{"id":20753,"date":"2023-08-31T22:22:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T22:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/?p=20753"},"modified":"2026-04-12T18:55:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T18:55:46","slug":"unreconciled-rabbit-holes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/2023\/08\/31\/unreconciled-rabbit-holes\/","title":{"rendered":"unreconciled-rabbit-holes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-pt-lg nfd-theme-darker nfd-bg-surface nfd-wb-media-embeds__embed-5 is-style-nfd-theme-darker wp-block-group has-background nfd-bg-effect-lines-2\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(0deg,rgb(255,255,255) 21%,rgb(33,59,59) 21%,rgb(0,0,0) 100%)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-e1bd801a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h1 class=\"nfd-text-contrast nfd-text-giga nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading has-color-7-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d25bce935688528fbbee27f802859383\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\">Daily Stoic. Podcast. <\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"nfd-text-faded nfd-text-lg\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:300\">RH podcast with Timothy Egan on Extremism and Fear and his Book &#8211; <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"nfd-btn-wide wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/2l6VRn7rmujZvlFsk6IN7V?si=7KPfxX8uRMCc18aTTN8bIA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Link to Spotify Episode<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-overflow-hidden -nfd-mx-2 nfd-rounded-xl nfd-backdrop-blur-md nfd-theme-dark nfd-bg-surface is-style-nfd-theme-dark wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#9E9E9E1A;padding-top:8px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:8px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e5b0c750 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Timothy Egan on Extremism and Fear\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" style=\"border: none\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/2l6VRn7rmujZvlFsk6IN7V?si=7KPfxX8uRMCc18aTTN8bIA&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-wb-text__text-2 wp-block-group alignfull\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md wp-block-group alignfull\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"nfd-text-xl nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">RH podcast with Timothy Egan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Back in April I listened to this podcast with Ryan Holliday and Timothy Egan \u2013 it lead me to a few rabbit holes and one I found was this dissertation found at Eastern Tennessee State University.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-p-card-lg nfd-theme-light nfd-bg-surface is-style-nfd-theme-light wp-block-group alignfull nfd-bg-effect-grid-2\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-p-card-md nfd-rounded nfd-shadow-xs nfd-max-w-prose nfd-theme-white nfd-bg-surface is-style-nfd-theme-white wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"nfd-text-md nfd-text-contrast nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Key Link<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dc.etsu.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=5263&amp;context=etd&amp;fbclid=IwAR1kGd7-1PUa8OSlO6CGGlVQ3wiH85Y9qoLhcxwOpbWve7tmXiLXoktTcdA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Click here for the Dissertation file mentioned above<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md wp-block-group alignfull\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">Study of the United States Influence on German Eugenics \u2013 Personally I find it ironic that it took the pandemic and associated conditions for a dissertation like this to be exposed in an institution of higher education in the state of Tennessee. Ironic that Tn and Ky are the hotbeds for the notorious Ku Klux Klan, topics that Timothy Egan explores in his new book \u2013 A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan\u2019s Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"nfd-text-xl nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Noise \u2013 Filtering for quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">There is so much noise generated to grab my attention \u2013 this comes from multiple sources. I have discovered that working from the outside in often (iterative growth pursuits) leads to unreasonable expectations and future resentments. I choose to focus my intrinsic efforts and strive to work from the inside out. I\u2019m nowhere near perfect, but I keep acting, recalibrating, aspiring, failing, and intersecting with successes along the way. I\u2019m grateful for how life is iterative. The challenge is effectively filtering the noise. The ultimate prize this noise seeks is varying levels of my attention. In turn I have to be mindful of what I let come out of me after I have chosen to engage, acknowledge or completely disregard. Notice I DID NOT say ignore. I find ignoring is a poor coping skill because eventually that thing I am ignoring will eventually grab my attention at an intensity it was never designed for, rendering me in a position of higher levels of stress.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-wb-testimonials__testimonials-10 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-rounded-lg nfd-overflow-hidden wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-6cdc13f3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b16ad781 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"min-height:100%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"394\" height=\"540\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-10.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-10.png 394w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-10-219x300.png 219w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 394px) 100vw, 394px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"nfd-text-lg nfd-p-card-lg is-style-nfd-theme-dark wp-block-group has-color-7-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3e1d3ab3e8a35a1cf8b496ac83f827c3 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-76a81b31 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"min-height:100%;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.3\">\n<div class=\"nfd-text-balance wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-color-7-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-068feaf110304df016d44bb13dcad8bd\"><em>There are three things you must always ask yourself before you say anything.<\/em><br><br><em>Does it need to be said?<\/em><br><em>Does it need to be said now?<\/em><br><em>Does it need to be said by&nbsp;me?