Hello Everyone,
Happy New Year’s Eve! I don’t want to take time away from you celebrating with friends and family so I’ll keep this quarterly update brief. I was able to nail down some pretty awesome interviews this quarter, especially if you are interested in building great products or are a fan of elite fitness. So if you are interested in either of these two things when you have a little more time, please come back to this post.
In the meantime, I leave you with this: Always find a way back to your youthful spirit. There was a great New York Times article in October titled What if Age Is Nothing but a Mind-Set? that outlined the work of Dr. Ellen Langer. Langer’s work suggests that when we believe (in our mind) we are younger than we are, our body follows. Dr. Langer’s work has been criticized by some for a lack of rigor, but was just validated by another age related study out of the University College London that suggests those who feel younger live longer than those who do not.
So tonight, as you ring in the New Year, remember to play. Laugh with your partner about something silly; let your child tickle you this time; when you walk your dog, skip instead of walk. Smile. It is clear more than ever that our personalities and experiences shape our destinies. Great experiences generally do not interrupt your life or happen on their own; you have to seek them out. Find them.
Wishing you a joyful and prosperous 2015, and a year full of wonderful new experiences!
Entrepreneurship: This quarter’s entrepreneurial interview is with Nir Eyal whose new book Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products just debuted on the Wall Street Journal business bestseller list. My five questions with Nir Eyal about the Hook Model and product development can be found here.
Health and Wellness: This quarter’s health and wellness interview is with Ben Greenfield who is also a best-selling author. His current book, “Beyond Training,” is in stores now and his “Get-Fit Guy” podcasts are available on iTunes. My five questions with Ben Greenfield about elite fitness and endurance training can be found here.
Contribution: This quarter’s contribution was by way of donation, in support of Kelly’s effort to Run to Feed the Hungry. This is an annual event that benefits the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services in its mission to feed the less fortunate.
Life Experience: This quarter I fed my passion for corporate wellness with a visit to the Nike corporate campus in Beaverton, Oregon. Nike is an impressive organization that really exemplifies the rewards a company can reap when there is meaning behind the company’s mission and vision: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. *If you have a body, you are an athlete.
Thank you for reading. Again, may your year ahead be full of wonder and joy.
Warm regards,
Michael
