Good Morning, Quarantine!

This episode is meant to open the door for context into who this GRG person is and where he's coming from. I wanted to do this episode as a personal challenge in understanding the development of my character, my journey of resilience, and my ambitions, so that I could more effectively communicate this important chapter of Social Prowess. Both the development of Mental and Spiritual resilience begin with independent action -- mostly invisible to an observer. However, to grow in depth with either of these, we must be willing to test our mettle in the real world though social interaction. Do our foundations hold up? In offering some insight into my development, my hope is to develop a sense of furthered trust, because this chapter is the one that encourages the compounded growth in the other two domains.

Generic Resilient Guy is back! After a long hiatus it's been long overdue to get the content rolling again, and close out our series. A lot has gone on this year, and even since the last episode! The need to be resilient is more needed than ever... Everyone struggles, even people who KNOW how to practice resilience. There's a lot we can learn though study, reflection, and self-practice, but we truly grow once we bring our skills, talents, ideas, and beliefs to the community, especially when sharing value with others. Community provides a lot of support we can't get anywhere else, to include accountability, and sanity checks. In the midst of this Holiday Season, it's important to consider how you can give your value to others. Ultimately, this is what pushed GRG to make the leap and jump back in. What value can you provide that will bring you joy this season? Get ready! We are about to jump into our new season of SOCIAL PROWESS!

We all face resistance! Use any variety (internally or externally sourced) it to your advantage. How does this transition us to the next chapter on SOCIAL PROWESS?

This is the last episode of the Chapter of SPIRITUAL VIGOR. Starts with a recap of the chapter so far, and an introduction to the concept of resistance, which we will inevitably face... [Not to worry! This episode will get polished eventually... In the meantime, enjoy!]

Spiritual Vigor is highly depending on having a purpose in life Purpose is fueled by aligning passions with values Passionate work is the result of leveraging our unique talents and leading strengths. We've all heard the term "play to your strengths," right? It may seem obvious, but what does that actually mean? Well, let's take a look at that. Talents, Strengths, and Skills Talents - Natural ability that can be nurtured and grown, dependent on an individuals God-given capacity for it. Strengths - "soft" abilities (character traits/tendencies) that are universally present in all people, but uniquely leveraged Skills - Ability that can be cultivated, practiced, and leveraged by anyone regardless of experience or natural talent. In order to determine your leading or "Signature" Strengths, I highly encourage you to go to: https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register ...for a free ~10min assessment designed to identify your unique values-leveraging tendencies. feel free to post your findings to the Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/GMQpodcast

This is PART III of the episode on PURPOSE. Thank you for joining me on the journey so far. When designing our ideal life, having an answer to the following three questions is crucial in determining what will ultimately keep pulling you forward, and how you are going to stand up to the task. What do you want? Why does it matter? Who must you become? Our hope is to find a purpose that we can use to say: If all else is lost -- “At least I have _____” Then double check your reasoning by asking: “Can ___ Be lost?” After you BEGIN to articulate what you want, or at least the direction you want to go, …create IMMEDIATE, SHORT-TERM, and LONG-TERM goals that are all oriented with your VALUES Over time, we will have clearer and clearer idea of what our purpose is, and as such it's important to reevaluate whether or not the goals we created are still in line with our values, and whether the outcome of those goals will contribute toward our clearer definition of our purpose. ID your beliefs ID your Values Define your direction Align your actions Assess results Define/Refine Purpose along the way But remember to constantly LIVE in purpose

PART 2 OF PURPOSE Purpose isn't a destination, it's a journey of growth. Yes, every journey begins with a step, but we need provisions along the way. As much as some people will claim otherwise, you can't “grind”/ “hustle” your way to fulfillment. When you live in purpose it isn't a “someday”-type thing. It's an EVERYDAY thing. Be careful to identify YOUR values and purpose, or else you may simply adopt those with which you are most exposed (family, occupation, surrounding community). A conflict of values will always lead to strife (both internally and between peoples…) Values are the “why” behind your WHY.

