Quotes of the Week from Me:

“Obsession is intimidating and invigorating.”

“Enjoy the moment as much as the memory.”

“Ask yourself not what you can achieve, but what you will.”

Quotes of the Week from Someone Else:

“Anything is life is worth doing, is worth over doing, moderation is for cowards.” – Shane Patton

“In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means you have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” – Les Brown

Positive anything is better than negative nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard

Quick Optimism

Obsession is ultimate commitment.

Is it healthy?

The obsessed seem to avoid this question. There is a higher purpose. They have identified a higher goal.

Obsession is intimidating but invigorating. I think that’s why it is admired, even revered, by so many.

Quick Optimism II

Happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Taylor, my mom, and all the incredible mothers I know and beyond! I hope you were all spoiled immensely yesterday.

It is an extra special Mother’s Day this year – my family just welcomed our daughter, Millie James Conroy, to the family on May 10. What a special time!

Full Newsletter

And the whole world slowed to a standstill, again. Having a baby will do that to you.

Other things matter, just not as much. The past, present, and future become intertwined in the blink of an eye. A baby was just born. Who you were is not who you are now.

Are you ready?

How could I not write about children after welcoming a new baby to the family? It’s just so exciting. In the spirit of my random thoughts over the last few days, here is a short list to consider about children, parenting, but also life in general.

1. Learn how to feed your child. Aka learn how to feed yourself. Having kids can be a reset. If you are eating donuts for breakfast every day, you might want to reevaluate for your kid’s sake and your own! What do they eat and when? Breastmilk only for the first six months (Google is really helpful with this stuff, so is a knowledgeable wife).
2. One of my favorite mantras – there is no magic recipe for success. Do what works for you and your family, but make sure you stay educated so you can weigh your options properly. You want to teach your kids to be good. To work hard. To enjoy themselves. How will you do that?
3. Babies vary in how they eat. So do I. So does everyone. Some weeks I eat 90% healthy, other weeks I eat 90% junk food. These change constantly: time, amount, playfulness, seriousness. Babies, kids, and adults are all developing a relationship with eating from day one that progresses over time.
4. Discipline and distraction. Use both, consistently.
5. Take care of yourself.
6. There is no balance.
7. Kids learn from you. They know more than you think, earlier than you think.

Kids learn from you. They know more than you think, earlier than you think. Same with your coworkers, friends, and family. I am convinced that age is the least significant barrier to competence.

Like last week’s newsletter on microscopic giants, kids notice the little things. The second their little eyes open, they are observing all you say and do.

One of the more interesting things I read recently is that it is extremely difficult to parent the “you” out of your kids. You tell them to be good. Don’t swear. Have integrity. Care for others. Be safe.

According to Louis L’Amour, “It is constantly reiterated that education begins in the home, but what is often forgotten is that morality begins in the home also.”

Think about the times you are tired, stressed, and/or frustrated. Last night, I was all three while I was behind the wheel. It was just me. No wife, no kids, no friends. But I was thinking about my impatience. Hitting every red light. It was frustrating.

Then I thought about my kids. Not soon but right now. I buckle them into the car right now. They are rear facing but listening. Soon they will be front facing. Then sitting in the passenger seat. They will absorb the examples I set. They will watch how I drive and think it is the norm. Kids learn from you. They learn in your home, in your car, from their parents and their siblings. Keep that in mind and act accordingly. Keep that in mind and teach accordingly.

Make it a phenomenal Monday!