Colin R. Stuckert's Blog, page 19
January 19, 2021
Cooking Tools For Home Paleo Cooking
I love to cook. I went through a major cooking phase a year ago where I bought every kitchen gadget I could find and was in the kitchen hours each day cooking, cleaning, and enjoying the fruits of my labor ( kinda like the South Park episode).
I learned that there is a lot of useless cooking crap out there. However, there are some staples that everyone should have and they aren’t really that expensive. Most of them will also last you a lifetime. Just think of them as investments; investments in your health.
This short list includes the staples of a fully outfitted amateur kitchen. The beautiful thing about cooking tools is you buy it once and it will last forever with proper care.
When you spend money on quality ingredients fro nature, you have an obligation to use the proper tools to get the best taste and experience out of those ingredients. And it really does make a difference, a huge one, trust me. I’ve tried cooking at friends houses many times. What I normally see is old sets of shitty non-stick pans that are chipping away, cheap and dull wanna-be kitchen knives, and not a real spatula or pair of tongs in sight. I literally cannot properly pan-fry a chicken breast, literally.
A samurai does not go into battle with a cheap blade. Most of the time, his sword is his life. Your tools are the catalyst for your technique to be applied. Crappy tools is going to result in crappy technique. In the case of cooking, this is usually true (unless you are Bobby Flay perhaps).
You don’t have to buy the full collection in one sitting. Add to your collection piece by piece. Amazon is the best place I have found for cooking tools. Below are links to the products I use on a daily basis.
A set of skillets will cost less than $100. Here is what I recommend:
Sale
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - 12 Inch... $24.70 Buy on Amazon Sale Lodge 8 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. Small Pre-Seasoned... $9.88 Buy on Amazon Sale Lodge 8 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. Small Pre-Seasoned... $9.88 Buy on Amazon David Burke cookware (most expensive purchase you’ll make eva):
Knives: a full set of Victorinox knives will top $100 usually and are used by professional chefs. You don’t have to spend a ton of overpriced consumer knives. Unless you are a Sushi chef that will spend $5000 on his knives, you will do just fine with these cheaper, yet effective, style of knives.
# Preview Product Price 1
Victorinox Fibrox Pro Knife, 8-Inch Chef's FFP, 8 Inch, Black $42.83 Buy on Amazon 2 
Victorinox - 47602 Swiss Army Cutlery Fibrox Pro Curved Boning Knife, Flexible Blade, 6-Inch $28.94 Buy on Amazon 3 
Victorinox 6 Inch Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife $34.06 Buy on Amazon
A Staub Dutch oven is a workhorse in the kitchen. You can braise, bake, sautee, and cook just about anything in them. They will last a lifetime and then some.
# Preview Product Price 1
Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte, 4 Qt, Black Matte $168.88 Buy on Amazon 2 
STAUB Cast Iron Round Cocotte, 5.5-quart, Black Matte $259.95 Buy on Amazon 3 
Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte, 5.5-quart, Cherry $259.95 Buy on Amazon NonStick Pans
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Do not, and I repeat, Do not buy cheap nonstick pans. They won’t last. They don’t conduct heat evenly. They are full of toxic crap that leeches into your food. They are a complete and utter waste of money. This is all you should buy: Scanpan. Yes, they are expensive. But they are worth every damn penny. Scanpan
Scanpan CTX 11" Fry Pan $99.95 Buy on Amazon 2 
Scanpan HAPTIQ Fry Pan 8" $129.95 Buy on Amazon 3 
ScanPan CTX Stainless Steel-Aluminum 8 and 10.25 Inch 2-Piece Fry Pan Set $249.00 Buy on Amazon Money
Above comprises the bulk of where your money will go. Pots and pans are the most expensive tools needed, but remember, you can stretch your dollar far by buying a bit at a time and by shopping wisely. The rest of your equipment will include ladles, graters, spatulas, whisks, and strainers. The key here is to buy quality, usually stainless steel. Cheap kitchen tools are built cheap so do your best to avoid them. It’s worthing spending as much as double the price if one is going to last you a lifetime don’t you think?
And one of the inherent awesome benefits of cooking tools is: they can be passed down to your kids and their kids. Some of them even ripen with age.
Next time you want to complain about the cost of something, just consider these facts. Remember, it’s all mindset. Even when it comes to your cooking tools, your mindset can help you save money, time, and health.
Small ToolsA kitchen scale has many uses. Buy one.
EatSmart ESKS-01 Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale, Silver Easy to use multifunction home scale - Perfect for cooks, dieters and families; Max weight 11lbs; Displays ounces/lbs/grams/kgs; Graduation .05 oz / 1 gram $24.00These things are dangerous. Be careful! But they are also really useful for slicing ingredients quickly. Buy one.
Progressive International Folding Mandoline Slicer (Discontinued by Manufacturer) Non-skid base and ridges keep it stable on cutting surface; Grooves on the underside allow it to be used over a bowlThese are great for fast clean-up and to avoid your baked items from sticking to your pan and making a huge mess. They fit with the standard size baking sheets perfectly. Buy one.
Sale Silpat Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet Size, 11-5/8 x 16-1/2 Turn any pan into a non-stick surface and save time cleaning up; Mat measures 11-5/8" x 16-1/2", made for a 13" x 18" pan $18.49Microplanes are AMUHazing. You can grate lemon/lime rinds, garlic, cheese, nutmeg, and so much more. It’s super fast to use and super fast to clean up. What should you do? Yup, buy one.
Microplane Classic Zester/Grater, Black $14.99A honing rod is used to straighten out your blade. A sharpener is to sharpen the edge. You should hone after every use and sharpen a few times a year. If you are always honing your blade will stay sharp and true. That is the key. Hone first, sharpen second. Hone often, sharpen not often.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels ZWILLING Accessories Sharpening, 9", Black/Stainless Steel Ergonomic, easy-to-grip polypropylene handle with hanging hole; Keeps blade honed between sharpening's. $10.00A sharpener is a required kitchen tool. Most never-ever sharpen or hone their knives. As a result, there knives are dull and your risk of injury increases. Plus, you cant even cut anything. What’s the point there? Use this after you hone your knives. You should only have to sharpen a couple times a year if you are properly honing after each use.
