The morning breeze carries the scent of salt and sea oats through my screened porch, mingling with the rich aroma of fresh-brewed coffee. A brown pelican glides past, wings spread wide, barely skimming the waves. The rhythmic sound of surf provides a gentle backbeat to the cheerful chaos of shore birds arguing over their breakfast finds. Just another Sunday morning on Florida’s East Coast, where nature’s theater plays out against a backdrop of cotton-candy clouds and cerulean skies.

The neighborhoodʼs starting to wake up. I can see the neighbor next door is already tending to her hibiscus, their bright red blooms a stark contrast to the sandy soil. Her grandson zips past on his bike, the playing cards in his spokes creating that familiar rat-a-tat-tat that takes me back to my own childhood in Indiana. I feel blessed that I had a great childhood, but it’s probably not as good for a lot of kids today.

A Trip to Chicago

When I was 11, my buddy and I hopped a three-hour train to Chicago from our small town in Indiana. Just two kids with some Christmas-shopping money and a crude map of the city. We walked miles from the train station into the Chicago Loop, wandered through Marshall Field and Company, and made it home with our Christmas presents intact. No phones. No hovering parents. Our parents weren’t worried sick — it was just another adventure in a time when kids could be kids.

These days, that story makes people gasp. “You did what?” they’ll ask, eyes wide with disbelief. And I get it. I was the same way with my own children — hovering at the end of the driveway until the school bus disappeared around the corner, living in constant fear of seeing their faces on milk cartons. We traded freedom for safety, adventure for security.

Strangers Among Us

So many of us have become so transient that we don’t know our neighbors. We moved to one place where the neighbors never introduced themselves for over a year. Yet when we moved to Texas, we had three casseroles and plates of cookies on the day we moved in. These gestures make such a difference.

But sitting here, watching local kids zip around the street on their bikes, I’m reminded that pockets of that old way of life still exist. In small towns across America, in tight-knit neighborhoods like this one, where people still bring casseroles to new neighbors and check on each other when they’re under the weather.

The pelican makes another pass, this time successfully snagging a fish from the waves. Nature’s reminder that some things don’t change — community, connection, the need to look out for one another. Whether it’s sharing fish with your flock or sharing cookies with your neighbors, we’re all in this together.

Staying Connected

A couple of weeks ago, during a brief cold snap (yes, we get those in Florida), a neighbor brought us soup. Not because we were sick, but because “it’s soup weather, and I made extra.” That’s the kind of community my father talked about during the Great Depression — people helping people, just because that’s what good people do. If you needed something, you knew you could rely on your neighbors. Though these days asking to borrow an egg is like asking for a gold bar, it’s important to find excuses to stay connected.

Is Social Media Social?

It’s easy to get discouraged by the endless stream of negativity on our screens. Social media shows us the worst of humanity on repeat, making us forget about the best parts. But here’s the thing — we can choose to live differently. We can choose to be the neighbor who brings the soup, who watches the kids ride their bikes, who creates the community we crave. It starts by putting yourself out there, getting to know your neighbors and local shop owners. 

Deep Investment

What if we were all more generous, thinking less about ourselves and thinking more about others? Not because we want something, but because we just want to be neighborly. What if we got out more, interacted more, and were the first to make an effort to get to know the neighbors? What if we spent less time doom scrolling and more time invested with our community?

Feeling Grateful

This morning, as I sip my coffee and watch the sun climb higher over the water, I’m grateful for this little pocket of the world where children still play freely and neighbors still hold block parties. It’s not perfect — nothing is — but it’s real. It’s a community, and it renews my faith in humanity.

While chatting across the fence, our neighbor invited us to a birthday party for her husband next week, and on the other side, I wandered through the gate into my neighbor’s garage to see his progress on his 1960s muscle car — which he has taken apart — and he’s beaming with the joy of his project. Sometimes it feels good just to stand around and shoot the breeze. It helps us feel connected.

Carly Simon Was Right

And just like that, I’m reminded that the good old days aren’t gone — they’re happening right now, if we choose to create them. These are the good old days. All it takes is opening our doors, sharing what we have, and remembering that we’re all in this together, one cup of coffee, or soup, one neighbor at a time.

As the local kids ride by, playing cards in their spokes are louder now, a chorus of childhood joy. The pelican soars overhead, heading home to its own community. And me? I’m right where I need to be, in this moment, in this place, building the kind of world I want to live in — one neighbor at a time.

Eric Rhoads

The steam rises from my coffee in lazy spirals this morning, dancing with the Florida sunlight streaming through my hotel window. The ceramic mug feels extra heavy today, weighted perhaps by the words that have been living rent-free in my head all weekend. The bitter aroma of my dark roast mingles with the lingering scent of a bitter feeling, and somewhere outside, a blue jay is having what sounds like an existential crisis. Welcome to the club.

The Knot in My Chest

I take a sip and let the warmth spread through my chest, hoping it might dissolve the knot that’s been sitting there since Friday. You see, I just witnessed something that would make even Machiavelli wince — a masterclass in how to turn a big gain into a much bigger loss.

The Dating Game Gone Wrong

Picture this: You’re dating someone for a year. You’ve met the parents, picked out curtains together, and are about to sign a lease. Then suddenly, they call someone else, not you, to have them tell you that they’ve found someone richer and prettier. Oh, and good luck with those curtains! That’s essentially what happened in my business world this week, and let me tell you, it’s just as classy as it sounds.

A Dance of Trust and Betrayal

Without getting into uncomfortable details or mentioning names, my team and I have been dancing with some professionals for over a year who were going to do a big project for us. Late last year they did a remarkable project for us that made a game-changing difference in our business. Unlike so many others in their field, these people were different — they were ultra-high-ethics, they played no games, they didn’t even act overly eager. They even told us no on previous projects when they felt they couldn’t deliver excellence. We appreciated that, because usually someone in their position would be telling us what we wanted to hear just to get our business. 

Finally, a Plan!

Soon after, they made a proposal and got us excited about what they could do for us, something they were sure would revolutionize part of our business. We had been working toward this goal all year, and because of that, we had not spoken with or even considered others offering similar services. I met with my executive team, we burned dozens of hours carefully considering their proposal, and, deciding to do it, we shifted budget dollars elsewhere to move forward. We only suggested a slight change that would give them more income. 

Hello, You’ve Been Dumped

Then came Thursday. The head of this company called one of my colleagues to announce they’d landed a $2 million client and decided not to go forward with the project they had bid on. Suddenly our substantial project and the year we had invested meant nothing. They didn’t even have the decency to tell me personally, though I had approached them after a friend’s recommendation. Worse, we lost a year of preparation for this moment, and another year of getting someone else hired and up to speed. 

