Life In Progress Sciences

It’s been a while since Michael Jordan has been in the spotlight, and it’s easy to forget that he was the best basketball player of all time. The best. Jordan has become so iconic that it somehow doesn’t effect our minds with the weight of it all - we’ve been inundated with fakers and posers claiming the words “the best” as if it honestly applied to them. That’s what I loved about this book. At least for basketball, I know what “the best” means. It means Michael. Jeffrey. Jordan.

Driven From Within details MJ’s life and career in an unusual and interesting way. The book doesn’t read like a usual biography*. Written for the everyday man and not for the NBA statistician, I felt a genuine sense of fire and motivation inside myself when reading it. The book uses short blurbs and quotes from Michael and others close to him to flesh out the main themes in his life. When you finish the book’s 208 pages, it’s clear what MJ’s about and why he’s the best. You’ll know why he was an awesome clutch player, being able sink difficult shots under the most extreme pressure.

You might appropriately ask why, specifically, Jordan was the best. There are two reasons. First, he built his basketball game from the ground up by training harder, more constantly, more often, with more intelligence and more passion than anyone else. Second, that’s just who he was - who he was driven to be. Pushing to the brinks of his physical, emotional and psychological limits wasn’t something he had to fight himself to do. MJ gave a literal 100% at every practice, in every drill. When he played his heart out it, he was being authentic to who he was.

The book also shares a lot of information about Brand Jordan - the business entity of MJ which includes the Air Jordan shoes - and how commitment to core values has made them successful. Jordan has a strong sense of self, what he is and what he is not. With his business he tries to do the same thing, and so far, has been financially successful. Always pushing the envelope, but staying true to the core, I learned valuable lessons about the business concept of branding. Further more, if you read between the lines, there are volumes of teachings about inner game*.

Check out these two short videos below about Michael Jordan. I feel that they really express the essence of the book.

Minor’s lyrics from “Remember the name” played in the above video are an appropriate summation.

This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name

- Bart

* IE: it’s not boring.

* If you’re in to the whole PUA community, you might want to read Tyler D’s remarks on the book as well.

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Things are better than ever for me right now. Below the jump, I’ll let you in on it.

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(Above: a string of diamonds with the patented Korloff cut)

Josh, a friend of mine, works for Korloff Paris a very exclusive luxury jewelry boutique. When I say “very exclusive luxury jewelry” I mean that they sell $50,000 dollar watches. Josh wears a chic black suit to work that matches his attractive and muscular physique. It’s a high class gig. However, things are slow right now and Josh is looking for a hotter, more active market. He’s thinking to relocated to one of the few other Korloff locations. He likes his job, but he wants more success.

Curiously, I was listening to Earl Nightingale’s most excellent retelling of a story called “Acres of Diamonds”, in the Lead the Field CD series. The story details a man who works on his farm in Africa, and is enticed by the rich fortunes in diamonds and sells all that he has to go search for them. His search is fruitless, leaving him drained and penniless. Dejected, he takes his own life. The man who bought his farm discovers diamonds in the stream on his property, making the farm into the most productive diamond mine in Africa. Had the first owner looked under his own feet he would have found out that he was standing on acres of diamonds. In summary, you should look for diamonds right where you are - the grass isn’t greener on the other side. Earl points out that there is just as much opportunity in your business, in your area no matter your field or location. You just need to know what to look for.

To Josh, and all others searching for something better, let me be straight up with you. Continue Reading»

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Destiny is to be made with our own hands by our sweat, blood, and willpower. It is commonly said that we should follow our dreams, pursue our passions walk our deepest path - but it’s rare to see it happen. Is the status quo of mediocrity due to our lack of desire? If not, what is it, and what on earth does it have to do with punching power?

I’m glad you asked. Everything.

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He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.

- Lao Tzu

Many have noticed how deeply involved I am in martial arts and eastern philosophy. Today, I’m going to tell you why.