Sale AccuSharp Knife & Tool Sharpener for Sharpening Knives, Cleavers, Axes, Machetes, Serrated Blades, Double Edge Cutting Blade Sharpener Made of highest quality material; Manufacturer: AccuSharp; AccuSharp knife and tool sharpener $10.99These scrapers are aMUHzing. I use them to scoop diced/chopped ingreidetns into pots as well as clean my cutting board (just scape it down a few times). This is an example of a simple, cheap tool doing miracles in the kitchen. But you would never know if I had not taken the time out of my busy day to tell you about it! Now go buy one and savior the amazing kitchen results you get!
OXO Stainless Steel Good Grips Multi-Purpose Scraper & Chopper, 1 Count Stainless steel blade includes quarter inch markings for easy measuring; Soft, comfortable non slip handle $9.99This little diddy is a workhorse in the kitchen. Use it for flipping steak, scrapping out bowls and jars, moving ingredients around for optium browning, and so much more. Buy one for yourself as a late or early xmas present.
Wilton Angled Spatula With Black Handle, 13 Inch 7 3/4 inch blade; Black handle; Stainless blade; Dishwasher safeThe center of every kitchen is a big, quality cutting board. The bigger and badder the better. This is your workstation. Do not be one of those people that use a flimsy, moves around under you, crappy board. That is just asking for an injury and it’s just asking for judgement from someone like me should I walk into your kitchen–the stank eye you will get. Don’t do it. Buy a quality board and take care of it (wax, clean regularly).
John Boos Block RA03 Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board, 24 Inches x 18 Inches x 2.25 Inches $143.95Whisks are extremely useful for a million purposes. This set has 3 of various sizes. Therefore this set is for you. Therefore buy it.
Norpro Balloon Wire Whisk Set of 3 Stainless Steel Stir/Mix/Beat 6" /8"/ 10" 3 sizes: 6"/15cm, 8"/20cm and 10"/25.5cm.; Beautifully polished stainless steel, 7 wire construction. $15.99Parchment paper is a workhorse in the kitchen. You can use it to bake items and keep them from sticking to your sheet pans and so much more. Buy some.
Kirkland Signature Parchment-1pk Non Stick Parchment, 1 Pack, Clear Used as a liner for baking; Is an easy way to bake, cook, and prepare food with almost no clean up $13.47Want cool cups to drink out of and wow your friends? Want the same cups to store soups, stews, and leftovers with ease? Want the same cups to have air-tight sealable lids? Yes? Yes? Yes? Then buy some freaking mason jars. It’s all I use.
Ball Regular Mouth Pint Jars with Lids and Bands- Set of 12 (by Jarden Home Brands) Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging; Ideal for preserving jams, jellies sauces, mustard & flavored vinegarIf you enjoyed this article please consider checking out my Shop.
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How To Make Clarified Butter – Paleo Style
For us Paleo/primal eaters, we have limited options for cooking oils: olive oil, coconut oil, lard, tallow, butter, and clarified butter. All have pros/cons and different smoke points and flavor profiles.
Some prefer not to cook with olive oil for the fear of oxidation (and I tend to agree considering most olive oil is cheap crap bottled as premium)
Coconut oil is great but is similar to butter in that you cannot cook on high temperatures. Lard and tallow are hard to come by in high quality form and so on and so forth.
Enter Butter
I love butter. Butter is good for you, pastured butter that is. Unsalted pasture butter is the way to go. And no eating butter or cholesterol has no proven scientific link to increasing heart disease, or cholesterol levels. Check this post by Mark Sisson if you want to read more on this subject….
Anyone who has ever talked food shop with me, will likely tell you that I am a raving-lunatic fan of Kerrygold butter. KGB is Made from grass-fed cows/milk in Ireland and is pure nutritional gold. It also tastes amazing…
The problem with taking butter from the fridge and trying to sear something on high temperature is the burning of milk solids. Butter is good for low to medium heat cooking.
But what if we could remove those annoying milk solids? O wait…we can! Enter Clarified butter
Clarified is one of the best cooking fats I reckon…I say this because it is readily available for us all while options like lard and tallow are not easier to come by for most people.
Clarified butter is butter with the milk solids and water removed. It imparts a mild buttery flavor and can be used on higher temperatures than butter or coconut oil. And the best part?
It is super easy to make.
Ingredients: Stick or 2 of unsalted butter (KGB best brand or any pasture butter)
Process:
Step 1. Use unsalted butter only and place desired amount (stick or 2) in deep pot.
Step 2. Heat butter over low heat for 20-30 minutes
Step 3. Skim foam that rises to top (can be saved and put on veggies)
Step 4. Once foam is skimmed, strain through cheesecloth or fine mesh wire strainer. Discard milk solids at bottom of pan
Step 5. Pour into jar and keep in fridge for 3 to 6 months.
*Use to cook ingredients or melt and pour over veggies, protein, or seafood!
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Running A Successful Box Gym – Invest In Your Customers
Running a successful CF gym is not easy. Many aspiring gym owners walk into a box, look around, and think to themselves, “this looks easy”. Man are they mistaken. Most of what makes a Crossfit affiliate successful is not viewable from the outside looking in. This is one of the insider concepts to running a gym: Investing in your clients.
The best businesses in the world do everything they can to make a customer happy because they understand the power of word of mouth and how it can be exponentially awesome or terrible.
When someone has a good experience they tell people about it thus creating more revenue opportunity for you. This can spread like like wildfire (a beneficial one)
When someone has a bad experience, or even an average one that turns bad by unforeseen circumstance, business is lost from this client as well as anyone this customer tells about his bad experience. This usually spreads like the plague…
This concept is so freaking powerful that it can, and should be, the root of all your customer dealings. Think of your business as a service business regardless of the industry you are in. You sell something, make something, complete something, or build something. You are providing a service to a need or a solution to a problem.