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-9760934e\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-text-md nfd-gap-0 wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">\u2014&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Craig_Ferguson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Craig Ferguson<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">This topic really captured my attention. Spoiler alert and not a TL:DR \u2013 you can\u2019t on this topic, if you are only interested in the bullet points, please re-calibrate that notion or move aside, this train of evolution will not stop.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PAUSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-7 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-12.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-12.png 1024w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-12-550x288.png 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-12-820x429.png 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-12-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-12-768x402.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-text-md wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">First. Stress is stress is stress. While the body can\u2019t compartmentalize stress, I can control how I react to it. So I create space to think, review, recalibrate and act. This post is for me.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">So, why is this important among all the noise. I find it interesting that the link from ETSU occurred during covid. If you read through the dissertation and begin chasing the sources, you will be taken on an adventure in history that is worth the wandering. I didn\u2019t know that in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/eugenicsarchive.ca\/discover\/timeline\/51509d49a4209be523000009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1888 Frederick Wines published the Report on the Defective, Dependent and Delinquent Classes of the Population of the United States. The publication of this work was important to the founding of the DSM and its classifications that were used in eugenic practices<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-text-md wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">As I heard Tim Egan speaking with Ryan Holiday on the subjects that lead me to this find, I was like, wow, this got published. I knew the KKK was founded in the greater Tennessee and Kentucky areas, and that there were many folks that joined. But the stories and the illustrations and the facts. Wow. The facts! It reminded me of my current conundrum \u2013 the older I get the more aware of how little I know is glaringly insurmountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">I observe a conundrum occuring in the current telling of the American historical tales. It is a deep divide that should not be a divide. There is a generation that is having to reconcile with facts. It seems many misconstrue the realities, facts, of things and events that occurred. These events did indeed occur but often history is written from the perceptions of the conquerors not the conquered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-12 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b16ad781 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is history?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">&#8220;Most people believe that history is a &#8220;collection of facts about the past.&#8221; This is reinforced through the use of textbooks used in teaching history. They are written as though they are collections of information. In fact, history is NOT a &#8220;collection of facts about the past.&#8221; History consists of making arguments about what happened in the past on the basis of what people recorded (in written documents, cultural artifacts, or oral traditions) at the time. Historians often disagree over what &#8220;the facts&#8221; are as well as over how they should be interpreted. The problem is complicated for major events that produce &#8220;winners&#8221; and &#8220;losers,&#8221; since we are more likely to have sources written by the &#8220;winners,&#8221; designed to show why they were heroic in their victories.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"is-style-wide wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"nfd-text-sm\"><strong>Source<\/strong>:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historians.org\/teaching-learning\/aha-resource-library\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.historians.org\/teaching-learning\/aha-resource-library\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-p-lg nfd-theme-darker nfd-bg-surface nfd-wb-hero__hero-3 is-style-nfd-theme-darker wp-block-group has-background nfd-bg-effect-dots\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(0deg,rgba(255,255,255,0) 18%,rgb(22,26,29) 18%)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b16ad781 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"nfd-gap-xl wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b2eccd6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h1 class=\"nfd-text-giga nfd-text-contrast nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-color-7-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-35ab4cd506021cd9890e57c066ca30dc\"><em>Growth mindset \u2013 Rabbit hole or best advice ever<\/em><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-gap-md wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"nfd-btn-xl wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">NEVER CHANGE<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"is-style-outline wp-block-button is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px\"><span style=\"margin-right:4px;\">\u2605<\/span> Worst Advice ever!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-43ce77df\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"851\" height=\"315\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-13.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-13.png 851w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-13-550x204.png 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-13-820x304.png 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-13-300x111.png 300w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/image-13-768x284.