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Together, we’ll dive deep and find the strength to never give up because Great Things Take Time.

If you haven’t already, you will get hit with thousands of thoughts and opinions over the next 24 hours. It’s unavoidable. Either directly or indirectly,  everyone has an opinion on how you should live your life. But who do you listen to?

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Here's what's in today's email

• The Obstacles To Your Great Things: Opinions

• Moments with Maurice

• What's Got Me Smilin'

The Obstacles To Your Great Things: Opinions

Today, we start a series over the next few months called ‘The Obstacles To Your Great Things.’ Because the intention is to spend time with each topic in this series, they’ll be interspersed over the next few weeks. It gives you time to reflect, put into practice, or spend some time being utterly confused/unrelating to what I’m talking about. Choose your own adventure ;)

Before you can get to your Great Things, one of the biggest obstacles you’ll face is staying true to yourself and not being swayed by other’s opinions. The input and advice from others can be helpful. Many people have lived experiences we have yet to live. It’s the same concept as to why we tell our kids not to touch a hot stove. We’ve lived it, we’ve done it, and we’re just trying to save them from unnecessary pain. Or are we? Maybe where kids and stoves are considered, but I don’t believe we are all too altruistic with our comments.

For the longest time, I fought not to let others' opinions influence me or get to me. I’d be in a flow state, so sure of myself and so motivated until an errant comment would rile me up. Now, I’ve become numb to the opinions of most people, primarily because I’ve learned how to decode what someone is saying.

The first thing you need to consider is why someone is sharing something with you. What do their words actually mean? What people say to us can actually help us decode what they really need. 

Take a look at the presentation of ideas and opinions. If someone shares something, are they coming from a place of understanding and love, or are they reacting? Do they have the facts, knowledge, and experience, or is this just coming from their immediate opinion?

People who feel the need to tear you down and voice harsh criticism or use their words to sting you in a less obvious way are wrestling with something themselves. 

Let’s use the example of a new job. You tell your friends you’re starting a new job, but things might be busier. You may not be able to make engagements or be as available as you were before. There could even be a financial component where you are unable to spend more money and, therefore, have to cut back on things. 

What are the reactions that come?

“Things were so good with your current job. Why would you mess all that up to start at the bottom somewhere else? Seems like a lot more trouble than it’s worth.”

“But what about our annual trip to Mexico?”

“What does this mean for our friendship?”

“I don’t think that company will do well for much longer. Definitely think about job security.” 

“I did something similar to you several years ago. My life was miserable. I hope yours is better.”

“I’m happy for you, maybe also a bit worried. I know you’ve wanted to take this next step. What can I do to support you?”

Most of the reactions above showcase feelings of insecurity about your relationship, worry about abandonment, opinions not based on fact, a little jealousy about your progress, and maybe some personal trauma they’ve yet to work through. Only one comes from someone who seems truly invested in you. 

So how is this important for your Great Things?

You’re about to embark on thousands of choices throughout the day. Some big and some so small and seemingly inconsequential that you don’t think it’s a big deal to listen to someone else’s opinion. 

But you can’t forget about the butterfly effect. Your choices influence things on a grander scale. We all know the feeling of being pressured into “just one more” only to later have things spiral as it was actually seven more. 

Pay attention to what they are actually saying. Have they done the research that you’ve done, do they care about the same things you care about? Do they know all the facts? Is something personal that they’ve never dealt with coming up? Is there a personal gain for them? Or are they sharing things because they want to help you grow into your best version?

The idea that someone could influence your life without research or understanding of your life is a scary thought

Don’t skip the building block or next step to your Great Things all because of something someone said. They probably aren’t placing the same importance on this decision as you are. Don’t let someone else write your future.

Moments with Maurice

If you only pause to reflect on your life for one moment today, do it now.

What can we learn from our relationships? What can we do better?

We can’t control how other people show up in our relationships, but we can control how we react. Are we meeting people where they are at? Or are we convinced we know how to proceed?

Because no matter what, there is always something to smile about.

Night Life

Joyface to celebrate Zack and Christina’s birthdays which are a day apart. That birthday month goes crazy.

Guys night before and after. Nothing like a deep stare into the camera to get you focused for the night ahead.

BTS

I couldn’t bring you behind the scenes without some setup and some support.

Not My Cars (but I can still drool over them)

What is this? A car for ants?! No, it’s just some pretty neat decoration at a pretty special place 😉 

Restaurant Highlight

Restaurant highlight of the week: Massara. Pictured below (clockwise L-R) Pesto pasta, espresso martini (my friend’s dessert), wagyu steak & branzino, and my dessert. Always share your main, you get the full flavor of what there is to offer and boy did they put their foot in this food.

Remember:

-Adrian