The Sourdough Theory of Business

Here’s the thing about business relationships — they’re like sourdough starter. You can’t just whip them up overnight with some instant yeast and hope for the best. They need time, attention, and consistent feeding. When you throw away a year of careful cultivation for a quick buck, you’re not just losing one relationship — you’re sending ripples through the entire business community.

The Real Mathematics of Loss

Let’s break down the real cost of their $2 million “win”:

1. Reputational damage that will echo through professional networks faster than gossip at a small-town diner
2. A burned bridge that could’ve led to multiple future opportunities exceeding that amount
3. The complete erosion of trust that took a year to build
4. A lesson in “what not to do” that will likely be shared in countless business school case studies
5. Loss of friendships and future years doing business together
6. Having to live with themselves knowing they’ve officially crossed the line

The Million-Dollar Sandwich

The irony here is richer than my coffee with MCT oil – in chasing $2 million, they’ve potentially cost themselves multiples of that in future opportunities and reputational damage. It’s like selling your soul for a sandwich, only to realize you could’ve had a lifetime supply of gourmet meals if you’d just waited a bit longer. I had already recommended them to a CEO friend with more than $2 million to spend. I’ll be rescinding my recommendation. 

Dad’s Wisdom

My father gave me solid advice as a young man: You need to know your limitations and what lines you’re not willing to cross, way before you ever face those decisions, because when the time comes, emotion clouds your clarity. He always said integrity is all you have, and once it’s lost, you start pushing the limits a little more, and then a little more, and before long you end up in jail. It’s about setting the line and never crossing it.

The Trust Equation

And here’s the real kicker — the mathematics of trust. Trust is built in drops and lost in buckets. Each positive interaction adds a tiny drop to the reservoir of goodwill. But one significant breach? That’s a firehose of damage that can destroy years of relationship-building in minutes. If they came back today with a change of heart, I wouldn’t do business with them ever again.

Your Integrity Score

When you’re building a business — or any relationship, for that matter — remember that your reputation is like a credit score. Every action either builds it up or tears it down. And just like with credit scores, it takes years to build a good one but only one bad decision to tank it. No amount of business is worth the loss of your reputation.

The View from the Top

Next time you’re tempted by a shiny new opportunity that requires stepping on existing relationships, remember: The view from the top is spectacular, but the climb is a lot harder when you’ve cut down all your ropes. We spent a year building trust and a moment tearing it down.

Old School Thinking

Maybe I’m old school in a brave new world where integrity no longer matters. I too was once a younger, more aggressive businessperson who would have been excited about a big new customer. But even then I knew the right way to handle my commitments. Someone’s mother did not teach these kids the Golden Rule.

Ouch!

Sadly, I feel like a man kicked in the gut, with the air knocked from me. Of all the people I’ve done business with, I never would have expected it from these people. I’ll chalk this up to their inexperience, and hopefully they’ll learn from their ethical lapse and never do it again, because one day that big client will leave them. Lord knows I’ve made stupid mistakes that ended up biting me in the butt long-term. All I can do is forgive them, forget them, pick myself up, dust off, and move forward. After all, part of my job is dealing with problems. Hopefully I’m not creating them.

Stay caffeinated, my friends.

Eric Rhoads

The raptors are putting on quite a show this morning, diving from the Australian pines into the water with surgical precision. Nature’s own fishing exhibition, complete with squeaking commentary from above. As I sit here watching this display of survival (and breakfast), I can’t help but think about today being Groundhog Day — that peculiar tradition where we let a rodent meteorologist in Pennsylvania determine our seasonal fate.

Politicizing Groundhogs

You know, some folks are now protesting the whole Groundhog Day ceremony as animal cruelty. Soon we’ll be trying to protect the small fish from the big fish, and the big fish from the whales. (I spotted two white whales off our coast this week — talk about a reminder of nature’s magnificent food chain!) Sometimes I wonder if we’re overthinking things that “just are.”

Groundhog Day, the Movie

Speaking of Groundhog Day, I’ve been feeling a bit like Bill Murray lately — minus the charm and comic timing. Wake up, work, meetings, same dinner rotation, same TV shows, same bed. Rinse, repeat, yawn. It’s what I call the “comfortable rut syndrome.” I both love and hate routine. It’s like that old friend who’s great to have around but sometimes you wish would go home already.

Wild Adventure

My wife and I once made this grand pact to move every 10 years to keep life fresh. “We’ll be adventurers!” we declared. Well, wouldn’t you know it, we’ve now stayed put longer than we swore we would. The irony isn’t lost on me — we’ve become comfortable in our discomfort with staying still. With kids graduating college and the prospect of grandchildren on the horizon (no pressure, kids!), maybe stability isn’t such a bad thing. Though I suspect we’ll still be those slightly crazy grandparents who pop up on FaceTime from random corners of the globe.

Gypsy Me

I blame my “gypsy spirit” on my dad. He once told me, “I stayed in one place too long. Don’t make that mistake.” But here’s the thing — I want it all. The stability of deep-rooted friendships AND the thrill of constant adventure. In my perfect world, I’d have a different house for every month. A villa in Italy, a cabin in New Zealand, maybe one of those luxury cruise liner condos. (Is it obvious I’ve spent too much time browsing real estate listings?) But I’d rather not pay for the upkeep and taxes. I’m guessing even Bill Gates and his 300 houses are regretting some of that upkeep. At least I can scratch this itch with my annual behind-the-scenes art and plein air trips.

The Paradox

Just yesterday, I was commiserating with a friend who’s six years my senior. We’re both still pulling 60-hour weeks, making 20-year plans, and inventing new things. We’re relevant and vibrant! And … occasionally bored out of our minds. It’s that strange paradox of loving what you do while simultaneously feeling like you could do it in your sleep.

The Speed of Time

Time is playing tricks on me lately. I’ll occasionally think something happened three years ago, only to realize two decades have passed. (Who keeps accelerating the calendar when I’m not looking?) Looking forward, I realize the next 20 years could bring monumental changes. The question is: Are we going to let life happen to us, or are we going to grab the steering wheel?

Here’s what I’m asking myself, and maybe you should too:

What can I do to reinvent myself?

What can I do to reignite my passion?

What have I always wanted to do but never got around to?

What sacrifices am I willing to make to reach new heights?

What would be fun, but I’m afraid to try?

In what ways am I allowing people to “should on me” telling me “you should or shouldn’t do this at your age.”

If I’m sending confusing signals, imagine what it’s like inside my head, knowing I love what I do, love the people I do it with, and yet knowing there’s more I can do if I only push myself.

