Three Bullet Thursday: May 13th, 2021

Hi friends! Inspired by Tim Ferriss’ Five Bullet Friday, every Thursday I will be sharing three things I’ve been exploring during the week. Welcome to Three Bullet Thursday!

• What I’m listening to
  • The Genius Life Episode 133: How to Stop Limiting Beliefs with Peter Crone
    • What’s a three bullet Thursday without some Peter Crone, am I right? Clearly, there is a wealth of wisdom here, so I’m in no rush to move on.
    • This week’s insight came as a tremendous surprise – don’t try and find solutions to your problems. I’m paraphrasing of course, so give me a chance to explain through an example. Let’s say someone expresses a concern about being lonely, we usually suggest ways to combat it like “sign up for a kickball league, get a dog, join a book club.” We imagine these will help; however they are just compensating for the loneliness, not resolving it. They are just external factors that relieve the burden and make it seem like the problem is gone. But the problem isn’t gone, and until you sit with whatever you are struggling with, your concern will always be waiting there to prove itself right.
    • So, just because someone has “healthy habits,” EVEN if those habits have a positive affect on their life, it may come from a place of inadequacy and unresolved issues. I’ll have to keep that in mind next time I envy an Instagram model’s six pack.

• What I’m watching
  • Masterclass: Brandon McMillan Teaches Dog Training
    • Now don’t get too excited, I don’t have a dog of my own. However, when I browsed the Masterclass course list, I was immediately drawn to this one on dog training (maybe it’s a sign??)
    • I really enjoy Brandon’s no nonsense approach. Clear on the principles and objectives, he begins with a simple ask and slowly adds difficulty through distance and distractions. He also is quite creative in his use of tools to help both the human and the canine make the best decisions available. Things like multiple leashes, picnic tables, cones, and strings are utilized in his training. Most of all, I appreciate Brandon’s attention to each dog’s natural tendencies, history, and personality.
    • To be clear, this isn’t a comprehensive course on everything there is to know about dog training. Instead, it focuses on a handful of commands you are likely to use on the daily. I imagine it’s a fantastic place to start. Hopefully one day I’ll get to find out!

• What I’m revisiting
  • Self Defense Training
    • Back in 2015, after 6 months of consistent training, I earned my yellow belt in Krav Maga, testing into Level 2. But I was burnt out – so I hung up my gloves, promising myself I’ll get back into it when the time was right.
    • Well, it just may be that time. Yesterday, I tried out Evolve Martial Arts in Denver and it was awesome! It had the three things I look for in any gym – quality instructors, quality curriculum, and quality community. I loved the intensity and pace of the classes – and to my surprise, I felt relatively comfortable with the fundamentals. When we were drilling the basic combatives (jab, cross, hook, uppercut), the instructor I was working with even asked “have you done this before? I thought this was your first day” After my happy dance, we proceeded with the class.
    • Most importantly, I loved how I felt when I got home. Usually, and I’m the first to admit this, my operating energy level is fairly low. However, when I do get excited about something, I flip the switch and things can get pretty intense (if you’ve seen it, you know). Yesterday, I was in such a good mood – energized, playful, and motivated. Any activity that generates those feelings is one I want to try again.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s Three Bullet Thursday! Please share your thoughts feedback in the comments below, especially if you have any recommendations for me!

See you next week!