life's imperfections and struggles.
The Stoic passage emphasizes that our reasoning capacity should align with nature and the "constitution of a logical creature," while demanding "care for others." Similarly, the Daily Dad reflection shows how values (family) and practical needs (career) must be balanced through wise judgment.
This creates a framework where our reasoning abilities serve our deeper values - connecting back to Bruce Lee's distinction between knowledge and character.
All these quotes together suggest that wisdom involves:
March 17th
~Impatience with actions, patience with results. —Naval
You’ll Never Regret Playing With Your Kids (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~Work, work, work, forever and ever. The amount of hours to mastery does not matter. There is no end zone. To get where we want to go is not about brilliance, but continual effort. It is all within reach for all of us provided we have the constitution and humbleness to be patient and the fortitude to put in the work.
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
These Powers Can’t Come Cheaply (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others. —Pablo Picasso
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~Read every day. Lead a better life.
~Feel more.
~The thinking that guides your intelligence is far more important than your level of brain power.  Contribute and create much.  Stick-ability is 95% of ability.  It's not our brains, it's how we manage them.  Attitude or thought management is a greater determiner of success than intelligence.  Knowledge is power only when it is put to use in a constructive manner. An idea man can solve problems, a fact man can't.  Practice positive attitudes.  See how it can be done instead of focusing on how it can go wrong.  Use your intelligence to make history, not record it. —David J. Schwartz
~Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men. —John F. Kennedy
Several entries touch on the paradoxical relationship between patience and action:
Naval's quote "Impatience with actions, patience with results" suggests that we should act decisively but be patient about seeing outcomes. This connects directly with the later reflection about "work, work, work, forever and ever" which emphasizes that mastery comes not from brilliance but from "continual effort" and "humbleness to be patient."
Robert Greene's section reinforces this by noting that creative powers "don't come cheaply" and require enduring "years of practice, the endless routines, the hours of doubt." The message is consistent: meaningful achievement requires both immediate action and long-term patience.
Ryan Holiday's reflection about playing with children emphasizes the importance of being present and making deliberate choices about how we spend our time. The key insight is that we "never regret choosing to stop whatever it is we are doing... to play with our kids."
This connects to the broader theme of intentional living found in other entries, such as "my still mind reflects only peace and holiness" and "read every day, lead a better life." These all point toward making conscious choices about where we direct our attention and energy.
The David Schwartz quote makes this explicit: "The thinking that guides your intelligence is far more important than your level of brain power." This connects with the idea that "attitude or thought management is a greater determiner of success than intelligence."
This theme appears in other entries too: "To get where we want to go is not about brilliance" and Greene's point about creative work requiring "great discipline, self-control, and emotional stability." The consistent message is that how we manage and direct our capabilities matters more than the raw capabilities themselves.
"To find success, set the bar low. Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way" connects with Kennedy's quote "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." Both suggest that expecting challenges and building resilience are more productive than hoping for easy paths.
What's fascinating about these entries is how they weave together seemingly contradictory advice:
These apparent contradictions resolve when we understand them as addressing different time horizons and different aspects of life. The message seems to be that a well-lived life requires:
Together, these reflections paint a picture of balanced living that embraces both discipline and spontaneity, both work and presence, both thinking and feeling.
⌛ March 18th
~Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic selves. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen. —Sarah Ban Breathnach
~What's the good word?
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
Daily Laws by Robert Greene
~You are the hero of your own story. —Joseph Campbell
~You shouldn't give circumstances the power to rouse anger, for they don't care at all. —Marcus Aurelius
~Are you inventing things to do to avoid the important work?
~Great persons are able to do great kindnesses. —Miguel de Cervantes
~There's always something you can do with the mad that you feel. —Fred Rogers
~Patience is not the ability to wait, but to keep a good attitude while waiting.
~Breathe well. Be well.
18 de marzo
Dearest Lisa,
Hello beautiful.  I hope this letter finds you well and with your spirit overflowing with the Holy Spirit as you go through your journey on this retreat.  I miss you so much but I know this has been and will continue to be  a positive and beneficial experience for you.
I want to share with you my collection of daily wisdom: Â
~Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic selves. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen. —Sarah Ban Breathnach
~You are the hero of your own story. —Joseph Campbell
~You shouldn't give circumstances the power to rouse anger, for they
don't care at all. —Marcus Aurelius
~Great persons are able to do great kindnesses. —Miguel de Cervantes
~There's always something you can do with the mad that you feel. —Fred Rogers
Although not from scripture, these quotes emphasize personal responsibility, self-awareness, and virtuous living—themes central to biblical teachings about discipleship and character development.
