Tips & Recommendations for August

The hand we’re dealt
“Life is not about expecting, hoping, and wishing, it’s about doing, being, and becoming” – Mike Dooley
We are going on 5 months of this new way of living. COVID-19 changed things for everyone, and change can be very hard. As each day passes, it becomes more and more clear that there is no “going back” to how things once were. We must embrace the hand we have been dealt and do the most we can with it.
3 TIPS FROM DOUG
1. Ask Better Questions
It feels like “what can’t I do?” has become the question of the year. We can’t have people over, however, we can social distance with the neighbors. As we have talked about in previous blogs, this is the perfect time to get to know the people around you, get to know your neighbors better, and step out of your comfort zone. Although you may not be able to have all the neighbors over for a backyard BBQ, you can enjoy a glass of wine while chatting with your neighbors over the fence.
2. Stop Waiting
Stop waiting for things to go back to normal. By waiting we are allowing our lives to be on standby due to something we cannot control. Take control of your life and start doing the things you have been putting on hold.
3. Enjoy This Time
How can you enjoy this time? Look at the opportunities that have been presented to change things in your day to day life. To change the way you look at the relationships you have, the way you spend your time, and what you truly enjoy about your life. Although it can be much easier said than done, it is always important to enjoy things as much as you can.
Consider asking the questions: What is great about our new normal?
DOUG’S AUGUST FAVORITES
Atomic Habit by James Clear
People think when you want to change your life, you need to think big. But world-renowned habits expert James Clear has discovered another way. He knows that real changes comes form the compound effort of hundreds of small decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes earlier, or reading just one more page. He calls them atomic habits. In this ground-breaking book, Clear reveals exactly how these minuscule changes can grow into suck life-altering outcomes. He uncovers a handful of simple life hacks (the forgotten art of Habit Stacking, the unexpected power of the Two Minute Rule, or the trick of entering the Goldilocks Zone), and delves into cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience to explain why they matter. Along the way, he tells inspiring stories of Olympic gold medalists, leading CEO’s, and distinguished scientists who have used the science of tiny habits to stay productive, motivated, and happy.