Start thinking: “How can I better serve you”
The World Wide Web..LiterallyWhy is word-of-mouth the new marketing? One word: Social Media (two I guess). The Internet connects people and information from all over the world.
Do something awesome and lots and lots of people will likely hear about it.
Do something crappy and lots and lots of people will VERY LIKELY hear about it.
I hear all this talk about the recession (2009-2012) and businesses closing and I always think of Darwin and Survival of the fittest. The stronger businesses are absolutely killing it right now and growing to kill it even more in the future. The weaker businesses that relied on an extreme over-priced and abundant economy are unable to sustain their business models now that reality has set in and people aren’t spending like it’s going out of style. Be the best you can in what you do and how you treat your customers and you will be the stronger businesses that not only survives but also thrives.
Think ‘Investing’ in your customersHow do you help spread positive word of mouth and reduce negative word of mouth?
Start investing in your customers every chance you get.
Invest more time and money whenever it can add value to the relationship. The up-front expense will usually be repaid over the life of the customer.
It is similar to the effect of compound interest and investing. By making small investments in your customers you will build a large account that will eventually repay you with compound interest.
What are some ways to invest in your customer and your business? Invest in:
Clients or Customers: Over deliver to clients with perks, special attention, and anything you think will be appreciated by the customer,
Your Employees: employee perks, employee training, listen to them, ask for their feedback, talk to them respectfully, treat them as an equal
Your Product: improving your product: anything that is required to make product as smooth and awesome as possible, professional quality branding, a professional website, better customer service or support procedures
Is it an Investment or an Expense?
Evaluate your next expense or purchase and determine if it falls within one of these categories: investment or expense.
Try to save on expenses and try to spend on investments (smartly). Any item that has long term use and adds value to your business should be considered an investment and you should feel more comfortable spending the coin.
Hint: Customers add long term value use and value.
Consumables that deplete, or other expenses that do not add inherent value to your business need a stricter evaluation and make sure to always always shop around for the cheapest options. Often times you can save a ton of money by making a few phone calls or emails and finding the best price.
It doesn’t always cost $Often times these investments can be an investment of time or very cheap personal touches (postcards, personal emails, etc). Get creative and get investing. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to impress and WOW clients. Especially in a box gym.
Our businesses are usually in a warehouse with sweat, blood, bodies, and weights tosses around on a regular basis. Small touches used to ‘invest’ in your customers will go a long way. You will stand out from your competition. Other gyms will ride the status quo and you will rise above it.
Think investing!
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January 15, 2021
Judgement Is The Mark Of A Small Mind
Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
I sometimes wonder about people that are judgmental. I often think it is a form of fear. Fear to admit something to themselves. But I’m never sure what exactly that thing is.
How many stories have you read about some of the most successful people in the world once being homeless? I’ve heard a lot, and I bet you have as well.
So really, when you judge the homeless man on the corner, you are expressing a form of ignorance. How do you know his situation? How do you know he won’t end up hiring you as an employee one day in the company he built from scratch? And really, how do you know he’s not happy?
The last one always perplexes me. People assume that having stuff automatically means a person is happy. Of course, research shows this isn’t the case at all. There are plenty of wealthy and successful people that commit suicide, become drug addicts, and live lives of quiet desperation. But, of course, they are fine because they have a nice car.
Nonsense.
Did you know that Buddha shunned his royal comforts to live with the poor? He would beg, go hungry, and wear rags.
The riches he was born into was an affront to his happiness. He did not want them. For him, happiness was found in detachment to the worldly pleasures and comforts that so many of us value so highly.
Many people would call this “crazy.” But is it not crazy to slave away in a job you hate when there are millions of other jobs out there? Is it not crazy to stay in that abusive relationship because you are afraid of being lonely? Is it not crazy to do stuff you don’t want to do for extended periods of time so you can buy stuff you really don’t need and that rarely, if ever, bring lasting happiness? Is it not crazy to say things like “I wish,” “I can’t” or “I should” instead of just doing them?
Is it not crazy to do MANY of the things that modern men and women do on a regular basis?
Yes. It’s all crazy, but not uncommon in the least.
That’s sad and crazy.
I can’t stand the amount of ignorance that runs rampant in the world. It’s not the ignorance itself that bothers as ignorance is forgivable, and often, understandable. What really bothers me is when people force their ideals and beliefs, that are rooted in ignorance, down other people’s throats. Or when ignorance is the source of bullying and emotional abuse.
Ignorance is forgivable when it is on accident and is not hurting anyone. Ignorance is despicable when it is used to hurt others.
Judgement is ignorance. And while it may not seem that you are hurting anyone else, you are very often at least hurting yourself. And that is despicable.
Yours in a judgement-free world,
-Colin Stuckert
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Laughing Is Healthy
“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
―Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
I recently moved to a new city where I knew no one (Austin, Texas). It’s a great city and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long, long time.
As always, I fell into my routine, which historically, has always included plenty of work time spent alone. One day, after having little interaction with the outside world as I went about my daily schedule, I realized that I was living days in which which I had not laughed once during my entire 16 hours of wakefulness.
This realization struck me as a problem. A big problem.
There’s all kinds of research that points to the benefits of laughing for not only your mental health, but also your physical health. That aside, I love laughing, so why the hell would I not make it a point to get some in every single day?
So I decided to do something about it.
Every day, I now make a point to listen to some standup on Spotify—Louis CK or Jim Gaffigan usually hit the spot. Then, I try to watch a couple “funny” YouTube videos or a preferred “funny” show on Netflix.
For most people, they have a problem spending too much time with these mediums. However, my problem is the opposite: I have to force myself to spend time with them.
So, what are the results of my new laugh initiative? This: I laugh daily and I’m happier because of it.
It’s really as simple as that.
