Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

Building Wealth

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“The wealthy understand the difference between looking rich and being rich.” – Dave Ramsey

Wealthy individuals don’t always drive flashy sports cars or luxury brands. Most of the time, they’re cruising around in vehicles that are reliable, practical, paid-off and smart—just like their financial decisions.

According to financial guru Dave Ramsey, 69% of millionaires did not average $100K or more in household income per year and one-third of millionaires never had a six-figure household income in their entire careers.

When people don’t waste money trying to look wealthy, they have money to actually become wealthy.

Ironically, there’s a high correlation between people who build wealth and those who don’t give a crap what other people think, states Ramsey. Be careful who you’re listening to. The sooner you stop worrying about the opinions of others, the sooner you can start winning, growing and improving.

The #1 mistake Americans make with money is not paying attention to their spending, budgeting or financially planning.

The wealthy get wealthier because they keep doing wealthy people stuff—investing, budgeting, and actually paying attention to where their money goes.

Want to win with money and build wealth, ask Ramsey? Start doing what works.

Novak Djokovic

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In 2010, Novak Djokovic was a Serbian struggling tennis player because a hidden enemy was destroying him from within. One that no amount of training could beat.

His body was falling apart:

• Respiratory issues since childhood
• Allergies getting stronger yearly
• Constant exhaustion
• Mid-match collapses

Even surgery couldn’t fix his breathing.

Growing up in Belgrade meant bakeries on every corner.

– Fresh bread with every meal.
– Pizza as celebrated as life itself.
– Each meal is a family tradition.

Each mouthful was sabotaging his destiny.

Then, with one diet change… he won 3 out of 4 Grand Slam titles and became world No. 1 the following year.

Dr. Igor Tretojevich determined, through his holistic approach, Novak’s Serbian diet was poisoning him and body was at war with:

• Gluten – hiding in his beloved bread
• Dairy – in every traditional dish
• Refined sugar – fueling his exhaustion

The solution was to burn it all down resulting in him he losing eleven pounds (5 kilos). As a result, Novak felt something extraordinary:

• For the first time since childhood, he could breathe freely.
• His mind cleared.
• His energy soared.

He wasn’t just changing his diet…he chat his life.

His new diet became the blueprint for peak performance:

• No gluten, dairy or refined sugar
• Whole foods
• Strategic meal timing
• Light mornings, power-packed evenings

His new diet became the blueprint for peak performance:

• No gluten, dairy or refined sugar
• Whole foods
• Strategic meal timing
• Light mornings, power-packed evenings

The transformation broke records:

• World #1 ranking
• 3 Grand Slam titles
• 41-match winning streak
• 10 tournament victories

All from one diet change.

https://x.com/craigbrockie/status/1893663518446285287?s=46&t=mF_tsrQnjgviyl62GYfJjw

What You Think You Become

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“Your life is always moving in the direction of your strongest thoughts. What you think will shape who you become.” — Craig Groeschel, Winning the War in Your Mind

American philosopher and psychologist William James said, “As a man thinketh, so he becomes.” This sentiment explored the power of thought and the idea that one’s thoughts and beliefs directly influence one’s actions and, ultimately, one’s life and level of success.

Cultivating positive, constructive beliefs and thoughts can lead to more fulfilling and successful lives.

Conversely, if you allow negative, destructive beliefs and thoughts to dominate, your life will take a less desirable path. The daily battle against self-doubt and negative thinking can be debilitating and limiting.

Your life is a reflection of what you believe and think. What you believe and think will determine who you become tomorrow. Your life is always moving in the direction of your most substantial thoughts.

Effectively, it’s difficult to cultivate positive outcomes with negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself. Your thoughts shape your reality and influence who you become.

Additionally, there is always a reason to be grateful. Cultivating gratitude transforms your mindset and can improve your overall well-being. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can enhance your mental and emotional health, build resilience, and strengthen your relationships.

Source: Craig Groeschel, Winning the War in Your Mind

Bonus: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga (P)2018 Simon & Schuster.

In this book, the philosopher explains to his pupil how you can determine your own life, free from the shackles of past experiences, doubts, and the expectations of others. This way of thinking is deeply liberating, allowing you to develop the courage to change and ignore the limitations that you and other people have placed on you.

Seven lessons bring transformation.

1. Your Past Does Not Define You: Your past doesn’t determine your future—your choices and thoughts do. Your history does not trap you unless you choose to be and believe you are. The past is a reference for learning, not a sentence. You can finally move forward if you stop seeing it as an anchor holding you back.

2. Seeking Approval Is a Prison: You suffer because you want everyone to like you. And that’s impossible. Much of your stress comes from trying to control something you can’t control—other people’s feelings. True freedom comes when you let go of that need to be liked by everyone, not rudely or recklessly, but in a way that allows you to live authentically.

3. All Problems Are Interpersonal Relationship Problems: Personal struggles like laziness or lack of motivation are often traced to fears of failure, rejection, or judgment. Your biggest struggles aren’t just about you—they’re about how you navigate relationships. And when you master personal relationships, you master a lot.