This Episode is the first of 3 in the series on PURPOSE. Purpose isn't simply given; Purpose is accepted In order to live in PURPOSE, one must first decide that THIS is what they want. Once you WANT to live in purpose-- (opposed to how you are CURRENTLY living) -- Then you recognize that changes must be made. Discontentment, Boredom, and Exhaustion from the grind... --> All indicators that positive CHANGE is needed. But in order to justify the desired changes, and limit any cognitive dissidence: You must first begin your transformation into the person who CAN live in purpose. Purpose is a journey, not a destination. Every journey begins with the first step. ONCE/WHEN you begin to get an idea of the first steps you want to take, in ANY direction you know requires improvement, …you start to clearly see WHAT you want, …which allows you to begin understanding WHERE you are going, …WHY it matters, and …WHO you need to become.

The Good, Morning Quarantine Podcast is now 2 months old! (Yes, I'm a little slower on tying a bow on this project, but nevertheless we aren't out of the Age of Quarantine just yet!) 2020 is shaping up to be an.....extra-ordinary year, to say the least. Establishing, and agreeing upon, common values provide an anchor for the discussion to rest, even when differences of opinion arise. For those of us actually looking for solutions, we are more similar than we are different. Honestly, leading with values is something we already do, we just don't recognize it. Why not articulate the value you are expressing? Yes it seems a bit tedious and overly detailed. But isn't that what we need right now? We need a sturdy foundation from which to build relationships, community, and a better world for all. #leadwithvalues #Ivalue_weValue If you, like me, think this kind of content can improve the world, one person at a time, please share. At least try and be a fellow voice of the message behind this content. But again, in my humble opinion, sharing the podcast itself is the easiest option. https://anchor.fm/gmq http://facebook.com/GMQ-Podcast The first step to making the world a better place begins with you choosing to take that first step.

The first step in any spiritual growth journey is to determine the our values vs what we value. Once we understand our values, we can: Seek answers. Direct our attention with intention, Recognize, associate, and establish connections to our values, Align our actions appropriately, Realize our purpose and our passion This episode deals with the second and third pieces of this puzzle. Prayer is a powerful tool because it is a form of communication. Even if we overlook the association with a higher power, practicing prayer combines the benefits of affirmation and meditation, Observing the flow of attention Putting words to concerns and ambitions Recognizing boundaries of control Recognizing trust where it needs to be If you have any thoughts, please share them either publicly or in a direct message on the associated Facebook Page!

The second segment of the episode on VALUES. This part digs into ways to actually determine your values. If what you value (the values you live) are not what you aspire to, true introspection and evaluation of beliefs is required to assess the validity of the existing beliefs that are driving those values. With the right values in place, the foundation of your spiritual growth is sturdy, regardless of what disruptions come your way.

Like any of the other domains, spiritual growth requires having a well established foundation. The roots of our spiritual wellness, resilience, and vigor are our beliefs and, subsequently our values. (Link to the Facebook Page, which has a list of values to reference: However, our perceived values, and what we value may be two different things. It's important to recognize that our actions reflect our true values, independent of what we claim to support. Once we have a clear understanding of the values we are living right now, we can CHOOSE whether or not we agree with them, and begin to systematically redefine the kind of life we are going to live. Ultimately, what we value, BECOME our value, for better or for worse.

Is the point of life to wake up, do some work, collect a paycheck, and return to bed? It's unfortunate to say, but that's the reality for a lot of people... Perhaps someone has mastered all the skills associated with being resilient; those associated with mental fortitude, physical vitality, and social aptitude. They will still likely find themselves lost, frustrated, and regretful with little tangible explanation. This feeling of emptiness comes from not having--or putting words to-- a central purpose defining their life; the WHY behind what they choose to do. Spiritual resilience, and ultimately, Spiritual VIGOR help us face the adversities of doubt, uncertainty, fear, and rejection (among many other things, I'm sure). When we understand how to define, or at least align, with our purpose, it allows us to find true meaning and satisfaction in the activities and defining knowledge associated with it-- whether it's of a religious nature or not. We should expect though, that any purpose we align with will be tested, tried, and strained. But if it truly guides us, and the principles associated with our purpose hold true in spite of the pressures we face, we will come to grow in our purpose as a result-- reinvigorated by what is possible, so long as we hold true.

