Goal-Setting for an Extraordinary Life

Hey Real Estate Pros, ready to crush your goals? I'm gathering a powerhouse group to strategize and hold each other accountable. Let's shift your gears from idle to full throttle. This is for AGENTS and INVESTORS. Bonus: I've got limited free spots for some game-changing brainstorming. Ready to elevate your journey? If you’re interested email me directly at matt@secondmix.net. Don't wait—this is your next big move.

Journaling and AI

I've been focused on journaling since 2019 and now have over 5000 pages of journal entries, handwritten. This past month I've been focused on an entirely new method, with some brand new questions I ask myself. This saves a lot of time. I also decided to get some help from AI every once in a while. I created a prompt for ChatGPT and now I can journal while AI asks me questions. - It's set up so I can dig deeper or continue to the next questions. I can even speak my journal on ChatGPT for iOS, and save the conversation for reference in my notes. You can read about that process, and even copy my exact prompt in my blog post about Journaling with ChatGPT.

Dropshipping

When I'm helping people start up a business, they often ask me about dropshipping. I’m able the to give I'm able to give them the basics, but I wanted the experience of doing it myself. I'm in the process of creating a store on Shopify that is part dropshipping, part affiliate sales. My plan is to buy my first product from my own site this month, and have it live for Christmas shopping. I’ll let you know when it’s up!

Focusing on Values Instead of Goals

I recently had an eye-opening conversation with Paul Epstein author, speaker, and founder of the San Fransisco 49ers Talent Academy. (See episode below.) I decided to focus more on my values than on my goals. Listen to the podcast to find out why. This has been an eye opening experience for me - the first value I chose to work on was patience. I had to redefine what I meant by patience, so here's the definition:

Patience is the conscious choice to respond with understanding and empathy, even in challenging situations. It's an active practice of self-awareness, taking responsibility for one's emotions and actions, and proactively nurturing relationships through thoughtful and loving reactions.

I believe this exercise is changing my life for the better, so it's worth checking out.

Lessons from Liam Neeson and the Game of Chess

Imagine harnessing the singular focus of a character like Liam Neeson's Brian Mills in 'Taken', and applying it to your entrepreneurial journey. In the episode, we explore this concept, discussing the power of unwavering determination in achieving one's goals. Drawing from the film's narrative, we underscore the importance of cutting through the drama and distractions to get the job done. A mindset every entrepreneur and business owner can benefit from.

Why Should They Trust You?

Ever wondered what it takes to become the person that a private money lender can't wait to lend money to? Discover how a thirst for knowledge in business, personal development, and social sciences can redefine your path to success. You'll hear about my experiences and how I managed to set myself for success by asking the right questions.  I share how I transformed into a more reliable and dependable individual, and became something new. 

Purpose in Action: Your 365 Operating System for Confidence

Ready to redefine success in your life and pivot towards a path of true significance? In this episode, I sit down with Paul Epstein, an expert in building unshakable confidence and a purpose-driven leader. He shares game-changing insights that you won't find in your usual self-help books.

Paul is a renowned keynote speaker and bestselling author of "The Power of Playing Offense." As Chief Impact Officer for PurposePoint, he's transformed NBA teams and shattered Super Bowl revenue records.

With 15 years in sports executive roles, including founding the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy, he's a proven leader. Paul collaborates with Fortune 500s, founders, CEOs, and athletes. He's dedicated to unlocking potential through leadership, culture, and purpose. His latest book, "Better Decisions Faster," empowers readers in today's fast-paced business world.

I read about this book many times - it’s referenced in so many books on behavior and psychology. Angela Duckworth's "Grit" is a seminal work and powerful read that dives into the essence of what really drives success—it's not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls "grit." Duckworth draws from her own research and a multitude of stories ranging from education to business, proving that the secret to outstanding achievement isn't just about innate skills or high IQ. Instead, it's about sticking with things you're passionate about, no matter the obstacles.

One of the key takeaways is the idea of "effort counts twice." Duckworth argues that while talent is important, it's the effort that turns talent into skill, and skill into achievement. This equation demonstrates that it's often the grind—the consistent, hard work—combined with enduring passion, that brings success over the long haul.

The book also touches on the importance of deliberate practice, which is not just clocking hours but thoughtfully pushing your boundaries and seeking feedback. She emphasizes that this type of practice is uncomfortable but necessary for growth.

And then there's the part about how grit can be cultivated. It's not just something you're born with, she says. It can be developed through what Duckworth refers to as the "growth mindset," a concept borrowed from Carol Dweck. This mindset encourages you to see challenges as opportunities to grow, making it easier to sustain your efforts despite setbacks.

For anyone looking to boost their self-awareness and proactivity, "Grit" is a treasure trove of insights.

Thanks for reading this newsletter. My goal is to add value to the world expecting nothing in return. I do get joy from sharing all the things that have changed my life. For right now, I don’t make any money doing this. Buying me a coffee is a great way to offset the expenses of running a podcast, website, and all the paid tools I use. Plus, I really do love coffee.