Author: cagencantrell
LESSON OF THE WEEK: What We Can Learn from LeBron James’ Career (Act I)

LESSON OF THE WEEK: What We Can Learn from LeBron James’ Career (Act I)

By |

The year of 2020 will be remembered by this generation of humans as the year everything became uncertain. Our health, our safety, our finances, the livelihood we once believed could not be altered. Despite that, one thing remained certain in 2020, LeBron James’ continued display as the best basketball player (and perhaps athlete) on the Earth. While LeBron James’ career may appear to be flirting with immortalization, he still shares the same air as us all. Some idolize him, others vilify him; but the commonality is that we’ll never know what it is like to be in his sneakers. However, just like the uncommon nature of 2020 has taught us all something, we can also attempt to learn from the uncommon career (and life) LeBron Janes has lived.

So here is my best shot, in a five segment series:

High School, A Young & Lucky Fighter: Opportunity Overwhelming Pressure

LeBron James is 35 years old as of his 4th NBA Championship, but he entered into the national spotlight at a mere 16 years old. Do the elementary math, and he’s been under the microscope of millions of people for more years than he was allowed to be a regular person. Which is fine, because LeBron James was not born to be a regular person. As David Goggins would say, he was purposed to be “common amongst uncommon men”. LeBron has often suggested that his life’s foundational origins should have taken him down a different path. He had no father figure, he was raised by a single & unassured mother, developed in a poverty ridden community, many times homeless, and not to mention the odds stacked against him just being a black man. While one can assume LeBron wrestled whether he could defy all those odds, the weight of it all didn’t matter, because he’s a fighter. 

That’s what fighters do. They do not grunt at their toil or moan at their despair, that’s left for the enemy. LeBron James did not only arise from the dirt solely on talent, but as Sun Tzu states in The Art of War “in the midst of chaos, there is opportunity”. Most of us have encountered the beginning stages of an opportunity that could change the trajectory of our lives. Then; chaos ensues, pressure mounts, and before we know it we are back to square one. It probably would not have taken much for LeBron to fall down the rabbit hole back to square. A teenage pregnancy, an altercation with the wrong crowd, a social circle filled with hacks, or a someone disguising mentorship to be an early venture capitalist on his potential. You can argue all day who kept LeBron’s muse in security, but as a young man he refused early on to let pressures overwhelm his opportunity. Instead, he overwhelmed his pressures by seizing the opportunities that let him to a life he could have never predicted. And that, is where the story truly begins for this kid from Northeast Ohio.
Lesson of the Week: Having a View of Vision

Lesson of the Week: Having a View of Vision

By |

In my notes for the week I have the question written down; “Do I have the capacity to carry my vision?”. I wrote this question after viewing a service by Pastor Michael Todd of Transformation Church in Oklahoma. The message was titled “The Value of Vision”, which I recommend all of you to view to fully grasp onto what I am about to write.

What is the difference between having a vision and having a dream? At first, I had a passive interpretation and believed they were just one in the same. After further examination, I’ve come to understand that a dream is simply an internal thought. Dreams are thoughts, images, and sensations that are forecasted in times of sleep or rest. This is where I finally understood how limiting a dream can be. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech about “I Have A Dream” for American society during the Civil Rights Movement. In actuality, MLK did not have a dream, he had a vision.

When you are able to differentiate your dreams from your vision, you will come to realize that a vision is way more valuable and significant than just having a dream.

  • Dreams have time limits, they’re confined to the moments we are asleep and inactive. On the other hand, visions evolve from dreams when they are taken out of their comfort zone. Placed in an area of growth and activity, where they are not stimulated by sensation but by the season you are in.
  • Dreams have noun characteristic. Induced by materials, people, and places. On the contrary, visions are a verb. Visions require us to announce our state, declare an action, to become something tomorrow that we are not today.
  • Dreams typically need endorsement. We need money right now if we’re going to buy that car or designer item, we need thousands of Instagram followers if we’re going to attract people of a higher status, and we need letters of recommendation if we’re going to get accepted for that dream job or dream school.

Not to say any of those are bad, but if dreams come from sleep how can they achieve this?

Visions, now visions need no validation. They must be valid, which means to be authenticated by your passions and love for your life, but they require no validation nor endorsement from others.

Visions need opportunity. Dreams are fed by cravings, but visions cultivate from creativity and confidence within you.

In his message, Pastor Michael Todd challenges his listeners to visibility write down their vision for 2020. I am now challenging you to do the same. Do not let this moment slip away: find a paper & pen, write down your vision clearly, and place it in a spot where you read it at a glance every single day (Habakkuk 2:2).

