Thursday, February 28, 2019

Video of the Day: 15 Tools Rich People Use


15 Tools Rich People Use
Alux.com

1. A Calendar

2. Private Banking App

3. Premium Smartphone & Laptop

4. Treadmill or Fitness Bike

5. VPN
The BEST technology known to man! 

6. Sauna and Floatation Tanks

7. The Plum Guide and Airbnb Plus

8. Jetsmarter or Similar Services

9. Angellist

10. Guided Meditations

11. Robinhood App

12. Pomodoro Technique

13. Vanguard

14. Nano Ledger & Hard Storage

15. Audiobooks

Bonus

16. Keep a Journal or a Notebook With What You Learn





Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Video of the Day: Why The People You Love Don't Motivate You


Why The People You Love Don't Motivate You
Valuetainment

The haters are the ones that DRIVE Tom Brady. 

"I'm too old. You're too slow. We've got no skilled players. No defense. We got nothing." 


But when you finally do succeed, there's nothing sweeter than turning to the haters, smiling and saying "ya see what I did there!" 




Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Video of the Day: There Is NO Such Thing As WORK-LIFE Balance


Tony Robbins: There Is NO Such Thing As WORK-LIFE Balance
Evan Carmichael

If you try to balance everything in life, you're not going be very successful. Integrate the things in your life. To live a truly happy life, all things in your life are connected. 

And always remember to: 
Support. Communicate. Involve.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Video of the Day: Robert Green's Top 10 Rules For Success


Robert Greene's Top 10 Rules For Success
Evan Carmichael

1. Do What You Really Love

2. Think Like An Outsider

3. Be Curious

4. Shut Out The Distractions

5. Use Active Imagination

6. Become Self-Reliant

7. Be Patient With Fools

8. Embrace The Chaos
I've learned this in the summer of 2018. 

9. Transform Yourself Through Your Work

10. Be Emotionally Engaged




Friday, February 22, 2019

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Video of the Day: Top 10 Degrees That Still GUARANTEE A Job


Top 10 Degrees That Still GUARANTEE A Job
Alux.com

10. Biology 

9. Chemical Engineering

8. Nursing

7. Psychology

6. English Language & Literature

5. Economics

4. Business

3. Government/Political Science

2. Communications

1. Computer Science



Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Video of the Day: Why Your Problems Keep Showing Up


Why Problems Keep Showing Up
Valuetainment

The "Band-Aid Mentality" correlates to the "Thorn Theory" from The Untethered Soul. We build external contraptions around our problems "thorns" so we don't feel pain, but the problem is we still remain insecure and closed. When we do this for every problem it becomes a real-life game of "whac-a-mole." The problem is systemic and to solve it we need a systemic solution. We need to "rip the thorn out," open up, and let all of our energies flow through. Experience the pain. 




Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Video of the Day: Nice Guys WIN THE GAME!



Nice Guys Might Be Losing At Halftime, But They WIN The GAME
Evan Carmichael

Play OUTSIDE the rules!

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Video of the Day: Daymond John's Top 10 Rules For Success


Daymond John Top 10 Rules For Success
 Evan Carmichael

1. Don't Chase Money

2. Defy The Odds

3. Have A Good Morning Routine

4. Ask Yourself "Why"

5. Have A Good Team
OTOD  = One Team, One Dream

6. Re-Program Your Thinking

7. Figure Things Out
A.K.A "FITFO"

8. Use The 80/20 Rule

9. Take Control Of Your Life

10. Be A Shark!

Bonus
Use Fears

Take Care of Your Health

You Can Do It!

Book of the Week: 'The Untethered Soul" by Michael A. Singer

I first heard about this book on the Braungardt Family podcast. Tanner, middle child and the YouTuber, read the book as he battled anxiety and the constant pressure of being an online personality. I, however, came across the book when I was walking through the Harvard Coop the day of the Patriots sixth championship parade.

Yes folks that is correct I had walked all the way from Boston Common, down the Mass Ave Bridge, through Kendall and Central Squares and all the way into the Harvard Square - that's how I came face-to-face with "The Untethered Soul."

Philosophy books are not typically my cup of tea, but  since I heard so much about the book from listening the the podcast (it's really good and insightful ... you can check it out at Mom I Wanna Be A YouTuber) I had to see what it was all about. Plus the quote on the front of the book by Deepak Chopra is pretty deep.


It's not a hard read at all, but there is so much philosophy that it does require you to read some paragraphs multiple times for things to fully set in. And like other books I previously wrote about, there are things in this book I can relate to and am trying to work on getting better.

The main thing is staying open and resisting the temptation to close, that's where true growth comes from. No one likes to get hurt and feel pain, but the more receptive and open we become to feeling that pain the more we are truly beginning to grow. The longer you try to protect yourself from the pain, the more insecure and closed you remain. And the most important thing to remember is that, "you are not your thoughts, you are the awareness of your thoughts." Being aware that YOU are the one thinking about them.