Good luck on the rest of your retreat.  I love you mucho and can’t wait until I see you again. Â
Pase buenas noches Amor de Mi Vida
Love,
Ponch
⌛ March 19th
~Now here is the best of my days.  But I don't really know it yet. —Peter Breinholt
(Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy)
~Teachers open the door but you must enter yourself.
~Poverty is not an accident. Like slavery and apartheid, it is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings. —Nelson Mandela
~Average gives people something to work on. Great gives people something to work toward. —Simon Sinek
~Begin to weave and God will give you thread. —Proverb
~There is no failure. Only feedback. —Robert Allen
~Every opportunity matters—regardless of size. —Tony Dungy
~Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. —Nelson Mandela
March 20th
~Piss poor performance produces pain. Proper prior planning—progressive programming planting power, poise and prediction—plus preparation—pushing promise by paying the price with prompt and persistent practice in pursuit of perfection and a powerful, pure and precise presence—prevents pitiful portrayals and perennially promotes prolonged polished peak play that pours out positivity, pleases, packs a punch, pumps passion, propagates patience, preserves peace, permits prestige and prompts praise. —Bam Adebayo
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
Day 79: The Inciting Incident in Hamlet (Daily Pressfield by Steven Pressfield)
~Lack of intelligence is the greatest poverty. —Proverb (Arab)
~The best answer comes from the person who is not angry. —Proverb (Arab)
The Master’s Brain (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~Hugging is good medicine. It transfers energy and gives the person hugged an emotional lift. Four hugs a day are needed for survival, eight for maintenance, and twelve for growth. Hugging is a form of communication because it says things you don't have the words for. And the nicest thing about a hug is that it is hard to give one without getting one in return. —Virginia Satir
~Changing the world takes more than  any one person knows, but not more than we know together. Let's work together. —Simon Sinek
~People will judge you for no reason. Use the stones they cast to build a solid foundation because once you are strong, you are unstoppable. —Michael Jay Kilby
Bam Adebayo's alliterative quote emphasizes how thorough preparation and persistent practice prevent poor performance. This connects directly to Robert Greene's insights about the master's brain, which explains the neurological basis for this wisdom. Greene describes how mastery works in the brain - initially requiring intense focus and frontal cortex activity, but eventually becoming automatic as neural pathways are established through repetition.
Both of these ideas speak to excellence requiring deliberate effort over time. The "Daily Law" Greene mentions - "The more skills you learn, the richer the landscape of the brain" - reinforces that our neural architecture responds to and is shaped by our repeated efforts.
Interestingly, another quote suggests "To find success, set the bar low." This appears to contradict Adebayo's pursuit of perfection, but actually complements it in a subtle way. While Adebayo emphasizes the process of striving for excellence, this quote reminds us that unrealistic expectations can be counterproductive. Together, they suggest a balanced approach: work diligently toward mastery, but don't expect perfection immediately.
The Arab proverbs about intelligence being "the greatest wealth" and how "the best answer comes from the person who is not angry" connect to emotional intelligence. These ideas find practical expression in Virginia Satir's thoughts on hugging, which discusses the emotional transfer of energy and non-verbal communication. All three emphasize that our emotional state and connections with others are crucial forms of intelligence.
Steven Pressfield's note about the "inciting incident" in Hamlet explores how acquiring our intention gives us the drive to carry through to completion. This relates to Adebayo's "purpose" and "pursuit" as well as Simon Sinek's observation about collective purpose in changing the world.
Michael Jay Kilby's quote about using the stones others cast to build a foundation speaks to resilience and turning obstacles into opportunities. This connects with the earlier quote about how "nobody's going to get out of your way" - both acknowledge that challenges and opposition are inevitable, but can be transformed into sources of strength.
Simon Sinek emphasizes collective wisdom in "Changing the world takes more than any one person knows, but not more than we know together." This collaborative spirit is mirrored in Satir's observation that a hug can't be given without receiving one in return - both underscore the reciprocal nature of human connection and growth.
All these quotes together create a comprehensive philosophy for personal development that balances individual effort with community support, ambitious striving with realistic expectations, and intellectual growth with emotional intelligence.
Bam Adebayo's passage stands out as an exceptional example of extended alliteration for several technical and rhetorical reasons:
The most immediately striking aspect is the sheer scale and consistency of the alliterative pattern. Most alliterative passages in literature or rhetoric typically feature:
Adebayo's passage, by contrast, maintains perfect "p" alliteration across approximately 70 words without a single break in the pattern. This level of commitment to a single sound is rarely seen even in classic alliterative poetry traditions.
The passage demonstrates remarkable technical skill because:
The alliteration serves multiple rhetorical functions simultaneously:
From a purely technical standpoint, the passage is remarkable because:
To appreciate its remarkability, consider that:
Adebayo's passage is therefore extraordinary not just within sports rhetoric but within the broader context of alliterative writing throughout literary history. It demonstrates that alliteration can function as more than mere decoration—it can serve as a sophisticated rhetorical framework that enhances both memorability and meaning.