I think laughing is a prescription that needs to be prescribed to more people in our society. As we grow, we become hardened, serious, and for the most part, boring.
Forget that. I say laugh easy, hearty and often.
Laughing is a form of vulnerability. You might be judged, or even thought a fool at times. Whatever… that’s a small price to pay for the benefits of feeling good and happy.
Furthermore, I think laughing is one of the reasons why being social is so good for human health. We are naturally inclined to laugh and be joyful when we are around people we like and care about, and science has proven this time and time again how important being social is for health and longevity and happiness. But I haven’t seen much from science as to why this is. I think it’s the prevalence of humor and laughing that is the main reason; it’s that freaking good for you.
Whether you are around people or not, exercise your laugh muscles as much as possible. And never let a day go by where you don’t laugh out loud.
Laughing,
-Colin Stuckert
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Listen More And Talk Less
“Silence is a true friend who never betrays.”
-Confucius
We all have the urge to speak our mind. Especially when we are emotionally charged by something, the urge to say what we want to say is rarely one we can suppress.
Most of us feel that we have a right, a responsibility even, to say what we want to say, and that it will help our situation because others will be able to understand our point of view. Of course, in practice, this rarely works out the way we think it should. There are many reasons for this—cognitive dissonance being one.
Human beings are funny creatures. They seek to believe what they already believe even when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. It’s often that when we ‘speak our mind,’ we end up doing more harm than good. It’s often that science is your best play. Of course, our desire to speak up is too strong and so most of us do. To not speak up takes immense self-control and restraint, which most people do not possess. Further, some feel it is an error to not speak their mind; they (wrongful) assume that their words are necessary the given situation.
On the flip side, some restrain themselves from speaking up because they are timid and afraid of being judged. On the other end of the spectrum there are those t hat rarely restrain themselves because they feel that not speaking up would be a major disservice to the universe. Then there are those right in the middle: They speak up only when it makes perfect sense, and maintain silence when speaking up is more iffy.
And I say: Be the latter—Speak up only when it makes perfect sense and keep your mouth shut the rest of the time.
The powerful use what they don’t say—silence—as a powerful tool. They speak only when speaking is more appropriate than not. Then, when they do, people are more likely to listen. Their words hold power and meaning because they are few and far between, and well thought out. The powerful and wise know that it’s often what you don’t say that holds power, not what you do say. They understand human nature and that listening and silence are powerful tools in persuasion.
Compare this to the loose-tongued blabbermouth that is a terrible listener and is always interrupting people because he (or she) feels his (or her) words are a gift from God. The ‘talker’ feels better when he gets to say what he wants to say. He assumes that people hear him simply because he verbalized the words that were in his head. For him, to listen is a struggle, and to not speak is like being stuck in a torture chamber.
Don’t be like this. Please… you aren’t doing yourself any favors.
Of course, each of these examples are at the extreme ends of the spectrum. I’m not suggesting you play the mute as you would run the risk of people not noticing you, or your ideas, at all. As with everything, the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle.
There is one thing I do suggest, however, and that is to listen more. As I’ve grown up in my twenties, I’ve noticed that people, on average, have become worse listeners. I think the cell phone mania and the on-demand nature of everything has played a role in this. No matter why this is, the fact is that most people are not good at listening, which is a shame because of how powerful a skill listening is for persuasion, influence and forming strong relationships.
Want to connect with someone? Ask them questions and listen intently. Don’t interrupt them so you can say all the words in your head about your life.
Want to persuade someone? Ask them questions and listen intently. Don’t “talk” or “speak” to them, let them talk their self onto your side as you lead them with intelligent questioning (the Socratic method).
Most people are bad listeners. Based on this simple truism, you should realize that the majority of what you say—especially when you are saying a lot—is going to fall on deaf ears. The more you talk, the less valuable your words become. While on the flip side, the more you listen and the less you talk, the more powerful and effective your words become.
Things we can all work on: Talk less. Listen more. Focus on those in front of you instead of in your phone or staring off at every distraction that catches your peripheral vision.
Listening,
-Colin Stuckert
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January 13, 2021
Sometimes It’s Not What You Read But When You Read It
“We become what we think about.”
–Earl Nightingale
I read a lot of books. But I don’t always finish them, especially if they don’t “hook” me in the first few chapters. Naturally I have plenty of unfinished books taking up digital space on my kindle and physical space in storage.
The quote above reminded me of something I read this morning that was powerful and got me thinking.
I read every morning in the sun for 20-30 minutes. So earlier today I’m reading a new book on my Kindle in the 90 degree Florida sun and I just couldn’t get into it. Now, normally I would have given up on this book after the first few chapters but because it was so highly recommended I decided to keep going.
The book is called The Science of Getting Rich by William D. Wattles.
This book came recommend as: “The best book ever written about money.” Whether this is an accurate statement or not is yet to be determined. I’ve always been a sucker when I hear someone make a bold claim like this.
If you tell me that “insert book” is the most life-changing book you’ve ever read, I will buy a copy the same day. I’ve always figured that if a book provided me even an ounce of the value it brought a recommender than it would be a no-brainer investment. After all, $10 bucks is a bargain for knowledge I will use the rest of my life.
So I buy The Science of Getting Rich per a recommendation I read online and I’m half-way through it (it’s a short read) after 8 chapters.
Then finally I come across something powerful. I stumbled on a nugget of wisdom that I needed to hear. Like really needed to hear. To think I would have missed it if I had given up sooner is a scary thought (and a lesson in itself).
There I am, half-way through chapter 8 and I have a mini-revelation—which the quote above reminded me of—and it was like bucket of water in the face.
Chapter 8 is titled, “Thinking in a Certain Way.” It’s about how you must visualize, as specifically as possible, what you want and what you are going after in life.
And while I’ve read this recommendation hundreds of times in hundreds of self-help books, I needed to read it now.
