Reading seems to be mandatory in grade school, and optional as an adult. As time goes by the concept of reading becomes less critical or important. And we replace reading time with social media or something less trivial. So the question now becomes how beneficial is reading for you?

They say 30 is the new 20! But is this actually true? Joining me in this discussion, are three successful individuals who have recently reached, "Dirty Thirty". We share our stories and experiences as we touch on the topics of reflecting on our 20's, perception of what a 30-year-old looks like in society today, and adulting-- personal development & social media flex. 

@goodboybrian | @iambrittney_lauren | @shanellegayle | @persuasionsofcomfort

As I close out the series of The Alchemist, here are questions to consider if you're looking to achieve your personal legend. 

What do I claim to desire?

Am I actually doing the things that I claim I desire?

What am I doing on a daily basis that is helping or hurting ME?

Am I claiming the X outcome but choosing the Y behavior?

Discipline creates consistency. Adopt discipline, welcome it and love it.

Entering the final stages of the The Alchemist series, I highlight some of the underlying themes and concepts that I found most interesting throughout the book. I also discuss the Power of Decisions & Mysterious Outcomes, the emphasis or credit we give to Luck and Coincidence, and how critical it is to Grasp the Concept of our personal journey. None of the former are feasible unless the intention is clear. Every aspect of the journey is a moment. We must learn to be present in that moment. We must understand that timing matters.

I believe there is a formula for everything. If I can first be honest with myself, worry less about the success of others, begin to count my own blessings, and understand that subtle difference matter, I might be onto something. This formula helped me discover that the journey starts with always believing in myself, counting the small wins, recognizing the journey will be long and difficult, and that my daily decisions will affect future rewards.

Why is it important to depend less on luck and more on developing your skills to master the craft? When we ask objective questions we increase the ability to rely on our own instincts. Understanding the effects of giving up too soon can help establish patterns towards seeking new perspectives in uncontrollable situations. Choosing to be open to change is a separate hurdle from the willingness to accept change.

What does it mean to follow your heart and live out your dreams?  Why is growth difficult and changing for the better so expensive? How do you use your gifts and talents to achieve your purpose in life? Who is choosing your path? Is it fate, or others in your environment? All of these questions I was able to answer from reading the The Alchemist. Not once but twice.

"Despite the many setbacks of social and economical injustice and oppression brought upon the black community since the ages of slavery, black people continued to make a profound impact on American culture. We will continue to create awareness around Black History, while also honoring the voices, stories, and contributions of our black colleagues and peers across various markets and industries." -- OTT

"Black History Month and its origins began as a week celebration highlighting the progress that black people have made since the destruction of slavery. We continue to celebrate the progress and significant contributions that black people have made from science, medicine, and politics, to business, entertainment, and athletics." -- OTT

Time is not always on our side. Often we find ourselves trying to figure out where the time goes when the day slips out of our control. When we do not have control of our time, our level of productivity decreases causing us to lose focus and miss deadlines. Not only do we need time and discipline to break bad habits but we also need tools that can help us replace bad habits with better ones.  I share 7 methods I use daily to maintain a level of productivity and take back control of my time.