Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

Winning is the Only Thing

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“There are two primary choices in life:  to accept conditions as they exist, or to accept the responsibility for changing them.” ~ Denis Waitley

Winners don’t always succeed in competition or life, sometimes they lose or experience failures, just like everybody else, states Denis Waitley. Yet, the winners’ attitude and mindset still make them come out on top eventually and over the long term.

Waitley emphasized that winning is not just about competition, but about striving to reach your highest potential and maintaining a positive mindset. His encourages you to adopt a more proactive and optimistic approach to life.

Green Bay Packers and NFL legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said regarding Lombardi, “Winning isn’t everything, but the only thing.” His mindset was that the desire to win and the pursuit of excellence were paramount in both the sport of professional football and life.

Being a winner is about having winning habits, a positive mindset and resilience (a never quit or give up mindset), which helps not only the winner succeed, but also the people around the winner.

“The winners in life think constantly in terms of I can, I will, and I am. Losers, on the other hand, concentrate their waking thoughts on what they should have or would have done, or what they can’t do.” ~ Denis Waitley

Winners are very aware of both themselves and time. They are usually very present in the moment, and don’t fret on the past or worry about the future.

Instead of dwelling on past mistakes and problems, winners learn from them and move on, so they can enjoy and live in the present. They’re not worried about the future or their death, because they understand life is short, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and that they must follow their own roadmap and create their own future.

Winners understand better than most that life happens, but they are responsible for their choices and how they respond to life’s situations and circumstances.

In essence, winning and being a winner is a mindset, attitude and habit.

Additionally, winners tend to be always grateful. And, there is always a reason to be grateful.

Source:  The Psychology of Winning by Denis Waitley 

Gratitude is Powerful

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“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” – Amy Collette

Gratitude is a powerful life-changing mindset and attitude. It is an emotion that involves feeling thankful and appreciative for what you have in your life. It’s a powerful tool that can significantly improve your well-being, both mentally and physically.

By practicing gratitude, you can cultivate a more positive outlook, strengthen your relationships, and increase your overall happiness. It’s a simple yet profound practice that can significantly enhance your life. By focusing on the positive aspects of your experiences, you can shift our perspective, reduce stress, and cultivate greater happiness.

Why is Gratitude Important?

* Enhanced Mental Health: Gratitude can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
* Improved Physical Health: Studies have shown that gratitude can lower blood pressure and boost the immune system.
* Stronger Relationships: Expressing gratitude strengthens bonds with loved ones.
* Increased Happiness: Focusing on the positive aspects of life leads to greater overall happiness.

How to Practice Gratitude

* Gratitude Journaling: Write down things you’re grateful for each day.
* Mindful Meditation: Focus on the present moment and appreciate the good things in your life.
* Expressing Thanks: Share your appreciation with others through words or actions.
* Volunteering: Giving back to others can increase feelings of gratitude.
* Practicing Mindfulness: Pay attention to the positive aspects of your life.

By incorporating gratitude into your daily routine, you can unlock its transformative power and experience a more fulfilling life and joyful existence.

Saving More Money

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There are many financial planning strategies you can use to saving more money easier. Here are some effective ways to save money:

  1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you’re saving for, whether it’s an emergency fund, a vacation, or a down payment on a house. Having specific goals can motivate you to stick to your savings plan.
  2. Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to see where your money is going. Use budgeting methods like the 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings) to manage your finances.
  3. Cut Down on Unnecessary Expenses: Identify areas where you can reduce spending, such as dining out less, canceling unused subscriptions, or shopping for deals and discounts.
  4. Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your savings account. This way, you save money without even thinking about it.
  5. Pay Off Debt: Focus on paying off high-interest debt first. Reducing debt can free up more money for savings in the long run.
  6. Shop Smart: Use coupons, buy in bulk, and take advantage of sales. Shopping at discount stores or buying generic brands can also help you save.
  7. Save on Utilities: Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and adjusting your thermostat.
  8. Cook at Home; Eat out Less: Preparing meals at home is usually cheaper and healthier than eating out. Plan your meals and make a shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
  9. Review Your Insurance, Internet and Cable: Shop around for better rates on insurance policies, internet and cable bills. Sometimes bundling your home and auto insurance can save you money.
  10. Invest Wisely: Consider investing in low-cost index funds or other investment vehicles that align with your financial goals. Investing can help your money grow over time.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can build a solid financial foundation and achieve your savings goals.

Ignoring the Economic Fundamentals

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“This [2024 Presidential] election is something of an indictment on the political information complex. The story that was portrayed was not true. We were just ignoring the fundamentals.”

https://x.com/NickAdamsinUSA/status/1854083315671736761

“Blaming people who almost always vote for you for not voting for you is an interesting strategy. Can’t see it working out well myself but doesn’t look like there’s any stopping it”, states Konstantin Kisin .

