Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.8.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# David N Johnson

Creating the Influencer

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://davidnjohnson.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://davidnjohnson.com/blog-2/) - This has been autogenerated as a placeholder for blog.
- [Emotional Regulation: How to Harness the S.E.L.F. Method for Personal Triumph](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/emotional-regulation-how-to-harness-the-s-e-l-f-method-for-personal-triumph/) - Introducing the S.E.L.F method for powerful emotional regulation, weathering the ups and downs, and living a life of triumph and intention.
- [How to Shatter the False Self and Reclaim What You Buried](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/how-to-shatter-the-false-self-and-reclaim-what-you-buried/) - The false self is clever. It smiles in photos. It nails the job interview. It tells you the things you want to hear: I’m fine. I’m successful. I’m who they need
- [Why Most Self-Esteem Advice Is Toxic Garbage](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/why-most-self-esteem-advice-is-toxic-garbage/) - We’ve turned self-esteem into a greeting card. Love yourself. Believe you’re enough. Say three affirmations in the mirror and go crush the day. That's toxic.
- [Adapting to Change Isn’t About Flexibility. It’s About Sacrifice.](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/adapting-to-change-isnt-about-flexibility-its-about-sacrifice/) - Adapting to Change Isn’t About Flexibility. It’s About Sacrifice.
- [The Dark Side of Potential (And How to Escape It)](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/the-dark-side-of-potential-and-how-to-escape-it/) - Potential feels like power. But until you convert it, it’s just debt with a pretty name. Stop hiding behind what you “could be.” Cash it in, or watch it rot.
- [Mirror vs. Window: The Collision That Actually Changes You](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/self-awareness-mirror-vs-window-the-collision-that-actually-changes-you/) - Most people’s self-awareness stops at the mirror. Who am I? What’s my type? How do I feel? That has a place. But real growth happens where mirror meets window.
- [Personal Development Framework: How To Master GROWTH](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/personal-development-framework-how-to-master-the-growth-method/) - Introducing the new to Personal Development Framework - GROWTH: Gratitude, Reflection, Overcoming obstacles, Wellness, Time management, and Habit formation.
- [Personal Development Strategies to Live a Supercharged Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/personal-development-strategies-to-live-a-supercharged-life/) - Discover essential personal development strategies to boost growth, improve relationships, and foster self-awareness for a fulfilling life journey.
- [Unlocking Potential: How Curiosity Inspires Personal Growth and Creativity](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/unlocking-potential-how-curiosity-inspires-personal-growth-and-creativity/) - By nurturing curiosity, we open ourselves to endless possibilities and deeper understanding.
- [Why People Change: Why Some Can & Others Can't](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/why-people-change-why-some-change-and-others-stay-the-same/) - Explore why people change while others stay the same. Uncover personal growth's puzzles, from revelation to resistance, and start moving.Why People Change: It's a bit of a head-scratcher, isn't it? Why do some people change and others don't? We've all seen it, the friend who transformed their life overnight, versus the cousin who’s been making the same New Year's resolutions for a decade. Why do some folks change as effortlessly as chameleons, while others
- [The Art of Finding Value in Lifes' Impermanent Dance](https://davidnjohnson.com/deep-thoughts/the-art-of-finding-value-in-lifes-impermanent-dance/) - Impermanence, at its core, is the idea that nothing lasts forever. From the fleeting beauty of a sunset to the changing seasons, the world around us is in a constant state of flux. Philosophers from various traditions, spanning from Buddhism to existentialism, have pondered this concept for centuries. They've questioned what it means for our
- [Two Paths, One Journey: The Intricacies of Passion and Purpose](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/purpose/two-paths-one-journey-the-intricacies-of-passion-and-purpose/) - Imagine standing at the intersection of two roads. One path is awash in color, full of things that make your heart sing—we'll call this the "Passion Path." The other, a bit more subdued but imbued with a sense of gravity and importance, is what we'll dub the "Purpose Path." You can only choose one. Or
- [Emotional Resilience: Craft Your Unbreakable Emotional Fortress in Just 21 Days](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/craft-your-emotional-fortress-21-days-to-unshakable-emotional-resilience/) - As we embark on this 21-day journey, think of it as an expedition, with each week dedicated to exploring one of three "Pillars" of emotional resilience.
- [Emotional Agility: The Ultimate Guide to Surfing Life's Emotional Waves](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/emotional-agility-the-ultimate-guide-to-surfing-lifes-emotional-waves/) - Remember, the journey to emotional agility isn't about perfection; it's about progress, understanding, and authenticity. This is your guide to progress
- [Schadenfreude: How To Overcome Spiteful Satisfaction](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/shared-humanity/schadenfreude-how-to-overcome-spiteful-satisfaction/) - Defining schadenfreude, the complex emotion of finding joy in another's misfortune. Discover its psychological roots and its neuroscientific basis.
- [Christian Masculinity: A Faith-Based Exploration](https://davidnjohnson.com/men/christian-masculinity-a-faith-based-exploration/) - In our journey of understanding masculinity, a dimension often left uncharted is the profound influence of faith. For many of us, our religious beliefs and teachings form the bedrock of our identities, shaping our values, decisions, and the way we perceive ourselves. Among the tapestry of religious perspectives, Christianity, with its deep-rooted teachings and millennia
- [From the Shire to Neuroscience: Frodo's Journey and the Science of Personal Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/from-the-shire-to-neuroscience-frodos-journey-and-the-science-of-personal-growth/) - The world of Middle-Earth, with its enchanting landscapes, mystical creatures, and epic tales of heroism, is a treasure trove of life lessons. At the heart of this world is a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins. Now, you might wonder, "What does a fictional character from J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' have to do
- [Temporal Dialogues: How Conversations Across Time Can Shape Your Present](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/mentorship/temporal-dialogues-how-conversations-across-time-can-shape-your-present/) - Imagine you had a time machine—not the kind you've seen in movies that zips you back to the dinosaurs or catapults you into a futuristic utopia. No, this is a different kind of time machine: one that allows you to sit down for coffee with your 18-year-old self or share a sunset with the you
- [The Roadmap to Transformation: Exploring the Seven Laws of Personal Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/the-roadmap-to-transformation-exploring-the-seven-laws-of-personal-growth/) - Welcome to a journey through the labyrinth of personal growth. Now, don't be intimidated; consider this your guidebook, one that's less about strict rules and more about irrefutable laws. What's the difference, you ask? Rules can be bent, broken, or bypassed, but laws? Laws are foundational principles that stand the test of time, guiding us
- [The Alchemy of Aspiration: How Goals Transform Us Along the Way](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-alchemy-of-aspiration-how-goals-transform-us-along-the-way/) - Goals, much like a lighthouse, help us to navigate in the direction we should go. We've been conditioned to create them, to seek them out and achieve them. How many goals have you checked off your list? Goal setting is a powerful tool. Many see the COMPLETION of a goal as the ONLY sign of
- [Redefining Masculinity: Embracing Emotional Intelligence and Vulnerability](https://davidnjohnson.com/men/redefining-masculinity-embracing-emotional-intelligence-and-vulnerability/) - I hope you enjoyed the last post where we talked about the role of emotions in masculinity and how emotional intelligence and vulnerability can redefine what it means to be a man. I wanted to continue that conversation and go a little deeper.In this follow-up, we'll explore the specific aspects of emotional intelligence and vulnerability
- [Evolution of Belief: Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Our Convictions](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/evolution-of-belief-navigating-the-ever-changing-landscape-of-our-convictions/) - From the moment we take our first breath, we're woven into a tapestry of beliefs. These beliefs dictate the stories we tell, the dreams we chase, and even the fears we grapple with. But have you ever paused to wonder, how did I come to believe what I believe? The journey of our belief systems
- [Beneath the Waves, Beyond Ourselves: What the Octopus Reveals About Human Potential](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/beneath-the-waves-beyond-ourselves-what-the-octopus-reveals-about-human-potential/) - Have you ever wondered what it takes to grow—not just physically, but emotionally, intellectually, and even spiritually? Personal growth is like a never-ending journey, a winding road with its share of bumps, detours, and breathtaking viewpoints. But what if I told you that understanding this journey doesn't just lie in self-help books or motivational seminars?
- [Who Is David N Johnson? A Journey Into My Thoughts](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/who-is-david-n-johnson-a-journey-into-my-thoughts/) - Throughout my life, I've always tried to treat others fairly. Like all of us though, I'm human. Being human means I'm imperfect and being imperfect means that sometimes I can be a jerk. I don't set out to be, but being human brings with it emotions that aren't always conducive to good and proper responses.
- [Forgiveness, The Great Release](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/forgiveness-the-great-release/) - Forgiveness isn't about the erasure of the wrongdoing; it's about releasing the anger associated with it. Until we can forgive, we can't heal from the trauma of the event. Forgiveness doesn't mean that you condone what another has done to you, nor does it mean to forget. Instead, it's the first step towards healing the
- [Your Attitude and The Self-Fullfilling Prophecy of How You See The World](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/your-attitude-and-the-self-fullfilling-prophecy-of-how-you-see-the-world/) - Your attitude will affect how you interpret & respond to people and events. It's a sort of self-fullfilling prophecy that will, more often than not, sabotage your desire to make change by creating the circumstances that you fear most. For example: Your fear of failure will prevent you from even trying, which will cause you
- [The Duality of Suffering: Harnessing The Pain of Life For Personal Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/the-duality-of-suffering/) - Suffering, as old as time itself, threads its way through our lives, often leaving behind pain and sorrow. But what if suffering, with its sharp edges and dark corners, isn't solely an agent of despair? What if nestled within its grip lies an unexpected gift – the gift of transformation? As we embark on this
- [The Illusion of Separateness: How Social Constructs Divide Us](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/shared-humanity/the-illusion-of-separateness-how-social-constructs-divide-us/) - This post is something different. It's meant to make you think, to inspire you to action. In it, I will ask things of you by giving you questions to ponder. Ponder them. Don't just skip them by. Be an active participant in change. In our shared humanity. Have you ever stopped to wonder why certain
- [Shared Humanity: The Golden Horizon of Community Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/shared-humanity/golden-horizons-embracing-our-shared-humanity/) - By understanding and challenging our own biases, by embracing our shared humanity, each one of us has the power to pave the way for a more compassionate world.
- [Are Ego-Driven Emotions Limiting Your Outlook?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/ego-driven-emotions-are-limiting-your-life/) - Many times the emotions we feel are nothing more than our subconscious minds desire to protect us. This is evident with triggers that create fear and our subsequent flight or fight response. But, what about everyday emotions? We're emotional creatures. No doubt about that! However, we're also logical ones. It's this oxymoronic nature that causes
- [Overcoming Invisible Barriers: A Deep Dive into the Art of Questioning Our Assumptions](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/overcoming-invisible-barriers-a-deep-dive-into-the-art-of-questioning-our-assumptions/) - Assumptions. They're the silent puppeteers directing the theater of our lives, subtly influencing our decisions and actions. They simplify our world, provide a sense of order and predictability, and fill in gaps in our understanding. But, like unnoticed puppet strings, they can pull us along a path not of our choosing. So, how do we
- [Unmasking Modern Manhood: Exploring the Softer Side of Masculinity](https://davidnjohnson.com/men/unmasking-modern-manhood-exploring-the-feminine-side-of-masculinity/) - In the intricate dance of our psyche, where identity, gender, and our deepest desires converge, there exists a play of shadows and nuances that often remain unexplored. At the heart of this dance lie two profound concepts introduced by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung: the Anima and the Animus. These are not just academic terms,
- [The Altruistic Revolution: Reimagining Capitalism for the Greater Good](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/purpose/the-altruistic-revolution-reimagining-capitalism-for-the-greater-good/) - Imagine waking up to an alarm clock made from recycled plastics. You put on your sustainably sourced outfit and head to work at "GoodCorp," a tech company with a twist. Here, employees start their day by volunteering at a local food bank before diving into coding eco-friendly apps. The cafeteria serves meals rescued from food
- [Unboxing Masculinity: The Impact of Gender Roles on Men's Lives, Relationships, and Work](https://davidnjohnson.com/men/unboxing-masculinity-the-impact-of-gender-roles-on-mens-lives-relationships-and-work/) - Today, we’re going to talk about something you’ve probably heard a lot about: gender roles. These are like unspoken rules that tell us how boys and girls should act. For example, boys are often told to be strong and not to cry, while girls might be told to be nice and caring. But who decides
- [Modern Manhood: Debunking Hypermasculinity and Championing Emotional Strength](https://davidnjohnson.com/men/modern-manhood-debunking-hypermasculinity-and-championing-emotional-strength/) - From the time we're young, society inundates us with images and ideals of what it means to be "a man." These ideals, often rooted in long-standing traditions and cultural norms, dictate how we should behave, express emotion, and interact with others. Over time, a more intensified version of these ideals has emerged: hypermasculinity. It's not
- [Finding Ourselves in Others: The Art of Embracing Shared Humanity](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/shared-humanity/finding-ourselves-in-others-the-art-of-embracing-shared-humanity/) - Have you ever paused to consider the extraordinary complexity that is human existence? Amidst the myriad threads of cultures, philosophies, and personal histories, there exists a remarkable commonality. It's as if a singular thread weaves through each of us, connecting us in a most fundamental way. This thread, my friends, is our shared humanity. At
- [Are You SURE That You're Right?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/are-you-sure-that-youre-right/) - Life is all about perspective. It's about how YOU perceive the events around you based on the filters you see life through. Each of us sees the world around us through the lense of our own experiences. Through our own prejudices and biases. We falsely belive that what we see is true for others because
- [How to Overcome Your Inner Bully and Show Yourself More Compassion](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/how-to-overcome-your-inner-bully-and-show-yourself-more-compassion/) - Relationships are a cornerstone of living a happy, healthy, and productive life. Having strong relationships with others is a powerful and worthwhile endeavor but no relationship is as powerful as the relationship that you have with yourself. Being one of the world's leading experts on self-compassion, Dr. Kristin Neff describes self-compassion as treating yourself the
