Sunday, August 16, 2026

The Power of Intentional Words and Actions

Recently, I went through two disappointments back to back. It was hard to experience. However, it did remind me of and reinforce some truths I have not been able to master. One source is from a book called Courageous Capacity. Another is a book Atomic Habits a friend suggested years ago that I did not bother to read until now. That failure leads me to change a habit of watching movies and shows and instead read more books for more learning rather than passive entertainment, especially those recommended by friends. Switch one weak habit for a strong habit. A sentence that informed me was "The evidence of real learning is a change in behavior." Without change, there is no transformation. 

The first change I planned was to go to bed at 8:30 and wake up at 4:30. Go to the gym from 4:30 and get back home when my wife drinks coffee at 5:30 to plan for the day. Getting enough sleep and exercise before anything can distract me I believe will be powerful. Having that energy and the sense of accomplishment and progress to start the day will be invigorating. I felt great the last two days I have executed it. Time boxing 30 minute intervals for key practices has also been effective in accomplishing important tasks in a timely manner. It only doesn't work when someone else imposes their important task over my important task, so I need to script and practice a phrase to change that dysfunction. 

The key practice at work I want to improve is scripting and video rehearsal. I have been training in using AI for better wording and I believe it will help in keeping conversations effective and efficient. Practicing conversations with AI feedback I predict will be a change-maker, especially for those important conversations. Keeping key change-making conversations powerful is the way to leverage social learning and create stronger relationships as we progress in the mission of preparing young people to be successful. I look forward to see how it works.