Unleashing the Restful Warrior: Conquering the Frustrations of Resting When You’re Accustomed to an Active Lifestyle

Resting when you’re sick is often recommended for a speedy recovery. However, for individuals who are used to being active and productive, the idea of resting can feel frustrating and unsatisfying. I’m writing this today because I’ve been sick the last 2 days and I’m trying to get myself into a place where I can embrace the downtime. It’s hard. My meditation is physical activity and I’ve been stuck inside! In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why it can be challenging to embrace rest when you’re accustomed to an active lifestyle and provide insights on how to navigate this struggle effectively.

  1. Reduced Physical and Mental Stimulation: When illness strikes, our activity levels naturally decrease. The reduced physical and mental stimulation can leave us feeling restless and bored, particularly if we’re used to being engaged in various activities. The lack of stimulation can magnify the perception that resting “sucks.” To combat this, explore alternative ways to stimulate your mind, such as reading books, listening to podcasts, or engaging in light creative activities that don’t strain your body.
  2. Break in Routine: Being sick disrupts our regular routines, which can be unsettling for those accustomed to a structured lifestyle. Suddenly shifting from being active and productive to resting and recuperating can feel disorienting and leave us with a sense of unproductivity. To cope with this, establish a modified routine that incorporates elements of rest, self-care, and low-intensity activities. Having a semblance of structure can help alleviate the discomfort of a disrupted routine.
  3. Loss of Control: Illness often forces us to slow down and rely on others for assistance. This loss of control over our activities and the feeling of dependency can be frustrating, especially for individuals who value their autonomy. It’s crucial to recognize that accepting help and allowing ourselves to rest is not a sign of weakness, but rather a necessary step toward healing. Embrace the support around you and use this time to practice self-compassion.
  4. Fear of Falling Behind: If we have responsibilities or commitments that need to be put on hold due to illness, the fear of falling behind or not meeting deadlines can weigh heavily on our minds. It’s essential to communicate with those affected by the situation and prioritize self-care. By focusing on your recovery, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your obligations once you’re back to full health. Remember, your well-being should take precedence over any temporary setbacks.
  5. Impatience for Recovery: Active individuals often have a strong desire to bounce back quickly. Resting can sometimes feel counterproductive, leading to impatience and a temptation to push through the illness rather than allowing ourselves the necessary time to heal fully. It’s important to recognize that rest is an integral part of the recovery process. Embrace this period as an opportunity to nurture your body and mind, knowing that it will ultimately facilitate a faster and more complete recovery.

Conclusion: While it may be challenging to embrace rest when you’re accustomed to an active lifestyle, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being during times of illness. By understanding the reasons why resting can be difficult and implementing strategies to navigate this struggle effectively, you can embrace the healing power of rest without feeling frustrated or unproductive. Remember, allowing yourself the necessary time to recover fully will not only benefit your health but also contribute to your long-term productivity and overall well-being.

Harnessing the Power of Exercise: A Holistic Approach to Boys’ Mental Health


Friends, we’re living in an era where our world is expanding and competition is intensifying – not just within our own neighborhoods, but on a global stage. Our American kids are battling it out with bright minds from India, China, and beyond for jobs and resources. It’s no wonder we’re eager to offer our children every possible advantage.

You want your child in the best schools, soaking up knowledge, sweating hard work, and acing those report cards. You want them to head into the world armed with the tools to conquer whatever challenges they face. So, if your boy is having difficulty staying focused, it’s only natural to consider medication that promises to boost concentration. If a doctor recommends it, it must be safe, correct?

However, we must pause and question – are there alternative routes to this destination? Have we, as a collective, tacitly decided to medicate our kids with stimulants in an effort to edge out the competition? Is this really the optimal path we want to tread?

I believe it’s crucial to remember that boys, by their very nature, are bundles of energy. Maybe our focus needs to shift towards creating more opportunities for physical activities for our young ones. This could be the transformative change our children need, and it might just set them on a healthier, more balanced path to success.