⌛ March 21st
~Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air. ―Ralph Waldo Emerson
~Knowing is not enough we must apply. Willing is not enough we must do. —Bruce Lee
Daily Drucker by Peter Drucker
~You play the way you practice.
~If you can't find something, clean up. —Gretchen Rubin
~ Good players swing beautifully from above the waist and move beautifully from below the waist. —Bob Toski
~Be yourself. Don't be thrown off by events, whether good or bad. —John Wooden
~100 years from now you and I will both be gone. Realize that time is the only thing we really do have and we alone can do anything we wish with the TIME that is ours.
~Knowing is not enough we must apply. Willing is not enough we must do. —Bruce Lee
March 22nd
~Trust first: To have a great life, take it as building relationships. Â The cornerstone of a relationship is trust. Â Someone can always prove his or herself unworthy of your trust, but to build strong relationships, trust first.
~What's the good word?
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~Every shot must have a purpose.
~Instead of searching for our passion, bring our passion with us. Â
~Today, practice radical honesty. Today I will not lie. Â Honesty is taking responsibility.
~Search for our smallest viable audience. To be successful, we don’t need everyone, we just need someone.  Strategy says it doesn’t matter how fast we are going if we are headed in the wrong direction.  —Seth Godin
~More is caught than taught. —Rachel Cruze
~It’s the worker, not the tool.
~Do what’s in harmony with Earth and Humanity. Â
~Is the way I am living in alignment with my values?
~It’s better to dump all our problems down on paper than down on other people.  Paper is more patient than people. —Anne Frank
#13: Can You See The River? (This is Strategy by Seth Godin)
~Train in chaos to be at peace in chaos. Embrace the storm. Never miss a storm. Go outside and enjoy it. Romp in it. Lean into life. Expect magic in every moment and you can get it.
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
They Are Your Work (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~Resolve to live until you die. Â Don't get life and death confused. Â While alive, it's best to get to living. Endeavor to live 365 days out of the year. We will last longer with the right attitude and poor health, than with a poor attitude and good health. Refuse to worry about your health. Â Instead, be genuinely grateful that your health is as good as it is. Â Just being grateful for current levels of health is vaccination against future ailments and pain. Â Besides, it's better to wear out than to rust out. (Magic of Thinking Big)
~The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now. ―Chinese proverb
~We must be willing to suffer, to wade through the sewage in order to get to the clear water.
~Think not of the amount to be accomplished, the difficulties to be overcome, or the end to be attained, but set earnestly, at the little task at your elbow, letting that be sufficient for the day. ―William Osler
~Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan. —Simon Sinek
These quotes reflect various pieces of wisdom about living well, building relationships, and approaching your work. Let me explore the key ideas and how they connect with each other:
The first quote establishes a foundation: a great life comes from building relationships, which are built on trust. This connects to many other ideas in the collection:
Several quotes address how to succeed by adjusting your approach:
The river metaphor by Seth Godin beautifully connects with other strategic ideas:
Instead of searching for passion externally, we're encouraged to bring it with us. This relates to:
Several quotes address handling life's challenges:
The collection includes practical advice for everyday life:
The overarching theme connecting these quotes is intentional living: approaching relationships, work, challenges, and daily tasks with purpose, authenticity, and strategic thinking. Rather than chasing external markers of success or avoiding difficulties, these quotes encourage us to bring our best selves to every situation, align our actions with our values, and focus on what truly matters—our relationships and how we can serve others.
The date "22 de marzo" (March 22nd) suggests this might be a daily reflection practice, gathering wisdom to contemplate and apply each day.
March 23rd
~Keep the crown of your head high and men will follow you. —Elbert Hubbard
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
~We gain the thing by doing the thing.  Do the thing and you will have that power. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
~There’s a blessing in going into our wounds.  Deep wounds can be the path to great living. It’s a beautiful thing when the wound becomes the doorway.  —Henry Shukman
Entertaining Angels (Daily Challenge by Tony Dungy)
~Practice on the days that you eat. —Shinichi Suzuki
~The big difference between a really good player and a great player is: great players don't get tired. They just don't. —Geno Auriemma
Listen to Your Frustration (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~We never really grow up. We only learn how to act in public. —Bryan White
~You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take. —Wayne Gretzky
~A man who masters patience, masters everything else.
**Personal Growth Through Action**
The quotes from Emerson ("We gain the thing by doing the thing") and Suzuki ("Practice on the days that you eat") both emphasize that mastery comes through consistent practice. There's a powerful idea here that action precedes ability—we don't gain skills first and then act; we act first and through that action develop our capabilities. This connects directly to the Wayne Gretzky quote about missing the shots you don't take, suggesting that action, even with the risk of failure, is essential for achievement.