This segment is the final installment dedicated to money and wealth for this Channel. Understanding not only WHAT money is, but HOW it's grown, is crucial to having the financial intelligence required for financial freedom. Financial freedom is a key part of FREEING us from the worry of money, so that we can focus our attention where it needs to be: --> On our PURPOSE, and on our GROWTH in pursuit of that purpose Cashflow > Expenses = Financial Independence Financial Independence is the first major leap toward FINANCIAL FREEDOM Cashflow comes from our LABOR and our ASSETS. It's important to remember that our labor is finite... ASSETS are acquired through investment. Recognize the difference between INVESTMENTS and BUSINESS Recognize the difference between INVESTING and SPECULATING

Money is not good or bad; the point of money is to not worry about it. WEALTH is NOT a measurement of dollars, but rather a measurement of TIME If you spend $10,000 per month, but generate $9,000 per month...you are worse off than someone who spends $5,000 per month and generates $7,000 per month. What is your no-kidding number (dollar amount) that, if you were guaranteed that amount per month, you could cover all necessary expenses and eliminate stress and concern for money? Identify your money habits, identify your required expenses, and ignite your financial intelligence by understanding: Financial Independence = Cashflow > Expenses Financial Independence is the first step toward Financial Freedom Cashflow is generated by 2 sources Our Labor, and/or our assets

Picking up where the last half of the episode left off, this segment digs into the more philosophical side of money. Digging both into WHY we need money, and how we often fall into a viscous cycle of trading time for money in the pursuit of more. With the dawn of the industrial revolution, the American Dream was realized by the opportunity available to start in any occupation, and possibly change one's economic circumstances. But at what cost? How often do we find ourselves in the pursuit of money, with no clear goal of what we'd do once we had enough? Sure we need to address our basic needs for ourselves and our family, but what's beyond that? Entertainment and excitement usually have a short half-life and generally follow the law of diminishing returns... Money at its core, is simply a tool, but it is a tool for CHANGE. However, that change is a reflection of WHO we are, and the FOUNDATION on which we stand. Before the pursuit of wealth, it's wise for one to first invest in their own personal growth-- Dollars follow value, so what value can you provide? (If this episode provoked any thoughts or "ah-ha!" moments, please share on the associated FaceBook Page: http://facebook.com/GMQ-Podcast-109872354020318, and also please share with anyone who you believe will benefit from what's being said)

“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will straighten out almost every other area of his life" -- Billy Graham Money fuels our modern way of life, but for too many people, it has become their lives. Money will always be an accelerator for CHANGE, but because money is such an amplifier, the change we produce with money is going to be a reflection of who we are, and what we've built as our mental, spiritual, social, and physical foundation. Because money is not inherently good or bad, the concept of growing wealth should not be frowned upon, and should in fact be encouraged given the proper conditions are met-- most notably, having a solid preexisting foundation of resilience and growth. However, growing wealth also requires its own foundation of financial intelligence (as is notably discussed in Robert Kiyosaki's best seller "Rich Dad, Poor Dad") As with anything, understanding first starts with knowing WHAT it is we are trying to further discover. This first part of the episode discusses the bro-history of money, before we jump into the WHY and HOW behind money. If you appreciate the content, please share with someone else who will benefit from what's being said. (Please also feel free to comment on the associated FaceBook page: http://facebook.com/GMQ-Podcast-109872354020318)

"It's not about the destination, it's about the journey"  The journey so far for this channel has been focused on COMMITTING to take the first step. In order to take the first step toward growth we must first be grounded, and willing to proceed.     Deciding to GROW in the midst of CHANGE is not an easy one to make. Understanding that with the right mindset, you CAN be resilient in the face of adversity.  But resilient to what end? This is the pivot point for this channel where the focus will shift from mental fortitude, to spiritual vigor. 