You may not realize it immediately,  but the value in viewing your vision anew in this uncertain time will foster fulfillment in your life’s calling.

-Cagen
VIRTUE OF THE WEEK: LOVE (WHAT YOU DO)

VIRTUE OF THE WEEK: LOVE (WHAT YOU DO)

By |

What is your morning routine? Do you even have a morning routine? What is the first impulse your mind has when you wake up in the morning? Do you wake up before dawn or right before noon? Do you have goals for your day or do you go with flow?

The right answer to all of these questions? There is no right answer, however, there is a catch. There are plenty of self help books and motivational messages that will tell you an individual needs that 8 hour sleep, that morning coffee with vitamins and minerals, to wake up at 5 o’clock before anyone else, to be the first in and the last one out. While I agree many of these things are essential, and I have them implemented in my own life; I also understand these “cheat codes for success” aren’t always universal.

What is universal? Love. I’m not necessarily speaking about the traditional concept of love that involves a romance and affection, that love is hopefully a given. The love I’m speaking about is both a feeling and an action, developed by being in love with commitment and the process towards results.

Mark Twain once uttered “The law of work seems unfair, but nothing can change it; the more enjoyment you get out of your work, the more riches you will make”.

While Twain is mainly referencing money, I believe he may of intentionally shared a type of allegory that expands farther and deeper than monetary wealth. Ultimately, we are all underpaid, as the true value of the work we put in isn’t all accounted for in our paychecks. This is where love matters, as love can accrue as a form of currency that makes up for the taxation you’ll never see come back to your bank account. The late legend Kobe Bryant in a 2018 interview shared on Lewis Howes’ “School of Greatness” what love meant to him personally. While Kobe recognized that traditional love can equate to happiness, he gives love the analogy of a storm. He said “Things are never perfect, but through love you can continue to persevere (and weather the storm)..”

This is why I tell people that I personally do not believe there is a “love at first sight”. For a rare few, loving is a talent. It is rooted in their DNA to be always be graceful and put others before him in unconditional circumstances. For the majority of people, I would argue that love is a skill and that with any skill you must invest time and energy into the craft if you desire to see improvement. Love is not about merely doing nor feeling; because if you don’t couple them both, love fails.

Starting today, considering refining your skills in love by being committed to the process of improvement. Wake up at whatever hour, but when it’s time to begin your work you ought to be committed to seeing results fueled by your passion. If that is not the case in your career, then you do not love what you do and you are shorting yourself. When at home with your significant other or children, are you taking the time to spend quality moments with them? Or instead,  you may be too distracted by things out of your control, if so you are again shorting your family or friends. Commit and hold investment in improving their day.

The big one, are you committed to loving yourself? No matter how many hours you are awake today or the amount activities you indulge in, be committed to the process and results that come with it. Do not give yourself an out, do not pull out too early on your investment, and do not fold when things get tough. Have goals or go with the flow, just be committed.

Love what you do, and love will find you.
‘Feeling Irregular Inside’: Easter (Resurrection Sunday)

‘Feeling Irregular Inside’: Easter (Resurrection Sunday)

By |

Whether you are a child, young adult, middle aged, or elderly— most of us are accustomed to our own tradition of Easter (Resurrection Sunday). Some would’ve attended church today in celebration, others would’ve had egg hunting and feasting with family and friends, and some may have just enjoyed a comfortable day. This year, things are slightly different, and some may say this Easter (Resurrection Sunday) is irregular.  We are all inside today, it feels irregular, and we are all adjusting our common celebration to comply with confusion.

Well, the good news is that the first Easter (Resurrection Sunday) had similar elements. There was no pestilence in the air, but there was pain. Both of our people were confused, uncertain, conflicted, and maybe even angry. Just as I look outside my bedroom window, both Sunday mornings have been closely similar too: dreary, bleak, cloudy, and empty. Now yeah, I know you know what happens next.. Women appeared to the tomb, it was rolled away, Jesus appeared to them and declared He has risen!

But stay with me, there’s more to this story.

In my Bible, John 20:19 (NLT) states:

“It was late Sunday evening, and the disciples, were gathered behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities”.

Even on the day of man’s greatest triumph, the disciples were trapped inside as well. It was now uncommon for them to not be with their teacher, and they were overcome with fear being inside dealing with conflictions and confusion of recent events. The dysfunction of their world was defying the odds of the common, and winning. That’s where many of us are today.