As a society we want to try to protect ourselves. We don't want to feel the pain so we construct external things to protect ourselves from it ("the thorn"), and we do this for every little problem. So it becomes a real-life game of "Whac-A-Mole" - when we're done dealing with one problem, another problem comes up.

I can relate it to the first video I made at Harvard. I had A LOT - and I mean A LOT - of things I need to correct. See the list of six things that needed to be adjusted in the video may have been a shot to the ego, I knew in the long run it was going to make me better at making videos. It is what needed to be done in order to grow and be better at making videos.

If you're someone who enjoys meditation and mindfulness, then this book's for you. You will really come to understand why you do the things you do and what the subtle reasons behind your fears.

Of course, Coach York's 24-hour rule philosophy comes into play later in the book. Jerry York is the winningest coach in college with over 1,000 victories between stops at Bowling Green, Clarkson and his alma mater, Boston College. He was able to achieve such a milestone because he preaches the 24-hour rule. The rule is as simple as it seems: whatever happens to you (good and bad), you then have 24 hours to reflect on it. Once those 24 hours have gone by you have to move past it.

Fixating on a past result is worthless, because as Rafiki from The Lion King said after he smacked Simba in the head his walking stick, "it's in the past." Same goes for the future, don't spend too much time thinking about the future. Focus on the now. The Precious Present ... also a Coach York classic short story.

And also who knew the Timothy Mouse from Dumbo was such the philosopher?

Listen to the audio version of Michael A. Singer's "The Untethered Soul" on your ride to work, a long walk or during your daily work outs by purchasing on Audible.com

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Video of the Day: College Degrees That Earn The Most Money


College Degrees That Earn The Most Money
The Infographics Show

Did you know Bill Belichick was an economics major at Wesleyan? It worked out pretty well for him. He's one of the best coaches at dealing with the NFL's salary cap. 

Also note what degree is not on this list: sports management. 

Friday, February 15, 2019

Video of the Day: Don't Blow Me Off


Don't Blow Me Off, God
Boy Meets World

One of Rider Strong's best acting performance as Shawn Hunter on "Boy Meets World." 


Thursday, February 14, 2019

Video of the Day: 15 Signs You'll Never Be Rich


15 Signs You'll Never Be Rich
Alux.com

1. You Don't Understand Math

2. You Focus on Saving Not Earning

3. You Spend More Than You Earn

4. You Take Advice From Friends and Family Who Are Not Successful

5. You Lack Discipline

6. You Don't Have Any Investments

7. You Don't Have Financial Goals

8. You Think Rich People Got Lucky

9. You're Making Excuses

10. You're Not Learning Constantly

11. You're Not Trying New Things

12. You're Too Scared Of Failure

13. You Work Only 40-Hour Weeks Or Even Less

14. You Are Paid By The Hour
The majority of the country are the people that work the 40-hour work and get paid by the hour, working for the weekend. 

15. You're Waiting For A Miracle

Bonus

16. You Know Deep Down That You're Not Going To Make It

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Video of the Day: 10 Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Ask


10 Questions Every Entrepreneur Should Ask
Valuetainment

1. What Is Your Vision? And Who Do You Want To Be? 

2. Who Is Your Ideal Customer?

3. How Big Do You Want To Scale Your Business?

4. Do You Know What Formula Drives Numbers In Your Business?

5. What Are Your Weaknesses?

6. Where Is Time Being Wasted?

7. Are You Working In Your Business, Not On Your Business?

8. What Are Your Blindspots That You're Avoiding?

9. What Are Your Conversion Ratios?

10. Who Are The Next Three Leaders You're Building?

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Video of the Day: Obama's Advice on FAILURE, Making Excuses, & SUCCESS


Barack Obama's Advice on Failure, Making Excuses, and Success
Evan Carmichael

1. Focus On What You Want To DO vs. What You Want To Be

2. Stop Making Excuses

3. Build A Great Team

4. Learn From Failures

5. Press On
"Keep swimming" - according to Dory! 

Bonus
Commit To Something Bigger
Don't chase the titles ... where have I heard that before? Could it be from a certain "Book of the Week" post?? 

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Video of the Day: Evan Carmichael's Top 10 Rules For Success


Evan Carmichael's Top 10 Rules For Success Vol. 3
Evan Carmichael

1. Work The Hardest

2. Create Your Own Path

3. Build Self-Discipline

4. Don't Focus On The Money

5. Start Now

6. Find Mentors

7. Dream Big

8. Make The Most Of Every Opportunity

9. Always BE POSITIVE

10. Do NOT Be Afraid Of Failure

BONUS
Stubborn about the "Why" and "What" BUT flexible with the "How"

Book of the Week: The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*CK by Mark Manson

It has a profane word in the title, but Mark Manson's "The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck" is truly enlightening and opens up your mind things you never would have given thoughts about. When you need to turn your brain off - and yes everyone does need to do so from time to time - this book is a must read!

