I had a valuable lesson that I’m excited to share. It's a realization that has been building over the last few days, and I believe it's going to create a significant positive change. 

Over the past few months, I've faced a lot of adversity, stress, and challenges. These tests have shaken me to my core, stirring up self-doubt, and negative thinking. Despite knowing from experience that this kind of thinking leads nowhere, I got caught up in the whirlwind of starting a new business, striving to be a great family man, and handling the usual life challenges. 

I felt overwhelmed, even while pushing to take action, feeling defeated and almost helpless on a daily basis. Although I knew this state wouldn't last, this time it seemed particularly stubborn. I sensed there was a crucial lesson to be learned. 

One morning, I was listening to a book called The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan. I’ve been listening to it over the past week, and while usually I absorb a lot from such audios, this one seemed to be offering me nothing—until today. It reminded me of something I used to do that had propelled me to get my business started but which I had stopped doing amid the busyness of life. 

I realized that when I’m feeling stressed and anxious, it's often a sign that my thinking is off. Yet, I allowed myself to get caught up in the daily tasks, neglecting to analyze the situation and find a solution. I know that thinking is key to solving any problem or finding resources to come up with solutions. 

The Gap and The Gain talked about celebrating wins the night before, something I used to do consistently a year and a half ago. For six months, this practice made a significant difference in my progress. So, that morning, I sat down and reorganized my routines, drawing on past successes. I realized that I had been indulging in what I call "stinkin' thinkin'." This term helps me recognize when negative thinking is preventing me from experiencing the life I want. 

Creating personal terms like "stinkin' thinkin'" is important for disrupting negative patterns and facilitating change. For example, during COVID, I coined the term "brain waste time" after realizing I was spending too much time on unproductive activities like social media. Every time I found myself drifting into those habits, I would remind myself of "brain waste time" and shift to something more productive. 

To counteract "stinkin' thinkin'," I've reinstated a nighttime routine: 30 to 60 minutes before bed, I journal my three wins for the day and list three focuses for the following day. As I lay down, I visualize successfully completing those focuses. In the morning, I revisit my wins and focuses, setting myself on a productive path. 

This practice made a huge difference when I first started my business, and I am excited to bring it back. I'm thrilled about the direction I'm headed, and I'm committed to no more stinkin' thinkin'. 💪