This Easter (Resurrection Sunday) we are trapped. By now, it may have been noticed my consistent placement of Resurrection Sunday in parenthesis, commonly used as a mark off (trap) to give explanation to an afterthought. As this pandemic has overcome Easter Sunday with animosity, I am hopeful we do not let the Resurrection become a mere afterthought. Before resurrection was supposed to be Satan’s trap, his victory. Fortunately death did not trap Jesus, but He trapped death, His victory. (Steven Furtick did a sermon on this, its quite good).

The Resurrection of Jesus has three components:

  • undoing of a past event
  • uncertainty of a present reality
  • unbelievable potential for future moments

Mark 16:12 (NLT) reminds us: “Afterward, Jesus appeared to them in a different form.”

In the coming days, months, and possibly years it may be difficult for us to accept any new regular. However, we have to remember even when Jesus was trapped, he rose again and did not appear the same to those who knew him from his past; but appeared in a new form to move the future forward.

I hope that this message may provide you with an irregular interpretation on a day we enjoy so commonly and regularly. Your plans today may be different this Easter than any of the past and the future, but the purpose of this day should be remembered the same.

-In his Grace, Cagen
Lesson of the Week: Don’t Be Like the Enemy

Lesson of the Week: Don’t Be Like the Enemy

By |

“The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.” -Marcus Aurelius

As much as we wish some people would change, many will always be stuck in their own ways. We are not in any control of their actions or attitudes, we are our own responsibility. This is why it is important to absorb the words of Marcus Aurelius and never dip to the lows of our enemies. Success is excellent for revenge; but realigning your spirit, being a service to others, and reinforcing the pathway to achieve success are ways to rise above our opposition.

By now, it’s been thrown in our face how truly precious life is and that our status provides no insurance. Nevertheless our emotions, ego, and free-will pin us against a wall and distract us with insignificant influences. These influences don’t allow us to optimize our day to day effort, they oppose the effort. People are affected by what others say or do, because human nature does not always decipher good spirit from spitefulness. The quality of conversation is sadly becoming more obsolete, it’s more about the signaling. This is where our enemies can manipulate the conversation to hedge their benefit, as they seek to invert authenticity with harsh reality. Constructive criticism comes from a support system that not does merely expose our flaws, but provides a variety of options to work towards. The opposition will blast you with notions that will trip you up in running through life in a step by step process. Notice, if they trip you, they are clearly running behind you.

We must resist running behind people, and instead pace beside them. The enemy will stand behind you for two reasons: for floatation when success reaches the finish line, or unhitch when the plan goes off course. Not allowing these assumed advocates to merely follow you requires good judgment in others, but to not become the assumed advocate requires good judgment in yourself. We must desire to realign our spirit with what cultivates our liberties and virtues. Do not be a false prophet for others’ plans, and instead be a service to them. Provide them with reinforcement if things are on point, but do not walk beside them in hesitation if things are not well. Find the balance, keep up the pace, continue to be beside them when the plan is reinforced towards a straight path, and navigate with them towards the destination. Do not be like the enemy.
The Importance of Learning Daily:

The Importance of Learning Daily:

By |

I would consider myself to be a philomath, because of the urgency I possess to always refine my crafts and pursue my passions. A philomath is a philosophical term used to describe someone who is a lover of knowledge and studying. I am not a traditional studier in the sense of reading information verbatim, and then attempting to memorize that information; but rather I pick up the information that resonates most with me in order to implement as a daily practice. All people have at least one natural talent, but the amount of skills an individual holds can vary widely. In order to develop a skill, one must be willing to not only consume information, but apply in consistent practice to refine that information towards their skills. Learning something every day is so critical and we all unconsciously learn new information daily, but what is the point of learning new things just to discard them moments later? On average, our brain discards nearly 80% of newly learned information after only one day. This could explain why many of us are so opinion driven in argumentation and debate, because even facts of topics we feel strongly about ultimately get omitted from our memory just based on how the brain functions. The great philosopher Plato famously said — “Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance”.

In the golden age of social media and instant interaction, our society is quick to accept and regurgitate opinion before confirming it as either knowledge or ignorance. The danger of us this nature is that opinion is now the new age news, and is often used to mimic truth.  Therefore, we must practice detection of truth rather than openly accept truth. This is why books are an ideal information outlet rather than social media or most news platforms; because books are conceived through research, meditated thought process, and are forms of permanent record so the information can properly be identified as truth. Now, the whole objective to learning is gaining wisdom. So if we are learning from a tweet or politically skewed news headline that can be disposed or edited in a couple of clicks, is that really gaining wisdom? Learning reputable knowledge detection and studying key truths will allow someone to improve self-esteem, gain perspective to innovate, and ultimately nurture a clear and calmer mind not cluttered with opinion. Once you achieve objective learning and thinking you can reasonably share the knowledge with your family, friends, and colleagues; and in turn achieve the purpose of servicing your community to be better than they were yesterday.