Maya Angelou once said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” But I’d add that boredom is creativity’s kryptonite — it sneaks up when we’re not paying attention, making even the extraordinary feel routine.

“The great enemy of creativity is the comfort of the familiar,” said Frank Herbert. He was on to something there. Every time we choose the known over the unknown, we’re letting another adventure slip away. Comfort is a friend and an enemy.

But my favorite perspective comes from Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” So here I am, choosing to step into the arena every day, refusing to let routine be my master. It’s tempting to settle into life’s comfortable recliner, remote in hand, watching our days drift by on cruise control, and allowing social media to methodically suck our brain from our skull. And while there’s nothing wrong with finding peace in stillness, I wonder if sometimes we mistake comfort for contentment. Life is like a vast ocean — we can either drift with the currents, letting them carry us wherever they may, or we can hoist our sails, chart our course, and steer toward new horizons. I’m choosing to be the captain of my ship.

I don’t want to just wake up one day wishing I had lived more deeply. I want to be challenged and uncomfortable so I can feel the sting of life reminding me that I’m truly alive. I want to step out, explore new challenges, and push myself out of my comfort zone, pushing my limits physically and mentally because from what I can tell, this thing we call life has an expiration date, and I intend to make the most of it.

What about you?

Eric Rhoads

Less than a week after snowballs melted in my gloved palm, I’m stretched out in a lounge chair, watching late January sunlight paint the distant mountain in watercolors. The morning air in Austin still carries winter’s bite, but the sun promises 70 degrees by noon. It’s warmer here than in Florida, but in a few days Florida will return to its sunny self. A cardinal flashes crimson against the live oak’s winter-bare branches, while somewhere in the distance, a tractor hums its morning song across the back 40.

This is the kind of morning that reminds you that being alive is a gift worth unwrapping slowly. The kind that makes you question why we spend so many precious hours under fluorescent lights when God’s own lightbulb is putting on a free light show. 

Time Flies

I’m shocked that our first month of the year has already passed. Time slides by these days, faster than a rattler disappearing under a rock. One minute you’re making resolutions over champagne, next thing you know you’re watching Valentine’s chocolates go on clearance. 

My grandmother used to tell me that the years speed up as you age, back when I was too busy being immortal to believe it could ever happen to me. Now I’m watching my hands turn into my father’s, and that face in the mirror has my grandfather’s smile lines.

Forced to Think

After last week’s unfortunate funeral for a friend, I’ve been rethinking my longevity plan. Am I doing enough? Am I going overboard? It appears my routine of supplements, strength training, stretching, and diet is working. But Thursday’s checkup with my MD buddy brought unexpected good news — grip strength matching guys 20 years younger, lung capacity of a 30-year-old, and all markers aced. Though he did mention I should plan financially for triple digits. Just got to dodge those buses.

Making Changes

Here’s the thing about aging: It’s not the enemy we make it out to be. It’s more like a dance partner who’s going to lead whether you like it or not. The trick isn’t fighting the dance; it’s learning the steps. That’s why my phone spends its nights in the kitchen now, far from my bedroom’s sacred sleep space. It’s why I chase that morning light like a cat after a laser pointer, and why my standing desk looks like something from a sci-fi movie. Staying vibrant and healthy has a lot to do with a lot of little things.

The Fountain of Youth

The real fountain of youth isn’t about popping pills or chasing miracle cures. It’s about staying in the game. It’s one of the reasons I host weekly model painting sessions on Wednesday nights, so I can make sure that I’m getting a dose of a social prescription at least once a week, so I can share laughs, stories, and keep my brain sharp with the challenge of painting portraits from life. It’s why I’m adding more artist retreats and painting trips when people younger than me are cutting back. 

Keep ’Em Younger

My goal is to always have more social connections than a switchboard operator and move more in a day than most folks do in a week. The scientists say this kind of social butterfly behavior is better for longevity than any supplement, though I take about 30 a day. Something about how laughing with friends oils your DNA better than olive oil ever could (though it’s remarkably good for you and you should drink a liter of the pure stuff a day.). My grandmother used to say, “Make sure to make a lot of younger friends, because you’ll outlive all of the ones your age.” It was great advice, and unfortunately is ringing true. I’ve lost four good friends in the last 10 days, but I have tons of friends half my age.

Don’t Go Slow!

I’m not trying to outrun death — that’s a fool’s marathon. In fact, the key is to be ready for it, excited about the next chapter. What I’m after is the kind of life where I can still drop to the ground to pick up guitar picks that have fallen without effort, groaning, or pain. Researchers say deciding to “slow down” is like setting a 10-year timer on your life. So I keep moving — playing pickleball and basketball with my daughter, lifting weights until it hurts, working out till I’m breathless. MCT oil and lion’s mane in my coffee, daily intermittent fasting, avoiding my sugar addiction to keep my glucose from spiking, and taking  peptides — it all adds up.

Here’s the truth: We’re not just trying to add years to our lives – we’re trying to add life to our years. 

Maybe if we keep our phone radiation out of our bedrooms to keep our sleep pristine, we lift enough weights that it’s a struggle, and we work out till we can hardly breathe, eat the perfect diet, nurture enough friendships to fill a small concert hall, and keep moving like we’ve got ants in our pants, we’ll still be chasing dreams well into our hundreds.

Staying Vital

There is no retirement for me. Have you seen the statistics on what happens after retirement? I work hard to stay busy and to mentally keep up with the brilliant 30-year-olds I surround myself with in my business.  I do my best to surprise them with an occasional “How did he know that?” moment. This is why I read like a madman, continue to attend conferences and learning events, and take a half dozen or more courses a year online. Again, it all adds up

So now my phone spends its nights in splendid isolation down the hall, like a teenager who’s been grounded. And wouldn’t you know it? I’m sleeping deeper than a philosopher at a calculus lecture. Sleep is the number one anti-aging drug. The more you can get, the more your brain recovers. My next step is to stop all screen time one hour before sleepytime. 

Learning from Experts

But here’s the thing about trying to stay young — it’s not about popping more supplements than a health food store’s inventory. Sure, Harvard longevity expert Dr. David Sinclair (who I suspect has a portrait aging in his attic somewhere) talks about NAD+, berberine, and resveratrol with the enthusiasm of a kid describing ice cream flavors. I do exactly what he says, but between you and me, I think the real fountain of youth is getting our weight under control and just refusing to sit still long enough for time to catch up with us. 

Staying vital is a full-time job. It’s the hardest work I’ve ever done, but the reward is bigger than the rewards of employment. More time with family and seeing my own kids age, and being there for the special moments in their lives is the best gift I can give all of us. It’s never too late for new New Year’s resolutions. After all, it’s still January for a couple more days.