**The Value of Persistence and Patience**
The closing quote about mastering patience connects with Robert Greene's "Daily Laws" section. Greene discusses how creative work naturally includes frustration and plateaus, and that walking away temporarily when blocked is actually part of the process. This patience theme is reinforced by Geno Auriemma's observation about great players not getting tired—suggesting that greatness requires endurance and persistence beyond initial enthusiasm.
**Balancing Idealism with Realism**
There's an interesting tension between high aspirations and practical reality throughout these reflections. "Keep the crown of your head high" (suggesting confidence and ambition) is balanced by "set the bar low" (acknowledging that perfection isn't attainable). This teaches a balanced approach to life—aim high while accepting imperfections.
**Transforming Challenges into Opportunities**
Henry Shukman's reflection about wounds becoming doorways connects beautifully with the Biblical passage from Hebrews. Both suggest that difficult experiences or encounters with strangers can become unexpected blessings—whether through personal growth or encounters with "angels" (which could be literal or metaphorical messengers of grace).
**Service to Others**
The "Entertaining Angels" section emphasizes hospitality and service to others as spiritual practices. This idea of generosity toward others extends Hubbard's observation about leadership ("men will follow you") from mere influence to meaningful service. The challenge to be hospitable and meet others' needs suggests that true leadership involves care for others.
These reflections collectively suggest a holistic approach to life that balances ambition with humility, action with patience, and personal growth with service to others. The spiritual dimensions (particularly in the "Entertaining Angels" section) provide a foundation for why these practices matter—they're not just about personal success but about living with purpose and compassion.
⌛ March 24th
~Give love. Get love.
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday
~The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools. —Thucydides
~God will not give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. —2 Timothy 1:7 TPT
Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~Success is when hard work meets opportunity. So do your best and stay the course. Your time will come.
~Good players swing beautifully from above the waist and move beautifully from below the waist. —Bob Toski
~Experience shows that success is due less to ability than to zeal. —Charles Buxton
~The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example. —John Wooden
These quotes collectively emphasize several interconnected themes: balanced living, inner strength, the relationship between effort and achievement, leadership through example, and maintaining a positive mindset despite challenges.
The first group of quotes focuses on relationships and realistic expectations. "Give love. Get love" establishes a fundamental principle of reciprocity in human connections. This connects with the advice to "set the bar low" for today, which isn't about lowering your standards but rather accepting imperfection and understanding that obstacles are normal parts of daily life. These ideas encourage a balanced approach to relationships and daily challenges.
The quotes from Thucydides and Timothy create an interesting dialogue about courage, power, and balance. Thucydides warns against separating intellectual and physical courage, suggesting that true strength comes from integrating different virtues. This parallels the biblical passage which presents a similar integration - replacing fear with power, love, and self-control. Both emphasize that courage must be informed by wisdom, and wisdom must be accompanied by courage.
The reflections about success and performance form another connected thread. "Success is when hard work meets opportunity" echoes Charles Buxton's observation that "success is due less to ability than to zeal." Both suggest that persistence and enthusiasm often outweigh raw talent. The golf quote from Bob Toski introduces the concept of holistic performance - success requires coordination of different elements working together harmoniously. John Wooden's leadership quote completes this theme by emphasizing that authentic leadership flows from embodying these principles yourself.
Finally, the reflection "My still mind reflects only peace and holiness" offers a foundation for everything else. It suggests that internal clarity and calm create the conditions for both giving love and maintaining perseverance. This internal stillness allows us to approach challenges with the right mindset, balancing our intellectual and emotional responses.
Taken together, these quotes suggest that success in life comes from: maintaining inner calm, integrating different virtues (courage with wisdom, power with love), understanding that persistence often matters more than perfection, and leading by personal example. The collective wisdom encourages a balanced approach to life's challenges while maintaining positive relationships with others.
March 25th
~Be stronger today than yesterday.
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
Cultivate Negative Capability (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~The key is to do your own work. —Kyle Bass
~It is by understanding the limits of movement that we can obtain real freedom of movement. —Peter Ralston
Why Didn’t You Make Time For Me (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~Are you inventing things to do to avoid the important work?
~People are afraid of big changes, but usually embrace little changes. Little changes add up to one big one. —Simon Sinek
~People are afraid of big changes, but usually embrace little changes. Little changes add up to one big one. —Simon Sinek
~Practice forgiveness, love and tolerance today, so when it’s difficult, you will have some experience. —Lisa Villa Prosen
These quotes collectively emphasize embracing uncertainty and discomfort as pathways to growth:
Several quotes address setting manageable expectations while still pursuing growth:
There's a strong thread about making conscious choices with our time and attention:
The collection ends with emphasis on our relationships with others:
These quotes collectively suggest that March 25th is a day to reflect on balancing ambition with realism, embracing uncertainty, prioritizing what truly matters (especially relationships), and making incremental progress through small, consistent actions rather than seeking perfection or dramatic transformation.
