BOBBY MCGRAW

speaker + instigator of hope

Monday Mentions 1.30.23

Hi friends,

This week’s Monday Mentions contains several books I’ve recently read or intend to read soon.

What are you reading?

Bobby

Mind Your Mindset by Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller

I read a pre-release version of this book and it is incredible. It is packed full of science and practical insights.

My biggest takeaway is this quote:

“You are not stuck with the stories you have about yourself. You can train your Narrator to create a newer, truer storyline for your life.”

From Amazon:

Do you trust the voice in your head?

Our brains are remarkable. They subconsciously translate the events around us into meaningful storylines that inform what we think and how we live. The problem is, the stories our minds feed us as facts aren’t always true.

Worse, these stories turn into false beliefs about others, the world, and ourselves that keep us from our true potential.

These limiting beliefs confront us all. But what if you could harness your brain’s operating system to tell a new story? Not just any story. A true story that empowers you to overcome limitations and surpass your goals.

Drawing upon the latest insights in performance psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science, as well as case studies from their own clients, New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller outline a framework anyone can follow to test their own assumptions and start living better, truer stories that shape superior outcomes in business and life.

How (Not) to Save the World by Hosanna Wong

From Amazon:

A practical, straightforward guide for Christ-followers who want to talk about Jesus without feeling weird or pushy.   

Ten years ago, Hosanna Wong packed her life into suitcases and started traveling the country to talk to people about Jesus. She quickly discovered lies she had believed that held her back from actually sharing God’s love.

It turns out, believing lies that you’re not enough, your story doesn’t matter, and there’s no way for you to make an impact… that’s how not to save the world.

Through faithfully studying God’s Word and fumbling through her own flawed progress, Hosanna uncovered what the Bible says about revealing God’s love in our everyday lives.

With honesty and humor, Hosanna will help you:

  • Embrace your unique story to naturally talk about Jesus through your real life and authentic relationships;
  • Discover the three most effective steps to take when fighting for a loved one who is in a tough place;
  • Overcome the lies that hold you back so you can step into your calling and empower people to encounter God.

It turns out, you can naturally share God’s love in your everyday life. You can fight for those you love, and a world Jesus loves. There is a way for every person you know to realize how valuable they are to God. You’ve been created for it, equipped for it, and you’re ready for it. Let’s go!

Monday Mentions 8.9.21

A Book I’m Reading – The Common Rule

It seems like I’m hearing more and more people talk about intentionally designing their lives by creating and adhering to a rule for life. A rule for life is essentially a set of habits, behaviors, and boundaries you establish for yourself to guide your days and decisions.

I am only a few pages in to this book. I am really looking forward to reading it and seeing what I can apply to my life. I don’t know about you, but I feel like August is a great time to refocus my habits and routines.

From Amazon:

Habits form us more than we form them.

The modern world is a machine of a thousand invisible habits, forming us into anxious, busy, and depressed people. We yearn for the freedom and peace of the gospel, but remain addicted to our technology, shackled by our screens, and exhausted by our routines. But because our habits are the water we swim in, they are almost invisible to us.

What can we do about it?

The answer to our contemporary chaos is to practice a rule of life that aligns our habits to our beliefs. The Common Rule offers four daily and four weekly habits, designed to help us create new routines and transform frazzled days into lives of love for God and neighbor. Justin Earley provides concrete, doable practices, such as a daily hour of phoneless presence or a weekly conversation with a friend.

These habits are “common” not only because they are ordinary, but also because they can be practiced in community. They have been lived out by people across all walks of life―businesspeople, professionals, parents, students, retirees―who have discovered new hope and purpose. As you embark on these life-giving practices, you will find the freedom and rest for your soul that comes from aligning belief in Jesus with the practices of Jesus.

A Lesson I’m Learning 

It is easy to drift and live from a place of distraction instead of design. August is a great time to revisit your dreams, goals, and desires. With schools starting back, it feels like a new year … turning over a new leaf. It is a great time to get back to the basics to strengthen the foundation of your life as you launch into this next season.

