December 2024

I hope 2024 for you was a year of growth, self-reflection, and mindset changing like it was for me. I published a book, realized I get stressed too easily, and that being a good business owner isn’t about everybody liking you; it’s about creating a culture where people can thrive and know that there is accountability associated with their positions. I hope 2025 brings more insights, growth and changes that will propel me forward to more good things.

And I hope you all have a Happy New Year!

I also want to thank all of you who send me notes after this blog goes out. I really appreciate the almost always kind words (and yes, sometimes not so kind) like, “Why would I want to listen to the stupid ramblings of a contractor”. It can’t all be positive right? I must do better. So, for 2024’s last blog I am going to give you some humor, a challenge, quote and the cold truth.

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The Funny:

The link below is to one of the funniest comedy sets I have ever seen. I have watched this at least 10 times. It’s Bert Kreischer talking about being the Machine while on school trip to Russia. It’s not PG, but also not too bad so I hope I don’t offend anyone.

To Watch the Video, Click Here.

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The Challenge:

The Stello Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is an advanced device designed to provide real-time glucose monitoring for individuals managing diabetes or other glucose-related health conditions. Utilizing a small sensor inserted under the skin, it continuously measures glucose levels and transmits the data to a compatible device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch. This technology allows users to track trends, receive alerts for high or low glucose levels, and make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication. With its user-friendly interface and integration with health management apps, the Stello CGM offers a convenient and proactive approach to glucose control, enhancing overall quality of life for its users.

I did this for 2 weeks, for fun really, I am not diabetic but have been on this quest of trying a variety of things associated with health and longevity and was wanting to see what affected my blood sugar. I was like a kid with a new toy! It was so interesting to see what affected my blood sugar levels. A donut obviously spiked it. Artificial sweeteners spiked it almost as much as a good old Coke Classic.

But you will never guess what spiked it the most and made it rise the fastest, it was something I mentioned earlier. STRESS!

Now I know if I ate 6 donuts, or a few candy bars I could get it to spike more; but with my pretty healthy eating habits it was the stress of having to fire two employees one morning that spiked it the most. So, back to more regular breathing exercises and meditation for me. The good news is that I was in the desired zone 98% of the time for the duration of the two-week test. I would highly recommend trying this, it is a very eye-opening experience.

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The Cold Truth:

I recently purchased a cold plunge from Polar Monkeys. For years, I’ve been taking cold showers, and still do. This plunge took it to another level. Every morning when I wake up my body first reminds me, I have to get into a 45 degree tub shortly. It’s an immediate thought when I wake. The most noticeable benefit of this cold exposure for me is my reduced inflammation. I am also much more decisive and do what needs to be done. Days after the plunge are just better. This is an expensive tub but there are many ways to do this. You can search on YouTube or Amazon for options. This has been a game changer for me.

Here’s what AI describes as the benefits of cold exposure:

Reduces Inflammation and Pain: Cold therapy is highly effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain by constricting blood vessels, which decreases swelling and numbs affected areas. It is commonly used for injuries, muscle soreness, and joint pain.

Speeds Muscle Recovery: Athletes often use cold therapy after intense workouts to aid muscle recovery. It reduces lactic acid buildup and promotes faster healing of microtears in muscles, enhancing performance and reducing downtime.

Boosts Circulation and Immunity: Alternating between cold and warm temperatures can stimulate blood flow, improving circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues. Regular cold exposure may also enhance the immune system by increasing white blood cell activity.

Improves Mental Health: Exposure to cold temperatures can trigger the release of endorphins, which improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Enhances Skin and Metabolism: Cold therapy tightens pores, reduces puffiness, and improves skin elasticity. Additionally, it can boost metabolism as the body expends energy to maintain core temperature, potentially aiding in weight management.

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The Quote:

I recently shared this with my team:

“I have never seen ordinary effort lead to extraordinary results” -Alexandr Wang