I recently stumbled upon a study that illuminated the compelling efficacy of physical exercise in treating depression and anxiety, it resonated with me deeply.  We’re all aware of the physical advantages of exercise, but its psychological benefits are often overlooked. It releases endorphins, our brain’s natural mood elevators, making exercise a kind of natural antidepressant.

But just how effective is exercise compared to medication when it comes to mental health?

A meta-analysis led by Cooney et al. in 2013 drew an intriguing conclusion: exercise can be a potent remedy for depression, with effects similar to antidepressant medication. Equally fascinating, a study by Wipfli, Rethorst, and Landers[^6^] indicated that exercise significantly alleviates symptoms of anxiety.

So why am I so fixated on exercise as a first-line treatment, especially for young boys?

Well, it’s simple. First, physical activity instills healthy lifestyle habits that can protect against various health complications down the line. It improves self-esteem and body image, critical to a young boy’s mental well-being. And let’s not forget the undeniable stress relief and social interaction it provides, especially with team sports.

Now, the important thing here is not to demonize medication. It has its place, and it has proven to be a lifeline for many. But as fans of my work know, I’m always in pursuit of methods that offer broad, systemic benefits with minimal side effects. And here, my friends, exercise outshines medication. It provides lasting benefits that extend far beyond the cessation of an exercise routine, unlike medication whose effects typically wear off once it’s discontinued.

In conclusion, our objective isn’t just to manage symptoms, but to empower boys to grow into healthy, balanced adults. The role of exercise extends beyond immediate relief and instills a habit of wellness that can shape a lifetime. It’s high time we lace up our running shoes before reaching for the prescription pad.

Remember, this is a complex issue, and professional consultation is always key. Exercise should be viewed as a powerful supplement to a treatment plan, not a replacement for professional help when it’s needed.

  1. National Institute of Mental Health – Anxiety Disorders: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
  2. Medical News Today – Exercise vs Medication: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-exercise-more-effective-than-medication-for-depression-and-anxiety
  3. Mayo Clinic – Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
  4. WebMD – Exercise and Depression: https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression
  5. Cooney et al. – Exercise for depression: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3772979/
  6. Wipfli, Rethorst, Landers – The Anxiolytic Effects of Exercise: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials and Dose-Response Analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18785356/
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Benefits of Physical Activity: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
  8. HealthyChildren.org – Physical Activity Improves Quality of Life: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/fitness/Pages/Physical-Activity-Improves-Quality-of-Life.aspx

The Power of Perseverance: How These Great People Overcame Adversity to Achieve Success

We all face challenges in life, but what sets great people apart is their ability to push through adversity and come out stronger. In this post, we’ll explore the inspiring stories of Alexander the Great, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, and sports legends like Michael Jordan and Drew Brees, who overcame obstacles and achieved greatness.

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great was a Greek king and military commander who conquered much of the known world in the 4th century BC. Despite the challenges he faced, Alexander remained a fearless and determined leader who was able to inspire his troops and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Some of the challenges he faced include:

  • His father was assassinated when he was 20 years old.
  • His army had to endure extreme temperatures, dangerous wildlife, and difficult terrain as they made their way across vast distances.
  • His conquests took him through harsh and unforgiving environments, including deserts, mountains, and swamps.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd President of the United States and is widely regarded as one of the greatest American presidents in history. He led the United States through some of its greatest challenges, including the Great Depression and World War II. Throughout his presidency he launched Social Security which was a safety net for older folks, a work program that put millions of people back to work and the FDIC which helped protect people from bank failures. Despite his achievements, Roosevelt faced significant challenges throughout his life, including:

  • Contracting polio at the age of 39, which left him paralyzed from the waist down.
  • Facing skepticism from many Americans who believed he couldn’t effectively lead the country from a wheelchair.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison as a political prisoner fighting against apartheid in South Africa. He endured brutal imprisonment and isolation, confined to a tiny cell and forced to do hard labor in the blazing sun. Raised in a regime that removed black people from their homes in mixed-race neighborhoods and resettled them in townships on the outskirts of cities, he fought tirelessly to end apartheid and bring about reconciliation and unity in South Africa. 

