I hadn't expected to get hit with such a good reminder this morning. I was catching up on emails while drinking my coffee. There are emails you open right away and ones you put off. Then there are the ones you save because you know you'll need more time to enjoy them. That was this.
Cate Hall’s one of those writers I save for when I can actually sit down and think. She reframes big ideas without sounding dramatic or talking down to you. This is one of my favorites from her.
But today I opened the email from her I'd been saving. The subject line read: "Behold, my TED talk" and text that followed with "How it came together in 3 weeks."
Sipping my coffee, I spent the next eight minutes and thirty seconds smiling. This wasn't a joyous or euphoric reaction, but rather one of solidarity. In under ten minutes, Cate explained how personal agency—not structure, discipline, or even sobriety—unlocked a life she loves—one where she feels capable and where she's free of addiction. All while leading a multibillion-dollar foundation.
Stacking small wins wires your brain to get shit done.
You don't need to wake up at 4am with the Dwayne Johnsons, Mark Whalbergs, Jocko Willinks, or David Goggins-types. But when you do get up, get going. Because your brain relearns what to prioritize each day. It recalibrates how to reward you with dopamine.
If you start your day with scrolling, your brain will want more of it. That's why I try my hardest to avoid scrolling and start my day with things like making my bed, going for a walk, and journaling.
Momentum builds momentum... but only if you let it.
Mental clutter piles up like dishes in the sink. It needs to be organized like anything else, or the mess will grow until you face it. Personal agency is what you decide to do about it.
onward.
-dmac