Looks Easy

Cloudy, wet weather has settled in over the Land of Legend.  Thankfully (so far, at least) the rain has taken numerous breaks, allowing us to get Nova outside regularly.  We even completed our first full lap of our regular walking route, about six weeks post-surgery.  She handled it well, but I’m mindful of not overdoing things.  She’s still healing.

Both the outdoor Farmers Market and the Thursday Night Men’s Golf League kicked off this week.  I’m thankful for both, seeing lots of friendly faces that I somehow only run into at either venue.  Let the summer begin.

I reflected a bit this week on how some people make hard things look easy.  How Steph Curry shoots a basketball.  How Tiger Woods hits a golf ball.  The investment results that Warren Buffet consistently achieves.  Heck, even something domestic like yard/landscape maintenance - some of our neighbors make this look easy.

But we know it is not.  How do those of us who have developed excellence at something do it?  First and probably foremost, they are consistent.  How many practice shots does Steph or Tiger take, every day?  How many annual reports and SEC filings does Warren Buffet read, every single day?  How many days off do the people with immaculate yards take?  Not very many…. So, consistency is key.

One way to achieve consistency is to imagine your daily behavior as a type of investment account.  Most of the things we do each day serve the present moment.  Much of today is about meeting the needs of today.  In order to achieve meaningful long-term excellence, some percentage of each day must involve behaviors that are future-focused.  

One does not achieve a 10-year goal by simply saying it aloud.  We must translate that long-term goal into daily behaviors, daily baby steps.  We tiptoe our way to excellence.  We manifest it in increments.  We can die from 1,000 cuts - but it works in reverse, too.  Building a meaningful life by virtue of 1,000 small actions.  Or 10,000, or 1,000,000. 

The famed former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, at the first practice of each new season, would take the time to explain to his players how to properly tie their shoes.  The message:  The fundamentals matter.  Little things add up.  

Be mindful of the behaviors you engage in, devote some of them every day to your long-term goals, and always ask whether they are taking you closer to your dreams.

Sunday Supper
Here is what I’m cooking today that will serve as supper tonight, with plenty of leftovers to start the week ahead.  First, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, let’s make some Red Chicken Posole.  This slow-cooker Honey/Soy Braised Pork with Lime & Ginger looks good, too.  Lastly, this Smokehouse Chickpeas & Greens Salad will round things out.

Sunday Music
The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival wrapped up this week.  Here is John Batiste performing I Need You.  And here is the Tedeschi Trucks Band performing “Palace Of The King” with famed ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons.  Lastly, this NPR Tiny Desk concert by Willow is a very nice way to round out the music offerings this week.  Enjoy!

If you know anyone who might like this essay, please send it to them. 

Have a great week ahead!  Offer support to others.  Make good use of this day.  And let me know how I can help.

Peace & Love,