The idea of visualization and vivid goal-setting isn’t new or groundbreaking. I’ve read about these concepts in all of the “get rich” books such as Think and Grow Rich, The Millionaire Next Door, The Richest Man in Babylon, and Secrets of The Millionaire Mind, to name a few. Each book covers the importance of using visualization techniques for your goals, and how becoming rich is all rooted in the mind.
Like I said: nothing new.
And yet, the fact that I “knew” this concept did nothing for me in my current situation, a time I needed it most. What I needed was a refresher. Simple as that.
This made me realize something about reading, books and information…
Sometimes you need the right information at the right time.While I’ve read about visualization techniques hundreds of times, I hadn’t recently. You see, I’ve been struggling with a sort of early-midlife-existential crisis as I try to figure out what the next step in my life is.
Reading this line was like a slap in the face that I thoroughly enjoyed: “You can never get rich, or start the creative power into action, by sending out unformed longings and vague desires.”
I realized that I had been doing exactly this: sending out unformed longings and vague desires. Because I have so many random desires and goals bouncing around in my head, I’ve been unable to figure out what I need to do because I don’t know what I really want.
And I realized that here lies the root of my problem: I must answer the question “What do I want?” before I can answer “What do I do?”
By first deciding what I want, and then crystallizing that into a vivid imagine in my mind, the rest becomes cakewalk. I simply start taking the steps necessary to get to the want. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the basic premise to every self-help, get rich, motivational book ever written.
“If a man knows not what harbor he seeks, any wind is the right wind.” -Lucius Annaeus Seneca
I am now trying to figure out what I want. Once I have this vision concrete in my mind (and down on paper), I will laser focus on it. I won’t have to struggle with feelings of discontent because I’ll have a clear vision of where I’m going and what I’m doing to get there.
Back to books…
Bill Gates and Warren Buffet were once asked what super power they would choose if they had their pick. They both said they would want to become the world’s fastest reader.
I dropped-out of college (I never did well in school) and had to learn how to self-educate. I studied business, marketing, management, math, history, writing, psychology and philosophy by reading books and articles (and podcasts). Then, I apply the principles to life, and that’s where the real learning comes in.
Whether you are in school or not, your education should be a never-ending pursuit. This is where reading comes in for great effect. I believe that reading is the most powerful thing you can do to become a better person.
Reading to chapter 8 in The Science of Getting Rich helped me figure some tough questions I had been struggling with for months. It’s hard to say how long it may have taken had I not read that book at that time. The thing is, this isn’t an isolated incident. Reading has helped me in my life more ways than I can count. Knowledge is true power when you apply it to your life (not everyone does the applying part).
Reading is the catalyst that transfers knowledge and wisdom into your consciousness so you can then tackle life in a more productive way. There is nothing that can replace it. It is the most powerful thing you can do. That’s why you should…
Start reading more!I implore you to start reading more… and not just blogs or articles on the Internet, but books. You want to read the best books in the world because they have been professionally editing and curated (far more than any blog post or article) and because most of them stand the test of time. The best books in the world contain ideas that are timeless. We will never life in a world can not learn from history and make use of philosophy.
Be weary of wasting too much time with weak books filled with weak ideas. Seek out the best books with the best ideas. There are more of these than you’ll ever be able to read so it makes sense to be a bit of a book snob in this regard.
My tips for reading:1. Stick with what interests you. There’s too little time to read books you don’t enjoy. We all have enough interests to keep us reading great books for the rest of our lives.
2. If you aren’t enjoying the book, even it comes highly recommended, move on. There are types of fiction I don’t enjoy. The same goes for non-fiction books that read like a textbook. There are times you should give up on a book and there are times you might want to try a bit harder to stick with it (like in my example above).
3. Read fiction. There is research that suggests fiction makes you smarter, more articulate, and more “worldly.” I’ve seen this in myself and others. Some of my smartest–and most enjoyable to have a conversation with–friends are well read. Reading fiction makes you better in more ways than you realize. It’s like doing complex math. While you may never use a complex math equation or formula in your everyday life, you still create brain synapses and expand your intelligence by working through difficult math problems. I think the same concept applies to fiction.
4. Skim sometimes. Certain books lend themselves to skimming better than others. Obviously, this applies to non-fiction. Most non-fiction books are based on one or two main ideas or concepts. The thing is, you can’t sell a book for $19.99 that is only a few pages and filled with one or two main ideas. This is why most books are stuffed with “filler” that makes the book “fatter” so it looks more valuable on retailer shelves. This is the publishing industry.
Sometimes you need to skim the filler to get to the meat. In the example I mentioned earlier, it took me 8 chapters to get to my first idea and it’s a good thing I skimmed a couple of the middle chapters or I would have moved on and missed out.
5. Start listening to podcasts and audiobooks. We all spend a ton of time running errands, driving around, and waiting in line. You can use this time to become smarter by using your phone and a set of headphones as a portable learning machine. There are so many free, high-quality podcasts that you will always have something interesting to listen to. Audiobooks are also a great option.
I hope you were able to glean some useful insight from this piece. I also hope you will start reading more; and hey, if you made it this far—1513 words—that’s a damn good start!
Yours in Fitness,
The post Sometimes It’s Not What You Read But When You Read It appeared first on Get Better At Life Through Fitness, Mindset, Psychology, Nutrition and Philosophy.
January 12, 2021
Drawstring Bag Gym for Your Workout
When it pertains to drawstring gym bags, they make several of the most flexible, valuable, as well as classy accessories you can bring to your fitness class. Besides, they are several of the most popular types of bags for vibrant urban professionals, college students, consultants, and also more.They come in a number of various materials, sizes, and also you can utilize them for a selection of occasions.
Drawstring bags make the best free gifts, yet we are right here today to speak about them from the end user’s perspective. Drawstring gym bags are a staple of the athleisure design– a mix of sports, style, as well as function– that is ever preferred.