Picking up where we left off in the first half of this episode, this segment goes directly into HOW to apply MINDFULNESS and the benefits it brings by, focusing on the present. 1) Informal/Daily Mindfulness -Where we can engage wholly in our current task, garnering appreciation and effectiveness in said task. 2) Formal Mindfulness -Deliberately setting aside time to focus on the here-and-now. (Often considered as meditation) 3) Mindfulness in the Moment - Entering a state of mindfulness, focusing on what can be done NOW, in order to handle any level of stress with effectiveness. Mindfulness brings Patience. Patience brings Trust. Trust eliminates fear. Eliminating fear enables Action.

Anything we set out to do requires FOCUS (at some level) to reach completion. Focus allows us to engage our efforts with intention. This isn't to suggest that we should constantly live the grind, but it does mean that we should deliberate, and choose where our attention is directed. If you choose to work, do it with focus; if you choose to relax, don't allow yourself to be distracted. Focus can be practiced though a skill that, when learned, will amplify the potential for learning any new skill, allow for greater engagement in tasks, increase our self-awareness, and provide direction during stressful times. MINDFULNESS allows us to stay present, and engaged in a variety of ways. From everyday tasks, to deliberate meditation, mindfulness can be practiced to increase our mind's our ability to stay focused, and recognize and identify to our underlying thoughts more effectively. With this practice, the ability to use mindfulness in the moment provides an avenue toward handling stressful situations with clarity and deliberate action.

I wanted to share a few habits I've been working on during the quarantine. All of my successful ones have been with my morning routine, but there are still some things that I should strive to improve... I also have a few things that I should attempt to work on to make my work day more productive, so I go into that. Fitness (yes beyond the SQUAAAATS) is also something I should work on, so I discuss my plan to make small/easy changes that improve my fitness, while at the same time incentivizing myself to follow though. I also touch upon using the skill of Gratitude again, because I do believe it is so foundational. Although it's something that I like to think I understand well enough to discuss, it's still something I personally have to work on and practice intentionally. I round out this rambling sharing what I'm grateful for today. If you get the opportunity (and yes, you do have it) go ahead and do the same! Either share, or just simply write down 3 things for which you are grateful. I promise, it will be worth the effort.

Having an Attitude of Gratitude Attracts GROWTH and Abundance (yes, I was having trouble being clever with this one) Where attention goes, energy flows Focusing attention on what you DO have (growing your skills, relationships, understanding of your purpose), will reinforce your foundation, and will build satisfaction in the abundance you have. Extending your attention to things beyond your current means (focusing only on what OTHERS have, always grinding for the NEXT thing), or placing too much attention into things that do not return value (attention traps) will leave you feeling unsatisfied, unaccomplished, and exhausted. By focusing attention (thoughts, intent, actions, etc. ) on things that you have, or are within your means, you become more aware of the associated availability and opportunity. By focusing attention on things you don't have, or what you can't do, you will only ever recognize greater lack and misfortune. You can instantly become a producer and enter into a state of abundance by GIVING thanks with the SKILL of GRATITUDE. Identify multiple specific, currently relevant, things for which you are grateful (morning sunshine, taste of coffee, peace and quiet before the chaos of the day...) Identify WHY those things are good, and why you are grateful (warmth feels good on my skin; taste reminds me of comfort, and productivity; having time to myself to think free of distraction helps me focus later) Identify what larger circumstances or people contributed to the specific things for which you are grateful (the freedom to live where I want, with clear skies; My friends who introduced me to coffee; My wife for choosing not to keep me awake, so that I could wake up early) Write it down if it helps you internalize it. You can't feel fear, sadness, or scarcity when you use gratitude. Practicing gratitude regularly (not so much that it becomes a chore, but often enough to build the skill) will enable you to enter a reversal state, countering the draw of negativity bias, and the negative effects (the physiological effects of fear) of constantly living with stress/anxiety. In psychology, this is called the "Undoing" effect.