4. Freedom Comes from Taking Full Responsibility: It’s easy to blame circumstances, people, or luck. But, when you accept the philosophy “My life is my responsibility,” everything changes. The message isn’t that nothing affects you; you still get to decide how you respond. And in that response, you reclaim our power.

5. Happiness Is Found in Contribution, Not Recognition: True fulfillment comes when you give—not to be seen, but because it aligns with who you are. You would feel different if you stopped looking for validation and just did good for the sake of it. What if happiness isn’t about being admired but knowing you’ve lived meaningfully?

6. You Don’t Need to Be Special to Be Valuable: You grow up hearing that you need to be extraordinary—stand out, be unique, and prove your worth. But real peace comes when you stop chasing specialness and embrace who you are. What if you didn’t have to be the best, the smartest, the most talented? What if you were already enough? This idea isn’t about giving up on growth and self-development—it’s about letting go of the exhausting need to prove something constantly.

7. Have the Courage to Live for Yourself: Life is about realizing your life is yours. You’ll never be free if you spend it trying to meet other people’s expectations. You will be disliked. No matter how kind, thoughtful, or successful you are, someone will disapprove. The question is, will you live your life for them or yourself? Let go of the weight of expectations and finally breathe.

Spending Lavishly

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There may be nothing wrong with spending excessively or extravagantly on things you love, whether it’s a luxury vacation or a $100,000 car.

The key is being honest with yourself about whether you can truly afford it and whether the spending aligns with your intrinsic values. Most people can’t and their spending decisions don’t, and that’s where the problem lies. But if you can and they do, then live your life to the fullest!

Champions Adapt

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Billionaire investor and Berkshire-Hathaway chairman and CEO Warren Buffett once said, “Champions Adapt”.

This simple statement emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resilience in achieving current and future success.

According to Buffett, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and learn from experiences is what sets champions and those who achieve great success apart from the rest.

Most successful individuals and businesses are those that can quickly adjust to new conditions and challenges.

1. Embracing Change and Challenges
– Buffett often emphasizes the importance of being open to change. He believes that clinging to old habits and ways of thinking can hinder growth and progress. Champions, according to him, are those who can pivot and adapt to new circumstances and challenges.

2. Learning and Growing from Experience
– Adaptability involves learning from past experiences and using those lessons to navigate future challenges. Buffett encourages continuous learning and self-improvement, which allows individuals to respond effectively to changing environments.

3. Staying Flexible
– In investing, Buffett highlights the need for flexibility. Market conditions can be unpredictable, and successful investors must be able to adjust their strategies in response to new information and trends. This flexibility is a key characteristic of a champion.

4. Resilience
– Resilience is closely tied to adaptability. Buffett believes that being able to bounce back from setbacks and remain focused on long-term goals is essential for success. Champions are those who can endure difficulties and emerge stronger.

5. Innovation
– Buffett also acknowledges the role of innovation in staying competitive. Businesses that adapt by embracing new technologies and innovative practices are more likely to thrive in dynamic markets.

For example, under Buffett’s leadership, Berkshire Hathaway has adapted to changing market conditions by diversifying its investments and acquiring companies in various industries.

Additionally, Buffett has adapted his investment strategies over the years, from focusing on value investing to recognizing the importance of growth stocks in certain situations.

Quotes from Warren Buffett
– “The best thing is to learn from other people’s mistakes. The second-best thing is to learn from your own mistakes.”
– “In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.”

Buffett’s emphasis on adaptability underscores the idea that success is not just about having a fixed plan, but about being able to adjust and thrive in the face of change and in any circumstance.

Always Be Positive to Yourself

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“You must always talk positive to yourself in your head.”

You will never speak to anyone more than you speak to yourself in your head. So, be kind and encouraging to yourself!

The words you tell yourself shape your thoughts, your mindset, and the life you live. Speak to yourself with the same kindness, compassion, and respect you’d give to someone you love.

Here are a few tips to help you develop a positive inner dialogue:

1. Recognize Negative Thoughts: Be mindful of when negative thoughts creep in. Awareness is the first step to change.
2. Challenge and Reframe: Ask yourself if these thoughts are realistic or helpful. Try to reframe them in a more positive light.
3. Practice Affirmations: Repeat positive affirmations daily. For example, “I am capable and resilient.”
4. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and support you. Their positive energy can be contagious.
5. Be Kind to Yourself: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you would offer a friend.

Remember, life is a journey, and it’s okay to have ups and downs along the way. And, being positive, happy, and grateful are choices.

Bite-Sized Motivational Quotes

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“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Bite-sized quotes that pack a powerful punch:

  • “Champions adapt!”
  • “Dream big, start small.”
  • “Pressure is a privilege.”
  • ”Make it happen.”
  • ”Happiness and anxiety are choices; choose happiness.”
  • “One day or day one. You decide.”
  • “Positive mind, positive vibes, positive life.”
  • “Struggle makes you stronger.”
  • “Be a warrior, not a worrier.”
  • “Only talk positive to yourself in your head.”
  • “A bad attitude is like a flat tire; you can’t go anywhere until you change it.”
  • ”There is always a reason to be grateful.”
  • ”Yesterday is history (past); tomorrow is a mystery (unknown); and today is a blessing and gift (be mindful/live in the present moment).”