- [You Don't Always Have to Be Happy - How Toxic Positivity Can Stunt Your Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/you-dont-always-have-to-be-happy-how-toxic-positivity-can-stunt-your-growth/) - I'm going to say it right up front so that there isn't any confusion. There is nothing inherently wrong with being happy. I myself am an extremely happy person, I wake up that way. However, when being happy is used to cover up or push down how you really feel, it becomes toxic to your
- [The Ethics of Gray: Embracing Complexity in the Moral Compass](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-ethics-of-gray-embracing-complexity-in-the-moral-compass/) - Today, I want to invite you to journey with me through the murky waters of morality. A topic as vast as the ocean, yet, often confined within the realm of binaries - right or wrong, black or white. It's comfortable, isn't it? To sit in the warm embrace of certainty. To believe that our actions
- [Spirituality - You Can't Have True Success Without It](https://davidnjohnson.com/success/spirituality-cant-have-true-success-without-it/) - I'll be 40 this year. My life over the last year and a half or so looks utterly different from my life prior. I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned how to push past fear, the importance of interpersonal relationships, and what it means to start over. I learned so much about myself during
- [Six Principles For Success in Digital Marketing and In Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/six-principles-for-success-in-digital-marketing-and-in-life/) - I’ve been at this for a while now, this whole digital marketing thing. It’s been a long (and exciting) road, and I've learned a lot about myself over the years as my career went in directions that I didn't plan for. The other day I was asked by a connection on LinkedIn (because he was
- [Empathy and How to Use it to Connect With, Relate to, and Help Others](https://davidnjohnson.com/empathy/empathy-and-how-to-use-it-to-connect-with-relate-to-and-help-others/) - Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It allows you to find common ground and better understand where others are coming from. While most people understand what empathy is, they mistakenly view it as a single attribute. But, in reality, there are three different types of empathy that when
- [Finding Light Within: A Journey From Self-Hatred to Self-Love](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/3647/) - Opening up about the shadows lurking within our own minds—especially when those shadows take the form of self-hatred—is no small feat. It's a topic wrapped in vulnerability, often hidden away from the light of day out of fear, shame, or misunderstanding. Yet, the truth is, this silent struggle is far more common than many of
- [Navigating Overwhelm at Work](https://davidnjohnson.com/workplace/navigating-overwhelm-at-work/) - Have you ever found yourself staring at your computer screen, your brain buzzing like a bee in a jar, as the clock ticks away mercilessly? There I was, on a gloomy Tuesday afternoon, feeling like the weight of a thousand emails was crushing me, my to-do list stretching longer than a grocery store receipt. It
- [Mastering Hanlon's Razor: A 101 Guide to Everyday Forgiveness and Swift Decisions](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/mastering-hanlons-razor-a-101-guide-to-everyday-forgiveness-and-swift-decisions/) - You've probably come across Hanlon's Razor, the principle suggesting that we should not attribute to malice what can be explained by a simpler cause, often inexperience or misunderstanding. While it's easy to grasp in theory, applying it in the hustle and bustle of everyday life can be a different kettle of fish. Let's dive into
- [The Heart of Virtue Lies in Courage](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-heart-of-virture-lies-in-courage/) - Courage is not about the absence of fear; it's about confronting fear, embracing it, and then moving through it.
- [Overcoming Negativity: How To Maintain Positivity in a Challenging World](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/overcoming-negativity-a-comprehensive-guide-to-maintaining-positivity-in-a-challenging-world/) - Overcoming negativity in your life doesn't have to be hard, you just have to know how to stay positive even when you're surrounded by negativity. Learn how here
- [Culinary Arts of Character: Blending Flavors of Self-Improvement for a Unique You](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/culinary-arts-of-character-blending-flavors-of-self-improvement-for-a-unique-you/) - Have you ever stepped into a kitchen with just a basic idea of what you want for dinner, only to find yourself an hour later, triumphantly holding up a dish that's nothing like you planned, but somehow just… perfect? That's me, last Thursday, standing in my kitchen, armed with nothing but a frying pan and
- [Overcoming Life's Challenges: From Victim to Survivor](https://davidnjohnson.com/deep-thoughts/overcoming-lifes-challenges-from-victim-to-survivor/) - Have you ever stood at life's crossroads, where the path forks into two distinct trails? One leads down a familiar road marked by the shadows of defeat, and the other, though steep and less traveled, promises a journey of transformation. At this juncture, we face a critical decision that shapes our destiny: succumb to the
- [Open Communication in the Workplace: More Than Just Talk](https://davidnjohnson.com/workplace/open-communication-in-the-workplace-more-than-just-talk/) - Open communication in the workplace is about creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, expressing concerns, and giving feedback.
- [The 3 Parts of Happiness, Primary Colors, and How To Make Sense of it All](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-3-parts-of-happiness-primary-colors-and-how-to-make-sense-of-it-all/) - In his book Resilience, Eric Greitens compares happiness to the primary colors. Just as red, green, and blue make up all other colors, so does happiness of grace, pleasures, and excellence make up happiness. It's the pursuit of all three that lead to sustained happiness. Much like you need to mix the primary colors to
- [Intentional Living: Navigating Life with Purpose and Passion](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/intentional-living-navigating-life-with-purpose-and-passion/) - Intentional Living: I remember a day not too long ago when I woke up, went about my routine, and just let the hours pass me by. I did everything I usually did, yet, as the sun set, a feeling of emptiness loomed. Contrast that with another day, where I began with a clear intention, setting
- [Finding Purpose and Meaning When You Lack The Courage To Do So](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/finding-purpose-and-meaning-when-you-lack-the-courage-to-do-so/) - Do you feel it? Or, rather, do you feel the emptiness that it leaves behind? Without purpose, you’re left with a huge purpose-shaped hole deep inside you.You can try to fill it with whatever you have but nothing besides purpose can ever truly fill it. Not completely.Many people try to fill it with money, people,
- [The Authentic Odyssey: Journeying Through Identity, Confronting Shame, and Finding the Real You](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-authentic-odyssey-journeying-through-identity-confronting-shame-and-finding-the-real-you/) - In the depths of our being, we find three defining layers: our Identity, our Shame, and our Authentic Self. Each layer tells a unique story about who we are, how we present ourselves to the world, and the battles we fight within. Grasping the essence of these layers not only unveils the intricacies of our
- [Purpose 2.0: Rethinking the Quest for Meaning](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/purpose/purpose-2-0-rethinking-the-quest-for-meaning/) - Hey there, my friend,You and I have had some deep chats over the years, but there's one conversation that keeps coming back to me: the enigma of purpose. You know, that elusive feeling that we're doing exactly what we're meant to do. It's like we're all looking for that magical compass that always points us
- [Heart to Heart: Finding Your Fire](https://davidnjohnson.com/heart-to-heart/heart-to-heart-finding-your-fire/) - My Dearest Reader,In the vast orchestra of life, each of us has a unique melody to play, a unique rhythm that resonates with our deepest selves. This melody, this rhythm, is our passion. The all-consuming love for something that fills our hearts with joy, our minds with inspiration, and our lives with purpose. Today, I
- [Personal Responsibility: You're The Problem and How to Empower Change](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/personal-responsibility-youre-the-problem-and-how-to-empower-change/) - Understanding the internal locus of control is one thing but embracing it can be a transformative experience, especially in the realm of personal responsibility
- [5 Thrilling Lessons John Wick Can Teach us About Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/fictional-characters/what-john-wick-can-teach-us-about-personal-growth-5-thrilling-lessons/) - You're sitting in a dark theater, gripping your armrest as John Wick dispatches enemy after enemy with a precision that's both terrifying and awe-inspiring. It's easy to get lost in the adrenaline, the high-speed car chases, the relentless action sequences. But what if I told you that nestled within this world of bullets and bravado,
- [Reclaiming Stillness: Harnessing Boredom for Creativity, Reflection, and Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/reclaiming-stillness-harnessing-boredom-for-creativity-reflection-and-growth/) - In our fast-paced, always-connected society, boredom often gets a bad rap. It's viewed as an unwelcome state to be avoided or quickly remedied with the swipe of a screen or the press of a remote. But what if we've misunderstood boredom? What if, rather than being an enemy of productivity or an emblem of idleness,
- [One Spark: How A Single Flame Ignites a Blaze of Change](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/one-spark-how-a-single-flame-ignites-a-blaze-of-change/) - Every change in our world begins with one person who believes they are enough to start the journey. An individual spark that sets a whole forest ablaze, an idea that ignites a revolution, a drop of water that starts a ripple that turns into a wave. I believe in the power of one.Picture this: a
- [Newton's Guide to the Galaxy of Self-Improvement: Exploring Life through the Lens of Physics](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/newtons-guide-to-the-galaxy-of-self-improvement-exploring-life-through-the-lens-of-physics/) - We often perceive the world of science as distant. As something separated from our everyday lives. Sure, we admire great minds like Sir Isaac Newton for their profound contributions to our understanding of the universe but never really think about how their teaching impact our daily lives. We marvel at their intellectual prowess and groundbreaking
- [Roots and Wings: The Intertwined Dance of Belief and Hope](https://davidnjohnson.com/deep-thoughts/roots-and-wings-the-intertwined-dance-of-belief-and-hope/) - Hope is like the first sliver of sunlight piercing through the darkest of clouds, heralding in a new day after a storm. It's the quiet, steadfast belief that no matter how tightly the storm may coil around us, there is a light untamed by gloom. Imagine it as a seed, waiting and dormant below the
- [Navigating the Dark Side of Ambition: How to Harmonize Personal Achievement and Empathy](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/navigating-the-dark-side-of-ambition-how-to-harmonize-personal-achievement-and-empathy/) - Today, I want to talk about something a bit unconventional, a tad bit counterintuitive - ambition. Yes, the very word that fuels our dreams and aspirations. Yet, let's tread the road less traveled today and look at the unseen aspect of this seemingly glittering trait. The focus isn't to demonize ambition but rather to highlight
- [Mindful Reflection: Your Ultimate Guide For Self-Awareness](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/mindful-reflection-the-ultimate-guide-to-inner-growth-and-awareness/) - The power of mindful reflection. Dive into reflective exercises and learn strategies to enhance self-awareness and deeper connection with the present moment.
- [Euphoria vs. Essence: Why Purpose Trumps Happiness in Life's Grand Pursuit](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/euphoria-vs-essence-why-purpose-trumps-happiness-in-lifes-grand-pursuit/) - Our society screams one common mantra: "Happiness is the ultimate goal!" We’ve all heard it, and perhaps, chased it. But what if there's more to life than just catching the wave of happiness?Before we dismantle the pedestal of happiness, let's define what it means in the fast-paced, Instagram-perfect culture we live in. Happiness, in its
- [Repressing Your Emotions Are Preventing You From Finding The Joy In Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/repressing-your-emotions-are-preventing-you-from-fiding-the-joy-in-life/) - It's okay to feel. Having emotions is okay. We tell ourselves that we need to stay strong, but if we prevent ourselves from feeling the weight of life from time to time, it will manifest itself in ways that you could never imagine. As we repress more and more of our emotions, it starts to
- [Micro-Habits and Their Impact: Small Steps, Big Change](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/micro-habits-and-their-impact-small-steps-big-change/) - While macro-habits set the vision, micro-habits pave the path. This is your guide to unparalleled change from implementation to overcoming challenges.
- [Life's Guiding Star: The Symphony of Passion and Purpose](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/purpose/lifes-guiding-star-the-symphony-of-passion-and-purpose/) - In the vast tapestry of human existence, there's a thread that subtly yet persistently weaves its way through our lives: purpose. This elusive yet profound force often whispers, sometimes shouts, guiding us towards passions that resonate deeply within our souls. It's as if there's an internal compass embedded in each of us, always pointing towards
- [Mastering the Art of Uncertainty: An Epic Guide to Quelling the Storms of Anxiety](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/mastering-the-art-of-uncertainty-an-epic-guide-to-quelling-the-storms-of-anxiety/) - Life possesses this uncanny knack for hurtling storms our way when we least anticipate it. One moment, we're smoothly sailing on placid waters, and the next, we're caught in a whirlpool of unpredictability. And, oh, how that unforeseen chaos sends ripples of anxiety through our minds! Fear not, dear voyagers, for today we unfurl the
- [How to Become Your Authentic Self and Discover Your True Happiness](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/how-to-become-your-authentic-self-and-discover-your-true-happiness/) - Are you who want to be? Has your life been moving in the direction you’ve wanted it to go or are you settling for your current station because you’re not unhappy?Not being unhappy doesn’t mean that you’re happy. Happiness and unhappiness aren’t two sides of the same coin. So, I ask you again. Are you
- [Being Ordinary is Lame, Live Your Potential](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/1501-2/) - In this life you have two choices: learn to love the ordinary or work towards becoming extraordinary. The former is okay if that's what brings you joy. Who am I to say that sameness isn't right for you just because it isn't right for me? However, I am a firm believer that each of us
- [6 Strategies For A Better Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/6-strategies-for-a-better-life/) - As a parent, I say a lot of things to my children that I'm not so sure that they understand. I can't force them to comprehend something that they aren't ready to receive. But, there is nothing wrong with planting a seed that, over time, can be nurtured into something beautiful. Life is like that.
- [You Are Your Preoccupation](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/you-are-your-preoccupation/) - We've all heard the saying, "you are what you eat." Many times what is true for the body, is also true for the mind. In other words, what you feed your attention is what you become. Your perception of the world around you is more or less a projection of how you feel about yourself.
- [On Being Intentionally Grateful](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/on-being-intentionally-grateful/) - Two words come to mind when I think about a life we'll lived: intentionally grateful. We can choose to look at our lives through a lense of scarcity or a lense of abundance. The difference being, of course, how you see the world around you. Some people may look at my childhood as being one
- [Success Vs. Significance](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/success-vs-significance/) - Success ebbs and flows but significance endures. A good name, in my estimation, is vastly more important than good riches. It's more important, and longer lasting, to focus more on who you are than what you've earned. That's not to say that financial success is wrong. I'm just pointing out that your legacy depends more
- [Different Minds, One Orchestra: How Neurodiversity Is Changing the Way We Think](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/shared-humanity/different-minds-one-orchestra-how-neurodiversity-is-changing-the-way-we-think/) - Imagine you're walking through a forest. Each tree you pass by is distinct—some have gnarled branches, others are tall and straight; some have leaves of vibrant green, while others are adorned with autumn's fiery hues. You can't help but marvel at the forest's complexity and individuality. Now, think of this forest as a metaphor for
- [Lifelong Learning: Strategies For a Lifetime of Nimble Thought](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/lifelong-learning-strategies-to-keep-the-river-of-knowledge-flowing/) - Lifelong learning challenges the conventional boundaries of education, encouraging us to view every experience as an opportunity to grow and evolve.
- [Limiting Beliefs: Transcend Self-Doubt and Empower Your Ultimate Future](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth/limiting-beliefs-transcend-self-doubt-and-empower-your-ultimate-future/) - Break free from limiting beliefs. Dive into understanding self-doubt, discover strategies to overcome barriers, and empower yourself to shape a promising future
- [Constructive Conversations: The Pathway to Growth and Connection](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/constructive-conversations/constructive-conversations-the-pathway-to-growth-and-connection/) - Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a heated argument, only to realize that the conversation has devolved into a battle of egos rather than an exchange of ideas? It's a common pitfall, but what if I told you that disagreements don't have to be destructive? In fact, when approached with an open
- [Heart to Heart: The Myth of Perfection](https://davidnjohnson.com/heart-to-heart/heart-to-heart-the-myth-of-perfection/) - My Dearest Reader,There's a pervasive myth in our society, one that has taken root in the deepest recesses of our minds. It’s the illusion of perfection, the relentless pursuit of an unblemished existence. We are often led to believe that the ideal life is one without fault or failure, where every step is the right
- [Emotional Resilience - Practicing Self-Compassion](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/emotional-resilience-practicing-self-compassion/) - Last week I wrote a post titled Empathy and How to Use it to Connect With, Relate To, and Help Others. In that post, I talked about the three attributes of empathy: cognitive, emotional, and empathic. Today, I want to cover resiliency and the importance of practicing self-compassion. Most of us are quick to support
- [From Fear to Freedom:  A 3-Step Plan for Embracing Life's Inevitable Changes](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/from-stagnation-to-growth-how-to-make-choices-that-shape-your-future/) - Choices aren't free. Each important decision we make changes us. Even when we decide to do nothing, it takes a toll on who we are, our outlook on life, and how we feel about ourselves. Choices mean change, and change is scary. With change, we have two distinct choices, we can choose to do nothing
- [From Scattered to Laser-Focused: The Science of Mastering Your Attention](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/excellence/from-scattered-to-laser-focused-the-science-of-mastering-your-attention/) - Imagine you're at a bustling café, sipping on your favorite latte, and engrossed in a gripping novel. The world around you fades away as you dive into the story. But then, your phone buzzes. It's a notification, maybe an email or a social media update. Your focus wavers, and for a moment, you're pulled out
- [A Higher Calling: The Quest for Personal Excellence](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/excellence/a-higher-calling-the-quest-for-personal-excellence/) - In our quest for brilliance and accomplishment, many of us envision excellence as a gleaming pinnacle, a summit to be reached. But what if I told you that excellence isn't merely a peak waiting at the end of a treacherous climb? Instead, think of excellence as the art of sculpting a diamond. When a diamond
- [The Ripple Effect of Mentorship: Influencing Change Through Teaching](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/mentorship/the-ripple-effect-of-mentorship-influencing-change-through-teaching/) - Picture a serene pond, its surface undisturbed and perfectly reflective. Now, imagine a single stone gently cast into its midst. As it breaks the surface, ripples form, expanding outward, touching every corner of the pond, transforming its entire state. This is the power and beauty of mentorship. With one act of guidance, one impartation of
- [The Performance of Masculinity: Beyond Postures and Gestures](https://davidnjohnson.com/men/the-performance-of-masculinity-beyond-postures-and-gestures/) - Recently, while discussing the nuances of masculinity on Reddit, I came across a compelling comment. A fellow redditor aptly stated that often, masculinity feels like a void, lacking a definitive essence. It's as if we're making "constant gestures" to affirm our place as "real men," driven not by an inherent sense of self but rather
- [Mastering the Art of Boredom: Practical Steps to Unlock Creativity and Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/mastering-the-art-of-boredom-practical-steps-to-unlock-creativity-and-growth/) - Remember when we took that enlightening journey into the realm of boredom together a few weeks back? (Here's the link if you missed it.) Today, we're taking it a step further. We've talked about the theory. We even explored the insights of science and philosophy and hopefully sparked some curiosity in you. But understanding is
- [Are Dangerous Prejudices Leading Us Down The Wrong Path?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/are-dangerous-prejudices-leading-us-down-the-wrong-path/) - Consider the thinking BEHIND the difference in thought before passing judgment. In this case, judgment means deciding if what they are saying has any merit or not. In politics, religion, parenting, business, and just about anything else where there are differing views, we get so tied up in our side of things that we allow
- [5 Traits of Character that Will Increase Your Value, Strengthen Your Resolve, and Create the Life you Want](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/5-traits-of-character-that-will-increase-your-value-strenghten-your-resolve-and-create-the-life-you-want/) - Your character is your calling card. It arrives before you do and sets the stage for your arrival. It's what draws people to you or pushes them away. It can propel you forward or hold you back. Either way, your character is paramount to any happiness or success that you want to achieve in this
- [5 Spiritual Workouts to Help You Connect with Yourself & Others](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/5-spiritual-workouts-to-help-you-connect-with-yourself-others/) - We all struggle. It may not always look that way on the outside, especially when we look at somebody we admire from a distance, but I assure you, we're all human. Being human means that we covet what we don't have, then when we do get the object of our desire, we find something else
- [Reframe Your Perspective](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/reframe-your-perspective/) - Clear. Like glass. The water flows as far as the eye can see. Islands, all hills and trees, break up the monotony of the still lake. The shrill cry of a hawk echoes through the landscape as early Spring begins to take over for Winter, a struggle that neither is ready to lose. The sun,
- [Permission To Screw Up: Granted](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/permission-to-screw-up-granted/) - If no one has ever said it to you before, I'll say it. But, when I say it, you have to own it. You have to believe me. What I'm about to say will let you off the hook but don't let what I'm about to say sit idly by as you continue to do
- [One Is Enough - You ARE Enough](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/one-is-enough-you-are-enough/) - One person CAN make a difference. You've been duped into believing that one is too small a number to elicit change. You've been lied to. One is the perfect number to get started with. Make it your goal to inspire just one other person to want to inspire another. Movements have to start somewhere. Why
- [Letting Go Is Hard But We Must + 3 Steps For Making It A Reality](https://davidnjohnson.com/empathy/letting-go-is-hard-but-we-must-3-steps-for-making-it-a-reality/) - What pains of the past are holding you back? Don't just read those words, feel them. What wounds are you still licking after all these years? You may not even realize that you're being held back by them, but you are. Was there a family member 5 years ago that did something to you that
- [Do Good. Love Others. Give More Than You Take.](https://davidnjohnson.com/social-change/do-good-love-others-give-more-than-you-take/) - Do good. Love others. Give more than you take. Do that, and you fill your life with happiness. We all do it, and we fill the world with joy. If we change our reasons why from giving to receive to giving to give, then we improve both our perception of self and how others see
- [The Old Man, The Journalist, and The Pursuit of Life – PART 1](https://davidnjohnson.com/parables/the-old-man-the-journalist-and-the-pursuit-of-life-part-1/) - Slowly he sips his wine, savoring its delicate balance of peach, apple, and oak as he looks across the valley below from the window of his den. He never tires from watching the setting sun turn the sky a mix of pinks and purples as it makes way for the first full moon of spring.
- [The Old Man, The Journalist, and The Pursuit of Life – PART 2](https://davidnjohnson.com/parables/the-old-man-the-journalist-and-the-pursuit-of-life-part-2/) - If you haven’t read it yet, here is a link to part one. “Happiness isn’t the end of the story; it’s the beginning, ” the old man said just before taking a long drink of his orange juice. Setting his glass back down on the breakfast table, he continued, “the trick is understanding that once
- [The Old Man, The Journalist, and The Pursuit of Life – PART 4](https://davidnjohnson.com/parables/the-old-man-the-journalist-and-the-pursuit-of-life-part-4/) - “We’re all a work in progress, ” the old man says as he lowers himself into the chair across from the journalist. They are sitting in the employee lounge area of A New Life Grocers. The space is ample and looks more like a customer-facing area than an area meant for employees. Big plush chairs
- [The 4 Parts of Success - Living a Balanced Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/success/the-4-parts-of-success-living-a-balanced-life/) - Success can be many things, but it most definitely isn't just one thing. Most people, when they think about what success is, focus only on the monetary aspect of it. While they aren't wrong, it's just one part of the story. As I see it, there are four parts of success that you need to
- [What Happens to a Dream Deferred?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/what-happens-to-a-dream-deffered/) - Ideas give us power. They motivate us. They propel us forward. Ideas, at least the right ones, can set us free. Ideas are alive. They want something from us. They beg us to let them out. Ideas want to fruit. They want to see the light of day and to be made whole. Inside they
- [Daily Affirmation - Today I am More Because I Overcome](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmation-today-i-am-more-because-i-overcome/) - Today is the day that I find the root cause of my most nagging negative thoughts. People keep telling me to think positive, that my life will change because of it, but still negative thoughts creep up on me. They have a way of dulling the edges of my life, some days more than others.
- [Fight For Yourself; You're Worth So Much More Than You Know](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/fight-for-yourself-youre-worth-so-much-more-than-you-know/) - Life has a way of pulling you down. It pushes back against you as you fight to move forward, whispering in your ear that you're not good enough. It's easy to escape with food, by running away, or by hiding at the bottom of a bottle. None of that makes the problem go away, it
- [Stop Allowing You Personal Biases To Hold You Back](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/stop-allowing-you-personal-biases-to-hold-you-back/) - Metacognition is a fancy word. It rolls of the tongue quite nicely and is fun to say (at least for me, but I'm strange). Metacognition is defined by the process of thinking about your own thought processes. It's about becoming aware of your awareness and how you know what you know. Simply put, it's all
- [It's Time to Wake Up](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/its-time-to-wake-up/) - Do you find yourself stumbling through life without a purpose? With nothing more to look forward to than just another day, your next meal, and going home after you leave a job you hate? If so, you just might be a member of the walking dead. You have all the signs of life on the
- [3 Principles To Live a Better Life, Achieve Your Dreams, and Attain Happiness](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/3-principles-to-live-a-better-life-achieve-your-dreams-and-attain-happiness/) - Isn't that what we all want? We want to be happy, secure, and live a good life. Right? The exact definition of what happiness means is different for all of us but how it's attained is pretty universal. I use the word attain because happiness isn't something that just happens. It's something you must work
- [Daily Affirmations - Today, I'll be a Seeker of Wisom](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmations-today-ill-be-a-seeker-of-wisom/) - Today, I will take each moment as it comes and will take from them only what I can use to make myself better. Much like the winemaker removes the sediment and froth during the winemaking process, I to shall remove from my day the things that don't belong. Today, I am a seeker of wisdom.
- [Rewards Over Risks](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/rewards-over-risks/) - Don't be afraid to take risks. Being risk adverse limits your life in ways you can't imagine. It will prevent you from achieving your goals, living a full life, and helping others. If your goal is to never know heartache, have hard times, fall down, or even stumble then your life will be but a
- [The Real You - A Formula](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-real-you-a-formula/) - You are not equal to your current self. You're so much more than who you are right now. So stop devaluing who you are based on where you are at the moment. As I reflected on what I wanted to post this morning I kept coming back to a simple formula that explains what I
- [The Dual Melody of Life: How to Play the Notes of Ambition and Contentment](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/shared-success/the-dual-melody-of-life-how-to-play-the-notes-of-ambition-and-contentment/) - Imagine you're on a road trip. You've planned out every detail—where to stop, what to see, and where to eat. You find yourself on an open highway, a perfect blue sky stretching out above you. Your favorite songs are playing, and you feel utterly content. But then, you notice the signs pointing to an unplanned
- [The Art of Adding: Why Creation is Your Ultimate Responsibility](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/purpose/the-art-of-adding-why-creation-is-your-ultimate-responsibility/) - Imagine sitting on a secluded beach, your toes caressing the warm sand as the sun dips below the horizon. You find a smooth, untouched rock and decide to make your mark, etching a simple design onto its surface. As you finish, you can't help but marvel at the small yet profound act you've just completed.
- [The Language of Disagreement: Using Love Languages to Transform Arguments](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/constructive-conversations/the-language-of-disagreement-using-love-languages-to-transform-arguments/) - Have you ever wondered why some disagreements, whether with a partner, friend, or colleague, seem to escalate into full-blown arguments, while others resolve themselves almost effortlessly? You might chalk it up to mood, timing, or maybe even astrological compatibility if you're into that sort of thing. But what if the real answer lies in a
- [The Symphony of Success: Collective Achievement](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-philosophy/shared-success/the-symphony-of-success-collective-achievement/) - Ah, the sweet sound of success! Have you ever paused to consider that someone else's achievement could serve as a catalyst for your own? Imagine a grand symphony, where each musician contributes their unique melody, culminating in a harmonious masterpiece. In much the same way, success is not a solo endeavor but a collective composition.
- [Impromptu Series: Self Reflection is Key for Self Love, Acceptance, and Personal Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/impromptu/impromptu-series-self-reflection-is-key-for-self-love-acceptance-and-personal-growth/) - Experience doesn't lead to growth unless you spend time reflecting on what you've learned. Self-reflection is time well spent. It allows you to better understand why you think the way you do, say the things that you say, and more importantly why you do the things that you do. Without self-reflection you're doomed to be
- [The Dichotomy of Human Nature: Brutality and Beauty](https://davidnjohnson.com/social-change/the-dichotomy-of-human-nature-brutality-and-beauty/) - Brutality. It's a word that resonates, echoing through the annals of time. No race, ethnicity, class, or era holds a singular claim to it. Like a shadow, it has lingered by humanity's side, ever-present, waiting for the opportune moment to darken the brightest of days. In every corner of our shared history, from the icy
- [The Modern-Day Philosopher: Merging Primal Strength with Emotional Intelligence](https://davidnjohnson.com/men/the-modern-day-philosopher-merging-primal-strength-with-emotional-intelligence/) - Note: While you do not have to read them to get the most out of this post, this is the third part of a trilogy. First Part | Second Part In today's digital age, where our beliefs and ideals often get shaped by the whirlwind of social media trends, there emerges a curious dichotomy in
- [Heart to Heart: Embracing the Vision of 'You'](https://davidnjohnson.com/heart-to-heart/heart-to-heart-embracing-the-vision-of-you/) - My Dearest Reader,Life, in its grand yet bewildering design, often presents us with challenges that feel insurmountable. It pushes back as we strive to surge ahead, whispering doubts that aim to shake our resolve. And while the path of escape may appear attractive – with the lure of instant gratification or the false solace found
- [Heart to Heart: The Balance Of It All](https://davidnjohnson.com/heart-to-heart/heart-to-heart-the-balance-of-it-all/) - My Dearest Reader,Life, in all its beautiful complexity, is like a dance, a delicate waltz of dreams, responsibilities, relationships, and self-care. Today, I want to talk to you about the art of balance, the elegant dance of managing the various elements of our lives in harmony and grace.In this high-paced world, we often find ourselves
- [Heart to Heart: Living Your Truth](https://davidnjohnson.com/heart-to-heart/heart-to-heart-living-your-truth/) - My Dearest Reader,In the great symphony of existence, each of us plays a unique note, a distinct melody that resonates with our deepest truth. Today, I want to talk to you about the music of authenticity, the harmony of living true to your own values and beliefs, undiluted by the cacophony of societal expectations.Society, with
- [Heart to Heart: Resilience in the Face of Adversity](https://davidnjohnson.com/heart-to-heart/heart-to-heart-resilience-in-the-face-of-adversity/) - My Dearest Reader,In the grand narrative of our lives, we often envision a linear path towards our dreams, a journey unmarred by obstacles. However, reality often paints a different picture. One filled with undulating landscapes of triumphs and trials, of victories and adversities. Today, I want to talk to you about this intricate dance with
- [Heart To Heart: Learn to Be Kind to Yourself](https://davidnjohnson.com/heart-to-heart/heart-to-heart-learn-to-be-kind-to-yourself/) - My Dearest Reader, In the beautiful tapestry of our lives, we are often our own harshest critics. We are quick to show kindness to others but withhold it from ourselves, losing ourselves in the labyrinth of self-judgment and harsh self-criticism. Today, I want to talk to you about the grace of self-compassion, the gentle art
- [Embracing the Hourglass: Finding Purpose in Life's Countdown](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/embracing-the-hourglass-finding-purpose-in-lifes-countdown/) - Tick-tock. Tick-tock. The clock, our mutual acquaintance, faithfully counts down the fleeting seconds of our existence. An hourglass capturing the sand of time; each grain a moment lost, a memory formed, a life lived. We've all thought about immortality or even read a news story about breakthroughs scientists have made toward lengtheing our lives indefinitely,
- [Living Authentically: How to Align Your Life with Your Values](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/living-authentically-how-to-align-your-life-with-your-values/) - Values are our moral compass, our invisible guiding lights in the unchartered waters of life. It's the why behind every decision, every action. Do you recall the last time you made a choice that felt right? That felt you? Those were your values speaking. Yet, have you ever taken a moment to map out these
- [Understanding Our Toxic Traits: The Journey Within](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/understanding-our-toxic-traits-the-journey-within/) - Unmasking the Culprit: The Self-Reflection That We Often Avoid Life is a constant dance of interactions and sometimes conflicts. We all experience those moments where we feel wronged, slighted, or even betrayed. Our instinct is to lay blame on others, wrapping ourselves in the comfort of victimhood. But let’s challenge that instinct. Let’s turn the
- [The Symphony of Balanced Ambition: Fanning the Flames of Collective Triumph](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-symphony-of-balanced-ambition-fanning-the-flames-of-collective-triumph/) - As we stand on the shores of ambition, we look out at the vast expanse and realize the need for others to join us on this expedition. The question becomes not just how we can foster a balance between personal ambitions and collective good, but how we can inspire others to dance to the same
- [The Delicate Dance of Self-Acceptance and Self-Improvement: Embracing Who You Are While Becoming Who You Want to Be](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-delicate-dance-of-self-acceptance-and-self-improvement-embracing-who-you-are-while-becoming-who-you-want-to-be/) - I've been blogging a lot lately about personal growth, which led me to think about the possible ramifications from constant self-improvement. This is why I want to tackle a tricky subject: the delicate balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance. It's a question I've pondered upon extensively, and I'm sure many of you have too: "How can
- [The Old Man, The Journalist, and The Pursuit of Life – PART 3](https://davidnjohnson.com/parables/the-old-man-the-journalist-and-the-pursuit-of-life-part-3/) - “This is where it all began, ” gestured the old man. “Of course, this isn’t what it looked like in the early ’80s, but the premise is the same.” The old man and the journalist stood just inside the doors of A New Life Grocers, the flagship store of roughly 35 locations across the U.S.
- [Escaping Prison - Embracing Discomfort](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/escaping-prison-embracing-discomfort/) - Change isn't a bad thing. Change is uncomfortable. Most of the time we only accept change when it's the LEAST comfortable option. Your desire to always be comfortable is limiting your potential. It's holding you back. It's preventing you from living the life you want. And by want, I don't mean the dreams you've settled
- [1 Minute Reads: Swapping Comfort For Vulnerability](https://davidnjohnson.com/shorts/quick-thoughts-swapping-comfort-for-vulnerability/) - Success in any endeavor means that you must be willing to swap the feeling of comfort with a feeling of vulnerability. Pushing outside your comfort zone requires risk, courage, and the fortitude to keep moving forward. Future success requires present planning. Success isn't something that just happens, it's something that you create. Therefore, success is
- [Birthing Your Dancing Star](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/birthing-your-dancing-star/) - Sometimes I come across a quote, or a saying, that gives me pause. Many times it doesn't really makes sense to me at first but then there is something about the words that feel poetic to me For the past 10 minutes I've been pondering a quote from Friedrich Neitzsche that said: “I tell you:
- [6 Tips To Conquer Oneself and Create Self Discipline](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/5-tips-to-conquer-oneself-and-create-self-discipline/) - Self-discipline is your ability to pursue what you think is right, despite your temptations to abandon it. Self-discipline generates energy and action. It helps to forge who you are much like a fire is used to forge iron. It gives both purpose and meaning to our lives by hardening us against distraction. Self-discipline is often
- [Staying Calm During Times of Stress - How To Keep Your Cool In The Heat of the Moment](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/staying-calm-during-times-of-stress-how-to-keep-your-cool-in-the-heat-of-the-moment/) - Stress can be a positive thing. Our bodies response to stress helps us to stay alert, motivated, and focused. However, it's when we are stressed too often or for too long that our bodies begin to feel the wear and tare of prolonged stress response. During the stress response our bodies narrow our focus. Our
- [In a World Full of Distractions, How Do You Avoid them?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/in-a-world-full-of-distractions-how-do-you-avoid-it/) - Cell phones and emails. Social media and texts. Fatigue and hunger. Stress and anxiety. The list could go on and on.We’re distracted.Distraction is a thing that prevents you from giving your full attention to something else. It pulls you away from your main focus and prevents you from using and aiming your full attention toward
- [Dreaming Big, Overcoming Fear, and Becoming Extraordinary](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/dreaming-big-overcoming-fear-and-becoming-extraordinary/) - Fear is debilitating. It robs you of your self worth and paralyzes you when you even think about taking action towards your goals. This is a built-in hardwired response to anything that would put your life in danger. It's a left over evolutionary survival trait that is meant to keep us alive. When you understand
- [Overcoming Mental Programming](https://davidnjohnson.com/podcast/overcoming-mental-programming/) - What would happen if you woke up today, or tomorrow, and you had absolutely no limiting beliefs? In today’s episode T. and I discuss how to identify negative mental programming by first becoming aware of it then the steps required to overcome the negative mental code that’s holding you back.
- [Are You The Smartest Person In The Room?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/are-you-the-smartest-person-in-the-room/) - If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room!- Some Smart Person We've all heard that saying, and while I generally (more on this in a bit) agree with its sentiment, it's the hubris of the thought that will get you into trouble. Yes, we should seek out mentors. We should
- [Daily Affirmations: Today I Will Thrive](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmations-today-i-will-thrive/) - Today I'm going to thrive. I refuse to go through the motions just to survive. Each day is a gift and I do my self a disservice if my only goal is to get through the day. I will own today. I will make it mine. I will bend the will of the forces around
- [Habits & Success - How To Create Habits That Stick](https://davidnjohnson.com/success/habits-success-how-to-create-habits-that-stick/) - In our third episode we discuss how to build habits that stick. Replacing bad habits with healthy ones will change your life in extremely profound ways. In Habits & Success - How To Create Habits That Stick David N. Johnson and T. Lavon Lawrence discuss what you need to know to create healthy habits that
- [Unintended Consequences and the Power of Second-Order Thinking](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/unintended-consequences-and-the-power-of-second-order-thinking/) - Have you ever heard anybody tell you NOT to second guess yourself? Well, that's bad advice, you should always give your first choice a second look. Not only is it prudent to do so, but it could also end up saving you a lot of heartache down the road. Failing to consider second- and third-order
- [Breaking Down Barriers and Limits You Put on Yourself](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/breaking-down-barriers-and-limits-you-put-on-yourself/) - We all do it. We're all culpable when it comes to disparaging self talk. Each one of us puts limits on what we can achieve because we start to belive that inner voice that says, "they're right. You can't." Well, they're wrong. You can! It's easier to believe somebody saying that you can't or that
- [Drinking From Your Well](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/1805-2/) - Life is a process. It's a continual march towards who you're becoming. If you take a look at the trajectory of your life and all of its ups and downs as a simple line graph, you start to see how one thing leads to another. You were born with an amazing amount of potential —
- [Balancing Success - The 4 Pillars of Living Your Best Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/success/balancing-success-the-4-pillars-of-living-your-best-life/) - In our pilot episode, we discuss the 4 things that you MUST focus on in order to see true success. Many times we chase just one part, money, which causes us to lose so much along the way. In Balancing Success - The 4 Pillars of Living Your Best Life David N. Johnson and T.
- [Balancing Success - Building Powerful Win-Win Relationships](https://davidnjohnson.com/success/balancing-success-building-powerful-win-win-relationships/) - In our second episode we discuss the importance of building powerful win-win relationships with your spouse, boss, co-workers, children, and more. For so long we've been thinking about relationships all wrong and how important they are to our overall well-being. In Balancing Success - Building Powerful Win-Win Relationships David N. Johnson and T. Lavon Lawrence
- [Have You Ordained Your Life?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/have-you-ordained-your-life/) - Ordain: /ôrˈdān/ - order or decree (something) officially. Many times it feels as if the world is ACTING against you. As if keeping you down is a part of its agenda. It isn't. Rather, the world is slowly revealing itself to you. It's up to you to respond to in a way that pushes you
- [Neuroplasticity, Your Brain, and the Power of Experience](https://davidnjohnson.com/neuroplasticity/neuroplasticity-your-brain-and-the-power-of-experience/) - I try not to write using large scholarly words, I pride myself in writing posts that everybody can understand. As the sender, it's my job to ensure that the receiver (you) has the best possible chance of understanding the message that I'm trying to convey. However, when writing about the brain I have to use
- [Why Is Different Bad?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/why-is-different-bad/) - Why is it that we assume that differences are bad? As a species, we tend to sort things by their differences and ignore the similarities. It's when something goes against the expected that we take notice. It makes us uncomfortable. Why would somebody think differently than me anyway? I'm a reasonably intelligent person and have
- [A Open Love Letter to Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/a-open-love-letter-to-life/) - Life. I love you. I can't always say that. At least not in the way I mean it right now. But, I try. You've given me everything. You've given me my wife. My kids. My home. My career. And my health. You've given me so much more than I've given you. I'm trying to work
- [Impromptu Series: What Mindset Are You?](https://davidnjohnson.com/impromptu/impromptu-series-what-mindset-are-you/) - What kind of mindset do you have? Do you believe where you are is where you'll always be? Or do you belive that change and growth are possible? I know that sounds weird when reading it, but it's a serious question. Laid out like this it's easy to say that you belive in change and
- [Impromptu Series: Radical Transparency](https://davidnjohnson.com/impromptu/impromptu-series-radical-transparency/) - Radical transparency. If in doubt, err on the side of being open about how you feel. That doesn't mean you have to be a jerk and say everything that you're thinking. But, by being transparent and open with those around you, you're better able to connect with them and build a relationship built on truth
- [Impromptu Series: Gratitude is Everything](https://davidnjohnson.com/impromptu/impromptu-series-gratitude-is-everything/) - Gratitude. It changes everything. When you learn to be thankful for everything in your life only THEN can you ever truly be happy. Just like my previous post, I had no idea what I was going to write about until I opened the WordPress app on my phone and began to type. Gratitude is a
- [Impromptu Series: Harnessing The Power of Thought](https://davidnjohnson.com/impromptu/impromptu-series-harnessing-the-power-of-thought/) - I'm going to attempt to do something different. It's 7:03am on a crisp spring morning and I'm sitting in the back seat of bus 196, heading to the office in NYC. I had an idea that I should just start writing. Typically, when I blog, I have some sort of direction that I want to
- [Success Isn't For The Squeamish + 3 Ways To Overcome Fear](https://davidnjohnson.com/success/success-isnt-for-the-squeamish-3-ways-to-overcome-fear/) - Success takes risk. Success means you're willing to risk failure for future gain. Creating success means that you run towards what scares you, not away from it. It means that you understand that in order to get what you want out of life, you have to put just as much back into it. A Life
- [Overcoming The Pitfalls of Life - How to Stay Stoic in Times of Stress](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/overcoming-the-pitfalls-of-life/) - Things happen. From time to time, our well-laid plans go sideways, and no matter how hard we try to fix the situation, we're pushed further and further off course. Most times, we can handle these situations when they come one at a time; we understand that these things happen. But, when it comes in twos
- [Hours Worked < Quality of your Output](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/hours-worked-quality-of-your-output/) - Don't confuse working hard with working efficiently. It's easy to take what the hustle gurus are saying, and fall victim to the more is more fallacy. Hours worked is the wrong metric to track. Not living the life you dreamed of? Work more hours. Wrong! Are you tired of the 9 to 5? Work more
- [The Paradox of Belonging](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-paradox-of-belonging/) - We all want to belong. There is an intense desire in all of us that drives us towards wanting to fit in. Many times it's that desire that shapes who we are, what we gravitate towards, and who we ultimately become. This desire starts at a young age and is never more evident than at
- [A Finite Life is Comprised of an Infinite Number of Possibilities](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/a-finite-life-is-comprised-of-an-infinite-number-of-possibilities/) - 14,122 days. That's it. That's all that's left — the average American male lives to be 78.6 years old. I just turned 40 and did the math. I have roughly 14,122 days left in my life if it isn't cut short by some unforeseen accident or illness. As I write this, I'm sitting in the
- [To Be Heard - A Retrospective of Us](https://davidnjohnson.com/social-change/to-be-heard-a-retrospective-of-us/) - We don't listen anymore. Or was it that we never really listened in the first place? I distinctly remember my mom telling me not to do one thing or another while growing up and doing it anyway. If I had only listed to her wisdom then, I wouldn't have gone through half the stupid stuff
- [Setting Themes For 2020 and Beyond - The Three Words Challenge](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/setting-themes-for-2020-and-beyond-the-three-words-challenge/) - Goals are hard. We're wired for instant gratification, and if we don't get what we want, we get tense and anxious. As humans, we act upon the pleasure principle, which is the driving force behind our desires, needs, and urges. A goal is something that we typically want in the future, such as weight loss,
- [Math, Life, and the Power of Subtraction](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-subtraction-of-life/) - We're wired for addition. It's easier to look at our lives and see what we're missing than it is to see what we need to take away — not feeling fulfilled? Add something to your life. Need a better job? A flashier car? How about a bigger house? If only you could add one more
- [Integrative Thinking - Opposition Shouldn't Separate Us](https://davidnjohnson.com/social-change/integrative-thinking-opposition-shouldnt-separate-us/) - Integrative thinking forces us to understand that our viewpoint on any given topic is based on our interpretation of that topic and that others don't necessarily see things the same way that we do. And, vice verse. It's that understanding that leads us down the path of solving the world's problems. The idea that we
- [The Transmutation of the Shadow and the Fulfillment of Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-transmutation-of-the-shadow-and-the-fullfillent-of-life/) - We're imperfect. We all have moments of weakness, regret, envy, jealousy, vengefulness, schadenfreude (gaining pleasure from another's pain), anger, and even rage. Last week I spoke about the Shadow Self (opens in a new window) and the importance of understanding it. In this post, I want to discuss how we can coexist with the Shadow
- [Understanding Your Inner Shadow - Getting to Know Your Dark Side](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/understanding-your-inner-shadow-we-all-have-a-dark-side/) - There is a dark side to all of us. One that we keep locked away behind a veil of socially acceptable behaviors that prevent, as Carl Jung called it, the Shadow self, from emerging. The Shadow is the subconscious side of our personality that we're never entirely made aware of. Our conscious self doesn't identify
- [Time Isn't The Enemy, Embrace Her](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/time-isnt-the-enemy-embrace-her/) - The passage of time shouldn't be seen as the enemy. You shouldn't see it as a march towards death, as something to be avoided at all costs, especially at the expense of your life. As humans, we are finite. We all die, and one day the reaper will come for us all. I understand that
- [You're Not Your Past - Remove the Handcuffs](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/youre-not-your-past-remove-the-handcuffs/) - You are not your past self. You may have been raised by a single parent, abused as a child, been told that you wouldn't amount to much, or grew up poor, but that doesn't mean you can't have the life you want. It can be hard to move past your past because it has made
- [The Devils Among Us Rarely Look The Part](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-devils-among-us-rarely-look-the-part/) - The devils among us rarely ever have horns, are painted red, and have a forked tongue. They're beautiful, speak eloquently, and seemingly have your best interests at heart. But, be warned, it's easy to be seduced by a devil that looks like a trusted friend or charismatic leader. We're all actors. We all know how
- [Don't Dwell Too Long On The Surface, Take A Deeper Dive](https://davidnjohnson.com/empathy/dont-dwell-too-long-on-the-surface-take-a-deeper-dive/) - More often than not, we humans live on the surface, reacting emotionally to the world around us. To what others say and do. This causes us to form opinions of both ourselves and of others that are overly simplified. Why? Well, much like our view of the world, it's simple: It's the easiest story to
- [The Internal Classification of Others is Limiting Your Worldview](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-internal-classification-of-others-is-limiting-your-worldview/) - To grasp an idea or the rationalization behind why a particular person does a specific thing, or even the words they use, we must first identify with the person or concept for it to make sense to us. This inhibits our ability to see the entire picture and form new subsequent thoughts. Our brains are
- [The Disassociation of Life and the Lies We Tell Ourselves](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-disassociation-of-life-and-the-lies-we-tell-ourselves/) - We're all expert storytellers. Most of us have a Ph.D. in staying stuck and fabricating reasons why we remain so. We even go so far as to associate ourselves with people in the same situations as we are so that we have social proof for the reasons why we keep lying to ourselves. If the
- [Mass Shootings and Band-aids - The Symptom Vs. The Cure](https://davidnjohnson.com/social-change/mass-shootings-and-band-aids-the-symptom-vs-the-cure/) - Another mass shooting. More people are pointing the blame at this thing or that thing. It's the gun laws. It's the video games. It's the hatred being spewed by one politician or another. In all of these arguments, there is a common vein: they are all easy to fix with a law, a ban, or
- [Every Sticky Situation Requires the Answering of 2 Questions](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/every-sticky-situation-requires-the-answering-of-2-questions/) - We all find ourselves in situations that we don't like from time to time. When you do, ask yourself two questions: 1. "How was I complicit in getting myself into this situation," and 2. "How can I proactively keep myself out of these types of situations in the future?" The answer to number 2 will
- [The Ugliest 6 Letter Word of them All](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-ugliest-6-letter-word-of-them-all/) - Regret is an ugly word. It pulls at you. It wants to push you in the deep end and drown you. Don't allow it. The only thing that is truly regrettable is regret itself. How much time do you spend regretting a decision you've made or didn't make? I don't always make the right decisions,
- [Don't Limit Your Life by the Lies You Tell Yourself](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/dont-limit-your-life-by-the-lies-you-tell-yourself/) - It's easy to lie. It's even easier to lie to yourself. To convince yourself that you never wanted whatever it was that you wanted in the first place. Those are the kinds of lies that limit your life. They rob you of your dreams. They take away your future and replace them with a present
- [If You Can't Accept Their View, You Can Still Accept Them](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/if-you-cant-accept-their-view-settle-for-accepting-them/) - Always remember who you are. It's easy to forget that simple reminder when life starts pushing in on you. You can bend but never allow yourself to break from the pressure to go AGAINST what you believe in. As you get close to your breaking point, remind yourself what you stand for, what you will
- [You Can't Fill an Internal Hole Externally](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/you-cant-fill-an-internal-hole-externally/) - The holes we dig within ourselves do more damage to our self-worth than ten people with shovels could ever do. If that isn't problematic enough, we then seek for ways to fill those holes outside ourselves. The problem with that is the fact that all happiness and well-being comes from within. From the same place
- [5 Pro Tips On Being a Better Husband](https://davidnjohnson.com/marriage/5-pro-tips-on-being-a-better-husband/) - Fellas, this is for you. Yesterday was my 18th wedding anniversary (together for 20) and as I look back at my married life, the bumps we've had, the arguments, and the disagreements, I ask myself, "how have we managed to make it work when so many marriages end in divorce?" Many of our friends tell
- [Learning To Let Go - 3 Tips On How To Release Negativity From Your Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/learning-to-let-go-3-tips-on-how-to-release-negativity-from-your-life/) - I've been writing a lot about thoughts, controlling them, and the idea that the ones you give the most attention to are the ones that affect you the most. Read: The Power of Thought I'm going to be honest with you, letting go isn't easy. Negative thoughts are typically the thoughts that get the most
- [The Power of Thought](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-power-of-thought/) - I don't always write long-form content, such as this post or the others that I have written. Sometimes, I write a sentence or two and post them on various social channels. Last week, I posted something on Facebook that has stuck with me. I keep going back to it, letting the thought tumble around in
- [Your Perception Is Your Reality](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/your-perception-is-your-reality/) - Yesterday I had a conversation with a couple of co-workers (Nehar G and Lou E). It started with me talking about a kidney stone I passed the day before (TMI?), and as I was recounting the story, I couldn't help but laugh at a few things. It was then that I was asked how I
- [The Necessary Struggles of Life and Why They are Important](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-necessary-struggles-of-life-and-why-they-are-important/) - Like water, our lives tend to take the path of least resistance. We make decisions based off of what's easy, what makes us comfortable, and how well worn the path ahead is. But, much like the caterpillar needs the struggle to break away from the cacoon to survive, our lives are made whole through the
- [The Elusive Quest For Happiness](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/the-elusive-quest-for-happiness/) - We all want it. We pursue happiness like it's a thing to be won. Many times we don't even know what makes us happy yet we assign goals to our lives in a seemingly futile attempt to obtain it. Then, we spend years of our lives chasing those goals only to find out, at the
- [Getting To Our Shared Humanity](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/getting-to-our-shared-humanity/) - Everything that happens in the world around you is filtered through your personal biases. Each of us has our own thoughts and experiences that slants the world around us in our own unique way. This is a recurring thought I've been having for a few days now, one that causes me to reflect on how
- [Quitting Isn't as Easy as You Think](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/quitting-isnt-as-easy-as-you-think/) - Are you ready to quit because the alternative looks too hard? Are you done writing your story because the last few chapters didn't go as planned? That's life. You can't always win. I know that when in the midst of failure the pain of it is so blinding that you can't see past it. At
- [Overcoming Adversity - Building Your Resilience](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/overcoming-adversity-building-your-resilience/) - Things happen. Life won't always be butterflies and rainbows. Adversity will strike, things will get tough, and you'll start to question everything. Don't. Easier said than done? Yes. Absolutely. But, you're resilient. You can bounce back. You have to get your mind right. To cultivate resiliency, you must focus on these three distinct characteristics: Accept
- [To Blame Oneself Or Another, That Is The Question](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/to-blame-oneself-or-another-that-is-the-question/) - Theodore Roosevelt once said, "if you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month." Blaming others is easy. We're psychologically disposed to look outside ourselves for reasons why we failed at one thing or another. Nobody likes to be the reason for failure, so
- [3 Thing You Can Do Today To Ensure That Life Doesn't Pass You By](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/3-thing-you-can-do-today-to-ensure-that-life-doesnt-pass-you-by/) - One of my biggest fears is life passing me by. It's funny how I didn't come to this realization until recently; I even remember writing a creative essay on the topic in high school. Still, it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I decided to slow things down, take in the world around
- [We All Have Problems](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/we-all-have-problems/) - Always remember that you're not the only person facing trials. We all have problems; things that hinder our happiness, prevent our successes and isolate us from others. It's all in HOW we manage those trials that dictate the person we become after the trial is over. Our problems have a way of separating us from
- [Daily Affirmations - Today, I Fear No More!](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmations-today-i-fear-no-more/) - Today, I make fear my friend. Instead of running away I'll stay and fight. I'll fight for a better future; a better life, more joy, more adventure. Today, I fight for a better me. No longer will I lack the courage to do the things I want in life. No longer will I turn away
- [Using Fear to Increase The Velocity of Your Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/using-fear-to-increase-the-velocity-of-your-life/) - Fear falls into two categories; rational and irrational. Rational fear is the fear you feel when your life is in danger, irrational fear is the fear you feel right before making a decision that could have a significant impact on your life. Knowing the difference between the two and applying logic to the irrational fears
- [Daily Affirmations - Today, I Will Focus On My Why.](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmations-today-i-will-focus-on-my-why/) - Today, my passion will turn into a healthy obsession as I focus on my why. Why do what I do? What pushes me internally and externally to perform at the levels required to achieve my goals? I can know the how of things, the steps needed to accomplish my dreams, but if I neglect the
- [Stop Tripping Over Your Negative Thoughts](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/stop-tripping-over-your-negative-thoughts/) - There is no deficit in human resources; the deficit is in human will. Martin Luther King, Jr. The only disadvantage we have in life is our inability to be creative. We keep telling ourselves, "if only this, " or "if only that" as an excuse to keep ourselves off the hook. These limiting beliefs are
- [Others and The Role They Play In Our Success/Happiness/Life/etc.](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/others-and-the-role-they-play-in-our-success-happiness-life-etc/) - Our lives are a culmination of our experiences, how others motivate us, who believes in us, and our feelings towards it all. Like it or not, we are all intertwined. There is no such thing as self-made. Our lives will always intersect the lives of others. Those intersections help to shape who we are, how
- [Daily Affirmations - Today I'll Strive to be a Better Me](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmations-today-ill-strive-to-be-a-better-me/) - Today, I am okay with not being enough because today I'm okay with being a work in progress. I will no longer look at myself and make an excuse for the things I lack or could be better at because it's during these times of self-reflection that give me insight into who I need to
- [You're More Than Your Past - 4 Steps For Overcoming Your Past Trauma](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/youre-more-than-youre-past-4-steps-for-overcoming-your-past-traumas/) - If you're letting some past wrong hold you back from achieving happiness in the present, it's time to face the fact that it happened, that it's over, but above all, it doesn't have to define your future. You may have suffered a traumatizing event in your past perpetrated by somebody who should have known better,
- [Get Your Mind Right, Get Your Life Right](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/get-your-mind-right-get-your-life-right/) - Get your mind right. It will either lead you to a dead end, or it will lead you to the promise land. What are we if not a sum of our thoughts? That's why it's imperative that you take control of how you feel and focus your mind in the direction you want to go.
- [Daily Affirmations - Today I'll Be Fully Engaged](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmations-today-ill-be-fully-engaged/) - Today, I will be fully engaged in the moment. Today, I bring my A-game to every interaction. Today, I decide to be focused 100% on the person or task that is in front of me. No longer will I allow my mind to pull me in other directions, splitting my attention between what I'm currently
- [3 Strategies For a Happier 2019](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/3-strategies-for-a-happier-2019/) - We all want to be happier, right? While that's a rhetorical question that doesn't need to be answered, it is something that you should be thinking about regularly. Your happiness is important. It colors everything in your life. It will even sour the good moments, making it nearly impossible to dig yourself out of emotional
- [Daily Affirmations - Today I'm the Architect of my Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmations-today-im-the-architect-of-my-life/) - Today, I decide how I feel. Never again will I allow the actions of other people to dictate how I feel about myself, my surroundings, or my station in life. Never again will I define myself or my life in terms of the things that HAPPEN to me. Rather, I decide to be a product
- [Daily Affirmations - I Have The Potential To Be More](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmations-i-have-the-potential-to-be-more/) - Today, I begin living up to my full potential. Never again will I be less than I am. Never again will I perform at a level that is less than what I'm capable of. Never again will I say to myself that I can do better because everytime will be my best time. Today is
- [Daily Affirmation - Today I'll Live Intentionally](https://davidnjohnson.com/affirmations/daily-affirmation-today-ill-live-intentionally/) - Today I will start living with intent. Gone are the days I wake up and get swept away by the world around me. Today, I choose how my day will play out. Today, I'm in charge. Just as I will be tomorrow, the next day, and every day forward. Today is my day. By living
- [5 Steps To Ensure Your 2019 Resolutions Stick](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/5-steps-to-ensure-your-2019-resolutions-stick/) - It's January second, just two days into 2019. You have big goals! It's a brand new year after all and 2018 wasn't that great. Maybe you want to lose some weight, start a business, work on your marriage, get out of debt, or maybe you want to be a better person? Whatever it is, good
- [Making Significance a Habit](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/making-significance-a-habit/) - Was I significant in the life of another today? Did my day have meaning? At the end of each day I can't always answer those questions with a yes but the more I ask it of myself and the more I reflect on the days missed opportunities, the easier it becomes to spot the moments
- [Master Your Response, Exude Emotional Control](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/master-your-response-exude-emotional-control/) - Emotional control is a by product of rumination, understanding, and the ability to slow down your reaction time. We're emotional creatures, pulled one way or another by how we react to stimuli. Learning how to control your reaction to your emotional state will give you the level of clarity needed to reshape whatever life throws
- [Three Words That Will Change My Life. Will They Change Yours?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/three-words-that-will-change-my-life-will-they-change-yours/) - Courage. Love. Value. I chose these three words as reminders of the things that I want to work on each day, starting today and through 2019. I first got the idea from Chris Brogan, who has been doing this for years and then again in the book High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard. The idea
- [Pay Attention to the Beauty Around You, It's Everywhere](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/pay-attention-to-the-beauty-around-you-work-towards-more-of-that/) - There is beauty all around you even if you don't notice that it's there. Sometimes it takes a second look, a quiet mind, and inner contemplation to see it, but it's there. We move too quickly, never stopping to notice the beauty of the world around us. A flower growing from a crack in the
- [Be Vigilant in the Heat of Battle - A Win Isn't Always A Win](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/be-vigilant-in-the-heat-of-battle-a-win-isnt-always-a-win/) - Keeping your cool isn't always easy. Life has it's own way of messing with you by throwing things your way that will test you. Staying calm at those moments where you want to be anything but can be some of the toughest moments of your life. A few weeks ago I wrote on the topic
- [Learn How to Take a Punch in the Mouth](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/learn-how-to-take-a-punch-in-the-mouth/) - Be adaptable. Learn to bend so that you don't break. Being too rigid prevents you from springing forward after a setback. It leaves you susceptible to being broken. Keep in mind that there aren't many things in life that are certain. Don't take that as demotivational, rather see it as the opposite. Understanding that very
- [Harness The Winds of Change, Build a Windmill](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/harness-the-winds-of-change-build-a-windmill/) - Windmills or walls, what you build is up to you but which one you go with determines everything. There is an old Chinese proverb that says: When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills. Change is inevitable and no matter how hard we try to ignore it, time will
- [Change Your Perspective - Take a Step Back](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/change-your-perspective-take-a-step-back/) - Learn to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, there is so much more to see. Have you ever tried to take a picture of a group of people and realized that the people at the fringes of the group weren't in the frame? What did you do? You took a step
- [Adopting a Growth Mindset](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/adopting-a-growth-mindset/) - You think, therefore you are. Your potential is limited by your mindset. Having a fixed mindset limits your potential and who you're able to become. Each one of us, including yourself, is in a constant state of becoming. If you limit yourself by what you think you can't do, you're right. If you think in
- [Seek Wisdom but Never Hoard It](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/seek-wisdom-but-never-hoard-it/) - Seek the wisdom of things. Don't collect facts just so they can be regurgitated. Rather, reflect on the things you've learned and how they can have a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you. The true value of wisdom comes from being shared, not hoarded. By hoarding your wisdom it
- [Stay Calm, Be in Control, Become Unflappable](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/stay-calm-be-in-control-be-unflappable/) - Be calm. Learn not to fluster easily. Stay in control at all times and remember that when it comes to how you react that you're in charge. I understand that was much easier to write than it is in actual practice. People can be frustrating, circumstances are not always positive, and life can seemingly spin
- [Who Needs a Stinking Wall?](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/who-needs-a-stinking-wall/) - "Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson How often do you run into the metiphoric brick wall on your path through life only to realize that wall is you? Sure, we like to think that wall is constructed of other peoples decisions but
- [Learn to Celebrate What Makes Us Different](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/learn-to-celebrate-what-makes-us-different/) - Different is good. It's the spice that binds us together. Without it life is bland, less joyous, and tinted with muted colors. As many of you know, I ride the bus into Manhattan each morning for work. It can take 2 and a half hours some mornings and while the idea of that, in the
- [Teach Your Children to be More Socially Adept](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/1145-2/) - Being socially adept isn't something that is taught in school, nor should it be. While it is something that should be enforced at school, being social adept is something that should be taught at home. We can all be more civil with one another by treating each other with respect, love, and understanding. True, stress
- [Reflection Leads To a Better Life](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/reflection-leads-to-a-better-life/) - Think. Spend time reflecting on past decisions, future goals, and your present circumstances. Life moves swiftly and will push you along if you don't plant your feet, slow it down, and pay attention. Have you ever taken a look at your life and wondered how you got to where you're at? Or at a particular
- [Aim Carefully - Make Choosing the Right Goal a Priority](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/aim-carefully/) - Be careful where you set your aim, it will influence how you see the world. Each one of us are a byproduct of our past selves, the people we spend time with, the books we read, and a thousand other things that make up the moments of our lives. That's what makes you so beautifully
- [Be Persuadable - Intolerance Is Dangerous](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/be-persuadable/) - Being intolerant of other peoples views is not only wrong, it's potentially dangerous. If you've ever entered into a debate (or argument) and thought that there is no way you can be persuaded from your way of thinking then you've contributed to the problem. The problem being intolerance for anything that you don't believe in.
- [To Be More - Expect More](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/1079-2/) - Expect more. Stop lowering the expectations of yourself until you're no longer disappointed with the outcomes. The Pygmalion Effect is a psychological phenomenon where high expectations of others lead to better outcomes. In other words, people tend to want to live up to what others think about them. This is important in business, in relationships,
- [Detach From What You Can't Control](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/detach-from-what-you-cant-control/) - Detach yourself from the things you can't control or they will end up controlling you. Many times we spend more time spinning our wheels, trying to gain purchase, than we do pushing forward. Life is full of obstacles, some real and some imagined, but it's the obstacles that we can't control that seam to take
- [You Don't Always Have To Be Right](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/you-dont-always-have-to-be-right/) - It's easy to get stuck in the "I'm right" mindset. So much so that we argue our own rightness to the point of insanity. This is a form of motivational bias that compels us to find ways to land a debate in our favor, even if we're wrong. I urge you to ask yourself, "how
- [Beware Your Impact](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/beware-your-impact/) - Every interaction that we have with another human being leaves a mark. Some are good, some are bad. While I'm a firm believer that it's up to the individual to decide how that mark affects them, we can't ignore the fact that our actions do impact others. (Thank you for the reminder Kieron Cole) So
- [Separating The Person From The Opinion](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/separating-the-person-from-the-opinion/) - We must be able to separate the person from the opinion. Aristotle once said (there is some debate that he ever said it, but that doesn't matter here) that it's a mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it. I'll take that a little further and say that we should be
- [It's Your Story - Be The Hero](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/its-your-story-be-the-hero/) - Take responsibility for your own story. If you often look back and regret a previous chapter of your life then it might be time for you to stop being so passive. This is YOUR story. It's time to reaffirm your values, act on them, and make them an ongoing priority in your life. Action will
- [Kindness > Evil](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/kindness-evil/) - Make kindness the cornerstone of all your interactions this week. Stop and offer a kind word when one is needed, pay for a strangers coffee, drop a dollar in the shaking cup of a homeless person... lend an ear. It's an ongoing debate about whether or not man is inherently evil or if it's society
- [Choices Are Meant To Be Made](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/choices-are-meant-to-be-made/) - Choose to be happy. Choose to be more. Choose to treat others with love. Choose to live with compassion. Choose to see everybody as equals. Choose your reactions to problems carefully. Choose to be better. Choose to help those in need. Choose to give more than you take. Choose your path wisely. Choose. Choose. Choose.
- [Don't Count Your Troubles - Examine Your Happiness](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/dont-count-your-troubles-examine-your-happiness/) - Why is it that we spend more time counting our troubles than we do examining our happiness? We can have 10 things that make us happy but become so focused on the two things that don't, that we forget all about the things that make us smile! It seems that our brains just want to
- [Your Moral Code](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/your-moral-code/) - I spend about 4 or so hours each day commuting to and from NYC on the bus. While I use this time to both work and think, it's the latter that has allowed me to reflect on ideas that I feel are important. You've no doubt seen or have read some of the things I
- [To Motivate Means To Take Action](https://davidnjohnson.com/principles/to-motivate-means-to-take-action/) - Don't wait for that motivation to strike. You can do it! speeches are fleeting at best. It's like a shot of adrenaline, it will perk you up and get you moving but it won't last. You'll crash soon. Motivation comes from doing. Get started on whatever it is you've been waiting to do. See some
- [Playing with Peoples Emotions: A Social Marketers Guide to Understanding Human Psychology](https://davidnjohnson.com/social/playing-with-peoples-emotions-a-social-marketers-guide-to-understanding-human-psychology-2/) - This is a post that I've wanted to write for a long time now, but have been hesitant mostly due to the depth of the subject matter. Human psychology, no matter how you look at it, is a complicated mass of hard to understand layers with ten million dollar words written by one PhD or

## Pages

- [Creating Your Best Self | David N Johnson](https://davidnjohnson.com/) - Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery with our insights on personal growth. Dive into curated resources, relatable stories, and practical steps.
- [Unlocking Personal Growth: A Guide to Personal Development & Success](https://davidnjohnson.com/personal-growth-development/) - Explore our comprehensive personal development 101 guide. Dive into theories and practical insights to unlock your potential and reshape life's journey.
- [Reader](https://davidnjohnson.com/reader/) - [mas_reader book="4068" spine="new-chapter"]
- [Terms and Conditions](https://davidnjohnson.com/term_conditions/)
- [Become an Instructor](https://davidnjohnson.com/become_a_teacher/)
- [Instructor](https://davidnjohnson.com/instructor/) - [learn_press_single_instructor]
- [Instructors](https://davidnjohnson.com/instructors/) - [learn_press_instructors]
- [Courses](https://davidnjohnson.com/courses-2/)
- [Profile](https://davidnjohnson.com/lp-profile/) - [learn_press_profile]
- [Checkout](https://davidnjohnson.com/lp-checkout/)
- [Courses](https://davidnjohnson.com/courses/)
- [Apprentice registration page](https://davidnjohnson.com/apprentice-registration-page/)
- [Lighthouse Letters](https://davidnjohnson.com/lighthouse-letters-2/) - Join Thousands of Others, Register Below What Is Personal Growth? A Lighthouse’s Perspective At its core, personal growth is the ongoing journey of understanding, evolving, and illuminating the paths of our lives. But let’s envision it through the lens of a lighthouse, shall we? Imagine the vast, unpredictable ocean as the multitude of experiences, challenges,
- [My Philosophy: A Manifesto for Enriching Life and Empowering Humanity](https://davidnjohnson.com/my-philosophy/) - Welcome, friends, to a collective journey—a voyage that transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies. You see, we’re all in pursuit of something greater, whether it’s happiness, meaning, or a sense of belonging. And what I’ve come to realize is that these pursuits are not solitary endeavors. They’re communal. Together, we have the potential to not just
- [About](https://davidnjohnson.com/about/) - Who is David N Johnson? Hi. I'm David N Johnson. I'm nobody special. I'm just an average Joe (David?) trying to make a difference. I'm not a celebrity, a billionaire, or some well-known guru. I'm just like you. Heck, I am you. Just like you, I was lied to. I believed that one was too
- [Upcoming Book](https://davidnjohnson.com/upcoming-book-o2/) - About The Book The idea for this book came from the question, and then what? I’ve been blogging for over 10 years and that question continues to come up. And then what? It’s my personal philosophy that we OWE it to ourselves to seek out our dreams. To become the person that is capable of
- [Client Portal](https://davidnjohnson.com/clients/) - [jetpackcrm_clientportal]
- [Client Portal](https://davidnjohnson.com/clients/) - [jetpackcrm_clientportal]
- [Shop](https://davidnjohnson.com/shop/)
- [Creating Your Best Self Podcast](https://davidnjohnson.com/creating-your-best-self-podcast/) - The Creating Your Best Self Podcast In every episode learn how to create your best self and live your best life. Each episode has a unique takeaway that will help you better understand your full potential. Subscribe to the best personal development podcast on the web: Subscribe & Download Subscribe to our podcast using your
- [David N Johnson](https://davidnjohnson.com/generated-homepage/) - This has been autogenerated as a placeholder for homepage.
- [Sample Page](https://davidnjohnson.com/sample-page/) - This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger
- [Today You Made the Right Choice](https://davidnjohnson.com/confirmptm/) - Personal transformation begins with a single decision. It starts when you're fed up with not getting in life what you've dreamed about. Today, you decided that you want to be the person that can reach their dreams. Today, you've decided that you'll no longer make excuses. Today, you've decided to close the gap between who
- [Quote Gallery](https://davidnjohnson.com/quote-gallery/) - Load More
- [Privacy Policy](https://davidnjohnson.com/privacy-policy-2/) - Who we areOur website address is: https://davidnjohnson.com.What personal data we collect and why we collect itCommentsWhen visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection.An anonymized string created from your email address (also called
- [Contact Me](https://davidnjohnson.com/contact-me/) - First NameEmail AddressMessageSend message
- [Blog](https://davidnjohnson.com/blog/)
- [Home](https://davidnjohnson.com/home/) - Welcome To Scroller! A parallax theme for the FastLine Page Builder. Get Started Everything you need, in one place. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. Read More The best place to work, period. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
- [Sample Page](https://davidnjohnson.com/sample-page-2/) - This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger
- [Contact](https://davidnjohnson.com/contact/) - [vc_row type=”vc_default” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1471436855538{padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 120px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1470221114097{margin-right: -100% !important;margin-left: -100% !important;padding-top: 120px !important;padding-bottom: 120px !important;}”][ultimate_heading main_heading=”CONTACT” main_heading_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.05)” sub_heading_color=”#000000″ spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”4″ line_color=”#fc656c” main_heading_font_family=”font_family:Raleway|font_call:Raleway|variant:700″ main_heading_style=”font-weight:700;” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:130px;tablet:130px;tablet_portrait:110px;mobile_landscape:80px;mobile:60px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:130px;tablet:130px;tablet_portrait:130px;mobile_landscape:130px;mobile:130px;” sub_heading_font_family=”font_family:Raleway|font_call:Raleway|variant:700″ sub_heading_style=”font-weight:700;” sub_heading_font_size=”desktop:36px;tablet:36px;tablet_portrait:36px;mobile_landscape:36px;mobile:24px;” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:42px;tablet:42px;tablet_portrait:42px;mobile_landscape:42px;mobile:42px;” sub_heading_margin=”margin-top:-86px;” line_width=”120″ spacer_margin=”margin-top:5px;”]Get in Touch[/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-1 vc_col-lg-10 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-sm-offset-0″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner css=”.vc_custom_1470043839705{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px
- [Previous](https://davidnjohnson.com/previous/) - [vc_row type=”vc_default” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-vz-jquery” bg_image_new=”id^38|url^https://the7.io/digital-artist/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2016/07/parallax2.jpg|caption^null|alt^null|title^parallax2|description^null” bg_image_repeat=”no-repeat” css=”.vc_custom_1469645751027{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 80px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-top: 80px !important;padding-bottom: 80px !important;}”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][ult_content_box box_shadow=”horizontal:px|vertical:px|blur:px|spread:px|color:rgb(247, 247, 247)|style:none|” min_height=”500″ hover_box_shadow=”horizontal:px|vertical:px|blur:px|spread:px|color:rgb(247, 247, 247)|style:none|”][/ult_content_box][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” css=”.vc_custom_1469645246134{padding-top: 80px !important;padding-bottom: 80px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1469636893562{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”][ultimate_heading main_heading=”About Me” main_heading_color=”#f4f4f4″ sub_heading_color=”#000000″ main_heading_font_family=”font_family:Raleway|font_call:Raleway|variant:700″ main_heading_style=”font-weight:700;” main_heading_font_size=”desktop:170px;tablet:130px;tablet_portrait:80px;mobile_landscape:70px;mobile:70px;” main_heading_line_height=”desktop:180px;tablet:140px;tablet_portrait:90px;mobile_landscape:80px;mobile:80px;” sub_heading_font_family=”font_family:Raleway|font_call:Raleway|variant:800″ sub_heading_style=”font-weight:800;” sub_heading_font_size=”desktop:30px;tablet:30px;tablet_portrait:25px;mobile_landscape:20px;mobile:20px;” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:35px;tablet:35px;tablet_portrait:30px;mobile_landscape:25px;mobile:25px;” sub_heading_margin=”margin-top:-100px;margin-bottom:100px;”]Know me better[/ultimate_heading][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”50″ img_size=”900×898″ alignment=”right”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ult_content_box border=”border-style:double;|border-width:15px;border-radius:0px;|border-color:#ff6369;”
- [Home](https://davidnjohnson.com/home-2/) - Never Miss a Post! Get an email whenever I post something new. It's just that easy!

## Thrive Symbols

- [Default Footer for Learning](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=3775)
- [Default Header for Learning](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=3773)
- [Header Light Logo - Menu](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=3756)
- [Footer 02](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=3757)
- [01 - Logo - Menu - Call to Action](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=2279)
- [01 - Columns](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=2280)
- [Default Footer for Shapeshift Theme](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=1990)
- [Default Header for Shapeshift Theme](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=1986)
- [01 - Logo - Menu - Call to Action](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=1941)
- [Logo - Menu - Call to Action - 03](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=1942)
- [01 - Columns](https://davidnjohnson.com/?post_type=tcb_symbol&p=1943)

## Thrive Apprentice Lesson

- [Two Scarcity Marketing Recipes](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/two-scarcity-marketing-recipes/) - In this short lesson, we introduce two recipes you can apply to your business: the “under the radar” promotion and the classic product launch or sale. You’ll see the exact steps and timings required to make these promotions as effective as possible.
- [Introduction – From Internet Rubbish to Content Marketing Gold](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/introduction-from-internet-rubbish-to-content-marketing-gold/) - Why is it so hard to create engaging content? And what is engaging content actually? Discover what you’ll need to learn in order to make your content marketing efficient
- [Why Most Internet Content Never Sees The Light of Day](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/why-most-internet-content-never-sees-the-light-of-day/) - Over two million blog articles are written every day. And most of them will never be read. Discover why this happens and how to avoid being part of this junkyard of internet rubbish.
- [Mastering Your Technique and Presentation](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/mastering-your-technique-and-presentation/) - Check these 4 things before publishing any content online. If you get one of these wrong, the actual content of your blog will not even matter all that much…
- [Introduction – From Internet Rubbish to Content Marketing Gold](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/introduction-from-internet-rubbish-to-content-marketing-gold-2/) - Why is it so hard to create engaging content? And what is engaging content actually? Discover what you’ll need to learn in order to make your content marketing efficient
- [Introduction – From Internet Rubbish to Content Marketing Gold](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/introduction-from-internet-rubbish-to-content-marketing-gold-3/) - Why is it so hard to create engaging content? And what is engaging content actually? Discover what you’ll need to learn in order to make your content marketing efficient
- [Introduction – From Internet Rubbish to Content Marketing Gold](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/introduction-from-internet-rubbish-to-content-marketing-gold-4/) - Why is it so hard to create engaging content? And what is engaging content actually? Discover what you’ll need to learn in order to make your content marketing efficient
- [Behind the Scenes: Our Exact Scarcity Marketing Sequence](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/behind-the-scenes-our-exact-scarcity-marketing-sequence/) - Continuing the theme of keeping it real, in this video we take a look at the exact scarcity marketing sequence we used on one of our product launches. And by exact, I mean: you’ll see the actual emails we sent, the exact timings of when we sent them and the sales results corresponding to them.
- [How to Build a Digital Product Empire](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/how-to-build-a-digital-product-empire/) - In this lesson, we introduce the concept of scarcity marketing. And very importantly: we look at some examples of how not to do it and the principles for doing it right. Scarcity marketing is tricky in this regard. If you do it right, it’s incredibly powerful. But if you do it wrong, it can cost
- [How to Build Courses With Thrive Apprentice](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/how-to-build-courses-with-thrive-apprentice/) - In this lesson, we introduce the concept of scarcity marketing. And very importantly: we look at some examples of how not to do it and the principles for doing it right. Scarcity marketing is tricky in this regard. If you do it right, it’s incredibly powerful. But if you do it wrong, it can cost
- [Scarcity Marketing – Good & Bad Examples](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/scarcity-marketing-good-bad-examples/) - In this lesson, we introduce the concept of scarcity marketing. And very importantly: we look at some examples of how not to do it and the principles for doing it right. Scarcity marketing is tricky in this regard. If you do it right, it’s incredibly powerful. But if you do it wrong, it can cost
- [Intro & Proof](https://davidnjohnson.com/course/intro-proof/) - To start with, we’ll take a look at some proof. That way, you’ll see that the recipes in this course actually work (and produce some impressive results) in the real world and aren’t just marketing theory.

## Thrive Apprentice Chapter

- [Scarcity Marketing Secrets](https://davidnjohnson.com/chapter/scarcity-marketing-secrets/)

## Thrive Apprentice Module

- [Putting Scarcity Marketing Into Practice](https://davidnjohnson.com/module/putting-scarcity-marketing-into-practice/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus tristique ligula sit amet nulla eleifend, nec imperdiet ante semper. Nulla lobortis urna ac massa sagittis, a posuere ipsum commodo. Sed at nisl urna. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Pellentesque laoreet hendrerit metus, at fermentum dui elementum eget.
- [Learn how to use Scarcity Marketing](https://davidnjohnson.com/module/learn-how-to-use-scarcity-marketing/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus tristique ligula sit amet nulla eleifend, nec imperdiet ante semper. Nulla lobortis urna ac massa sagittis, a posuere ipsum commodo. Sed at nisl urna. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Pellentesque laoreet hendrerit metus, at fermentum dui elementum eget.

## Thrive Apprentice Assessment

- [Assessment: Two Scarcity Marketing Recipes](https://davidnjohnson.com/assessment/assessment-two-scarcity-marketing-recipes/) - Lorem Ipsum este pur și simplu un text fals al industriei de tipărire și de tipărire. Lorem Ipsum a fost textul fals standard al industriei încă din anii 1500, când o imprimantă necunoscută a luat o bucătărie de tipărire și a amestecat-o pentru a face o carte cu specimene de tipar. A supraviețuit nu numai

## Thrive Apprentice Course Completed

- [Congratulations!](https://davidnjohnson.com/complete/congratulations/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus tristique ligula sit amet nulla eleifend, nec imperdiet ante semper. Nulla lobortis urna ac massa sagittis, a posuere ipsum commodo. Sed at nisl urna. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Pellentesque laoreet hendrerit metus, at fermentum dui elementum eget.

## Thrive Lightboxes

- [Book Info Subscribe](https://davidnjohnson.com/?tcb_lightbox=book-info-subscribe)
- [Lightbox - Creating Your Best Self Podcast (Phonic Universal Podcast Landing Page)](https://davidnjohnson.com/?tcb_lightbox=lightbox-creating-your-best-self-podcast-phonic-universal-podcast-landing-page)
- [Lightbox - New Home Page (Hybrid Homepage 2)](https://davidnjohnson.com/?tcb_lightbox=lightbox-new-home-page-hybrid-homepage-2)

## Categories

- [Affirmations](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/affirmations/)
- [Empathy](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/empathy/)
- [Marriage](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/marriage/)
- [Parables](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/parables/)
- [Principles](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/principles/)
- [Social](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/social/)
- [Social Change](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/social-change/)
- [Success](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/success/)
- [Podcast](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/podcast/)
- [Impromptu](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/impromptu/)
- [Neuroplasticity](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/neuroplasticity/)
- [Shorts](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/shorts/)
- [Heart To Heart](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/heart-to-heart/)
- [Personal Growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/personal-growth/)
- [Men](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/men/)
- [Deep Thoughts](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/deep-thoughts/)
- [Personal Philosophy](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/personal-philosophy/)
- [Shared Humanity](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/personal-philosophy/shared-humanity/)
- [Mentorship](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/personal-philosophy/mentorship/)
- [Purpose](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/personal-philosophy/purpose/)
- [Shared Success](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/personal-philosophy/shared-success/)
- [Constructive Conversations](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/personal-philosophy/constructive-conversations/)
- [Excellence](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/personal-philosophy/excellence/)
- [Fictional Characters](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/fictional-characters/)
- [Workplace](https://davidnjohnson.com/category/workplace/)

## Tags

- [acceptance](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/acceptance/)
- [advice](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/advice/)
- [affirmations](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/affirmations/)
- [becoming](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/becoming/)
- [belonging](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/belonging/)
- [blame](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/blame/)
- [brainpower](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/brainpower/)
- [carl jung](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/car-jung/)
- [change](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/change/)
- [character](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/character/)
- [commitment](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/commitment/)
- [community](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/community/)
- [courage](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/courage/)
- [debate](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/debate/)
- [disassociation](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/disassociation/)
- [dreams](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/dreams/)
- [ego](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/ego/)
- [emotions](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/emotions/)
- [empathy](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/empathy/)
- [empowerment](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/empowerment/)
- [envy](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/envy/)
- [failure](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/failure/)
- [fear](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/fear/)
- [forgiveness](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/forgiveness/)
- [goals](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/goals/)
- [happiness](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/happiness/)
- [heard](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/heard/)
- [helping others](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/helping-others/)
- [honesty](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/honesty/)
- [hustle](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/hustle/)
- [ideas](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/ideas/)
- [integrative thinking](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/integrative-thinking/)
- [intent](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/intent/)
- [judgment](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/judgment/)
- [kindness](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/kindness/)
- [life](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/life/)
- [life lessons](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/life-lessons/)
- [listening](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/listening/)
- [living](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/living/)
- [love](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/love/)
- [lying](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/lying/)
- [marriage](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/marriage/)
- [mindfulness](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/mindfulness/)
- [mindset](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/mindset/)
- [motivation](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/motivation/)
- [narcissism](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/narcissism/)
- [new year](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/new-year/)
- [overcoming](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/overcoming/)
- [parable](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/parable/)
- [parenting](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/parenting/)
- [perception](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/perception/)
- [personal growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/personal-growth/)
- [potential](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/potential/)
- [principles](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/principles/)
- [problem solving](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/problem-solving/)
- [reflection](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/reflection/)
- [reframe](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/reframe/)
- [regret](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/regret/)
- [relationship](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/relationship/)
- [remarkable](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/remarkable/)
- [resolutions](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/resolutions/)
- [response](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/response/)
- [risk](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/risk/)
- [self help](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-help/)
- [self-compassion](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-compassion/)
- [self-love](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-love/)
- [shadow](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/shadow/)
- [skills](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/skills/)
- [society](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/society/)
- [spirituality](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/spirituality/)
- [struggle](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/struggle/)
- [subconscious](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/subconscious/)
- [success](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/success/)
- [theme](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/theme/)
- [thinking](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/thinking/)
- [thought](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/thought/)
- [thoughts](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/thoughts/)
- [time](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/time/)
- [transmute](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/transmute/)
- [value](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/value/)
- [victory](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/victory/)
- [will](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/will/)
- [wisdom](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/wisdom/)
- [work ethic](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/work-ethic/)
- [meditation](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/meditation/)
- [gratitude](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/gratitude/)
- [positive thinking](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/positive-thinking/)
- [transparency](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/transparency/)
- [open minded](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/open-minded/)
- [Self reflection](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-reflection/)
- [communication](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/communication/)
- [habits](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/habits/)
- [cognative dissonance](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/cognative-dissonance/)
- [authentic](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/authentic/)
- [distractions](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/distractions/)
- [self discipline](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-discipline/)
- [purpose](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/purpose/)
- [passion](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/passion/)
- [toxic positivity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/toxic-positivity/)
- [stress](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/stress/)
- [pressure](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/pressure/)
- [knowledge](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/knowledge/)
- [creativity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/creativity/)
- [attitude](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/attitude/)
- [excellence](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/excellence/)
- [pleasure](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/pleasure/)
- [comfort](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/comfort/)
- [vulnerable](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/vulnerable/)
- [choices](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/choices/)
- [boredom](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/boredom/)
- [silence](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/silence/)
- [spark](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/spark/)
- [assumptions](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/assumptions/)
- [biases](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/biases/)
- [questioning](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/questioning/)
- [self-acceptance](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-acceptance/)
- [contrarian view](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/contrarian-view/)
- [ambition](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/ambition/)
- [world view](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/world-view/)
- [traits](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/traits/)
- [toxic](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/toxic/)
- [personality](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/personality/)
- [values](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/values/)
- [alignment](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/alignment/)
- [immortality](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/immortality/)
- [heart to heart](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/heart-to-heart/)
- [resilience](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/resilience/)
- [avoidance](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/avoidance/)
- [not perfect](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/not-perfect/)
- [truth](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/truth/)
- [fire](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/fire/)
- [vision](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/vision/)
- [balance](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/balance/)
- [self-care](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-care/)
- [anxiety](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/anxiety/)
- [neurodiversity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/neurodiversity/)
- [Dyslexia](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/dyslexia/)
- [autism](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/autism/)
- [adhd](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/adhd/)
- [suffering](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/suffering/)
- [masculinity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/masculinity/)
- [mental health](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/mental-health/)
- [men](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/men/)
- [transformation](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/transformation/)
- [beauty](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/beauty/)
- [brutality](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/brutality/)
- [Christian](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/christian/)
- [faith](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/faith/)
- [growth](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/growth/)
- [identity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/identity/)
- [shame](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/shame/)
- [belief](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/belief/)
- [Manhood](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/manhood/)
- [impermanence](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/impermanence/)
- [fictional character](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/fictional-character/)
- [support](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/support/)
- [depression](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/depression/)
- [humanity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/humanity/)
- [mentorship](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/mentorship/)
- [leader](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/leader/)
- [coaching](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/coaching/)
- [teamwork](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/teamwork/)
- [together](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/together/)
- [unity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/unity/)
- [meaning](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/meaning/)
- [cognative](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/cognative/)
- [neuroscience](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/neuroscience/)
- [attention](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/attention/)
- [focus](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/focus/)
- [altruism](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/altruism/)
- [capitalism](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/capitalism/)
- [love language](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/love-language/)
- [conflict resolution](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/conflict-resolution/)
- [labels](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/labels/)
- [shared humanity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/shared-humanity/)
- [endurance](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/endurance/)
- [visualization](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/visualization/)
- [accountability](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/accountability/)
- [influence](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/influence/)
- [contentment](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/contentment/)
- [race](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/race/)
- [religion](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/religion/)
- [micro habits](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/micro-habits/)
- [development](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/development/)
- [determination](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/determination/)
- [living intentionally](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/living-intentionally/)
- [emotional agility](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/emotional-agility/)
- [emotional intelligence](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/emotional-intelligence/)
- [limited beliefs](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/limited-beliefs/)
- [lifelong learning](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/lifelong-learning/)
- [hope](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/hope/)
- [possibility](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/possibility/)
- [responsibility](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/responsibility/)
- [framework](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/framework/)
- [goal](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/goal/)
- [habit](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/habit/)
- [wellness](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/wellness/)
- [holistic](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/holistic/)
- [regulation](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/regulation/)
- [victim](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/victim/)
- [survivor](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/survivor/)
- [workplace](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/workplace/)
- [leadership](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/leadership/)
- [positivity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/positivity/)
- [hanlons razor](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/hanlons-razor/)
- [disagreements](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/disagreements/)
- [mercy](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/mercy/)
- [generosity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/generosity/)
- [virtue](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/virtue/)
- [overwhelm](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/overwhelm/)
- [strategies](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/strategies/)
- [self-hatred](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-hatred/)
- [Curiosity](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/curiosity/)
- [self-awareness](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-awareness/)
- [self esteem](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/self-esteem/)
- [false self](https://davidnjohnson.com/tag/false-self/)

## Courses

- [Thrive Themes - Make More Sales Without Needing More Traffic](https://davidnjohnson.com/courses/thrive-themes-make-more-sales-without-needing-more-traffic/)
- [Thrive Themes - From Internet Rubbish to Content Gold](https://davidnjohnson.com/courses/thrive-themes-from-internet-rubbish-to-content-gold/)
- [Thrive Themes - 22 Tips to Build Your Mailing List Faster](https://davidnjohnson.com/courses/thrive-themes-22-tips-to-build-your-mailing-list-faster/)
- [Thrive Themes - Build a Conversion Focused Website From Scratch](https://davidnjohnson.com/courses/thrive-themes-build-a-conversion-focused-website-from-scratch/)
- [Thrive Themes - Multi Step Mastery: Build a Targeted Mailing List](https://davidnjohnson.com/courses/thrive-themes-multi-step-mastery-build-a-targeted-mailing-list/)

## Symbols

- [Headers](https://davidnjohnson.com/tcb_symbol/headers/)
- [Footers](https://davidnjohnson.com/tcb_symbol/footers/)