Five Bullet Friday - August 15, 2025

Dear A,

We're currently planning a big CARVER course in the Washington DC area in October. More details to follow.

Here's what I'm following this week...

BLINK I'M LISTENING TO...

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin. This was a cool little blink that popped up on my Blinkist App. The solid advice about what mentally strong people don't do includes:

1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves
2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power
3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change
4. They Don’t Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control
5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone
6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks
7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past
8. They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
9. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success
10. They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure
11. They Don’t Fear Alone Time
12. They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything
13. They Don’t Expect Immediate Results

STUDY I'M READING...

Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement. Researchers studying peak performers have found something surprising: success isn’t just about having great habits - it’s about building systems that make those habits almost automatic.

The real breakthrough isn’t gritting your teeth to wake up earlier - it’s shaping your environment so the right choice is the easiest choice. When your surroundings naturally guide your behavior, your mental energy is freed to focus on what truly matters.

When everything is in its place (think setting out your running clothes the night before and having the coffee machine set on automatic at 5am), decision fatigue fades. When your tools are aligned with your vision instead of working against it, consistency stops being a grind and starts becoming second nature.

VIDEO I'M WATCHING...

The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding with Coach John Wooden. Before Ted Talks got so watered down, this is one of the best speakers that the platform has ever showcased. Nobody could teach character like the great John Wooden. His definition of success is spot on: "Peace of mind attained only through the self-satisfaction in knowing you made the best effort of which you are capable."

PRODUCT I'M TRYING...

Nespresso Pistachio Vanilla Flavor Over Ice. I have been a rabid coffee drinker since college. However, I only drink black coffee with a small splash of milk, double espressos, and maybe the occasional cappuccino if I'm eating at an outdoor cafe in Europe. Otherwise, any other coffee to me is considered "foo-foo." That's why, I am breaking down and trying ice coffee for the first time. I just ordered this new pistachio vanilla flavor iced coffee from Nespresso. Man, I hope this isn't a sign that I'm growing softer in my old age!

QUOTE I'M PONDERING...

“Creativity is intelligence having fun." - Albert Einstein

Thank you for your attention. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

Stay safe and vigilant,

Luke Bencie