A time to rest, play, and win

Hearing the rhythm of the ocean waves sure does refresh the heart and mind. Sonya and I traveled through California this month, starting in Laguna Beach for a few nights, watching a friend perform at The Comedy Store in LA and eating incredible Korean BBQ at Quarters, and then traveling up the PCH through Santa Barbara's Funk Zone, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, Ragged Point, and ending at Carmel by the Sea. We were grateful to just lay on the sand or look out the window and take in the coastal beauty. We needed it. As many of you know, our hearts and minds had felt like they'd been through trauma in caring for Isaac who had two manic episodes, a long depressive spell, and finally a diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis with 5 sessions of plasmapheresis as a healing treatment.

I came home to Breckenridge and jumped back into activity, competing in the Keystone Tennis Tournament. My son, Gabe and I won the men's doubles, and he won singles! What a special thing to celebrate together as father and son.

The variety of rest, play, and winning over the last few weeks has allowed me to reflect on the rhythms of life. This newsletter will share a few insights and tools to encourage you as you navigate the natural waves of business and life:

• Why is rest so important?
• How to win when you're feeling down
• Family and friends are the treasures of life

How to Rest - Why Is It Important and How Do You Do It?

"If we could learn how to balance rest against effort, calmness against strain, quiet against turmoil, we would assure ourselves of joy in living and psychological health for life." - Josephine Rathbone

I used to wear a badge of honor for grinding hard and pushing relentlessly. I did get many results, and I felt the thrill of winning. However, I wore myself out and had too much stress that bled over into my health and relationships.

I had to learn that there are rhythms. I learned to rest. I found that I could play the long game as well as get results without the stress.

Here are practices I do:

I workout every day. Tennis, hikes, snowboarding and weight training are my jam. I make it part of my to-do list.

I walk every morning and evening. I take breaks and walk. I do this before a hard task or if I feel tired. My mind relaxes. I consider walking part of rest from the work.

I sleep eight hours from when I go to sleep. I don’t get to bed regularly, especially if I am being social. I set my alarm eight hours later. It works well to be alert and energized.

I enjoy friends. My wife and I have a big social circle. We hang out, laugh, love and live. It’s wonderful to enjoy friends who support you as well as share their own journeys.

I take naps. When I feel low energy or any dips, I simply lie down and take a nap. I feel completely refocused and energized later. It’s great for a cluttered mind and anxiety.

What I have found is that rest and work should be integrated. You get much better results with sustainability this way.

How to Win When You Are Losing

Sonya and I were traveling in California for nine days without our tennis rackets, and so I didn't get much practice before jumping back into life at 10,000 feet altitude for the annual Keystone Tennis Tournament. Gabe and I have played in it before, but never won a match together. I wanted this time to be different, but I had not been able to play as consistently as I would have liked over the last year as we've been caring for Isaac. Gabe had, though. He's played in multiple tournaments and leagues in Austin and has improved his game dramatically. I didn't want to let him down. But when we lost the first set, and I had two breaks on my serve, it was hard to get myself together. Sonya caught me for a moment before the second set and said, "Do it for Gabe. Make it special for Gabe."

That's all I needed. Everything became clear. We came back to win the second set, and then played a full third set to win the whole match and men's doubles bracket! He was elated!!! And I couldn't have been more proud.

I have been a competitive athlete for most of my life, and this was another example of having to dig deep and push through in order to win. It's not easy at all, but I've found that it's important to find a reason to win and stay focused and determined to see it through.

As business owners, we all know what it's like to experience the ups and downs of industry. When business is down, we need to find reasons to push through.

Here are a few things that have helped me recently:

Keep a journal: I have been loving the Day One Journal App. While I enjoy writing publicly to help people, I need space to think. I agree with what Kevin Kelly says, "I write primarily to find out what I’ve been thinking, and I don’t know until I write it.” You have a private, synced tool across your devices and can access your past thoughts quickly. Give it a try to have a place to get clear.

A learning a day: This is a great blog you can subscribe to by email for a quick thought to reflect on. It keeps your perspectives stirring. Use it to get your mind looking at new ways of doing things.

Mindshift by Erwin McManus: This book shares mental model tools in a very quick read that you can incorporate readily into your life. We look forward to hearing him speak next month in Chicago!

Family and Friends Are Life's Treasures

You gotta find your people
That'll call your bluff
Who'll ride along when the road is rough
You gotta find your people
The ones that you feel equal
They pick you up and don't put you down
Help you find your way in the lost and found

- Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors

We got to see Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors last night in concert at Lake Dillon Amphitheater, one of the most beautiful outdoor music venues in the county. The words to this song resonated deeply. I am so grateful to have "found my people" in business and life. Over the last couple months we've been able to reconnect with family in Nashville and enjoy time with Sonya's sister's family staying in Breck for the month. Our home is ready to host guests, and some of our best friends have stayed with us already! The times with friends and family are priceless. If you are feeling disconnected, don't wait for someone else to reach out. Take initiative and see where it leads. Here are some ideas:

• Buy someone a solo stove and go over for a fire
• Treat someone to a 5 star restaurant
• Write a handwritten note sharing what you appreciate about them
• Invite someone out for a walk or hike
• Text someone to schedule a FaceTime Call or Zoom Meeting
• Buy someone a round of golf or a concert ticket

We all need each other. Go find your people.

Sonya and I celebrated our 26 year anniversary. I am going through a change right now. My last child has graduated high school and off to adventures. Now, I am thinking about the next chapter and doing something different. I am looking at several options, and I am grateful for friends from many years who have provided advice, encouragement and insights from their respective vantage points. I am excited about the future. I feel so lucky to have real friends and a strong family. Thank you, all for being a part of this journey.