Happy February you beautiful people you!

I hope that the first month of 2021 was fantastic and wishing you all sustained growth as we trudge on into February.

Life update: Yes, that title is correct. I have decided to take this semester off from school and graduate in December, rather than in May.

And let me tell you, I have never felt happier or more inspired in my life.

Why am I doing this, you ask?

A few reasons,

1. I missed my entire Sophomore season of football due to a torn ACL, as well as having my Senior season chalked due to COVID this past fall. I feel like I still have more to give, and I do not want to leave with any regrets.

2. I despise online classes.. like, a lot. I don't think I really need to elaborate on this. I love my professors and want to learn in person.

3. I discovered a passion for media and creativity about 9 months ago. Before then, I thought I wanted to be a salesman and make bank, bro (Stepbrothers reference). This time off will give me time to learn, practice, and grow the skills necessary to succeed in my new field of interest.

So, what am I going to do with my newfound free time?

First and foremost, I am going to be training harder than I ever have in order to help my team win a conference championship come fall.

Second, slowly chipping away at my student loans by working, that way I am not swallowed up in debt when I do graduate.

Next, I am currently studying to get certified as a Personal Trainer, and once I am certified work to acquire clientele in the area. I spend most of my free time researching health, wellness, fitness, and mindset content so, I figured I may as well learn to make money from something of interest.

Along with the podcast, which I plan to go back to my roots of strictly an interview style, I will also be stepping foot into the world of YouTube. I have some great ideas that are being put into motion, so stay tuned for that in the near future. I want to create content that strives to educate and entertain, with a focused niche of student-athletes and high school athletes, but all can benefit from it.

Finally, I will be working hard to learn new skills, develop meaningful connections and relationships, and learning intensely by consuming, and creating.

I have woken up each day this past week before my alarm clock because I am so excited to arise, learn, act, and enjoy the journey as I start this chapter of my life. While it was a tough decision to make, not walking with the majority of my friends at graduation, I have never felt this sense of excitement, curiosity, and optimism. I hope by documenting and sharing my journey I will help inspire you all to take that uncomfortable next step.

Current read: Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl

This book comes recommended by my college advisor and it has not disappointed thus far. I am only about 60 pages in, but it is a short read. It details the struggles, psychologically, physically, and emotionally that prisoners during the holocaust endured. However, the main focus is not to disturb the reader with extensive grotesque details. It is to try to understand how when everything a man has or knows is taken from him, how he continues to stay hopeful, optimistic, and sane. More details to come on the book.

Quote of the week: "Failure is the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." - Henry Ford

Podcast episode to check out: This is one of my top 5 favorite podcasts right now, and this episode has some great tips on how to overcome procrastination. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/194-8-keys-to-overcoming-your-procrastination-impact/id1191775648?i=1000496235521​

Something useful to watch: The Minimalists: Less Is Now

This week, let's continue to learn, do, and grow.

Best,

Dom