Choosing a GROWTH mindset goes hand-in-hand with living in abundance. The fact is that no matter what you have, or what stage in your live you are current working through, you have options and you have opportunity. By leveraging the time, talents, and resources that you have, especially for the benefit of others, you are actually telling yourself that you ARE capable and you DO have enough to be happy, be successful, live in the moment while you work for your future.

Growth Mindset Fixed Mindset Which will you choose? This is part 1 of this three-part episode on GROWTH. Why growth is important, how to choose and subsequently live in growth and abundance, and how to leverage your resources and thinking to enable you to thrive.

Still working on the next segment all about growth (Tune in tomorrow morning!) But that doesn't mean you have nothing today. (and I'm not talking about any ramblings from me) You have the tools you need! Just remember to get going, and leverage them  But all the same: Water, Squaaats, Task->Accomplishment, WINNING! , Grow

Welcome to any new guests to the channel! Remember to take joy in the moment, even as we create our foundation in preparation for the future. Reference 1) Dry Bar Comedy Reference 2) Some Good News (SGN)

Getting to the second part of the segment on FEAR, this piece is all about addressing fear, now that we understand WHAT it is and WHY we experience it. You can address fear in the moment, after the fact, and prepare for fear that you know will eventually come.

Welcome to a full month under quarantine. This is an impromptu piece I wanted to throw in, now that we are 1 month into the historic quarantine of 2020. I discuss what prompted me to start this channel, and some ideas of where I would like to go with it.

What more is there to fear, than fear itself?  This episode is all about FEAR. To be able to address something effectively, one needs to first understand it.  This first half of the episode is primarily focused on dissecting fear and identifying both what it is, and what is does for us...and to us.  Join me into Willy Wonka's horrifying tunnel of whatever the H311 that was in the original chocolate factory movie...

This is the final part of the segment on CHANGE and how to address it. Up until this point, and THANK YOU for bearing with me so far, we've gone over: - How to prepare for making intentional change in our own lives. [and] - How to understand the types of change we can expect. And with understanding comes power, so in this final part we will cover how to practice addressing abrupt change appropriately and effectively. This is very much a SKILL we can practice, and exercise, just like any workout.

This is the second part of the segment on understanding change where we...well...understand CHANGE. Thanks for coming back and listening to more ramblings But don't spend too much time reading this because change is in your future, and it's coming at you one of two ways...

What does that title have to do with anything?!?! Well I promised that this segment would be about CHANGE, and I do get around to that.... eventually. You may have noticed that this is titled as episode 3.1-- Well.....that's because talked to myself for quite awhile by the time I wrapped things up And since this first bit was all about how to optimize your routine tasks so that you can capture and wisely dedicate the time you have deliberately... I figured it'd be counter productive to take away all the time and attention you are lending me in order to get that point across...at least in one instance. That said, tune in to hear me ramble about identifying routine activities, creating good habits, and finding that precious asset (time) which is hidden away in the couch that is our day-to-day lives. Using this time will ultimately prepare us to make the changes necessary to our mindsets and habits that allow us to address unavoidable change when it does fall into our laps.

Everything in life is a choice. You can choose to be miserable or you can choose to do something. Even when it feels like all choice has been taken away from us, we still have the ability to choose what we are going to learn; how we are going to grow. This segment is an introduction to choice and the role is play in establishing our internal foundation. Because truly, how can we expect to thrive on the outside, if we aren't healthy on the inside? 

Welcome to the first segment of "Good Morning, Quarantine!" I'm your host, "Generic Resilient Guy" or "GRG" This first rambling is about the importance of having a solid and holistic foundation in our lives: Mentally Physically Spiritually Socially ( & Financially) Each segment is intended to be a quick thought on the topic. Feel free to comment on the community Facebook page if you have any questions! https://www.facebook.com/GMQpodcast