Sports Legends

There are tireless examples of people in sports who overcame adversity. Michael Jordan didn’t make his high school team and went on to lead the Bulls to six rings and lead the conversation as the greatest of all time. Drew Brees tore his shoulder in San Diego and it was thought he’d never play football again. He went on to win a Super Bowl and was one of the greatest quarterbacks of this generation. Muhammad Ali lost 3.5 years of boxing because he refused to fight in Vietnam. Mario Lemieux came back and led his team to the Stanley Cup after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

No matter what obstacles you’re facing, remember that you have the power to overcome them. Take inspiration from these great people and never give up on your dreams.

Life Skills that Should be taught in school – Financial Management

“To be or not to be, that is the question.” How about to be broke or not be broke? I’ve never in my life had to go back to the lessons of Shakespeare when making an important decision, but you bet your bottom dollar that I’ve had to know the basics of finance to live!

Financial management includes skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. I’m going to try and keep all of this fairly high level and we can deep dive each of these skills in a separate post. For now, let’s get tot he basics of Financial management skill that should be taught to children in schools.

  1. This is how you create your budget
    1. Know your income: Start by figuring out how much money you have coming in each month.  ALL OF IT.  
    2. Identify your fixed expenses: Monthly bills that don’t vary, such as rent or mortgage payments, car payments, and insurance premiums.
    3. Identify your variable expenses: Bills that can change from month to month, such as groceries, utilities, and entertainment (Watch this one closely).
    4. Track your spending: For a few weeks and then a few months, keep track of all the money you spend, ALL OF THE MONEY. This will help you see where your money is going and identify areas where you may be able to cut back (I’m looking at you fancy dinners & club nights!).
    5. Create a budget: Use the information you gathered to create a budget that outlines your income and expenses. Make sure to allocate enough money to cover your fixed expenses and to set aside money for savings.
      1. Set fun money aside in your budget.  Live your life, just don’t sacrifice your future!  Call it, My Fun Money.
    6. Stick to your budget: Once you have created a budget, try to stick to it as closely as possible. This requires discipline..
    7. Review your budget regularly: If it ain’t tracked, it doesn’t matter. 
  2. Saving – The process of setting aside a portion of your income for the future, rather than spending it all
    1. Open a checking and savings account with a bank that will also give you a free brokerage account
      1. From your budget, pay yourself.  Seriously, you always need to save a portion of your income for your future self.  Sacrifice other shit to do this if necessary.  I personally like to have my cash needs in checking, emergency reserves in savings or short term TBills (see brokerage account) and then all else in my brokerage account.
    2. Set financial goals: Identify what you want to save for, such as an emergency fund, a down payment on a house, a trip, a lifestyle, a car or retirement. Money, like everything else, requires a plan.
    3. Automate your savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account & brokerage.  Stop yourself from forgetting.
    4. Cut expenses: Look for ways to reduce your expenses, such as by negotiating bills or shopping around for the best prices.
      1. It’s OK to negotiate, it’s money in your pocket or theirs.  
    5. Increase your income: Consider ways to increase your income, such as by asking for a raise at work or starting a side hustle.
      1. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to get more.
    6. Save your windfalls: When you receive unexpected money, such as a bonus or a tax refund, put it into savings rather than spending it.
    7. Avoid debt: Debt can be a major drain on your finances, so try to avoid taking on unnecessary debt whenever possible.  (See Below, not always bad)
  3. Investing – The act of putting money into financial assets or other resources with the expectation of earning a profit or growing your money in the future.  Before doing this, there’s a few things you need to know.  This is a VERY basic outline, we’ll deep dive these lessons in future posts.