Mark brings a lot of his personal life into the book, telling about how at the age of 13 he was expelled from school for sneaking in marijuana, by creating a small, hidden compartment in his bag, and having the book thrown at him. It was at that point that his life began to unravel, leading to his parents getting a divorce.

But through all this, Mark brings up some extremely poignant thoughts throughout the book.

First thing that struck me was not even 10 pages into the book - on page nine - and Mark quotes British philosopher Alan Watts' "Backward's Law" when defining happiness.

The "Backward's Law" is essentially saying the more you're wishing for something - more money, a promotion at work, a better life - the less happy you are you. Conversely, once you accept where you currently are in life and all the opportunities you have had to this point, you start to become happier. You are living in the moment, the now, or the "Perfect Present."

Chapter three and four basically explains Tom Brady's career. The third chapter is dedicated to the concept that not everyone is extraordinary. What makes people being truly great at something is their acknowledgement that they are mediocre an could be SO much better! One of the biggest things that defined Brady's Hall of Fame NFL career is he continued to see himself as that sixth round, 199th pick that nobody wanted. It's what drives him everyday.

Tom Brady: "It's not really a chip on my shoulder, it's that feeling that maybe nobody wants ya. When I watch myself play at times, I still don't think I'm very good. 'Man you're still not very fast.' 'You know you got a decent arm.' 'You know you made some pretty bad reads on that day.' That's what gets me up and motivates me. I always want to feel that I'm the best quarterback for this team. I want to earn it every single day!" 

Chapter four is about suffering. While we all think it's best to avoid suffering and unpleasant experiences, Mark Manson explains that it is necessary to experience. Once again it exemplifies Brady.

Other than being one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, what is one thing that Brady has been known for throughout his long NFL career? It's his game-winning drives, driving his team down the field late in the game to pull out the victory, or pulling his team out of a 25-point hole in the second half.

That was Brady's ENTIRE football career! From his days as a Wolverine to his days in New England, he was constantly being asked to bring his his team back, and not only did he thrive, but he seemed to embrace the struggle and the challenge.

Saturday, February 9, 2019

Video of the Day: The Perfect Present


No Hurry
Alan Watts

Live in the present. There is no yesterday and there is no tomorrow, only the here and now.

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Video of the Day: 15 Things You Didn't Know About Matt Damon


15 Things You Didn't Know About Matt Damon
Alux.com

1. He Wanted to Become An Actor Because Of The Way He Was Raised

2. He's The 19th Highest Paid Actor In The World

3. He Dropped Out Of Harvard Just A Few Credits Shy Of Graduation

4. He Started Writing "Good Will Hunting" As A School Assignment

5. His Net Worth Is $160 Million

6. His 2017 Movie "Suburbicon" Is One Of Paramount's Worst-Performing Movie

7. Disgraced Producer Harvey Weinstein Helped Launch His Career

8. He Got Major Backlash For His Comments On Sexual Misconduct In Hollywood

9. He Met His Wife When She Was Working As A Bartender

10. He Drives A Tesla Model S

11. He Gave Up The Lead Acting Role In "Manchester-By-The-Sea"
That could be seen as a good thing! The part fit Casey Affleck more than Damon. 

12. His Production Company Will Be Producing The Batman Film

13. His Water.org Foundation Has Helped More Than 12 Million People

14. He Bought A Pacific Palisades Mansion For $15 Million

15. His Movies Have Brought In Nearly $7 Billion Worldwide

BONUS

16. He Literally Almost Starved Himself To Death For An Early Film Role

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Video of the Day: The 1% Rule - Not A Message For Everyone


The 1% Rule - Not A Message For Everyone
Valuetainment

I didn't have to help Wick last weekend at the GNAC Swimming and Diving championships. I wasn't employed by Simmons. I did for one reason only, and that was because I was DRIVEN to do so! Driven by wanted to make the experience the best for all student-athletes and coaches. Give them all a Division I experience at the Division III level. I didn't need anyone saying, I NEEDED to be there! I was there. I showed up. And I did just that if you look at these photos: 


Swimming & Diving: Cadet Men Repeat As Champs, Women Place Fourth at GNAC's

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Video of the Day: 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Warren Buffett


10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Warren Buffett
Evan Carmichael

1. He Bought His First Stock At Age 11!

2. As A Teen He Was Already Raking In About $175 A Month
More Money Than His Teachers

3. He Was Rejected From Harvard Business School!

4. His Idol Refused To Hire Him The First Time He Applied!

5. Spent $100 To Take Dale Carnegie Course on Public Speaking

6. He Spends 80% of His Day Reading

7. Drinks An Alarming Amount of Coke Each Day!
Well since he has a 9.21% stake in Coke, I guess that's has something to do with this fact. 

