01.17.2025| Read Online​

Patience, young grasshopper.

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Family Reunion is 31 days away, I'm putting together my list of breakouts. Did you see them on the Command App? They're already there! I'd love your input. What sessions do you want notes from?

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I went back to the pine tree in Winnemac Park where I proposed to Laura, my wife now of 3+ years. Thought it would be really cool to have a pine tree grown from the seeds of it, you know? So I grabbed a few pine cones. Well, it's taking some time to get these sprouted.

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Turns out you can't...

• ...just put the seeds in the dirt mid-spring, they don't grow.
• ...just set a pine cone on top of the dirt, birds.
• ...just put the seeds in a hydroponic garden, they don't sprout.

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I hit a point of frustration. Why won't these seeds sprout?! I'm doing everything that worked for my wildflower seeds! So, I had to do more research. Had to stop, think, and reassess my plan.

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What do those seeds truly need to thrive? Turns out, they only sprout when tempered by winter temperatures underground. The seeds are currently sitting in the freezer, in a bag with soil for the next 6-10 weeks. Yes, even in Chicago, I'm going to simulate winter. Only then will it sprout.

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Many times when we're looking to make meaningful changes in our businesses, our results, or ourselves, we come to that moment with an expectation of quick and fast progress. And we try a method that worked for someone else in different conditions seeking different goals. The wildflowers' plan is only for a year. The pine tree? It's plan is to be here for decades. It works a little slower so it can grow 100 feet tall and strong. So if your new year's resolution hasn't become a habit yet, keep going. Patience, young grasshopper, it's only January. Strong trees don't grow in 3 weeks, they take time to establish their roots.

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Quick notes on that deep root work? These might help:

• ​Article: The Purpose Paradox | Notes​
• ​Video: A 3-Step Guide to Believing in Yourself | Notes​

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What we're reading:

• Business Book: 10x is Easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy​
• For Fun (non-fiction): SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard​
• For the little ones: Corduroy by Don Freeman (this book goes to bed, too)

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What we're watching:

• Video: The Secret to Turning Inspiration into Action - Simon Sinek ("Plans are not inspiring.")
• Series: Hacks - Streaming on MAX (Another Golden Globe, well deserved!)
• Movie: Super Mario Bros - Streaming on Peacock (Great for a quick, fun, nostalgic watch with tons of references to catch)

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psst: these are all unpaid plugs.