As a kid, I probably was enchanted by martial arts because of my fluctuating self-esteem and the glamor of the kung-fu guys on television. I fantasied about it a lot. With my abilities I could go on great adventures and save the day. My secret ancient knowledge would be sought for around the world. Bart would be important, and he could kick ass.

Thankfully, I don’t think about things with the same depth as I did as a child. Over recent years, the profundity of Eastern ideas has played a large part of my personal development. Practicing martial arts has been fundamental in helping grow throughout my life. My personal character, like a rough piece of granite, has been sculpted and worn smooth. The pain and discipline chisels away at my imperfections. Although the outer texture is still bumpy, I appreciate the martial arts for trying to reveal the potential masterpiece within.

My biggest reason for endorsing martial arts (MA) is the positive benefits it has on so many different aspects of life. It is awesome form of cross-training for personal confidence, health and philosophy. Other hobbies, like sewing, might be useful but it’s unlikely you’ll start an mind-expanding conversation about honor, respect and the nature of death from hemming your pants. Nor would it protect you from a flock of ninjas. Continue Reading»

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I just got 7 hours of sleep last night, which is dramatic. You see, I have rarely slept more than 4 1/2 hours a night since 2007.

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As to methods there may be a million and then some, but principles are few. The man who grasps principles can successfully select his own methods. The man who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to have trouble.
- Ralph W. Emerson

I’ve created spent the last few days creating a mega list of ways you can save money in tons of different areas in life. The list could grow larger and more complex, but I hope given you enough to blow you away.

After a while though, you’ll notice that there are but a few underlying themes that motivate everything. Live moderately and cut back on consumerism. Simplify your whole life by organizing the order of which you do things. Learn the principles and you’ll find the specifics.

I’ve divided the long list into chucks for easer viewing. The sub-topics include philosophy, general savings, your car, what you eat, your house, and utilities. In total, there are over 143 tips to help you save a little extra money. 143. Just scroll down to the section you like the most and start saving.

Furthermore, I’m certain that my huge list will spawn great ideas in your head. Please, do us all a favor and share, no mater how trivial you think it is! Continue Reading»

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Man! There is s lot going on in my  life right now. From my recent jujitsu breakthroughs, a member of my family battling stage 4 cancer, to building my professional business while being more than a full-time student, I’m pretty busy.

I have been practicing what I preach with being a night owl, as I rarely get to bed before 2 AM anymore.  I thought I’d burn out, but I’ve been going pretty strong in spite of my challenging circumstances. Outside of the four and a half hour block I get at night, I sneak 15 minute mini-naps into the day. This combined with being physically active and mostly vegetarian, I have enough energy to do what I need, sometimes more. My new sleep schedule has led me into several insights, especially on the polyphasic sleep lifestyle.

Later today, I’ll have my fairly large post on frugality tips up. It’ll be here sometime tonight, so thanks for watching out for it.

- B

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Note: Make sure to check out the companion article, 127 ways to a save little extra money coming soon.

I’ve been thinking about money matters a lot lately. Money is very important part of life - it’s silly to argue otherwise. Money is just as good as the food you eat, the schooling it provides, and the shelter it buys your family. Without a doubt, one of the biggest problems I see in peoples lives is their relationship to money. It’s such a shame too, because financial balance is key to allowing you to pursue your mission and passions in life.

Almost everywhere I hear the echo of the million dollar question ” How do I get rich?”, as it dribbles off the lips of the struggling, hopeful masses. The vain aspiration, “I want be a millionaire” irks me just about as much. To me, getting “rich” doesn’t matter and improving your financial situation isn’t just about making a huge sum money. For me, I want freedom to live, love and teach according to my own rules, not just have a gaudy pile of money. It’s about balancing the ratio of having the things that money can’t buy and many of the things it can.

With this in mind, here’s the elusively obvious secret to wealth : Continue Reading»

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