Eric Rhoads

The familiar hiss of the espresso machine provides a gentle backdrop to the quiet murmur of Sunday morning as I stare across the water, pondering the distant shore. No dolphins have graced these waters in the two weeks since I arrived in this coastal paradise — the unseasonably chilly days keeping them at bay, much like the thoughts I’ve been trying to hold at a distance.

Steam rises from my cup, colliding with the cool air, carrying the rich aroma of freshly ground beans — a temporary comfort as my mind inevitably drifts to Friday’s farewell.

A Walk in the Woods

Warm afternoon light filtered through giant twisted oaks, their Spanish moss swaying like ancient beards in the breeze, casting long shadows across the rough forest floor. Each step brought a symphony of crunching leaves and breaking twigs, nature’s percussion accompanying our solemn procession.

A tear entered the corner of my eye as I shoveled a load of fresh earth and spread it across the body of an old friend as he lay inside an open grave. The moment was raw, real, unlike any funeral I’d attended before.

Bad News Calling 

Just barely a week ago, we received the call that would begin this final chapter — our friend had slipped into a diabetic coma and was on life support. Life’s cruel irony showed itself as his wife simultaneously underwent emergency hip surgery. For a brief moment, they shared a hospital room before each returned home — he for hospice care, she for recovery.

Something New

This wasn’t like the many funerals I’ve attended since childhood. There was no polished wood coffin, no marble headstone waiting to be placed, no minister pontificating on eternity. Instead, his body was wrapped naturally in a white shroud, resting on an old wagon adorned with a few hand-picked flowers and ferns. We, the few who gathered to honor his life, walked together into the woods, where small piles of dirt covered with hay marked the resting places of others who had chosen this simple return to the earth.

A Somber Moment

The sound of a fiddle playing “Amazing Grace” filled the air as we lowered him into the ground. One by one, each guest took their turn with the shovel, a final act of service to our friend. Workers completed what we had begun, filling the grave as we stood in contemplative silence.

Between the Years

His life was distilled into stories shared by friends and relatives — not an exhaustive biography, but meaningful moments that painted the picture of a life well-lived. As someone once said, it’s about the dash between the birth and death dates. It’s what we do with that dash that matters.

Standing there, I couldn’t help but wonder: Am I next? What words will be said? Who will show up? What memories and stories will they share? What do I still need to accomplish?

Moments Created

The truth reveals itself: If everything we do, we do for ourselves, there will be no stories worth sharing. But when we create moments for others, going out of our way to craft what become exceptional memories, we never really die until those who shared those memories pass on themselves.

True Artistic Spirit

My friend lived simply but profoundly. A master boatbuilder who crafted everything by hand, he told me last year he’d built 29 of his legendary guide boats — one per year, living off the proceeds of each creation. His work now rests in a museum, his craftsmanship preserved alongside his photograph. He never chased wealth, instead doing what he loved and surviving on what he made. It was enough to keep him and his bride happy, while touching countless lives along the way.

Sage Wisdom

Earlier this week, coaching a young employee contemplating a career change, I shared this: “Assume every decision you make will be followed by 10 or more years to achieve it. Carry the weight of that decade-long commitment, and ask yourself: If this were your last year, would this decision honor your time?”

Jeff Bezos, whom I met before his rise to fame and fortune, suggests imagining yourself at 80, looking back. Would you regret this decision and devoting precious time? It’s about making time for reflection and thinking long-term.

Grasping for Thoughts

I’ve spent decades pondering life’s meaning, and while my answers evolve, nothing sobers the mind quite like watching earth fall into a friend’s grave. Even if decades stretch before me, my time too will come, and come far too rapidly.

What About Me?

Will I spend these precious years mindlessly scrolling through social media, letting screens fill my days with meaningless distraction? Or will I create something meaningful? Will I waste time with those who drain my spirit, or invest in creating joyful memories with those I truly love who fill me up? Will my pursuits serve others or merely myself? Will my cup run over? Will my spirit be gentle?

Magic Making

One wasted hour is too many, especially if it’s your last. The value of our relationships must be about creating magic from the mundane, loving deeply, and enriching others with our time and encouragement. There’s no room for harsh words, raised voices, insecurity, or needless drama.

What do you need to accomplish? Who do you want to serve? What memories must you create before the dirt falls upon you? In what ways will your spirit, your stories, your memories and moments live on?

No Hollywood scene could have matched the raw power of watching his widow, eyes closed, face tilted skyward, pure joy and faith radiating through her grief as she quoted the 23rd Psalm from memory, her voice weak but unwavering.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” she began, each word a testament to her faith in this moment of ultimate testing.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Peace descended with each verse, wrapping around her like a familiar blanket.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”

Her conviction grew stronger with each line, faith lifting her voice.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

I’ve heard that prayer, read that passage, a thousand times, heard it uttered by ministers at countless funerals. But here, in this moment, it came alive — transformed by a woman whose heart had been ripped out, who had just lost the love of her life and watched as we covered him with a blanket of earth. Her faith made these ancient words breathe with new life and meaning.

Waste not, want not. Every moment counts.

Eric Rhoads

Ah, Sunday morning in Florida — where I’m supposedly sitting on the beach, my coffee sporting a tiny pink umbrella, watching the sunrise paint layers of clouds in spectacular colors while I soak up vitamin D. At least, that’s the dream version! Truth is, I am in Florida, but even paradise got caught in the arctic blast sweeping across America. Though I have to chuckle — my version of “cold” means trading my short sleeves for long ones. I know my Northern friends are probably rolling their eyes right now! And in a week it will be back to 70 degrees for most of the winter.

My Therapist Told Me This

This morning’s slightly chilly contemplation has me thinking about something a therapist once told me: I’m a “pleaser.” You know the type — we’re the ones who light up when we can help others succeed, who’ll go the extra mile (or ten) to support someone’s dreams. Some might say it stems from deep psychological trauma — or something — but honestly? I’ve grown pretty fond of this part of myself. There’s something magical about watching others thrive because you lent a helping hand.

Plowing Forward

But here’s where it gets interesting. Being nice doesn’t mean you can’t be driven or even aggressive (in a nice way, of course!). Running a sizable enterprise has taught me that sometimes you need both qualities. It’s like being a friendly bulldozer — clearing paths while saying “excuse me” along the way. Thomas the Tank Engine was still a locomotive!