⌛ March 26th
~Some people dream of success, others make it happen.
~Respond to heartbreak with hard work. —Josh Waitzkin
~What's the good word?
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy
~If you propose to speak, always ask yourself: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? —Buddha
~You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.
Daily Laws by Robert Greene
~True humility is staying teachable, regardless of how much you already know.
~Through discipline comes freedom. —Aristotle
~We have options, choices and perspective and a say in how the time we spend at work should feel. It is a sense of purpose, cause or belief—a certainty of why we do what we do—that underlies fulfillment. and we can demand it. —Simon Sinek
March 27th
~Kobe Bryant worked like he had no talent, then he played like he believed he was the best player in the world. Prepare with humility; perform with confidence.
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
~What's the good word?
Day 86: The Boss Demonstrates - Three Act Structure (Daily Pressfield by Steven Pressfield)
~There is a cure for everything. Â Preparation, planning and a good attitude precede good fortune. Â Don't be a wishful thinker. Â Success comes from developing success principles and being prepared for when opportunity presents itself. (Magic of Thinking Big)
~All winners are trackers. Â It helps because it makes us aware of our day-to-day activities. Â Pay attention to what you record and make changes accordingly. Â Treat yourself as if you are a valued commodity (because you are). Â Work on one habit at a time. Â Start by tracking the daily habits that have greatest control over you.
~Whatever creativity is, it is in part a solution to a problem. —Brian Aldiss
Pay What Things Are Worth (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~Don't practice until you get it right. Practice until you can't get it wrong.
~Good character acts for the common good. —Marcus Aurelius
~To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest. —Pema Chodron
Looking at these collected quotes and insights from March 27, I see several interconnected themes about success, growth, and personal development. Let me explain how they relate to each other:
The Kobe Bryant quote establishes a powerful foundation: "Prepare with humility; perform with confidence." This paradoxical approach to mastery appears throughout the other reflections:
This creates a complete cycle: humble preparation → confident execution → tracking results → improved preparation, and so on.
The Three Act Structure from Pressfield doesn't just apply to Bruce Springsteen's songwriting—it offers a framework for understanding personal growth:
This narrative structure helps us make sense of the difficult middle parts of any journey, where we often "take what we had and rip it apart" before reaching resolution.
Several reflections address how we determine what deserves our time, energy, and attention:
Together, these suggest that proper value assessment is critical for both personal development and ethical living.
There's a thread of pragmatic realism throughout:
These acknowledge that challenges and imperfections aren't obstacles to growth—they're essential components of it. Problems provide opportunities for creative solutions.
When viewed as a whole, these reflections suggest that sustainable success requires:
What makes this collection particularly powerful is how each quote reinforces and complements the others, creating a comprehensive philosophy of personal development that balances ambition with humility, discipline with flexibility, and personal growth with ethical responsibility.
⌛ March 28th
~Ser amable es más importante que tener razón. A veces, lo que la gente necesita no es una mente brillante que hable, sino un corazón especial que escuche.
(Daily Drucker by Peter Drucker)
~Open your mouth only if what you are going to say is more beautiful than silence. —Confucius
~Con virtud y bondad se adquiere autoridad.
Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday
~The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal potential. —George Orwell
~The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool. — Richard P. Feynman
~Be a fountain, not a drain.
March 29th
~The best revenge is to exact no revenge at all. Today, let us seek to be better than the things that hurt or disappoint us. Let’s be the example we'd like others to follow.  It’s awful to be a cheat, to be selfish, to feel the need to inflict pain on our fellow human beings.  Meanwhile, living morally and well is quite nice. —Ryan Holiday
~What's the good word?
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
The Collective (This is Strategy by Seth Godin)
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~It doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down. The only thing that matters is how many times you get up. —Roberto Luongo
~Become the world's greatest expert on who you are in order to become the best version of yourself. —Greg Harden
Fuse the Intuitive With the Rational (Daily Laws by Robert Greene)
~You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it. —Edith Head
10 Commandments
~Believe in the best...have a goal for the best, never be satisfied with less than your best, try your best, and in the long run things will turn out for the best. —Henry Ford
~The thinking that guides your intelligence is far more important than your level of brain power. Contribute and create much. Stick-ability is 95% of ability. It's not our brains, it's how we manage them. Attitude or thought management is a greater determiner of success than intelligence. Knowledge is power only when it is put to use in a constructive manner. An idea man can solve problems, a fact man can't. Practice positive attitudes. See how it can be done instead of focusing on how it can go wrong. Use your intelligence to make history, not record it. —David J. Schwartz
Ryan Holiday's opening quote about revenge sets the foundation by advocating for moral living rather than retribution. This connects directly to the 10 Commandments listed later, which provide a classical framework for ethical behavior. Both emphasize choosing virtue over vice.
