Richer, Smarter, Healthier

Hey Team! Thanksgiving is just around the corner. For this Wednesday, I wanted to talk to you about something I’ve mentioned before but feel is really important. Some of you might notice the scene behind me—no, I am not in a tropical environment, though I wish I was!

When we get to this time of year—not just Thanksgiving but also the gray skies, rain, and cold—it’s not the rain that bothers me. It’s the dreariness of it all. The falling leaves and chill in the air aren’t for everyone. Now, some of you might love this time of year, and that’s okay. Me? I start dreaming of sandy beaches, palm trees, and Hawaii. In fact, I’ve even got my boys dreaming about Hawaii now, which might make some of you laugh.

Today, I want to share a few pieces of information to help you focus on the important things and remind you how powerful small habits can be. Want to be richer, smarter, healthier? Doing small things consistently can make a huge difference. I know I’ve talked about this a lot in different ways, but here’s a reminder: when we’re constantly thinking about something, staying mindful of it, and committing to it, we can make incredible progress. That’s the power of habits.

Let me give you an example. Saving $8 a day—just $8—can add up to $3,000 in your bank account by the end of the year. For some of you, that might mean spending a little less on Starbucks. Think about it: Starbucks can cost $5 or $6 a pop, and some of us grab it twice a day. Maybe it’s Starbucks in the morning and a Red Bull in the afternoon—there’s another $5. You’re spending $8, $9, or $10 a day and wondering why you can’t seem to save money. Saving $8 a day, every day, adds up to $3,000 annually.

Now, let’s talk about reading. If you read 20 pages a day, you’d get through 30 books a year. Even at 10 pages a day, you’re looking at 12 to 15 books annually. Most books are around 200 to 300 pages, so the math is simple. One of the things I admire about Sonja’s team is that they’re reading at least four or five books a year because they’re tackling one every quarter. The improvements in her team are noticeable.

If you’re on Sonja’s team and not part of her leadership group but want to grow, follow her example. Read 10, 15, or 20 pages a day. By doing so, you could finish a book every month—or even more, depending on your pace. That kind of consistency builds knowledge in a way that helps you grow exponentially in the areas you want to develop.

Next is walking. Walking 10,000 steps a day adds up to 70 marathons a year. That number really got me thinking. I’d love to lose a little weight, so walking 70 marathons in the next 365 days sounds like a goal I could get behind. Grab a step tracker—whether it’s on your phone or your watch—and start moving. By next Thanksgiving, you’ll have walked the equivalent of 70 marathons.

Never underestimate the power of small habits. Want to be richer, smarter, healthier? Saving $8 a day, walking 10,000 steps, or reading 20 pages might not seem like much, but these small, consistent actions can lead to incredible achievements. By this time next year, imagine how thankful you’ll feel being a little thinner, a little richer, and a little smarter.

Keep being awesome and be valuable—because nothing less will do. God bless you, and I’ll see you next week!