Accidental Magic

Let me share a recent story that perfectly illustrates this balance. Last Friday, we hosted an online event called Art Business Mastery Day. The turnout? Well, I lost count after 1,000 people showed up! It was all dreamed up during an evening virtual cocktail party back in November when someone casually mentioned, “I love these events — why don’t you do one about marketing?” My initial “nice guy” response was to list all the reasons we couldn’t: time constraints, preparation needs, uncertainty about attendance. But after a night’s sleep (and probably too much coffee), something clicked.

Increased Workload

I called my marketing head and said those words that probably make every team member secretly groan: “I need a website done today.” To his credit, he didn’t flinch — he just said, “I’ll do it.” Looking back, I wish he’d pushed back a bit, pointed out the holiday timing, the 30 other projects on our plate. But he was being nice too, you see. The result? A lot of holiday work hours for everyone, including me spending my “vacation” planning content. I try to never ask anyone to do what I’m unwilling to do myself.

Push Anyway

But here’s the kicker — if we’d stopped to consider all the reasons not to do it, one of our most successful events might never have happened. Sometimes being too nice means missing opportunities for growth. A CEO friend once told me that without insistence and deadlines, growth becomes impossible. It’s like trying to brew coffee without heat — you might eventually get something, but why wait that long? Ask the employees of Elon Musk or the late Steve Jobs, or the people who work for Jensen Haung or Codie Sanchez. They move mountains because they act on big ideas and motivate their teams to find a way to do the impossible. 

Think about your own life for a moment. How many amazing experiences almost didn’t happen because there were a thousand reasons to say no? 

How many wonderful achievements came because you pushed forward anyway?

Sometimes a little uncomfortable nudge is required, and sometimes you’ll make decisions with no one else on board and you’ll feel a little awkward because no one else is in agreement. Do it anyway. Follow your gut.

My approach now? 

When an idea strikes, I evaluate quickly and move fast. Waiting usually means forgetting, and when I hear “we’re too busy,” the nice guy in me wants to give everyone a break. But the leader in me knows better. Perfect is the enemy of good — we can polish things later, but first, we need to start. And this year my goal is to speed everything up and launch more. Wish me luck.

So here’s to being nice … but not too nice. To pushing forward while still saying “please” and “thank you.” To making things happen while keeping our humanity intact. Because at the end of the day, growth doesn’t require being a jerk — it just requires being decisively kind.

With coffee in hand (no pink umbrella, sadly),

Eric Rhoads

Imagine waking up to nature’s own aquatic circus. As I write this, dolphins are pirouetting through crystal waters, their playful squeaks harmonizing with the gentle swish of palm fronds overhead. The sun — a blazing orb of amber and rose — is painting the horizon in colors that would make even Van Gogh jealous. This is Florida in December, our reward after a cross-country odyssey from Texas with our four-legged navigation team.

Last night we arrived under cover of darkness, like treasure hunters seeking the Promised Land. The fridge might be as empty as a politician’s promise, but somehow I’ve managed to conjure up coffee and road trip leftovers. The grocery store beckons, but it can wait until after church. Some mornings are too perfect to rush.

Life as a Pinball: Confessions of a Derailed Goal Setter

Let me tell you about 2024. Imagine being the silver ball in the world’s most chaotic pinball machine. Flippers of fate sent me ricocheting in every direction, and I found the gutter more times than a bowling ball thrown by a toddler. Here’s the deliciously embarrassing part: I, the supposed guru of goal-setting, completely dropped the ball on my own planning. It’s like being a dentist with cavity-riddled teeth, or a personal trainer who considers pizza a food group.

But here’s the raw truth — every single time I’ve failed to set my goals, my year turned out about as organized as a tornado in a paper factory. You can’t score points when you don’t even know where the targets are.

The Three Golden Windows of Opportunity

Now, let me share something crucial about timing. There are three perfect moments to map out your year, like three secret portals to success:

1. Fall: The overachiever’s sweet spot, when you can lay your tracks before the train even arrives. This is when the smart money places their bets and sets up their dominos.
2. November: Still ahead of the game, like showing up early to a party — you get the good parking spots and first crack at the appetizers.
3. December/Early January: The Last Chance Saloon. Still totally valid, but you’re cutting it closer than a hedge trimmer on espresso.

The benefits of goal-setting used to be a theory, but there is substantial evidence that goal-setting, mindset, and attitude make a massive difference in living your dreams.
What you should know to make this and every year better.

1. People who set goals are more likely to succeed. Don’t believe it? Locke and Latham’s studies over 35 years, analyzing over 400 studies, found that specific and challenging goals led to higher performance 90% of the time compared to vague “do your best” goals or no goals at all. Seventy studies found an average improvement in performance of 10%-25% when using specific, challenging goals versus “do your best” or no goals. And in 2015 research showed that people who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them than those who didn’t. A Harvard Business School study tracked MBA graduates and found that 10 years later, the 13% who had written goals earned twice as much as the 84% who had no specific goals.
2. People who share their goals with others increase their chances of success. Dominican University discovered that people who wrote down their goals, shared them with others, and provided weekly progress updates were 76% more likely to achieve them compared to those who merely thought about their goals. It’s harder to back out and not accomplish something once you announce it. That’s why I always announce my big initiatives before I actually do them.
3. People who look at their goals weekly stand a higher chance of achieving them because the goals stay top of mind. Meanwhile, most of us set resolutions or goals, never look at them, then forget them. That’s exactly why my 2024 was not as good as it should have been.
4. When you stretch yourself and make yourself uncomfortable, you’re more likely to experience growth, because growth comes from discomfort and pain, not doing the same things repeatedly and hoping things will improve.
5. If you see yourself where you want to be, you are more likely to become what you think you are. Instead of saying, “I’m gonna be,” say, “I am.” It will fool your brain and begin manifesting outcomes to make it happen. Scientific research strongly supports the power of present-tense affirmations and visualization in achieving goals. Neuroscience studies using fMRI scans have shown that visualizing an action activates many of the same neural pathways as physically performing it, with Harvard Medical School research demonstrating that mental practice alone can increase muscle strength by 13.5%. Dr. Carol Dweck’s work on growth mindset and Dr. Richard Wiseman’s research on the “As If” Principle confirm that people who believe in their current ability to develop skills and act “as if” they are already successful are significantly more likely to achieve their goals. This works through a combination of neural pathway development and activation of the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS), which helps us notice opportunities aligned with our self-image, creating a powerful self-fulfilling cycle where our beliefs shape our actions and outcomes.