    1. Risk Tolerance – Investing comes with the potential to lose.  You’ll hear it said, high risk, high return.  The flip side of this is high risk, lose it all!
      1. A very famous investor, Warren Buffet once said, “there are two rules to investing.  First, never lose money.  Second, never forget rule one!”
      2. How much risk are you willing to take?
    2. Choose your investments (Building your porfolio):   There are many different types of investments, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and small businesses.
      1. Stocks are bets on a company’s future success.
        1. There are two primary ways you can make money on this investment.
          1. Fellow investors believe this company will continue to do better and they’ll buy the stock, thus, increasing demand and lowering the supply available.  This will push the price up.
          2. The company you invest in pays back parts of it’s profits to shareholders (people who own the stock) in terms of a dividend and you can accumulate dividend payments over time.
        2. There are two primary ways to invest in stocks
          1. Bet on individual company’s
            1. If you believe a company is going to be successful in the future ie you see a bunch of your friends buying a certain company’s product – you can buy shares in that company
          2. Buy a bunch of stocks through index funds or mutual funds (ask your mother Jameson!)
            1. My recommended philosophy is buy the indexes.  The S&P 500 is a basket of 500 American stocks.  You are betting on the success of US Business.  As of January 2023, I think it’s still a good long term, set it and forget it bet!
        3. The Risk: You could lose your money if the value of the stock goes down.  If the company goes bankrupt, you could lose your total investment in that company.
      2. Bonds – Lending money to companies or governments
        1. Just like when you give put your money in a bank and gain interest, you can lend money to companies or governments for a set interest rate.
        2. Just like stocks, there are two primary ways to invest in bonds.
          1. Buy direct:  You can buy bonds from the government direct or you can buy company bonds through a brokerage account.  
          2. Through a basket of bonds through Exchange Traded Funds or managed Mutual Funds.
            1. This spreads your risk so you aren’t at the mercy of one company or government.
        3. The Risk: A company or government could “default” on their debt and you lose the money you lent to them
      3. Real Estate – Investing in real estate involves the purchase, ownership, management, or sale of real estate property for the purpose of generating a profit.  (I’m purposely keeping this simple for the blog post here!)
        1. There are several types of real estate investments, including residential properties (such as single-family homes and apartments), commercial properties (such as office buildings and retail spaces), and raw land. Each type of investment has its own set of risks and potential returns.
        2. There are 2 common ways to invest in real estate when you are getting started
          1. Buy a property and rent that property out for a dollar amount higher than your monthly expense to own and maintain
          2. Buy a property that you think could sell for more than you are buying it for, especially if you make improvements to the property.
        3. The Risk: You could be stuck holding onto and paying into a property that isn’t making money and losing you money
  4. Debt Management
    1. It’s inevitable that you are going to accumulate debt at some point in your life.  This could be student loans, car loans, mortgage, credit cards, etc… Here’s a few steps to manage that debt and hopefully, pay it off!
      1. Make a list of your debts: Gather all of your bills and statements and make a list of your debts, including who you owe, interest rates, and minimum monthly payment for each debt.
      2. Prioritize your debts: Consider which debts are most important to pay off first. For example, you may want to focus on high-interest debts or debts with late fees first.
      3. Create a budget: A budget can help you understand your income and expenses and identify areas where you may be able to cut back on spending. Use your budget to allocate funds towards paying off your debts.  Of course, remember savings, pay yourself first!
      4. Make more than the minimum payment: Pay more than the minimum payment on your debts each month, if possible, pay it all off! This can help you pay off your debts more quickly and save on interest.

