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I hope you’re having a great Wednesday! Take a few MOMENTS to relax.
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MONEY TIP
Do you even know everything you’re subscribed to anymore? Think about streaming services (video and audio), cable, internet, magazines, newspapers, hobby boxes, and apps (this is a big one!) Do you need them all? Do you need them at the level you’re subscribed to? Think about internet and cable subscriptions. Do you need the fastest internet and 1,000 channels? Know all your subscriptions, monitor them, and cut the ones you don’t need. Also, consider fees like bank accounts, investments, and even ATM fees. Can you cut or lower these? Probably.
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OPPORTUNITY
If you love discounts and national parks, you’re in luck. The US National Park Service has all kinds of discounted options for nearly everyone. You can get lifetime passes, military/veteran passes, senior passes, and even a free special pass for kids in 4th grade.
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MINIMALISM TIP
In an age where the digital is often used more than the physical, it’s time to discuss digital minimalism. Having a full desktop on your computer or a million apps on your phone is distracting. Try Cal Newport’s approach to digital minimalism to clean it up.
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ESSENTIAL READING
I basically just recommended a book in the minimalism tip, but while we’re talking about Cal Newport, I just finished his latest book, Slow Productivity, and I highly recommend it! His approach to the business and work/life world is unique. Slow Productivity is about doing the right things, skipping the useless things, and focusing on what truly matters in work and life.
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NOTION
Reading Cal’s unique approach to changing the way people think about productivity really got me thinking about the next generation. We need to teach our kids to question everything! A child’s ability to question everything and see through the eyes of a skeptic isn’t fostered in every school because it goes against much of the entire school system. Many schools would rather the children just listen to what they’re sold told, without providing their own ideas. And especially without questioning too many things. Oftentimes, the more important something is, the more the school doesn’t want it questioned. I had a few great teachers in school who tried to instill this mindset in children, but it was often buried by all of the teachers who wanted everyone to conform to the status quo. It’s a sad day when children don’t have the freedom to question… even when there isn’t a clear answer. Kids need a healthy sense of skepticism (not cynicism). Most of the greatest concepts, companies, and inventions have come from people doing exactly that. We should teach kids to be respectful and listen to their teachers, but question everything.
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TRAVEL TIP
When flying, pay attention to your packing and your clothing. Make it a point to wear the largest/bulkiest items and pack the lighter items. This means you’ll be carrying around less weight on your back, and it might even mean fewer bags. It is possible to travel light even with children.
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SCRIPTURE
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
Closing Question
Do you actively do something daily that negatively affects your energy level? Are you able to stop doing it? Similarly, what’s one thing you could add to increase your energy levels?