Scientific research from several disciplines validates this concept. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that when people labeled themselves as “being” something (e.g., “I am a healthy eater”) versus “becoming” something (“I want to be a healthy eater”), they were significantly more likely to make choices that reinforced that identity. Additionally, neuroscience research using EEG measurements has shown that when people use present-tense self-talk, it activates the left prefrontal cortex — an area associated with motivation and goal-directed behavior — more strongly than future-tense statements. This aligns with studies in sports psychology where athletes who visualized themselves as already possessing target skills showed measurable performance improvements, with one notable study at the University of Chicago demonstrating up to 24% better performance among athletes who practiced present-tense visualization versus those focusing on future goals.

Those five things will make more difference in living your dream life than anything else you can do. Hard work alone isn’t enough. But on top of manifestation and goals, it’s critical to manage your attitude. Here’s why:

People who are naturally negative live shorter lives and get sicker more often.
Research consistently shows that negative thinking and pessimism correlate with poorer health outcomes and shorter lifespans. Multiple large-scale studies, including the Finnish Kuopio Study and the Women’s Health Initiative, have found that pessimistic people face significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. For example, pessimistic men showed twice the risk of cardiovascular death, while negative women had a 30% higher risk of coronary heart disease. Studies at the University of Kentucky demonstrated that negative emotions can suppress immune system function, leading to increased susceptibility to illness and slower healing

Research consistently shows that optimistic people not only experience greater happiness, they also tend to enjoy better physical health outcomes. Positive thinkers have stronger immune systems, lower rates of cardiovascular disease, and greater resilience against stress. Their optimistic outlook often leads them to make healthier lifestyle choices, like maintaining regular exercise routines and following balanced diets, as they believe their actions will yield positive results. Moreover, when faced with health challenges, positive thinkers typically cope more effectively, following treatment plans more diligently and recovering more quickly from illnesses and injuries. Their social connections also tend to be stronger, as their upbeat attitude draws others to them, creating supportive networks that further enhance both their mental and physical well-being. Even in difficult circumstances, their ability to find silver linings and maintain hope helps them navigate challenges with greater emotional resilience, leading to lower rates of anxiety and depression.

My Negative Friend Chris

One of my closest friends was one of the most negative people I’ve ever met. To this day I’m not sure why I liked spending time with him, but I guess it was rooted in having worked together and having good times when we were much younger. One day I lectured him about the power of a positive mindset, and he in turn lectured me about how that was all nonsense and “of course I can say that because I’ve lived a charmed life and had opportunity handed to me.” There is some truth to that, but his negativity often resulted in him losing jobs (no one wants to hear it) and eventually dying a horrific early death. Somehow I think he felt better being negative. It turns out that studies have shown that verbal aggression can trigger the release of dopamine and other neurochemicals that create a reward response in the brain. 

What to do next?

Last week I mentioned advice given by the father of my high school girlfriend. He took me aside one day and told me that I was one of the most negative people he had ever met, and that if I did not change that, I’d live an unhappy life and probably die young. It turns out my girlfriend put him up to it. He taught me how to rethink how I think. And instead of resisting his advice, I changed. It wasn’t easy because my natural response was to go negative. After decades, it’s still my natural response, yet I force myself to turn my head around. 

Tony Robbins talks about how the “reptilian brain,” our subconscious, is designed to protect us from wild animals, always looking for problems so we can escape them. He says we have to be aware that it’s there, ignore it, and turn on a different mindset. (I highly recommend a trip to one of his events.)

So if you’re being negative, or if you’re not goal-oriented, or if you’re spending your time wondering why you’re not achieving what you want, maybe it’s time to rethink how you’re thinking. It worked for me, and it will work for you.

Eric Rhoads

Imagine waking up to nature’s own aquatic circus. As I write this, dolphins are pirouetting through crystal waters, their playful squeaks harmonizing with the gentle swish of palm fronds overhead. The sun — a blazing orb of amber and rose — is painting the horizon in colors that would make even Van Gogh jealous. This is Florida in December, our reward after a cross-country odyssey from Texas with our four-legged navigation team.

Last night we arrived under cover of darkness, like treasure hunters seeking the Promised Land. The fridge might be as empty as a politician’s promise, but somehow I’ve managed to conjure up coffee and road trip leftovers. The grocery store beckons, but it can wait until after church. Some mornings are too perfect to rush.

Life as a Pinball: Confessions of a Derailed Goal Setter

Let me tell you about 2024. Imagine being the silver ball in the world’s most chaotic pinball machine. Flippers of fate sent me ricocheting in every direction, and I found the gutter more times than a bowling ball thrown by a toddler. Here’s the deliciously embarrassing part: I, the supposed guru of goal-setting, completely dropped the ball on my own planning. It’s like being a dentist with cavity-riddled teeth, or a personal trainer who considers pizza a food group.

But here’s the raw truth — every single time I’ve failed to set my goals, my year turned out about as organized as a tornado in a paper factory. You can’t score points when you don’t even know where the targets are.

The Three Golden Windows of Opportunity

Now, let me share something crucial about timing. There are three perfect moments to map out your year, like three secret portals to success:

1. Fall: The overachiever’s sweet spot, when you can lay your tracks before the train even arrives. This is when the smart money places their bets and sets up their dominos.
2. November: Still ahead of the game, like showing up early to a party — you get the good parking spots and first crack at the appetizers.
3. December/Early January: The Last Chance Saloon. Still totally valid, but you’re cutting it closer than a hedge trimmer on espresso.

The benefits of goal-setting used to be a theory, but there is substantial evidence that goal-setting, mindset, and attitude make a massive difference in living your dreams.
What you should know to make this and every year better.

1. People who set goals are more likely to succeed. Don’t believe it? Locke and Latham’s studies over 35 years, analyzing over 400 studies, found that specific and challenging goals led to higher performance 90% of the time compared to vague “do your best” goals or no goals at all. Seventy studies found an average improvement in performance of 10%-25% when using specific, challenging goals versus “do your best” or no goals. And in 2015 research showed that people who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them than those who didn’t. A Harvard Business School study tracked MBA graduates and found that 10 years later, the 13% who had written goals earned twice as much as the 84% who had no specific goals. 
2. People who share their goals with others increase their chances of success. Dominican University discovered that people who wrote down their goals, shared them with others, and provided weekly progress updates were 76% more likely to achieve them compared to those who merely thought about their goals. It’s harder to back out and not accomplish something once you announce it. That’s why I always announce my big initiatives before I actually do them. 
3. People who look at their goals weekly stand a higher chance of achieving them because the goals stay top of mind. Meanwhile, most of us set resolutions or goals, never look at them, then forget them. That’s exactly why my 2024 was not as good as it should have been. 
4. When you stretch yourself and make yourself uncomfortable, you’re more likely to experience growth, because growth comes from discomfort and pain, not doing the same things repeatedly and hoping things will improve.  
5. If you see yourself where you want to be, you are more likely to become what you think you are. Instead of saying, “I’m gonna be,” say, “I am.” It will fool your brain and begin manifesting outcomes to make it happen. Scientific research strongly supports the power of present-tense affirmations and visualization in achieving goals. Neuroscience studies using fMRI scans have shown that visualizing an action activates many of the same neural pathways as physically performing it, with Harvard Medical School research demonstrating that mental practice alone can increase muscle strength by 13.5%. Dr. Carol Dweck’s work on growth mindset and Dr. Richard Wiseman’s research on the “As If” Principle confirm that people who believe in their current ability to develop skills and act “as if” they are already successful are significantly more likely to achieve their goals. This works through a combination of neural pathway development and activation of the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS), which helps us notice opportunities aligned with our self-image, creating a powerful self-fulfilling cycle where our beliefs shape our actions and outcomes.

