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January 2026 Blog
January Blog
Taking Things for Granted = Ungrateful?
“Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” G.K Chesterton
This rings true with me today. This week I had two examples of team members past and current do things that clearly show them taking things for granted. The danger, as I see it is the fact that somebody may see it as ungrateful and change the circumstances. In my own life, my family, and my team members, I see things being taken for granted all the time. My last blog should be a wake-up call for all of us not to do this. Take nothing for granted. I talk a lot about how we could die at any moment, but we could also lose our job, have a large fight with a great friend, or our favorite coffee could be discontinued.
In Zen Buddhism, Zen emphasizes shoshin, or “beginner’s mind”: approaching each moment as if it were the first time. Taking things for granted is the opposite. Savor the ribeye steak, dipping your feet in the ocean, and that quiet moment gazing into the sky. The Hindu’s talk about taking life, relationships, or nature for granted is a form of spiritual ignorance: we forget that all these are expressions of a deeper reality and can be withdrawn at any moment. So today thank your team member for helping even though it’s her job, throw a stick with your dog, and tell your family you love them.
What to do After a Stressful Moment
I’ve been practicing a specific breathing technique for at least four years. I first learned about Dr. Andrew Weil’s 4-7-8 breathing method on a podcast. It’s a simple relaxation technique designed to calm the nervous system and help with stress, anxiety, and sleep.
To do it, you place the tip of your tongue just behind your upper front teeth, exhale completely through your mouth with a soft “whoosh,” inhale quietly through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for seven, then exhale audibly through your mouth for eight. That completes one cycle.
This technique works by slowing your breathing, extending the exhale, and gently shifting the body into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state. I try to do the recommended four breathing cycles twice a day.
One morning, after having to fire two people, my heart rate and blood pressure were extremely high for me—156 over 98. I completed four breathing cycles and checked again, and my reading dropped to 121 over 82. It honestly shocked me. Two team members witnessed the change and were just as surprised as I was.
So the next time things feel overwhelming, give it a shot.
Something You May Not Want to Watch
If you love your fast food do think twice about watching this… But if you would like to eat less or no fast food or want to know where healthy fast food can be found this will really help.
Podcast I Love
Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais this podcast dives into the minds of the worlds greatest athletes, leaders, thinkers, and doers. This has become one of my favorites for sure hope you enjoy.
A Quote to Get You Thinking
“If you weren’t allowed to complain about this thing anymore, what action would you have to take?” Shane Parrish, Farnam Street Blog