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 851px) 100vw, 851px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">So, recognizing there is a problem is one of the most critical stages of correction. I was lost in seeking the epic things to me, and to be frank, nobody but me cared. But I sure thought differently. A ha. So this is about the time that my wife and son joined my in France in July of 2013. My post on<a href=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/transformation-tuesday\/\">&nbsp;Transformation Tuesday<\/a>&nbsp;captures the awakening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">When I intersected with this podcast from Tim Egan and Ryan holliday \u2013 it really made me reflect a bit on things. Look. I have always for the most part been enamoured with the processes associated with growth. I got off centered when I first became a travelling professional in 2010. I lost sight of a lot after moving away from my family in 2008, being able to join them again in 2009 and ultimately return back to Northern Utah in 2010. With travel I became enamoured with the status quo and the leveling or affinity models. I gained privilege in those systems and man it went to my head. however, i was more focused on outside in than the inside out approach and my wife brought this to my attention. I had become a DOUCHEBAG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"nfd-text-xl nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><em>Inside out<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>You begin saving the world by saving one man at a time; all else is grandiose romanticism or politics.<\/p><cite>\u2014 Charles Bukowski<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"People Aren&#039;t Good (The Crunch by Charles Bukowski)\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pgG88p7F98c?feature=oembed\" style=\"border: none\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Even though he is heavy \u2013 it is brilliant and he is a legend! Less Bukowskis and more beer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">So, inward I turned. I happened across Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. The affinities by Ryan Holiday turned me into the interesting memoirs, or personal journaling of the Last of the Five Good Emperors \u2013 and no, he wasn\u2019t choked out by Claudius as portrayed in the movie Gladiator. I am grateful that one of the 2 founders over at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/c26triathlon.com\/\">Crushing Iron&nbsp;<\/a>\u2013 Mike, reached out to me and said I think you might like our podcast \u2013 some 700 casts later \u2013 I still like them. Crossing titles from Craig McDonald, Ryan Holiday, thoughts from Eddie Pinero, content creators like Jessie J Pedigo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@creatingwonders\/video\/7271384478008872222\" data-video-id=\"7271384478008872222\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@creatingwonders\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@creatingwonders?refer=embed\">@creatingwonders<\/a> <p>Truth Talk!<\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\u266c original sound - Creating Wonders\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7271384472690395935?refer=embed\">\u266c original sound &#8211; Creating Wonders<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">I treat these exercises like a buffet. I try to pay attention to the good, acknowledging the rotten and bad along the way and adjusting my filters. While there is a lot of noise, with some discipline and determination, I can sift through things and Identify the good ones. A quote that has always interested me and fueled me in my iterative growth journey is:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-align-right\"><blockquote><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/oll-resources.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/oll3\/store\/people\/4097\/Francis%20Bacon.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"A side profile of a woman in a russet-colored turtleneck and white bag. She looks up with her eyes closed.\"><br>\u201cIf a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if<br>he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.\u201d<\/p><cite>\u2014 Sir Francis Bacon<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">There is an air in the world today that is just interesting. Whether in life, or triathlon or at work, folks keep seeking prescriptive and often authoritarian or even orthodoxical approaches and routes to solutions. This is often constrained by a focused absolute \u2013 there is no other way. I recently came across this tiktok by Ryan Holiday and it just resonated:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@ryan_holiday\/video\/7262165396646595882\" data-video-id=\"7262165396646595882\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@ryan_holiday\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@ryan_holiday?refer=embed\">@ryan_holiday<\/a> <p>Don&#8217;t make this mistake when reading The 48 Laws of Power by @Robert Greene . Very exciting news, Robert and I are doing two live events this fall where you can see us discuss big ideas and answer your questions from the stage. You can join us LIVE in conversation in Seattle and Los Angeles in September. It&#8217;s going to be a great show. Get tickets and learn more at ryanholiday.net\/tour.<\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\u266c original sound - Ryan Holiday\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7262165400278895406?refer=embed\">\u266c original sound &#8211; Ryan Holiday<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">Formlessness is one of my favorite strengths. In my neurotype of Dyslexia, I oft times have to choose formlessness because I need the space to creatively identify or discover a novel solution. Meaning, there is not always a prescriptive or distinct solution, rather there is a trajectory to identify first. Then over time with experiment and refinements, I can tune in and focus on a generalized approach that i can apply until it no longer is applicable.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"508\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/maya-angelou-quote.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/maya-angelou-quote.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/maya-angelou-quote-550x273.jpg 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/maya-angelou-quote-820x407.jpg 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/maya-angelou-quote-300x149.jpg 300w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/maya-angelou-quote-768x381.