Beyond that, just how are such bags helping individuals appreciate their life and also sporting activities better? There are lots of factors to wear a drawstring bag for the health club or various other sporting activities activities. We will certainly still assess them in detail as we expose our top X drawstring health club bags according to their popularity amongst our customers. Are you prepared to share the excitement and see a few of the very best drawstring bags in our reviews? Let’s check it out!
A Short History about Drawstring BagsThe History of the Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags or cinch bags have remained in use for centuries. There are ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs illustrating males with little bags connected about their midsections with a lengthy cord. Even though they have actually been around for as long, they really did not begin to get popularity till the 13th and also 14th century. The very first drawstring bag was an ancient cloth or leather pouch that males commonly utilized to carry coins or their belongings.
The Rise of the Girdle Pouch – 14th as well as 15th Century
Given that pocket had yet to be invented, in the 14th and 15th centuries, both men and women would connect small cinched bags to the front of their bands to hold their valuables. The cable’s length would be determined by the user’s social standing, lifestyle, and also existing style trends. Women, in particular, began making use of beaded, ornate, or luxuriant cinch bags to hold their valuables.
These drawstring bags had a twofold objective. Besides being a style device, they were also a betrothal tool. Women were instructed to stitch and also embroider, as well as they would do so on these tiny, elaborate bags. Typically, they would certainly stitch romance into the fabric of the pack. They were also made use of to hold small religious things as well as trinkets.
Swete Bagges – 16th and also 17th Century
As a result of the increasing skirts, these centuries are understood for, the smaller band bags would certainly obtain shed in the additional textile of the ladies’s outfits. So the band bag developed right into a little bag that ladies would certainly use under their skirts. These bags usually included fragrant natural herbs, dried out flowers, flavors, scented cotton balls, or powders.
These bags also became an indicator of one’s social status. Ladies typically had long, bejeweled or handmade drawstrings that connected to their bags. Along with the herbs and also flowers, they lugged small gifts, jewelry, and also coins.
Embroidered Bags – 18th and 19th Century
The 18th century saw a surge in appeal for the drawstring bags, as gowns began to have an extra slender silhouette. Both males and females favored them and also started using them every day to carry the things they required. In addition, they also saw a rise in popularity as a betrothal or marital relationship device as a result of the quantity of time the women took into personalizing as well as stitching them.
These bags were commonly affixed to the ladies’s waist by means of a lengthy drawstring and a decorated buckle. They typically carried coins, fashion jewelry, or keys. The 19th century also saw females with several cinch bags in a variety of shades so they can tint collaborate their bags to their attire.
Femininity and also Youth Culture – 20th and 21st Century
The early 20th century saw a rise in little, handmade personalized drawstring bags. The barking 1920s brought casino and the demand for a small bag that might attach to the waste for safety. The 1950s saw an additional surge in appeal as the smaller sized handbags became associated with appeal and femininity. By the mid-1980s the interest in unisex cinch bags spiked because of their organization with showing off events and high-fashion. A black nylon cinch bag was released by Prada, and this touched off a buying trend. Today, this flexible drawstring backpack is made use of by every person from college students to market specialists.
Drawstring Gym Bags vs. Routine Bags
Drawstring gym bags are comfortable to wear. Unlike normal hand bags, drawstrings assist people have their hands complimentary while bring your bag or knapsack.
They complete an informal or sporty appearance. They can be worn anytime throughout the day and also can change a sports bag or a normal knapsack as well as cover all demands from running duties to accessorizing a metropolitan appearance.
You can pick environment-friendly products. Environmentally friendly drawstring bags are made without color chemicals and are reusable. These items are washable and can efficiently replace plastic bags for all kinds of use.
Drawstring gym bags are almost light-weight. Yet, they are also solid as well as able to bring people’s’ day-to-day weight. Here’s an explanation to the amount of product utilized for the bags. They support hefty items without creating pain. People can additionally carry them in their hands, if essential.
A drawstring gym bag offers extra visibility. As a result of the cotton-canvas, polyester, or nylon products they are constructed from, drawstring bags don’t fold during the time they are worn. Also, the tailored message is more noticeable when carried on the back and not by hand.
cleanable, the drawstring bags are also financial investments in long-lasting use. The textiles and the sowing make them sturdy and also resistant in time and to wear-and-tear.
Large and also small businesses can select them. Routine bags are usually related to stores, grocery stores, or residence style shops. Drawstring gym bags are suitable for all, no matter their target market or items. You can print your business logo as well as send out a message with a widely liked item.
Today there are loads of dimensions of drawstring gym bags readily available, along with various cable lengths. This can make it difficult to find the appropriate dimension you’ll require, and this goes double if you’re making your own drastring gym bag.
Bag Size
The first thing you’ll have to do is approximate the size of the largest product you wish to put into your drawstring gym. As a basic guideline, you want to include at the very least 0.5 inches approximately 2.0 inches bigger in size than the largest items you intend to carry. This will certainly provide you adequate area to pack your things in without really feeling restricted.
The same goes for the length of the drawstring gym bag. You intend to contend least two inches of space to maneuver your points around. So you start by approximating or determining the dimension of the largest things and also purchasing a bag that is two inches or even more longer than your item. This allows you to have adequate space to cinch the bag closed safely.
Drawstring Length
A lot of drawstring lengths are typical, and also it will certainly take some maneuvering to shorten them. You can obtain a general concept of how much time you want the drawstring to be gauging your upper body size as well as comparing it to the drawstring size.
Make Your Own Drawstring Gym Bag by Hand
If you ‘d rather make your very own Drawstring gym bag by hand, we have guidelines for this as well. You can make this individualized drawstring gym bag to fit you, and it can be any color or dimension you desire. An increasing number of individuals are picking to make and carry Do It Yourself Drawstring Gym Bag. If you’re not exactly sure exactly how to make a drawstring Gym Bag, comply with the steps below!
Step One: Choose Your Material – a crucial choice, as the material will certainly dictate the length of time the bag lasts as well as just how hard it is to sew. You should likewise consider what you’ll be carrying in your bag in addition to how commonly you’ll utilize it. Cotton is a preferred selection for homemade drawstring gym bag.
