18 Comments
Feb 8, 2023Liked by John Onwuchekwa

I need to set a good pace when it comes to work most definitely. I have boundaries, but I don't always respect them so in turn neither do other people. I have been making slow progress but progress none the less. Thank you for sharing this analogy the way you did...it's been super helpful and encouraging for me.

Started Heavy at your urging and whew...I am only sad that I waited so long to pick it up. Will share my thoughts about it once I'm finished.

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Excited to hear what you think about Heavy!

Also, I’m glad you made the observation about boundaries. Awareness is the first step towards progress. Excited to see where your journey takes you.

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Setting the goal and then hard pressed to reach it. Wow did that sound familiar and did finding the pace sound like an inviting option.

Look forward to the reviews.

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Thanks for reading Kim! Let’s make 2023 the year of finding pace. I know we’ll both be better for it.

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Feb 7, 2023Liked by John Onwuchekwa

I entered into this year in a new relationship—beautiful and good and challenging and uncharted territory. I feel all of this. Wanting to prioritize & enjoy it, but not forsake other relationships or myself, and also not always be concerned with where we’re going (the future). I’m finding my stride. :) This resonated with me, thank you!

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Find that stride Ruth. Eager to hear about your journey through 2023! Thanks for reading!

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Feb 7, 2023Liked by John Onwuchekwa

You always bring it. I just want to be able to keep learning while on this earthly journey. Thank you for your time, John O

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Mama E, thanks so much. You know I can always count on you for encouragement. I’m just happy to be returning the favor.

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Feb 7, 2023Liked by John Onwuchekwa

Can't wait for the book review! Or should i go ahead and read them all?

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All of em aren’t necessarily worth reading. They all do have good nuggets in em though.

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Right, John.. i have my list of books i wanna read that's been on the back burner lol. (We Go On on that list)

Hope you're doing well DJ JawnO

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I'm a completer-finisher, highly driven goal-oriented person. I'm also working out my notice period from a CEO role leading a charity. (Your post 'most people die on the way down' dropped the day after I resigned, and was another welcome confirmation that my tough decision was the right one.)

I also have an obsession with finishing things. I'm sitting with an open year ahead. I don't know what it will become, but I am committed to shifting over to a new operating system -- one that allows me to actually live and enjoy life.

Looking at your book list, you might be interested to read 'When the heart waits' by Sue Monk Kidd. Thanks.

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“One that actually allows me to live and enjoy” — that’s the dream right there. Prayers up for you in this transition Ness. Hope it’s a great year for you.

I’ll add that book to my list. Thanks for the recommendation.

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I know I'm late to the party but this one got me wondering if you've read these two books. I can't tell if you'll be overjoyed to find them picking up the same things you are laying down here, or if some of your language in this post is already informed by them! Would love to hear if you've read them and if not, what you think if you add them into the 30-minutes-a-day mix. They are both so helpful to me. Anyway:

1) Atomic Habits by James Clear (especially on the outcomes v. process goals)

2) The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley

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I read Atomic Habits. It's an all-time favorite of mine and changed the way I've viewed goals. I haven't read the Common Rule, but I've read a couple of things on establishing a rule of life. I imagine it's in the same vein.

Thanks for reaching out and interacting with this stuff man. I really appreciate it

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(Also: is there any way to DM or something on here? I'd love to reach out with an interview request.)

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Absolutely! Thanks for writing this stuff.

I'm also up every morning at 4, starting the day with a water (with LMNT in it, ha) and a coffee...so I like feeling some sense of long-distance camaraderie at that hour! Ha.

For me, a lot of The Common Rule feels—in the best way possible; I certainly don't mean to imply it's derivative—like a "baptized" version of Atomic Habits. It is ostensibly about establishing a rule of life, but spends most of its time developing a theology of habit. So, for example, it will apply "head/heart" language to the discussion of defaulting to habits subconsciously and it looks at the habit studies research through the lens of formation & spiritual disciplines. Plus the whole thing is anchored in Justin's experience of burnout as a "missionary to the world of law and business" so it feels more personal and on-the-ground than simply theoretical.

Anyway, I found it impactful! And as I mentioned, I had a pretty strong suspicion you had read Atomic Habits already. Man it's so good. His whole idea of building a system of habits rather than simply focusing on outcomes/goals AND then tying that all together with his concept of identity-based habits...solid gold. Such a game-changer.

Thanks for what you do!

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It took me until February 21 to read this cuz I didn't want to get convicted ha! Thanks for this John, I needed this.

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