Do these 3 things and move ahead of 80% of your professional competitors

Success is the compounding of many small efforts that accumulate into a large return. It’s often been said of athletes that have been great for a long time such as Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods that they showed up every day and worked. They did the small things, over and over. They were some of the greatest performers in their crafts and they still showed up daily to do the small things. Greatness in the anvils of history belongs to those who repeatedly showed up and performed.

While we may not all be striving for a US Open or the Larry O’Brien trophy, we should all still be striving to get ahead. It’s been my approximation that in life, in order to get ahead of the back and be in the top 20% of performers at the work place, one must do three things. One must be on time, be a pleasure to be around and be good at their job. Notice, I didn’t say great at their job, simply be good. Let’s discuss the why of each of these attributes.

  1. Be On Time – Time is the only resource people will never get back. Money will come and go. Relationships will come and go. Life will have ups and downs and good times and bad. However, time escapes us all. If you disrespect someones time, you are saying that you have no respect for the other persons most precious and valuable resource. This goes for leaders and subordinates, the CEO’s and the Janitors. Titles are meaningless to time, everyone’s time is limited. Respect the time of others and you will immediately step up in the respect category of others.
  2. Be A Pleasure To Be Around – It’s often said that it takes fewer muscles to smile than frown, so don’t stress your face and turn that frown upside down! While that statistic may be a false one, it is a fact that people would rather be surrounded with good vibes than bad. If you bring positive energy with you, people will want to have you around. It can take work, but it’s work that will pay in dividends. Start your meetings with friendly hello, a light conversation that is typically good natured and a positive vibe to set a tone. Be a pleasure to be around and you’ll be more likely to keep moving ahead.
  3. Be good at your job – Yes, good is good enough, but it must be consistent. Do what needs to be done. Do it on time and deliver with a good attitude. If you do the work and provide a good service, consistently, you will be ahead of most. Consistency is hard. Every player in the NBA is good. You have to be to make it to the league. However, most guys in the league have a story of a competitor or teammate in their past, who they were convinced was the most talented player they’ve ever met, who simply didn’t make it because they weren’t consistently showing up and doing their job. If you are consistent and deliver a good product, you will get ahead.

If you combine the three characteristics above, you will be in the top of your class. It took me a long time to bring these things together in my own life. I’ve never had trouble being on time, it’s something I’ve always believed in. Yet, there have been periods in my life and career where I didn’t have a great attitude consistently or I didn’t consistently deliver a good product. It was during these times that I fell behind. However, when I’ve personally combined these characteristics, I’ve grown in my career faster than my counterparts.

Go forth, be timely, be pleasant and be good. I promise the return will be exponential!

How To Be Successful At A Job Interview

I’ve had the opportunity to interview over a hundred candidates in my career from entry level hires to Director+.  Here are 12 things you should know about interviewing.  

  1. Remember, these are people just like you and I.  You want to make a good impression, treat them like you’d want to be treated.  Be polite, confident and welcoming.
  2. Go in and make a good first impression.  Smile, shake their hands (or fist bump if it’s covid!) and make eye contact.  A good smile shows enthusiasm and confidence.
  3. Dress the part.  Your nails and hair should be clean and well presented.  It’s OK to ask your recruiter or the person setting up the interview what the typical dress code is.  If it’s in person, don’t overwhelm with perfume, cologne or aftershave.  Guys, don’t wear AXE!  I’m sorry, but this isn’t a high school locker room.
  4. Think about how you sit, sit back in the seat but don’t sprawl.  Use good posture, talk with your hands and don’t take up all the space or cower in.
  5. Make eye contact, it is usual to make the person who asked the question the person of main focus (If a panel).  Remember to scan the room if it’s a panel so everyone feels included.  Looking at your hands, the floor or out of the window is a real turn off.
  6. Have your narrative ready for the, “so tell us a little about yourself” question. I have this scripted out.  Think about the highlights and what you’ve learned from them.  If you have passions, outline them.  If you have led, explain who you led and how.  Show some pride in who you are!  
  7. Watch the interviewer’s body language.  Mirror how they present themselves.  If they are a little more reserved, pull back a little.  If you find them to be a personality, don’t be afraid to animate! 
  8. Prepare thoroughly, research what the job entails.  Consider the skills and knowledge base needed and do a self-audit comparing it with what you have to offer.  Enthusiasm and energy for the position can often make up for lack of credentials, particularly if it’s obvious that you have done your research and have the potential to learn.
  9. Listen carefully; if you don’t understand what they want ask them to repeat the question.  It’s ok to be a little conservative.  Slow it down and don’t rush or be rushed.  Many interviews are also lost because the candidate doesn’t actually listen to the question.
    • Think about exactly what they are asking, what do they need to know? Is it referring to particular skills, knowledge, principles, understanding, your experience etc. 
  10. Use the question as a platform to sell yourself.  Use the question to give concrete examples of what you have done/can do.  Use narrative and create the connection between your anecdote and the question.
    • IE Tell me about a failure and something you learned from that failure
      • When I was a young man I was learning how to skateboard.  I had a lot of scrapes, bruises, 2 broken wrists and a broken tail bone!  However, I kept at it and eventually took on to compete in street skating tournaments.  Although I hurt myself quite a bit along the way, I learned through perseverance and vision that I could accomplish a goal.
  11. If you don’t know something it isn’t the end of the world, but BE HONEST.  Interviewers would rather hear, I don’t know but I’d be really keen to learn than discover too late that you have been dishonest. 
  12. Remember that most people who interview are also anxious, the success of their business is dependent on hiring the right people.  Do your best, be yourself and if you don’t get the job ask for feedback on your interview.  In this way the interview becomes part of your professional development and not a failure.     Good Luck!