Step Two: Choose Your Drawstring Material: Cable, ribbon, paracord, natural leather strips, or thick twine can all function well.
Step Three: Cut for Material to the Preferred Dimension: Once you have actually picked the size you desire for your drawstring gym bag, action as well as reduce your material to two rectangle-shaped forms. They can be as big or just you want it.
Step Four: Type and also Sew a Hem for the Drawstring: Turn your fabric, so the wrong or backside is facing out. Before you pin the assemble for stitching, fold one to 2 centimeters of textile down on the leading to develop a network. Do this on both sides, pin it, and also carefully stitch along the side of the hem.
Step Five: Suit the Material up as well as Stitch: Lay your textile back to back with the wrong side dealing with out as well as your hems comparing. You can pin both assemble for included stability, however it’s not required. Stitch along the sides and all-time low, making sure to leave your hemmed end open. When all three sides are sewn, turn your bag out, so the front of the fabric gets on the exterior.
Step Six: Readjust as Needed and Add the Drawstring: Make sure your sides are even before you include your drawstring. The drawstring requires to be 2 times as long as your bag’s opening. Thread your first item of drawstring through a darning needle, as well as thread it through the network you created in step 4. Do this on both sides, leaving string readily available to connect on both ends. Knot them with each other at the ends on both sides of your bag to end up the project. Following this drawstring gym bag pattern will aid you make your drawstring bag just the method you desire it!
How to Clean, Wash, Care for Drawstring Gym Bags
When you are wanting to buy the best drawstring fitness center bags readily available, do not fail to remember to consist of the fabric as well as its durability as well as ease to clean and preserve in your option standards. Here are some useful guides to assist you keep your gym bags in perfect form:
How to Laundry Polyester– this fast overview will assist you clean all your polyester items, health club drawstring bags consisted of;
How to Clean Burlap Tote Bags and Products– jute/burlap is a rather delicate product, so you require to understand just how to cleanse it, so it keeps its buildings;
How to Clean a Canvas Bag and also How to Machine Wash a Canvas Tote Bag– these two guides work for anyone putting on cotton/canvas shoulder bag, drawstring gym bags, grocery bags, and much more.
Why we should choose Drawstring Gym Bags?
The drawstring gym bag is functional as well as simple to carry while leaving your hands complimentary. Weight disperses in between shoulders, without including stress due to the strings. This bag is prominent because of its sturdiness, flexible quality strings and ease of use. It is practical for daily tasks and suitable for both males and females. It could be quickly come to be an everyday accessory.
Besides, Drawstring gym bags been available in a lot of sizes as well as styles. The vivid as well as enjoyable small-sized bag for children can be that are parents and urge them in seeking sporting activities.
Grownups will have a possibility to think about various other sports also and a healthy way of living because of this device. Subsequently, the bags is also motivates and also reroutes them to gym club.
By developing an unique design for the drawstring bags, gym cluber can advertise a certain solution or equipment from their fitness center also. They don’t need further investment in support campaigns for the hand out or printing tools.
drawstring bags are fit for an everyday look with pants, not to mention how suitable they are for stylish clothing as well as shoes. They can be put on anytime during the day and can replace a sports bag or a routine backpack and cover all requirements from running errands to accessorizing a city appearance.
You can choose environment-friendly items. Eco-friendly drawstring bags are made without shade chemicals as well as are multiple-use. These products are washable and also can successfully replace plastic bags for all sorts of use.
Typically, this bag is lightweight. Yet, they are likewise strong and also able to bring individuals’s’ daily weight. Right here’s an explanation to the amount of product used for the bags. They sustain heavy things without triggering pain. People can additionally carry them in their hands, if needed.
A drawstring bag uses extra presence. Because of the cotton-canvas, polyester, or nylon products they are made from, drawstring bags do not fold up during the time they are worn. Also, the tailored message is more noticeable when continued the back and also not by hand.
Due to being washable, the drawstring bags are also financial investments in long-term use. The fabrics as well as the sowing make them durable and also resilient in time and to wear-and-tear.
Drawstring gym bags are a functional and also long lasting option for anybody who wishes to have the ability to load their essentials and also take them anywhere quickly & easily.
Gym bags should hold rather hefty items, and also they must “take a breath” sufficient so they don’t catch undesirable smells from your gym equipment as well as shoes. Furthermore, always search for Drawstring gym that come with adjustable bands as well as supports.
You can carry the knapsack on your back throughout the day, or you can throw it around from your home to the auto trunk, the workplace, and the health club locker. Simply put, your drawstring fitness center bags ought to be durable to put on, tear, and also heavy handling. We hope you enjoyed our choice and that you already picked your brand-new favored health club bag from this guide!
The post Drawstring Bag Gym for Your Workout appeared first on Get Better At Life Through Fitness, Mindset, Psychology, Nutrition and Philosophy.
January 11, 2021
You Are The Reason People Will Always Let You Down
“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
–Bruce Lee
I try to see the best in people. I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to do what they say they are going to do. Basically, I try to let people to live up to their own “hype.”
Unfortunately, most people over-promise and under-deliver. That’s really bad business. (This also applies to relationships, friendships, and just about anything relating to other people).
What you want to do: Under-promise and Over-deliver. This is the secret sauce.
There is nothing wrong with under-promising. It doesn’t mean you are purposely not delivering or being shady. You will deliver what you agree to and then, with a few “aces up your sleeve,” you’ll over-deliver and wow.
This will get you better results across the board. Period.
Another thing people struggle with is following through with mundane things they say they will do—like showing up at a certain time (or altogether), or sending an email by a certain time, or calling you back, etc.
Don’t say you‘ll do something if you won’t do it. You’d be better off saying nothing, then going and doing. In this case, you’ll get the same powerful effect as “under-promising and over-delivering.”
When you fail to deliver because you set the expectation that you were going to, you are really screwing up. (Another way expectation works against you, take note.)