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-wb-text__text-2 wp-block-group alignfull\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md wp-block-group alignfull\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"nfd-text-xl nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Iterative groWth is a persistent rarely ending process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">What is most fulfilling and frustrating about turning inward is the almost endless opportunity for improvement. I learned along the way that I needed to have my feet and my head in the same place. Meaning not too far into the future or stuck in the past. This is both a burden and a blessing. The difficulty in this abundance is knowing which ones are of value, which ones are needed now and which ones should be prioritized compared to other opportunities. And so it goes, you dive in picking a few at a time, sometimes just one, based on the stress induced and get to work. I have four words on my office workout wall:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-p-card-lg nfd-theme-light nfd-bg-surface is-style-nfd-theme-light wp-block-group alignfull nfd-bg-effect-grid-2\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-p-card-md nfd-rounded nfd-shadow-xs nfd-max-w-prose nfd-theme-white nfd-bg-surface is-style-nfd-theme-white wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Desire<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Discipline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Determination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Dedication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md wp-block-group alignfull\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">They serve as reminders regardless of if I am working directly on me \u2013 mindset or physically, while I am training for triathlon or other physical endeavors\/journeys and while at work. These words serve to ground me when life\u2019s frustrations or my aspirations become failures far quicker than they become successes. They remind me of my efforts in the various roles I have as a human \u2013 spouse-life partner, father, friend and so many more. These words urge me to actions instead of perfection \u2013 you may know its other spelling \u2014 paralysis. It\u2019s not perfect but it\u2019s highly entertaining. It\u2019s exhausting, but it\u2019s often worth the efforts.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-7 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1920\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/inspiration-56.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20763\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:contain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/inspiration-56.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/inspiration-56-550x978.jpg 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/inspiration-56-820x1458.jpg 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/inspiration-56-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/inspiration-56-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/inspiration-56-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/inspiration-56-864x1536.jpg 864w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">THis quote came during a time when we were with our smallest at Primary Children&#8217;s hospital in SLC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-text-md wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">I have become uncomfortably comfortable with \u2018I don\u2019t know\u2019. I am ok with that. I also know that when I say I don\u2019t know I have an opportunity to improve, or not. And that is up to me. one last heavy thought. This one has been difficult to bear. Not because I can\u2019t face it, but because it is a bit formless while so many others scream so loud that I\u2019m a Fool!<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/banksy-parents-1024x767.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/banksy-parents-1024x767.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/banksy-parents-550x412.jpeg 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/banksy-parents-820x614.jpeg 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/banksy-parents-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/banksy-parents-768x575.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/banksy-parents.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\">And so it goes. I just remember this quote from Richard Feynman to keep me grounded, and humble and willing to take actions that I can, no matter how small or menial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"315\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/quote-feynman-header.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/quote-feynman-header.jpg 828w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/quote-feynman-header-550x209.jpg 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/quote-feynman-header-820x312.jpg 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/quote-feynman-header-300x114.jpg 300w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/quote-feynman-header-768x292.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-wb-headings__heading-8 wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-p-2 md:nfd-p-0 nfd-stretch-cover-child wp-block-cover alignwide\" style=\"min-height:5vh;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-base-background-color has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"320\" height=\"219\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-19511\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Inspiration-magnitude-.png\" style=\"object-position:18% 6%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"18% 6%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Inspiration-magnitude-.png 320w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Inspiration-magnitude--300x205.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-container wp-block-group has-background nfd-bg-effect-lines-2 is-content-justification-center\" style=\"background-color:#ffffffcc\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-gap-md wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad009506 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"min-height:35vh\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading nfd-text-huge nfd-text-contrast nfd-text-balance has-text-align-left has-color-4-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90007e2c5a04dbb332dfaad5015754b6\">Which rabbit will I follow today?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Daily Stoic. Podcast. RH podcast with Timothy Egan on Extremism and Fear and his Book &#8211; RH podcast with Timothy Egan Back in April I listened to this podcast with Ryan Holliday and Timothy Egan \u2013 it lead me to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"nf_dc_page":"","_eb_attr":"","pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","rs_blank_template":"","rs_page_bg_color":"","slide_template_v7":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[444],"tags":[825,826,827,828,835,836,838],"class_list":["post-20753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal","tag-tag-agency","tag-tag-discernment","tag-tag-autonomy","tag-tag-reflections","tag-tag-triathlon","tag-tag-endurance","tag-tag-tn"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20753"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20753\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24330,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20753\/revisions\/24330"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}