8. People Will Spend Millions of Dollars Just to Eat Lunch with Him

9. He Doesn't Keep A Computer On His Desk, But Loves Playing Bridge Online

10. Lives In A Humble Five-Bedroom House in Omaha, Nebraska
Bought the house in 1956 for $31,500 and it's now worth over $650,000.

Bonus
He plays the Ukulele

Monday, February 4, 2019

Video of the Day: 5 Harmful Myths You Learned In School


5 Harmful Myths You Learned In School
Charisma On Command

Myth 1: You Need Credentials
Reality: You actually need Skills.

Myth 2: Wealthy People Got Good Grades
Reality: Wealthy people hire the smart people.

Myth 3: More Money Equals More Happiness
Reality: Once you start making over $70,000 it doesn't make you any happier.

Myth 4: Your 20s Are The Best Time To Grind
Reality: The younger you are the less obligations you have, so your 20s is your time to do that.

Myth 5: People Are Born Artists & Artists Create Art When They Feel Inspired
Reality: It's a blue-collar job. Develop discipline. 


Sunday, February 3, 2019

Video of the Day: Tom Brady's Top 10 Rules For Success


Tom Brady's Top 10 Rules For Success
Evan Carmichael

1. Earn Your Success

2. Care Deeply

3. Love The Game

4. Live In The Present

5. Execute Well Under Pressure

6. Believe In Yourself

7. Set Your Priorities

8. Earn It EVERY SINGLE Day

9. Evolve

10. Stay Hungry, Stay Humble! 

Bonus
Embrace The Journey

Work Hard




Book of the Week: Grit by Angela Duckworth

Miriam-Webster's dictionary definition of the word "grit" is a "firmness of mind or spirit; unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger." It is something, the author of the book, Angela Duckworth spent years studying through interactions with West Point students going through Beast week to phone calls with Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll.

At first glance when you see this book on the bookshelf, it isn't eye-popping. It doesn't stand out. It looks kinda bland. But as the saying goes "never judge at book by its cover" because inside it is so informative.

Much of what I have read in this book I was able to make connections to many of the "video of days" I posted in the past. Duckworth spends time discussing self-made billionaire, Warren Buffett's three-step goals while also mentioning Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' upbringing. Both men's success has prominently been featured numerous times in posts throughout this blog. Visit the most recent day Jeff Bezos was featured in Alux.com's "15 Things You Didn't Know About Jeff Bezos" it's really pretty interesting.

For the football fans out there, Duckworth brought Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll into the conversation. Carroll explained that his unceremonious exit from New England was actually a blessing. He examined what he needed and discovered the thing he truly lacked was a philosophy. During his time in New England, Carroll really didn't have a philosophy and it wasn't until after he left did he begin to construct one.

It was eye-opening. The philosophy Carroll's successor Bill Belichick brought to New England, "The Patriot Way," Carroll built in Seattle and what it truly meant to be a Seahawk. Knowing this now and looking back on Super Bowl XLIX, it really was one of the best Super Bowls. And not just because the Patriots came out on top), but because you had two teams with similar values and beliefs going head-to-head.

Now if only one of Carroll's beliefs was to hand the ball off to Marshawn Lynch he would've had that second straight Super Bowl Championship. However, he did follow through on his promise that he would bring New England a title - albeit it was nearly two decades later.

And yes Duckworth did bring up that second down pass play from the one yard line. She never asked Pete if he truly felt he made "worst call ever," but he did tell Sports Illustrated a month later that it wasn't the worst decision, it was the "worst possible outcome."

That right there is pretty telling. It's the situation you're handed, but how you view it. And Pete's choosing to view it in a positive light.

(But really, it was a bad decision. Not only do you not throw the ball when you're at the one yard line, especially when you have one of the best running backs in the game, but if you do choose to attempt a pass you don't go over the middle! A nice out pass towards the flag works, that way if it's not caught it can't be intercepted. And by the way, thank you Malcolm Butler!)

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Video of the Day: Under Pressure


Under Pressure
Brain Games | National Geographic

Yeah but all the lights are on in my brain regardless if I'm using the room! In the pattern example, the last one was actually easier even though it was said to be harder because it was timed. For me, it was easier because I already identified 'I don't need to remember all the letters/colors, I just need to remember the first two and the last two and process of elimination in the multiple choice answers would give me the right answer." 

Friday, February 1, 2019

Video of the Day: NOW I GET!


Boy Meets World ... Now I Get It
Boy Meets World

It only took seven seasons for Cory to get it, but better late than never!