15 Easy Steps to Achieve Your Goals and Achieve Success

If you want to accomplish anything in this life with meaning, you have to have goals.  Athletes are going for championships, fortune 500 companies are trying to raise their stock prices and You Inc needs to rise it’s own stock!  In order for you to be your best grown up self it’s important not only to set goals, but to know how to do it.  These 15 steps are a pretty good guide.

  1.  Define your goals clearly in writing.  Writing down your goals increases the likelihood of achieving your chosen goals by a very large percent.    It increases your sense of commitment, clarifies required steps in the achievement process, and helps you remember important details.  Also, there is a lot of research and documentation about this working!

2)   Identify and focus on the benefits to you as well as others of achieving your goals.  Why are you doing this?  Is it for personal gain (btw, that’s 100% ok, don’t be afraid to be selfish)?  Is it for your family, vacations, your dog?!  Know why you’re doing what you’re doing and that’ll be a contributor to your motivation.  

3) Define the purpose of your goals. Link your goals to a practical, specific purpose.  To boost your own motivation, base your goals on inspiration, not just on simple logic.

4) Identify your supportive forces.  Examples of supportive forces include mentors, books, your social network, skilled coaches or mentors , and podcasts.  Surround yourself with a support system.  You can get brought down or built up, go with the build!  Your network will become your net worth.

5)   Develop an action plan, set deadlines and act.  Establish sub goals. Divide each main goal into logical progressive steps.  Set deadlines for completing each step, and complete the steps on time.       

6) Establish priorities.  Take action in order of priority.  Do this as a list.  Seriously, Humans love lists.  Why do you think we love buzzfeed so much?!?!

7) Make a public commitment. Post your goals on social media so you’re accountable for your goals and actions.  When I wanted to run my first marathon, I posted my intention on Facebook and you bet your bottom dollar I did it!

8) Be realistic about limitations.  Do not set a short term goal to get a job requiring long term actions.  Goals should be measurable, they should push your limits, but they should ultimately be achievable.

9) Use positive self talk and affirmation statements.  Do this each and every day. As often as humanly possible. Do them compulsively and make it like prayer, make your self talk like religion and believe it!  Write down your statements and post them prominently in your bedroom, on your fridge and so that you can see them in the mirror in your car.

10) Use positive visualization.  This is real.  There are a lot of elements of sports psychology that could be argued, but visualization is something no one argues about!

11) Practice. Practice. Practice. Practice new skills regularly.  Get additional information, training, coaching and feedback on your progress.  Read books, listen to podcasts and ask questions.  GROW!

12) Evaluate and revise goals as necessary.  Evaluate your ongoing progress. Be fluid and have an open mind.  Also most importantly remember to be patient.  This is the hardest part.  We want it now!

13) Persevere. Stay the course until you succeed, Colonel Sanders didn’t form KFC until he was 62!

14) Reward Yourself as you accomplish milestones.  If you make a dollar amount that you are reaching for, buy something awesome!  If you are on a diet, give yourself cheat days.  If you are working out, give yourself an off day.  

15) Record progress on your goals.  As simplistic as it seems, al long series of check marks on a calendar or a wall chart may actually, motivate you by providing a vital sense of accomplishment. Do not let missing an occasional daily goal deter you, however. Keep focusing on your ultimate chosen goals.

Ultimately, goal setting is the business plan for the Grown Up You!  You want to be the best version of you and you need to have some goals to succeed.  It’s how we’ve put the content together for this site, we had a goal to put it together and started creating and executing!  Nothing happens without work and purpose.  Now go get it grown up!