The line "My still mind reflects only peace and holiness" reinforces this theme, suggesting that inner tranquility comes from moral clarity.
Roberto Luongo's quote about getting up after being knocked down pairs beautifully with the advice about "stick-ability is 95% of ability" from David Schwartz. Both emphasize that persistence, not initial talent or circumstances, determines success.
The practical advice to "set the bar low" acknowledges that perfection is unattainable, but implies we should still move forward despite this reality.
Seth Godin's passage on "The Collective" examines how humans naturally form systems and communities. This connects to Robert Greene's discussion about fusing intuition with rational thinking, as both describe how individual capabilities interact with larger structures (social systems for Godin, cognitive systems for Greene).
Greg Harden's advice to "become the world's greatest expert on who you are" aligns with Einstein's perspective (via Greene) about honoring our intuitive gifts. Both suggest that self-understanding leads to self-actualization.
The Henry Ford quote about "believing in the best" connects to Schwartz's emphasis on thought management and attitude over raw intelligence.
These quotes collectively present a philosophy for living well that includes:
The compilation suggests that a good life requires both internal work (managing thoughts, developing intuition) and external actions (moral behavior, resilience, working within systems).
The diversity of sources—from ancient religious text (10 Commandments) to modern business thinkers (Godin, Ford), philosophers (Holiday), and coaches (Harden, Luongo)—suggests that these principles transcend time and context, representing enduring human wisdom.
On this 29th of March, I find myself reflecting on a collection of wisdom that weaves together fundamental themes of human excellence. At the heart of these reflections lies Robert Greene's powerful concept from his "Daily Laws" about fusing intuition with rationality—a principle that illuminates paths to mastery across all domains of human endeavor.
The collection begins with Ryan Holiday's wisdom that "the best revenge is to exact no revenge at all," establishing an ethical framework that values moral living over retribution. This connects directly to ancient wisdom found in the Ten Commandments, both emphasizing that virtue is preferable to vice. As Holiday notes, "living morally and well is quite nice"—a simple truth that has profound implications.
The peaceful mind that "reflects only peace and holiness" emerges not from avoiding life's challenges but from approaching them with ethical clarity and purpose. This foundation of ethical living provides the stable ground from which excellence can grow.
Albert Einstein, as Greene reminds us, called the intuitive mind "a sacred gift" and the rational mind "a faithful servant." Our modern tendency to "worship the servant and defile the divine" represents a profound misalignment of our cognitive resources. True mastery emerges not from either faculty alone but from their integration.
Through deep immersion in our chosen fields, remaining true to our unique inclinations even when unconventional, we develop an intuitive feel for complex components that, when combined with rational analysis, expands our minds "to the outer limits of our potential."
This fusion manifests vividly in extraordinary athletes across sports:
In basketball, Michael Jordan exemplifies this principle perfectly. His meticulous study of opponents' tendencies and patterns (rational analysis) created the foundation for his seemingly supernatural moments when time "slowed down." During these periods, Jordan operated beyond conscious calculation, accessing a form of intelligence that integrated analytical understanding with intuitive recognition at speeds faster than thought itself.
Soccer legends demonstrate this integration distinctively. Lionel Messi's dribbling combines rational awareness of field positioning with intuitive bodily responses that occur too quickly for conscious direction. His former coach Pep Guardiola described this phenomenon as "Messi's body thinking"—a perfect description of integrated intelligence. Similarly, Zinedine Zidane's visionary passing emerged from deep tactical understanding fused with an intuitive grasp of spatial relationships and timing that allowed him to anticipate developments before they materialized.
In golf, Tiger Woods revolutionized training through sophisticated biomechanical analysis (rational component) while simultaneously developing an intuitive feel for his swing that could detect subtleties beyond measurement. Jack Nicklaus combined meticulous course management calculations with an intuitive visualization capacity that allowed him to "see" shots before executing them, accounting for variables too complex for conscious processing.
Baseball provides equally compelling examples. Ted Williams' "Science of Hitting" broke the strike zone into 77 cells for analytical study, yet at the plate, he entered a state where time slowed and he could perceive the baseball's seam rotation—fusing technical knowledge with perceptual abilities beyond ordinary consciousness. Mariano Rivera's legendary cut fastball came from integrating biomechanical understanding with an intuitive connection to subtle finger and arm sensations that allowed placement precision beyond rational calculation.