Scientific research from several disciplines validates this concept. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that when people labeled themselves as “being” something (e.g., “I am a healthy eater”) versus “becoming” something (“I want to be a healthy eater”), they were significantly more likely to make choices that reinforced that identity. Additionally, neuroscience research using EEG measurements has shown that when people use present-tense self-talk, it activates the left prefrontal cortex — an area associated with motivation and goal-directed behavior — more strongly than future-tense statements. This aligns with studies in sports psychology where athletes who visualized themselves as already possessing target skills showed measurable performance improvements, with one notable study at the University of Chicago demonstrating up to 24% better performance among athletes who practiced present-tense visualization versus those focusing on future goals.

Those five things will make more difference in living your dream life than anything else you can do. Hard work alone isn’t enough. But on top of manifestation and goals, it’s critical to manage your attitude. Here’s why:

People who are naturally negative live shorter lives and get sicker more often.
Research consistently shows that negative thinking and pessimism correlate with poorer health outcomes and shorter lifespans. Multiple large-scale studies, including the Finnish Kuopio Study and the Women’s Health Initiative, have found that pessimistic people face significantly higher risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. For example, pessimistic men showed twice the risk of cardiovascular death, while negative women had a 30% higher risk of coronary heart disease. Studies at the University of Kentucky demonstrated that negative emotions can suppress immune system function, leading to increased susceptibility to illness and slower healing

Research consistently shows that optimistic people not only experience greater happiness, they also tend to enjoy better physical health outcomes. Positive thinkers have stronger immune systems, lower rates of cardiovascular disease, and greater resilience against stress. Their optimistic outlook often leads them to make healthier lifestyle choices, like maintaining regular exercise routines and following balanced diets, as they believe their actions will yield positive results. Moreover, when faced with health challenges, positive thinkers typically cope more effectively, following treatment plans more diligently and recovering more quickly from illnesses and injuries. Their social connections also tend to be stronger, as their upbeat attitude draws others to them, creating supportive networks that further enhance both their mental and physical well-being. Even in difficult circumstances, their ability to find silver linings and maintain hope helps them navigate challenges with greater emotional resilience, leading to lower rates of anxiety and depression.

My Negative Friend Chris

One of my closest friends was one of the most negative people I’ve ever met. To this day I’m not sure why I liked spending time with him, but I guess it was rooted in having worked together and having good times when we were much younger. One day I lectured him about the power of a positive mindset, and he in turn lectured me about how that was all nonsense and “of course I can say that because I’ve lived a charmed life and had opportunity handed to me.” There is some truth to that, but his negativity often resulted in him losing jobs (no one wants to hear it) and eventually dying a horrific early death. Somehow I think he felt better being negative. It turns out that studies have shown that verbal aggression can trigger the release of dopamine and other neurochemicals that create a reward response in the brain. 

What to do next?

Last week I mentioned advice given by the father of my high school girlfriend. He took me aside one day and told me that I was one of the most negative people he had ever met, and that if I did not change that, I’d live an unhappy life and probably die young. It turns out my girlfriend put him up to it. He taught me how to rethink how I think. And instead of resisting his advice, I changed. It wasn’t easy because my natural response was to go negative. After decades, it’s still my natural response, yet I force myself to turn my head around. 

Tony Robbins talks about how the “reptilian brain,” our subconscious, is designed to protect us from wild animals, always looking for problems so we can escape them. He says we have to be aware that it’s there, ignore it, and turn on a different mindset. (I highly recommend a trip to one of his events.)

So if you’re being negative, or if you’re not goal-oriented, or if you’re spending your time wondering why you’re not achieving what you want, maybe it’s time to rethink how you’re thinking. It worked for me, and it will work for you.

Eric Rhoads

The twinkling of Christmas lights stretches for miles across the Texas landscape as dawn breaks outside my window. Inside our cozy home, the scent of pine needles and a roaring fire mingles with my morning coffee while I cuddle up under a thick blanket, fending off the unusual chill in the air that makes it feel more like Christmas than our typical Texas weather.

A Christmas Request

A few weeks ago, my college-age son approached us with an exciting proposition: joining his four best friends on a pre-Christmas adventure to Brazil. They planned to hike, surf, sail, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Of course, they hoped we’d contribute to their expedition. After careful consideration, we agreed it would create wonderful memories — with one crucial condition. He had to be home before Christmas. As seasoned travelers ourselves, we knew how easily holiday reunions could be derailed by flight delays, so we requested he return two days early, just in case.

Wishing Things Would Never Change

As our children grow, mature, and begin falling in love, we’re acutely aware that our time together as just our family unit of five — without spouses or partners — is finite. While relationships are blossoming, this Christmas remains boyfriend- and girlfriend-free. Though we eagerly anticipate welcoming new members into our family someday, we cherish what might be our last Christmas as our original quintet.

Moments Remembered

My son’s travel request transported me back to my first European adventure, at 19. With two weeks of pure joy coming to an end, I couldn’t bear to leave. I called my boss requesting three extra days, only to be met with an ultimatum: “NO! And if you’re not back on time, you’re fired!” His reaction blindsided me, and honestly, it made me furious — those three days seemed so inconsequential. But I dutifully returned.

Perhaps it was this memory that sparked my intuition: My son would fall in love with Brazil and want to extend his stay. Sure enough, the text arrived. His friends’ parents had agreed to the extension, and he wanted to stay.

How Can We Say No?

Now we face our own dilemma. Do we prioritize our desire for family unity at Christmas, or do we let him follow his wanderlust? His decision remains uncertain until tomorrow. But he’s an adult now, and he needs to make his choices without the weight of parental guilt. Having stood in his shoes, I suspect the allure of Brazil will outshine another Christmas at home. If this proves to be our last Christmas as our original family unit, I’ll be disappointed — but I’ll adapt.