I have high standards, sure, but that has nothing to do with the fact that most people can’t keep their word. And unfortunately, this is what I’ve encountered in people over and over again—of course, this isn’t true for everyone, but it’s way more common than it should be.
On average, you should expect people to not follow through, to return the favor, to reciprocate, to be aware of what you are aware of, to see things the way you see them, etc.
People are more likely to forget, procrastinate, ignore, and make excuses than they are to just get it done.
I’m not being negative or morose, just realistic. Just factual, in fact.
Look, I love people. I forgive their faults and I don’t judge them. I don’t blame them. They can do what they want. That’s life and I will always enjoy their company regardless of their “faults”—actually, I don’t like that word much—fault—because it implies that there is some version of “better” or “perfect.” I think a more appropriate word would be: differences.
As a result of people being the way they are, I often have to lower my expectations—sometimes altogether—or I will be let down.
A few facts about people that will save you ample future suffering if you understand them:
People will not reciprocate a thank you or a gift the way you think they should (if at all).They won’t always show appreciation or say thank you the way you think they should.They won’t return the favor (or pay you back) without being reminded.They will think all of these same things about you.PerceptionYour perception causes all kinds of problems in your life, especially pertaining to people. You see life a certain way. And this perception (as well as any biases you hold) distorts the truth.
Many of us have the bad habit of holding others to ridiculously high standards, especially when it involves reciprocating favors.
We usually expect people to return favors the way we expect them to, on our schedule. This “tit for tat” is based on expectation and skews our vision of the situation.
Let me tell you something about people: Having expectations of them is a losing proposition.Let’s consider what an “expectation” is for a second. What happens when someone fulfills an expectation you had of them? Not much, really. You aren’t upset with them, maybe slightly pleased or at least content. Not much of a high, right?
But what happens when someone fails to fulfill an expectation?
ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE…
You are angry, hurt, tormented. You say things like, “how could they?” or “they don’t care” and so on. Doesn’t this seem like a one-sided proposition? As if you are setting yourself up to be disappointed?
You are. Don’t do it.
It’s hard to never have expectations of others, especially those close to you, but know this: The people that will hurt you the most in your life will always be those closest to you.
Prepare yourself for this inevitable truth by giving others a break and dropping the expectation game.
If you do something for someone, do it because you want to do it and not because you expect them to “return the favor.” You giving a gift or doing a favor for someone should be a reflection of your character, and only that. It should not be based on what that person may or may not do for you in the future. Don’t connect things that aren’t connected.
Expect others to hurt you. Plan on it. It will soften the blow when it does happen. Forgive and forget.
Don’t keep it to yourself. If you feel unhappy about something, try explaining your feelings calmly to that person. You might even turn a crappy situation into a positive one.
Change your mindset regarding people and expectations. Most people in your life will never live up to your expectations. Accept people for who they are, with all their mistakes and shortcomings. Life is better when you aren’t living from expectation to expectation.
Yours With No Expectation,
The post You Are The Reason People Will Always Let You Down appeared first on Get Better At Life Through Fitness, Mindset, Psychology, Nutrition and Philosophy.
January 8, 2021
Do You Suck At Listening? (Probably)
―Rumi
Most people suck at listening. Like really suck. When they aren’t talking, they are thinking about what they want to say next. That’s not listening—that’s just silent talking.
Listening is active and engaged. It provides feedback and encouragement that continues the conversation to new places. It is flowing and full of energy. It is present.
What’s ironic, even paradoxical, about listening is it is far more powerful than talking when it comes to persuasion.
In fact, you can say only a handful of words over the course of a hour-long conversation and the person that did most of the talking will think you are a great conversationalist.
Socrates asked questions to make his point. He let the other man do the talking, and through his use of leading questions and listening to the responses, the man end up speaking what Socrates didn’t need to say himself.
Considering that most people are terrible listeners, the fact remains that the more you speak the less you successfully communicate. If most people can’t pay attention to what you are saying because they are so stuck in their head thinking about what they want to say, your words are mostly lost on them. So, if your goal is to persuade and get your ideas actually “heard” you need to become a better listener. It’s really as simple as that.
Say less, nod and agree more and when you do talk, get to the point, use a strong voice and captivate your listener.
I would rather say less while having rapt attention than to speak profusely while being mostly ignored. And from what I’ve learned, and seen in first-hand experience, the latter is more effective and powerful.
Tips for conversation:
1. Don’t interrupt.
I know you are so anxious to get your words in, but interrupting breeds resent and contempt. It isn’t effective for persuasion, leadership, or making friends.
2. Don’t answer so fast.
Learn to say, “Hmm, that’s a great question. I’ll have to think about it.” The charlatan always has an answer, and as a result, his answers fall on skeptical ears. The willingness to show your vulnerability in not knowing something immediately shows your wisdom, and leads people to trust you more willingly than if you were to just word vomit whatever comes to your head because you think it “sounds good.”
3. Use fewer, and smaller, words.
Like great writing, powerful speaking does not need ten-dollar words or elaborate soliloquies to convey a powerful message. In fact, both detract from your message. Listen to a famous speech by MLK or JFK and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
4. When listening to others, do the following: Nod, raise your eyebrows, offer words of encouragement while listening such as “ya,” “really?” and “wow.”
I read a line in Robert Greene’s amazing book, The 48 Laws of Power, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. It goes like this, “The ability to express wonder and amazement, and seem like you mean it, is a rare and dying talent, but one still greatly valued.”
Think about this the next time you are having a conversation.
On that note, it’s time I wrap it up (as Chapelle would say).
Start becoming aware in your conversations. Notice the body language of your audience (which will give you all the cues you need for adjusting your part), how you are speaking, and most importantly, how well you are listening.
Awareness of the conversation and those in it will make you a better conversationalist, and as a result, a more persuasive and likable person.
The post Do You Suck At Listening? (Probably) appeared first on Get Better At Life Through Fitness, Mindset, Psychology, Nutrition and Philosophy.