*BONUS: If reading just really isn’t your preference for informational growth, I highly recommend watching a TEDTalk at some point in your daily spare time, but be sure to research the background of the speaker prior to watching. This ensures to your conscious that you are being fed well-reasoned information that is not structured by political agenda, and opens up your mind for independent thinking and criticism*
Virtue of the Week: Compassion

Virtue of the Week: Compassion

By |

When we think of compassion, it is typically assumed that giving condolences or being considerate when others are down is being compassionate. The Latin origin for the word compassion is to “suffer together”. In this current climate, compassion is a necessity while most of us are enduring are own version of suffer. While suffering together can drive community forward, it is not the only component in genuine compassion. Compassion is not merely a feeling, but rather an intentional action as well. Compassion isn’t an instant gratification like a social media share or physical pleasure, but compassion cultivates long term gratification and propels us towards stillness. A boost in our stillness can reap many long term benefits, but with any action compassion takes practice and consistency. This is why one must be willing and open to genuine compassion, or else the action is doomed from the start. Let’s say someone you know has lost their job amidst this economic downswing, our generic reaction to give them condolences and asking if they’re doing “okay”. Here, our attempt at compassion instantly fails, because the approach is from the top-down and beside them. Instead of offering them condolences, offer them help when (not if) it ever becomes necessary; and instead of asking if they’re “okay”, provide them with a safeguard that you are walking beside them during this storm. This is how you share suffering through the means of actioned compassion.

Empathy is vital in community, but our society throughout generations has attempted to construct who deserves empathy. Compassion ought to be boundless and does not understand discrimination, injustice, or hierarchy. Compassion can dissipate with tensions that involve racial, religious, or socioeconomic difference. The instinct typically exercised in these conflicts lead to three actions: refute, refuse, or retreat which all act against compassion. When you have that confrontation with an older person of a different skin color, ask them about their day as opposed to fueling their ignorance. Offer the person shares a different ideology than you the same love and generosity that you would a family member, not allowing them to demean you based on your belief system. Lastly, it’s okay to feel skeptical about giving money to that homeless individual, instead offer them an encouraging conversation or a gesture that holds more value than a dollar.

Let it not be untold, compassion for yourself is also critical to prolonged health. Many times, our insecurities and shortcomings contrive from us being our biggest critic. Do not allow refutation, refusal, or retreat to stop you. Exercise self compassion through meditation, reading, consulting others when you feel subjective, or even simply smiling. While uncomfortable, practicing these types of exercises in moments of self conflict will terminate anxiety in the long term.
Lesson of the Week: Control the Controllable

Lesson of the Week: Control the Controllable

By |

An important lesson in the stoicism books I have had reading emphasize on focusing on what you can control. Sit back and ask this question before reading further: “How many things in your life do you REALLY have control over?” When meditating on that question, the harsh reality is that we don’t have much control over our lives. We repel this reality, because humans fear adversity, and their ego feels abused when free will is not at full optimization. Our ego has gravely misunderstood, because we do have full grasp of our free will, even when the situation mirages itself as fixed. Marcus Aurelius said “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it”. This can become a touchy subject, defining what is controllable and what is not. In today’s journal, I will elaborate on a couple areas that are controllable, and things that while we wish we had grasp over; are things we must embrace, cleanse, and walk away from.

THE CONTROLLABLE:

Focused Effort

Consider your work, school, friends, relationships, and family. When things are going well or as expected in those sectors, we are relaxed and with little worry. However, when you get yelled at on the job, fail your exam, or argue with a loved one everything seems to fly off the hinges in a matter of moments. This comes from the dissatisfaction of our ego and the natural spike in our defense mechanisms. Goals are also relevant here, as we sell ourselves short or completely bypass an opportunity in speculation of dissatisfaction or failure. As humans, we focus too much on events and not effort. Practice focus on effort rather than the events in your life, and examine your circumstances change and your anxiety levels fall.

THE NON-CONTROLLABLE:

Other People

In a time in history where social comparison and “clout chasing” has reached insurmountable heights, the reliability of genuine interaction is in question. I will say this many times in my forthcoming posts, that the highest human act is to inspire. Many people spend too much time, effort, and focus towards misunderstanding inspiration by placing themselves on a social hierarchy for others to emulate them. That is the essence of zero-sum game, and plays a critical role in our ego’s imbalance. When I was a teenager, my mother passed along to me a famous phrase by President Theodore Roosevelt famously stating: “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Therefore, do not let anyone steal your joy. You have no firm influence in their life, refuse to be the victim of need.

