John Maxwell told our group in Costa Rica that non-growing people don't even know they aren't growing, they lack self awareness. in this episode I four tips I've used in my life to help me on my growth journey to make sure I'm growing every day.

What if you got to meet your hero? I meet my leadership hero John C. Maxwell. John's Added so much value to my life through these books: "Developing the Leader Within You 2.0" "Intentional Living" and "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth".

We will always stay consistent with who we think we are, that's why its of the utmost importance to be intentional with your identity. 

link to the podcast with Tom Bilyeu an Trevor Moawad- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lCeWtXPKko

Read "Awaken the Giant Within" by Tony Robbins

"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than to be in bad company."

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.

I challenge you to read this Poem every day for a week and see if you don't feel more empowered.

Age is a common barrier for most teens when they think they can't really do anything with their lives until they grow up. Owen Atlas it the living proof that is not always the case. He stared Martial Arts at 6 and became a black belt in tai-kwon-do. Owen has since been engulfed in the world of acting and has stared in movies such as "Little Evil" and "The Starling". 

This week I Interview my Bishop and one of my great mentors Bishop Kelly Heaton.

When I asked Master Eddie Edwards what advice he has more me as a new white belt, he told me calmly in 2, simple, powerful words: "Don't Quit!"

Here are 3 things I've learned when starting new activities, sports, or hobbies:

1. Lose the Baggage- Find a place or routine that lets off your baggage (ego, pride, distress,)

2. Enjoy the Roll- "Tap and Give 5"

3. Stick to the Wheel- Don't re-invent the wheel, find the wheel of someone who is ahead of you and stick to it.  

Today we read an excerpt from the famous poem: "A Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. 

As I try to take the road less traveled by, I have found 3 actionable lessons to apply to my life-

1. Value Others as you Value Yourself

2. Dreams over Drama

3. Reconstruct Your E-V-E (Education vs Entertainment) Ratio

Trying to control your anger and frustration is a difficult task, even towards the ones we love most. Whenever I get angry or annoyed and I want to lash out, I try to say a 3 word phrase to stop me before I actually say or do something. This 3 word phrase is "Respond don't React". 

I am still striving to do this myself, and it's hard. I believe naturally as young men we tend to get aggressive a little easier with can both be a good and bad thing. Nonetheless, I will continue to strive in controlling my temper, as I hope you will too.