Meditation has been a HUGE part of my life. The days that I meditate, my focus is crisper, my productivity improves and I just get more done. It helps calm my nervous system and restore balance.

I started way back in 2014 and it’s slowly become a daily practice in my life that has changed it for the better.

If you’ve never meditated before that’s ok - it’s super easy to get started. I suggest attempting the habit in the morning. It can set your day up for success like mine.

Start by trying to meditate for 1, 3 or 5 minutes. It’s better that you succeed and make it through on Day 1 than trying to be a hero with a 20 minute transcendental mediation.

Find a quiet space in your house like a couch, chair or your yoga mat. Headphones are great for locking in your focus and blocking outside noise.

Here are my favorite apps:

YouTube ($Free.99) - When you search add keywords like “5 minute morning meditation”

Insight Timer ($Free.99) - Meditation coaches around the world lead all types of classes and your able to donate to the coaches (if you desire).

Calm ($34.99/year) - Over 2.5 million 5 star reviews on the Apple Store app. Started in 2016 as a way for adults to sleep better. Jay Shetty is the Chief Purpose Officer.

Headspace (Free 14 day trial) - Founded by a British buddhist Monk, Andy Puddicombe and used by over 70 million people across the world.

Try it out this week and let me know how you it goes!

📕 📗 📘 Book of the Week - Atomic Habits by James Clear

Habits shape who we are, and in Atomic Habits, James Clear shows how even the smallest changes can create extraordinary results.

A great read for the beginning of the year, this book is a guide to building good habits, breaking bad ones, and making meaningful progress in your life.

Point 1: Tiny habits lead to big outcomes - Clear explains the "1% rule," where improving just 1% daily compounds into transformative change over time.

Truthfully, I thought the 1% better concept was a joke until I saw this graph inside the book. Truly game changing.

Point 2: Systems are more effective than goals - Instead of focusing solely on what you want to achieve, design a system that supports consistent habits for long-term success. (Ex: Writing a book over time by writing 500 words daily)

Point 3: Environment shapes behavior - By optimizing your surroundings to make good habits easier and bad habits harder, you can set yourself up for automatic success. (Ex: I leave my daily journal open and sitting where I drink my coffee in the morning)

Point 4: Identity drives action - Shift your mindset from "I want to do this" to "I am this kind of person," aligning your habits with the person you aspire to be. (Ex: I am the kind of person who works out in morning and puts my health first)

Atomic Habits has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 200 weeks. It’s a staple in my office and never leaves my desk. I reference it multiple times throughout the year. 

💝 FEEL GOOD VIDEO OF THE WEEK 💝 

If you’re on the giving side of TikTok or SnapChat, you know Spencer from SB Mowing. What started as a way to promote his business has quickly turned into a content creation engine. His following is SO LARGE on these platforms that he’s able to not charge customers (mostly) for his services and make money from the creator fund on all of these social media platforms.

This video below has taken over the internet and has 100 million views on TikTok. Spencer has since set up a GoFundMe for Beth that has reached $867,000. We need more Spencer’s in the world.

💭 MY FINAL THOUGHT 💭 

Each week this newsletter continues to take shape towards what I want it to be. Positivity, productivity and a glimmer of hope compared to the other side of the internet. Thank you for being here.

Crush your week and Dodge the Norm!