This integration finds perhaps its most profound expression in extraordinary coaches and teachers who transform others through this balanced approach:
Phil Jackson's basketball coaching fused meticulous technical knowledge with intuitive elements drawn from Zen Buddhism and Native American philosophy. He could sense when players needed structure versus space, sometimes replacing tactical drills with meditation when he intuitively recognized team tension. His restraint from calling timeouts during crucial moments often defied conventional wisdom but reflected an intuitive understanding of game flow and player psychology that analytical approaches alone couldn't access.
John Wooden created perhaps history's most detailed basketball practice plans, famously beginning seasons by teaching players to properly put on socks—the epitome of rational methodology. Yet during games, Wooden made adjustments based on subtle cues invisible to others, recognizing patterns before they fully emerged through an intuitive awareness developed through decades of immersion in basketball.
Jürgen Klopp integrates detailed tactical systems and data analytics with an extraordinary intuitive grasp of human motivation. Former players describe how he instinctively knows when encouragement versus challenge is needed, making emotional connections that transform performance beyond what technical instruction alone could accomplish.
Montessori education embodies this principle through scientific observation of child development (rational component) integrated with intuitive understanding of children's inner lives. This approach allows teachers to follow structured methods while responding intuitively to each child's unique developmental journey—combining scientific precision with respectful attunement to the child's inner guide.
This fusion of intuition and rationality doesn't happen automatically. It requires what David Schwartz called "stick-ability"—the persistence to continue despite setbacks. As Roberto Luongo noted, "It doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down. The only thing that matters is how many times you get up."
The journey toward integrated intelligence requires both self-knowledge and sustained effort. Greg Harden advises to "become the world's greatest expert on who you are," while Henry Ford encourages us to "believe in the best...have a goal for the best, never be satisfied with less than your best."
Seth Godin reminds us that we operate within collectives and systems that "define our lives." Our mastery doesn't occur in isolation but within these complex social environments. The integration of intuition and rationality allows us to navigate these systems more effectively, seeing patterns and possibilities invisible to more limited modes of thought.
What emerges from this integration approaches what Greene describes as "powers that approximate the instinctive force and speed of animals, but with the added reach our human consciousness brings us." This integrated intelligence represents the highest expression of human cognitive potential—combining the speed and directness of intuition with the precision and verification of rational analysis.
This integration doesn't just improve performance; it transforms experience itself. Those who achieve it report states of flow where boundaries between self and activity dissolve, where time perception alters, and where seemingly impossible achievements become accessible. Whether on the basketball court with Jordan, the soccer field with Messi, or in the classroom with Montessori, this integrated intelligence creates moments of transcendence that reveal the extraordinary capacities latent within human consciousness.
The path to this integration isn't mystical but practical—it emerges from deep immersion in domains of meaningful activity, from the courage to follow unique inclinations, and from the balanced development of both our analytical and intuitive faculties. As Einstein recognized, both gifts are essential: the intuitive mind provides creative leaps and holistic understanding, while the rational mind offers structure, verification, and precision.
In our daily lives, on this 29th of March and beyond, we can practice this integration in whatever domains matter to us. We can study deeply while also learning to trust the subtle signals of intuition. We can analyze methodically while remaining open to flashes of insight that transcend analytical processes. Through this balanced approach, we move toward not just greater effectiveness but toward the fuller expression of our human potential.
The integration of intuition and rationality represents not just a path to excellence but a way of being that honors the full spectrum of human intelligence. In this integration, we find not only practical advantage but also deeper satisfaction—the joy that comes from engaging all of our cognitive resources in the pursuit of meaningful achievement.
March 30th
~There are some things you learn best in calm and some in storm. —Willa Cather
~The greatest medicine of all is to teach people how NOT to need it. —Hippocrates
~What's the good word?
~To find success, set the bar low. Â Today will not be perfect and nobody's going to get out of your way.
Like No One Else’s (Daily Challenge by Tony Dungy)
~Identify our ‘why’.  This will get us to show up over and over.  All of the hows are meaningless unless we’ve developed/discovered our why.  Focus on fulfillment and achievement.  They must work hand in hand.  Define and calibrate our core values.  These are our beacon and guiding light.  Our actions must be congruent with our core values.  Find our fight.
Reason in All Things (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~Football (soccer) is played with the head (the brain), the feet are just tools. —Pirlo
~The day a man becomes superior to pleasure, he will also be superior to pain. —Seneca
~To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. ―Ralph Waldo Emerson
~If you want it you’ll find a way, if not you'll find an excuse. —Jim Rohn
~If you start to think the problem is 'out there', stop yourself.  That thought is the problem. —Stephen Covey
Several quotes address how we learn and grow. Willa Cather reminds us that different lessons come through different circumstances - some through peace, others through difficulty. This connects with Hippocrates' insight about preventative wisdom being superior to remedies, suggesting that the highest form of learning is that which prevents problems rather than solving them after they arise.
Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote about being yourself despite external pressures resonates with Tony Dungy's challenge to follow your unique path rather than others'. Both emphasize authenticity and inner guidance. The "uncommon key" Dungy mentions - following what God has placed in your heart - connects with the concept of identifying your "why" mentioned later. Both suggest that true purpose comes from within, not from external expectations.
The Daily Stoic entry emphasizes conscious action guided by reason, warning that actions taken without deliberate thought often lead to regret. This idea of mindfulness connects with Pirlo's football quote - that the brain (reason) directs the feet (actions). Stephen Covey's insight about recognizing when we externalize problems further emphasizes the importance of internal awareness and responsibility.
Seneca's observation about pleasure and pain highlights how mastering our desires helps us overcome difficulties. This connects with Jim Rohn's quote about finding ways versus excuses - both emphasize that discipline and intentionality determine outcomes. The mention of core values as a "guiding light" reinforces this, suggesting that clear principles provide direction for our actions.
Several quotes emphasize pragmatic wisdom. The advice to "set the bar low" isn't about underachieving but about realistic expectations - understanding that perfection is unattainable and obstacles are inevitable. The biblical wisdom that "those who trust their own insight are foolish but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe" connects with the Stoic guidance to consult our own reason and the reason of others - both suggest that wisdom comes through thoughtful consideration rather than impulse.
The most powerful connection across these quotes is the emphasis on integration - bringing together our values, actions, reasons, and purpose. The note about fulfillment and achievement working "hand in hand" suggests that meaning and accomplishment aren't separate pursuits but complementary aspects of a well-lived life. This integration is reflected in the advice to make our actions "congruent with our core values" and to "find our fight" - identifying what matters enough to commit ourselves to fully.
"What's the good word?" seems to be a greeting or prompt for positive news, but it also connects thematically with these quotes' emphasis on intentional, positive living guided by wisdom rather than reactivity.
Together, these quotes create a portrait of conscious living - being deliberately guided by wisdom and values, finding your unique purpose, and maintaining self-awareness even amid challenges.
March 31st
~Fail well.
~What's the good word?
You are a Product of Your Training (Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday)
~If your compassion doesn't include yourself, it is incomplete. —Jack Kornfield
~Expect great things from God.  Attempt great things for God. —William Carey
-For Brain Health:
~Work for whole life success, not just financial success.
~If you want to have more, you have to become more. —Jim Rohn
This Must Be Top Priority (Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday)
~There’s no such thing as a good memory or a bad memory. There’s just a trained memory and an untrained memory. —Jim Kwik
~My still mind reflects only peace and holiness.
~For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth.
—Proverb
~We do not rise to the level of our hopes, we fall to the level of our training. —Archilochus
The central piece from "Daily Stoic" emphasizes how we become products of our training. This Stoic principle highlights that our habits and disciplines shape who we become. The metaphors (the car-chasing dog, the spoiled child, the gambling investor) all illustrate the same point: without proper training and boundaries, we lose control and chase futile pursuits.
This connects beautifully with the quote from Archilochus: "We do not rise to the level of our hopes, we fall to the level of our training." This profound statement reminds us that in moments of challenge, we don't perform based on our aspirations but rather according to how we've trained ourselves beforehand.
The brain health principles emphasize caring for our minds: loving our brain, avoiding harm, and engaging in beneficial practices. This mirrors the breathing proverb that connects proper breathing to longevity.
Jim Kwik's insight about memory being trained rather than innately "good" or "bad" further reinforces the training theme. Our cognitive abilities, like our character, are developed through practice and discipline.
The "Daily Dad" excerpt emphasizes prioritizing family over career—establishing what truly matters in life. This connects to the idea of "whole life success" mentioned elsewhere. True success isn't merely financial but encompasses our complete well-being and relationships.
Jim Rohn's quote about becoming more to have more speaks to personal development as the foundation for achievement. It's not about simply acquiring more but developing yourself to deserve more.
Jack Kornfield's teaching about self-compassion reminds us that caring for ourselves is essential. This pairs with the reflection on a still mind reflecting peace and holiness—both emphasize inner work and self-care.
William Carey's quote about expecting and attempting great things speaks to purposeful living and faith-driven action. This offers a spiritual dimension to the collection, suggesting that our discipline and priorities should be aligned with higher purposes.
What's fascinating is how these seemingly diverse quotes actually form a coherent philosophy:
The phrase "Fail well" at the beginning is particularly interesting when viewed through this lens. It suggests that even failure is something we can train for and approach with discipline—learning and growing rather than being defeated.
"What's the good word?" might be asking what positive message or insight we can take forward from these reflections.