Here are some areas I’m thinking about:

  • My relationship with God
  • My relationship with Laura
  • My work and those I serve with
  • My family and friends
  • My health goals
  • My financial goals
  • How I rejuvenate

A Podcast Episode I’m Listening To: Focus on This Episode 101

Black, Courtney, and Marissa do a great job reminding us of the basics of the Full Focus Planner. The Full Focus Planner is my favorite paper planner. Even if you don’t use the planner, I think you’ll get a lot from this episode of the podcast.

A Quote from I’m Thinking About

Habits form much more than our schedules: they form our hearts.” — Justin Whitmel Early

Monday Mentions 4.26.21

A Book I’m Reading – Win at Work & Succeed at Life

I am grateful Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller have written this book about what they call The Double Win™. For years I burned the candle at both ends. I think I found some of my worth and identity in being busy. Once I got married, I realized that needed to change.

I’ve benefited from sitting under Michael & Megan’s teaching. My life is substantially better from learning and applying The Double Win™. If you have ever felt like you are sacrificing relationships and high-impact opportunities due to being too busy, I’d definitely recommend you check out this book. There is a way to win at work AND succeed at life. Michael & Megan are the perfect guides to help you (us) get there.

From Amazon:

Great leaders are driven to win. Yet career wins can come at great cost to your health, relationships, and personal well-being. Why does it seem impossible to both win at work and succeed at life?

Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller know we can do better because he’s seen it in his more than four decades as a successful executive and a loving and present husband and father. Today Michael and his daughter, Megan Hyatt Miller, coach leaders to live the double win. Backed by scholarly research from organizational science and psychology, and illustrated with eye-opening case studies from across the business spectrum and their own coaching clients, Win at Work and Succeed at Life is their manifesto on how you can achieve work-life balance and restore your sanity.

With clarity, humor, and plenty of motivation, Win at Work and Succeed at Life gives you
– an understanding of the historical and cultural forces that have led to overworking
– 5 principles to rethink work and productivity from the ground up
– simple but proven practices that enable you to slow down and reclaim your life
– and more

Refuse the false choice of career versus family. You can achieve the double win in life.

A Music App for Focus – [email protected]

Music helps me focus while I’m working. I’ve often put a single song on repeat for hours just to stay in a groove. Just by playing music, I can sense my focus increase.

[email protected] is a website and app that plays scientifically optimized music to help you focus. I like that you can select from several styles and energy levels. 

My Favorite Restaurant on the Lake – Fish Tales

I love eating at restaurants on the lake. It feels like you are on vacation even though you’re just 10 minutes from home. The view of the boats and water brings my stress levels down.

If you are near Lake Lanier, I’d suggest checking out Fish Tales. Their firecracker shrimp and frickles (fried pickles) are both great appetizers. Everything on the menu is fantastic but you certainly can’t go wrong with Fish Tales (their version of fish and chips).

A Quote from I’m Thinking About

There is a big difference between having meaningful work and having a meaninful life.” – Michael Hyatt

    3 Actions to Combat Overwhelm

    Bobby McGraw - August 19, 2020

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    Monday Mentions 4.20.20

    My Favorite (Healthy?) Energy Drink – Zevia Energy Drink

    Everybody needs a little pick-me-up from time to time, right? A lot of energy drinks contain something that triggers headaches for me. The Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink works great for me. It is sweetened with stevia and has a similar amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. There are several flavors available. Kola is my favorite.

    Workout from Home – Whatafit Resistance Bands Set

    I love working out at an actual gym, but until the current stay at home order lifts, I am committed to home workouts. The Whatafit Resistance Bands Set is a great addition to any home gym. 

    My Nightly Relaxation Drink – Calm Magnesium Drink

    I have found a lot of benefits by adding a magnesium supplement to my daily regime. I’ve tried a lot of capsules in the past but now really enjoy the Calm Drink Mix. I mix 2 teaspoons in a glass of water before bed each night.

    An App that Helps Maintain Perspective – Day One Journaling App

    I’ve found journaling to be a great way to maintain (or gain) perspective. I recommend checking out the Day One App. The app has a beautiful design, which makes it a joy to write in. It surfaces past entries, so you can revisit your memories. 

    I have a template of questions I use to prompt my entries each day. Drop me a note if you’d like the template, I’d be happy to send it to you.

    What would you add? Feel free to comment by clicking here.

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