Photo: © D. Paul Graham, “Rise Up”, Las Vegas circa 2015

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Upped …..

You see, this is what happens when I spend hours in my car driving.  Once my voice is hoarse from singing at the top of my lungs (see last Monday’s M5T) I tend to turn the music off and think and plot. Of late, I dictate thoughts into lists on my phone.  Mea culpa in advance if these seem platitudinal this early on a Monday. That being said, this morning’s M5T presents a list of random thoughts on what I consider needing upping in my life, brought to you by the monotonous drive along Interstate 95.

1. Your game

Be better at what you are doing. Step it up. Get there. Constantly seek mental challenges. One. Step. Ata. Time. Read more. Stream less. Avoid binging even more. Learn more. Help when needed. Live with deeper humility, clarity, and courage. Play to win but enjoy the journey.

2. Your focus

Look to the bigger picture. Recognize that lessons are best learned from transcendent heights and traumatic depths. Step up to do things that others won’t. Feed your focus but stay hungry. Engage in the moment. Pay attention to that ‘gut feeling’. Put in the time. Disregard the noise and focus on the solutions.

3. Your five

What is your average of the five people you spend time with? Who are those five? Who do you surround yourself with? Who do you relate to? Who do you spend time with? Are they positive or negative? Are they focused or cluttered? Do they share your values? Do they want you to succeed? Who do you admire? Who else should be in your circle?

4. Your space

Whether physical, emotionally, or spiritually, guard your space. Keep calm when others panic. Remove distractions. Be mindful of others. Know your boundaries, your morals, your standards. Then live them, unapologetically. Make space for the people that matter the most to you. Be relentless in saying no when you need to and yes when you want to. Know the difference between the two.

5. Your voice

Words can build or destroy. Choose your words wisely. Never make excuses. Never, ever let anyone take your voice from you. Follow your gut instincts. Yes, I said it twice today. Be authentic. Take risks. Even small ones. Embolden yourself. Embrace your vulnerabilities. Be yourself, do what you love, and don’t give a flying hoot if anyone thinks you’re weird.

Here’s to a week of upping all you are and all you do.

© 2024 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T.

You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com