For my British and European friends who are “shocked” and “surprised”, here are 10 reasons you didn’t see Trump’s win coming, writes Political Satirist Konstantin Kisin.

1. Americans love their country and want it to be the best in the world. America is a nation of people who conquered a continent. They love strength. They love winning. Any leader who appeals to that has an automatic advantage.

2. Unlike Europeans, Americans have not accepted managed decline. They don’t have Net Zero here, they believe in producing their own energy and making it as cheap as possible because they know that their prosperity depends on it.

3. Prices for most basic goods in the US have increased rapidly and are sky high. What the official statistics say about inflation and the reality of people’s lives are not the same.

4. Unlike you, Americans do not believe in socialism. They believe in meritocracy. They don’t care about the super rich being super rich because they know that they live in a country where being super rich is available to anyone with the talent and drive to make it. They don’t resent success, they celebrate it.

5. Americans are the most pro-immigration people in the world. Read that again. Seriously, read it again. Americans love an immigrant success story. They want more talented immigrants to come to America. But they refuse to accept people coming illegally. They believe in having a border.

6. Americans are sensitive about racial issues and their country’s imperfect history. They believe that those who are disadvantaged by the circumstances of their birth should be given the opportunity to succeed. What they reject, however, is the idea that in order to address the errors of the past new errors must be made. DEI is racist. They know it and they reject it precisely because they are not racist.

7. Americans are the most philosemitic nation on earth. October 7 and the pro-Hamas left’s reaction shocked them to their very core because, among other things, they remember what 9/11 was like and they know jihad when they see it.

8. Americans are extremely practical people. They care about what works, not what sounds good. In Europe, we produce great writers and intellectuals. In America they produce (and attract) great engineers, businessmen and investors. Because of this, they care less about Trump’s rhetoric than you do and more about his policies than you do.

9. Americans are deeply optimistic people. They hate negativity. The woke view of American history as a series of evils for which they must eternally apologise is utterly abhorrent to them. They believe in moving forward together, not endlessly obsessing about the past.

10. America is a country whose founding story is one of resistance to government overreach. They loathe unnecessary restrictions, regulations and control. They understand that freedom comes with the price of self-reliance and they pay it gladly.

  • Mathematically, it’s impossible to replace federal government taxes on W-2 income with tariffs.

The Winner’s Effect

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The Winner’s Effect.

Researchers found that if you let a mouse win a few staged fights early on, it starts racking up real wins later, according to Success Mentor Darren Daily. And the real wins were not because it learned better fighting skills.

Those early staged wins flip the switch in the mouse’s brains and it starts to impact the mice’s performance for real. The mouse’s mindset changes and it starts believing that it can win

In humans, the same has been observed to be true. Legendary NFL football coach Vince Lombardi would become upset if his quarterback threw too many completions in practice.

Lombardi was deliberately trying to build up his defense’s confidence. He knew that even if it meant a slightly off practice for the offense, Those early wins by the defense, even if a little manufactured, would pay off big time later in the season.

From DarrenDaily On-Demand: DarrenDaily Recap: The Week Unpacked November 2nd, Nov 2, 2024

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/darrendaily-on-demand/id1449270369?i=1000675437523

Power of Enthusiasm

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“Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic.” ~ Dale Carnegie

Enthusiasm is a powerful force that can significantly impact your life. It is one skill that you can learn that will improve your performance on everything you choose to pursue, and multiply the results that you see. Additionally, practicing enthusiasm will improve your physical and mental health, enhance your pain tolerance, and even extend your lifespan, he opines.

“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with your might.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Motivational speaker and life coach Darren Hardy emphasizes the power of enthusiasm where he describes enthusiasm as an underrated skill that can significantly impact your success in life.

Daily believes that approaching tasks with genuine enthusiasm can transform your results and help you achieve your goals more effectively.

Here are a few key points about its power:

  • Boosts Performance: Enthusiasm can enhance your performance in both personal and professional settings. When you’re enthusiastic, you’re more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive.
  • Inspires Others: Enthusiasm is contagious. When you approach tasks with energy and excitement, it can inspire and motivate those around you, creating a positive and dynamic environment.
  • Improves Well-being: Being enthusiastic can improve your overall well-being. It can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a more positive outlook on life.
  • Facilitates Learning: Enthusiasm can make learning new skills and information more enjoyable and effective. It helps you stay curious and open-minded, which is essential for personal growth.
  • Enhances Relationships: Enthusiastic individuals often have better social interactions and relationships. Their positive energy can make them more approachable and likable.

There are significant costs to living day-to-day with a lack of enthusiasm; and, we tend to undervalue the benefits and power of enthusiasm, states Darren Daily.  He believes you should infect every room you enter or conversation you participate with enthusiasm.

