NFL quarterback Josh Allen‘s story is one of persistence and grit. Despite being a zero-star recruit with no D1 scholarship offers, he relentlessly pursued his dream of playing professional football. His story serves as a reminder that one “yes” can change everything, and that persistence is key to achieving it.

Mona Kimura, a 24-year-old Japanese kickboxer, has mastered a lightning-fast sidekick called a “cut kick.“ She exemplifies the power of mastering one move, as Bruce Lee famously said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.“

The Maginot Line, a massive defense system built by France after World War I, became obsolete when Germany invaded through a different route. The story illustrates the Law of the Instrument, where over-reliance on familiar tools can hinder progress. The key is to adapt and use the right tools for changing situations.

Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable performance in the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ win against the Milwaukee Brewers, showcased his exceptional talent. He delivered a historic pitching and hitting performance, solidifying his status as a generational talent. The performance was a reminder of the excitement of life‘s surprises and new experiences.

Natalie Grabow, a mother of two and grandmother of four, set the world record as the oldest woman to finish the Kona Iron Man world championship at age 80. She began competing in triathlon at 60, a year after learning to swim, and encourages others to not let age or background define their limits.

Instead of seeking complex solutions, focus on the seven fundamentals of self leadership: breathing, sleeping, eating, moving, focusing, celebrating, and prospering. Prioritize self-care, and take control of your well-being, recognizing your capability to change and grow.

Prospering is achieved through purposeful, living and cultivating hope. Hope is composed of three ingredients: goals, agency, and pathways. By setting goals, taking ownership, and imagining multiple pathways, you can bridge the gap between your current state and your desired future.

Celebrating behaviors, even small ones, is crucial for habit formation. This practice, as outlined by BJ Fogg in “Tiny Habits”, involves an anchor moment, a tiny behavior, and immediate, intense celebration. Celebrating action concretizes it.

Focus is a valuable possession that can be easily hijacked and manipulated, especially by technology. To combat this, it’s important to find meaningful goals that draw your attention and push you to your limits, achieving a state of flow. The key is to prioritize what matters to you and protect your focus from distractions.

Studies show that taking less than 5649 steps per day, can lead to higher levels of depression and anxiety, so find ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine.