Table of Contents
Acknowledgments xiii
A Note from the Author: How to Use This Book xv
Prologue: Let's Be Honest, 2020 Changed Everything-or at Least It Should Have xix
Section I Notes to My Younger Self: You Are Who You Need 1
People of all ages, races, and backgrounds constantly neglect themselves. We are constantly tired, overwhelmed, and weary. All roads to peace, success, good relationships, great connections, and great possibilities start with self love, self-value, and taking care of Y-O-U.
Lesson 1 Get Out of Their Box: You Are Not Your Family 3
Lesson 2 Take Care of Your Mental and Emotional Health First 43
Lesson 3 Take Risks: Learn How to Succeed Even When You Fail 61
Lesson 4 Know the Things You Need to Leave Behind in Order to Move Ahead 81
Lesson 5 Wander and Wonder: Life Is an Adventure-Live It! 99
Section II Manage Your Emotions Before They Manage You 113
We are by nature emotional beings. To deny that is to deny our most basic humanity. Yet, if we do not responsibly manage our emotions in life, love, business, and relationships we find ourselves isolated and alone. These lessons will help us to recognize and better manage our emotions and use them as powerful tools for self-care and success.
Lesson 6 Reframe Your Thoughts: Build an EIQ Toolkit 115
Lesson 7 Don't Sweat Your Haters: Use Them as Fuel for Your Success 137
Lesson 8 Control Your Anger Before It Controls You 155
Lesson 9 Get Out of Your Own Way 165
Lesson 10 Do No Harm, Take No Shit 181
Section III Protect Your Peace, It's the Passport to Your Soul 199
Every human has a spiritual soul. One that must be nourished, watered, and replenished daily. These lessons help us to take care of the inner self. The part we most often neglect.
Lesson 11 Practice the Art of Surrender: Release What You Cannot Hold 201
Lesson 12 Trust Your Intuition-It's Rarely Wrong 213
Lesson 13 Manage the Expectations of Yourself and Others 227
Lesson 14 Beware of Distractions 241
Lesson 15 Your Faith Is Your Fuel: Fill Up Daily 255
Section IV Relationships Are Not Transactional-They are Reciprocal 265
We were made for relationship. We are not meant to do this thing called life alone. We all need the tools to help us win at our relationships and bless others in the process. But our most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves.
Lesson 16 Don't Cancel and Publicly Shame People 267
Lesson 17 Go Where the Love Is: Stop Being the Go-To for People You Can't Go To 279
Section V Fill Your Cup First: Be Intentional About Your Choices, Your Living, Your Life 291
Successful people are intentional. They live a life that integrates common sense with respect for others, with grace, and collaboration. They are not afraid to compete with anyone, anywhere, but they do so with a firm code that allows them to climb while still lifting others along the way.
Lesson 18 Practice Radical Forgiveness, It Can Heal Everything 293
Lesson 19 Mind Your Manners-They Matter 305
Lesson 20 Just Say No-Its a Complete Sentence! 317
Lesson 21 Exits Matter in Life-Exit Gracefully 327
Afterword 337