Yet a darker thought intrudes: What if this is our last Christmas together, period? What if it’s the last for one of his siblings? Would we regret our decision?

Unexpected Change

The question of how many Christmases we have left together haunts me. When my father passed away three years ago, everything changed. Decades of Christmas celebrations with my parents and extended family ended with his departure. Now my brothers and their families have created their own traditions. What will happen when we’re gone?

The realization that we have a finite number of Christmases ahead is sobering. As we age, we understand just how precious these shared holiday moments become. This makes the possibility of my son’s absence even more poignant.

If you knew this was your last Christmas with your family, what would you do differently? 

What would you plan? 

What words would you make sure to say? 

What legacy would you want to cement?

My parents and grandparents lived into their mid-90s, seeming eternal, until they weren’t. I’m profoundly grateful for their dedication to keeping our family connected and traditions alive. I can still taste the joy of licking the icing bowl while making Christmas cookies with my grandmother. I remember sitting on the stairs at her house, reading the Christmas story from the Bible before opening presents — a tradition we’ve passed on to our children. I cherish the memory of setting a place at the dinner table for baby Jesus to keep Christmas centered on its true meaning, and decorating the tree with precious heirloom ornaments that grew more meaningful with each passing year.

While we hope for long lives together, this Christmas deserves special attention. Treat every person you love as if it’s your last holiday season together. You’ll appreciate both them and the moment more deeply.

May you have a blessed Christmas.

Eric Rhoads

There comes a time when the question of legacy weighs heavy on our minds. Perhaps it’s triggered by a milestone birthday or simply the growing awareness of our mortality — that silent companion that makes us wonder what traces we’ll leave behind when we’re gone.

But what are the odds of truly being remembered? Even the brightest stars fade from collective memory. Consider how time has swept away countless authors, performers, and pioneers who once commanded the world’s attention. Yes, a rare few — the Shakespeares, the Einsteins, the Monets — have transcended their eras to become eternal fixtures in human consciousness. Yet mention Johnny Carson to today’s youth and you’ll receive blank stares, despite his decades of cultural dominance. Even most U.S. presidents are not remembered.

The Ego Dance

Still, my ego persists in this peculiar dance, urging me to carve something permanent into the bedrock of history. Why this relentless drive? Even now, the achievements that once defined me remain unknown to my own children, and most of what I’ve accomplished will likely drift into the mist of forgotten things, preserved only in the memories of those closest to me.

Perhaps the real question isn’t how to be remembered, but why we’re so haunted by the fear of being forgotten. What if our true legacy isn’t measured in plaques and history books, but in the quiet ripples we send through the lives we touch?

Finding My Legacy

I’ve considered a bevy of legacy projects — more books, shows of my artwork, exhibitions of portraits painted of me — but nothing will significantly improve the chances of being remembered. So maybe the key is to stop fretting about being remembered and instead focus on the short term. How will I impact and change the lives of those around me?

Big Impression from an Unknown Man

The father of my high school girlfriend will never be remembered by anyone but his family. He did nothing earth-shattering. Yet his impact on my life, with his advice to me, has carried me through decades. He made a legacy in my heart. His thoughtfulness, his willingness to take a chance and share some of what he was seeing, make him stand out as one of the heroes in my life. So much so that I dedicated a book to him. He carved an impression on my heart that is profoundly important to me.

A man I once coached briefly at a party told me 10 years later that I had given him the courage to build his company, which became a significant venture. I didn’t even remember what I’d said.

How many hearts have you and I left an impression on? How many people have we touched so that our legacy stays with them?

Generational Teaching

My grandmother implanted her legacy by teaching me the Bible and leading me to Christ. I never thought to ask her who taught her. Probably her father, my great-grandfather, who was a preacher who planted multiple churches. But who taught him? His mother or father, or a friend? Where did the teaching originate? In theory, it could be traced back to the stories in the Bible from the original authors.

Beat It

A legacy does not have to have your name attached to it. If your ideas, your advice, your teachings live on, then you’ve done well — if those things have been valuable. But what about the man who beats his children because his father beat him, because his grandfather beat him, because his great-grandfather beat his son? Sometimes we have to break the legacies of our past. They say the sins of the father carry on for seven generations.

For some, life just happens. Their life is a reaction. For others, life has a plan and a purpose. I have people in my life who were intentional about the lessons they shared with me. Yet I’m more spontaneous and hope that my kids will get the same benefit I received. (I’m guessing I need to be more intentional.)

My Internal Struggle

It’s unknown to me why fame has always been a seductress. Her lure drove me into radio, and I still struggle with the desire for fame and attention. I’m sure it’s rooted in some insecurity hidden deep within my psyche, yet I don’t understand it, and frankly, it’s kind of annoying to be craving attention everywhere.

Fleeting Moments

As I reflect on the nature of legacy and our desire to be remembered, I’ve come to realize that true impact often lies in the small, seemingly insignificant moments we share with others. The advice that changes a life, the kindness that inspires hope, the lessons that shape character — these are the building blocks of a meaningful legacy.

Fame and widespread recognition may be fleeting, but the positive influence we have on individuals can ripple through generations, often in ways we’ll never fully comprehend. Our true legacy isn’t measured by how many people know our name, but by how many lives we’ve touched and improved.

What can you do to fuel that legacy?

• Focus on quality interactions: Strive to make each interaction with others meaningful. You never know when a simple conversation or act of kindness might profoundly impact someone’s life.
• Be intentional: While spontaneity has its charm, being intentional about sharing wisdom, kindness, and support can create lasting positive effects on those around you.
• Break negative cycles: If you’ve inherited harmful patterns or behaviors, make a conscious effort to break them. Your legacy can be one of positive change and growth.
• Teach and mentor: Share your knowledge and experiences with others, especially the younger generation. This is how valuable lessons and wisdom persist through time. We have brilliant artists today because great artists passed their legacy of technique on through generations.
• Embrace your unique impact: Remember that you don’t need to be famous or widely known to make a difference. Your sphere of influence, no matter how small, is significant.
• Live with purpose: Instead of chasing fame or recognition, focus on living a life aligned with your values and goals. This authenticity will naturally lead to meaningful connections and impact.
• Cultivate gratitude: Regularly acknowledge those who have positively influenced your life. This practice not only honors their legacy, it makes you more aware of your own potential impact on others.

In the end, the most enduring legacies are often invisible to the naked eye but felt deeply in the hearts of those whose lives we’ve touched. By shifting our focus from being remembered to making a difference, we can create a legacy that truly matters — one of love, wisdom, and positive change that ripples through time, touching lives in ways we may never fully know.

Eric Rhoads