19th Century Prussian war philosopher Carl von Clausewitz wrote about a comprehensive approach to geopolitics he coined “grand strategy”. How can we apply this to our own lives? First of all, what does “grand strategy” even mean? In terms of how Clausewitz thought, it was an overarching philosophy for how to achieve national goals. This… Continue reading Strategize Your Life Like an Old Prussian War Daddy and Win More Battles Within
Tag: dad life
The Only Way Out Is Through
On day 1 of this online journey, my accountability brü said “The only way out is through.” It is entirely possible that neither of us knew how true this really was. While he originally made the comment in the context of our 30-day writing challenge, I’ve come to realize that it applies almost universally when… Continue reading The Only Way Out Is Through
The Juice
There are certain times in our lives when more is required. Usually, these times are also periods of great growth and opportunity. The catch is they show up dressed as hard work. And as such, we don’t recognize them sometimes. Perhaps it’s understandable. During these periods, the volume gets turned up. We start getting more… Continue reading The Juice
What I Found In The Kentucky Hills Driving Home From My Father’s Funeral
Yesterday I wrote about how my father passed away. Over the weeks that followed I had a great deal of time to think about life as I drove between Ohio and Alabama for the funeral and to help put his affairs in order. Two keystone life events had just occurred within a fortnight of each… Continue reading What I Found In The Kentucky Hills Driving Home From My Father’s Funeral
The Unknown Farewell
On this day last year, my father passed away. He’d been having a rough few weeks, and after finding out his prognosis was even worse than we feared, a decision was made to remove his life support in accordance with his advance health directives. I stayed up late that night waiting for “the call”. Nothing.… Continue reading The Unknown Farewell
Good Begets Good
Do you ever sit there with your mind going in a thousand different directions? In my office, I sit in front of three screens. It’s now almost 10pm and one of those screens has work email on it. What the hell is wrong with me? The truth is that the change in the scope of… Continue reading Good Begets Good
All In or Nothing At All
When Hernan Cortés landed in the “new world” in 1519, he ordered his men to burn the ships, sending a clear message that there was no turning back. By setting ablaze the only immediate measure of escape, all choice in the matter was removed, leaving only victory or death. Fast forward to today. Why are… Continue reading All In or Nothing At All
I Sucked At Disc Golf, So I Got Better. But What If I Got Better at Something That Matters?
Earlier in the year I bought a disc golf basket to practice putting at home. Bear with me while I explain. I enjoy golf. I also have two young kids. So being gone for 5+ hours while I play 18 holes is kind of asking a lot of my wife who works very hard at… Continue reading I Sucked At Disc Golf, So I Got Better. But What If I Got Better at Something That Matters?
Why Progress and Renewal Rituals Both Matter Every Damn Weekend
Once we commit to actually go after the things that inspire us the most, our lives start to change. Those things we “should” do turn into the things we “must” do. Happy thoughts and delusions of grandeur are replaced by action and progress. We find ourselves on the path; protagonists of our own hero’s journey.… Continue reading Why Progress and Renewal Rituals Both Matter Every Damn Weekend
Interlude to Brag on My Wife
My wife travels a lot for work. She works long hours. Her job is hard. I would get fired within a week if I tried to do her job. When I say she travels a lot, I really mean that. Depending on if she has to travel internationally or not, she could be gone for… Continue reading Interlude to Brag on My Wife
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