Source: DarrenDaily On-Demand: The Most Underrated Skill that Changes Everything, Nov 5, 2024

https://content.libsyn.com/p/9/4/a/94aee2bd6e9eb7db/DDOD_Episode1551_mixdown.mp3?c_id=180603857&cs_id=180603857&destination_id=971339&response-content-type=audio%2Fmpeg&Expires=1730822650&Signature=RBz7djevptm0SEr0jtNg2JtD1uwLE6kBrEwrIUEDfi2VmtM-aVbI9eLNrquZH3tIlO2g1HBY8Mmy8kNSsihQz3IMAwobB72K3tlUH-jp2uP5JAog54hLAoJdJBHIHUHM6CckOtysAiabkrzVgysj~K-y5JYKOLun2vYJwUYp8WxKUwcbxfw9jRHCsJXGyWf7XsCErHhDsvfsnVoljhJrQIAUQueo12X6-SX4kTlKMFIXV1VrJQekDDAf87vNnzSvqIak82~lkFBdw7UcA7NEV6V2m8t6iksUWTIZ2KSo-Y4Q8EcnaKsbap5~jX9phNdvCFxcyXR2bgO3wAfesx71kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=K1YS7LZGUP96OI

Happy Thanksgiving: Always Be Grateful

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“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

Thanksgiving encourages you and others to reflect on what you are thankful for.

Research has shown that being thankful and practicing gratitude can have significant positive effects on your mental and physical health.

For instance, studies by psychologists Dr. Robert A. Emmons and Dr. Michael E. McCullough found that people who regularly wrote about things they were grateful for experienced greater well-being, exercised more, and had fewer visits to the doctor.

Gratitude helps you feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve your health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

“When you are grateful, you are not fearful. And when you are not fearful, you are not violent. When you are grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not out of a sense of scarcity.” ~ Rabbi Harold Kushner

Source:  https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

Believe Tomorrow Will Be Better

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“Three months from now, you will be in a better situation. Claim it.”

Close your eyes and imagine it. Three months from now, a new chapter unfolds. The anxieties that weigh you down now have begun to lift, like clouds parting to reveal a brighter sky. The challenges you face today are fading into the background, replaced by a sense of peace and progress.

Claim it. Claim this better situation, this improved circumstance, this renewed sense of hope. It’s not just wishful thinking, it’s a declaration of faith, a commitment to your own growth and evolution.

Three months may seem like a long time, but it’s a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of things. Within that time, you can cultivate new habits, embrace new opportunities, and make choices that align with your dreams.

Visualize it, believe it, and claim it. Three months from now, you will be in a better situation. It’s not luck, it’s not chance, it’s the power of your own intention, the unwavering belief in your own potential, and the unwavering commitment to create the life you desire.

Source:  Tips That Change Your Life.

Vitamin D and COVID-19 Research

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A new research study at the University of Chicago Medicine has found that when it comes to COVID-19, having vitamin D levels above those traditionally considered sufficient may lower the risk of infection, especially for Black people.

The study, published March 19 in JAMA Open Network, retrospectively examined the relationship between vitamin D levels and likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19.

While levels of 30 ng/ml or more are usually considered “sufficient,” the authors found that Black individuals who had levels of 30 to 40 ng/ml had a 2.64 times higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19 than people with levels of 40 ng/ml or greater.

Statistically significant associations of vitamin D levels with COVID-19 risk were not found in white people.

The study looked at data from over 3,000 patients at UChicago Medicine who had had their vitamin D levels tested within 14 days before a COVID-19 test.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210322175028.htm

Extend Lifespan and Health Span

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Lifespan is the total length of a person’s life. Health span is the period of a person’s life during which they are generally healthy and free of serious or chronic illness. 

Recent scientific research suggests that aging might not be as inevitable as we once thought.

The aim of aging research is to extend both lifespan and health span. Lifespan refers to the total number of years a person lives, while health span focuses on the number of those years spent in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities.

Studies in the fields of genetics, cellular biology, and biochemistry have shown that the aging process can be influenced and potentially slowed down.

For example, researchers have discovered that certain genes and cellular pathways, such as those involving telomeres and sirtuins, play crucial roles in the aging process.

Aging in people results from the gradual accumulation of defects and damage to the molecules and cells that make up our bodies. However, our bodies have built-in mechanisms for repairing this damage. But even these repair mechanisms wear out over time. Eventually, enough damage accumulates to affect the function of whole organs and systems.

Telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, tend to shorten as cells divide, leading to aging and cell death. However, some studies have shown that it might be possible to extend telomere length and improve cell longevity.

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management have been shown to significantly impact the aging process.

Practices like calorie restriction and intermittent fasting have been linked to increased lifespan in various organisms.

Source:  https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/research-context-can-we-slow-aging