THE CONTROLLABLE:

Focused Attitude

The previous two steps are necessary to master in order to move forward to this step. Attitude is composed of three things: emotions, behavior, and cognition. Emotions (affection) is where the core of our attitude festers, which explains how emotions ranging from happiness to fear dictate our attitude. During this time of social distancing, we should assess our emotions in an attempt to discover how they reflect our attitude.  Next is behavior, which is more explicit to us and others, because it exposes itself when exposed to attitude objects. If you enjoy exercise, your behavior is going to shine brightly after a successful workout. If you fear conflict, your behavior is to reflect erratic or melancholy in response to an argument. Behavior comes from repetition, so if you believe change in your behavior is necessary, make it a focal point to craft it during exposed moments (EX: an optimistic response to a pessimistic situation). Lastly, cognition is your beliefs, thoughts, and overall knowledge. Strong cognition is adapted from avoiding assumptions and generalizations, and basing beliefs through your own personal experience. For example, some may consider President Trump to have weak cognition in his attitude, as his beliefs and thoughts towards opposing views overshadow the knowledge he may have as a well-renowned and successful financial icon.  Ultimately, cognition is rooted by subjectivity, mastering objective conclusions and open mindedness elevates your attitude.

THE NON-CONTROLLABLE:

Nature

The concept of nature expands beyond many topics. These topics cover anything from the weather, biology, and the supernatural. Let’s be honest, we’ve all complained about the rain or heat, or even cursed the meteorologist for his failed forecast of that day’s weather. Now who’s fault is that? Nobody’s fault, duh. Mother Nature is her own entity, so allowing the nature’s climate to dictate our attitude and effort is a selfish decision. The same goes for biology. Fortunately, our vast developments in science have assisted in the outcome of certain health deterioration, but inevitably we are all going to succumb to mortality. And that’s okay, do not fight this phenomenon, but instead fix your effort and attitude towards living life to its fullest. Most importantly, no matter your perspective on nature beyond what we can see, we must not fear potential failures and fate. Instead, embrace it.

Four Things I’ll Be Doing During Self-Quarantine

Four Things I’ll Be Doing During Self-Quarantine

By |

As our world continues to drastically shift amid this global pandemic, I am certain many of you are internally making these remarks to yourself: “I am so bored”, “there is nothing to do”, “I have to find a way to distract myself”. Despite us all being advised to stay indoors, away from our jobs, schools, and general social gatherings; there are still plenty of alternative options to indulge for the sake of our so-called boredom during this crisis. For myself, I have elected to participate in four things that will (hopefully) help maintain my sanity, while also stimulate both internal and external growth while awaiting this chaos to subside.

1. Keeping Calm (Please, Do This)

Yes, the virtues of patience and temperance are not easy to preserve; especially considering all of our lives hold some sort of uncertainty right now. However, let me tell you that panic will not shutter the illness, nor accelerate the incubation periods and vaccine progression. So basically, were screwed until further notice, right? Not quite, as everyday new developments arise of recovered patients and testing aggression in countries such as South Korea, Italy, and Singapore. These articles spotlight signs of virus spread decrease and positive community response to public closures. To be clear, while these reports show a positive outlook towards “flattening the curve”, it is not indicative of a step towards complacency. Even these reputable reports are to taken for what they are. In this time, I will be practicing avoidance of speculation and negligence. As the great Andrew Carnegie once uttered, “Speculation is a parasite feeding upon values, creating none”. With this said, the steps I will be taking in order to avoid speculation is: following social media feeds and updates from only reputable medical experts, official government accounts and statements, and not confirming any information from commercial news without ensuring fact connection. While some tasks may be more tedious than others, it will be beneficial for my conscious and will suppress any overconsumption of unwarranted noise while isolated. Perhaps more importantly, during these times where levels of anxiety and frustration can deeply foster; be sure to check in with your family, friends, close colleagues, and anyone who you feel to trust. Fear is a real and active evil, so call that loved one, to connect during this overwhelming time.

2. Information Growth

Now, I know many of you are going to want to yawn and close the link when I tell you I’ll be reading during this time, but please bear with me. Let me be the first to confirm the notion that reading a book isn’t always the most entertaining solution to boredom; but I’ve come to realized that maybe I was just reading the wrong books. While I enjoyed the Hunger Games or Rich Dad Poor Dad, just because they’re widely recognizable books does not necessarily mean I should’ve read them by default. So far this year, I put in the time and effort to research facets of my life where I felt a desire for improvement. From there, I stumbled across author Ryan Holiday, and his published works intertwined with business, motivation, and interestingly the stoic philosophy. Currently, I am reading Holiday’s 2014 book The Obstacle Is the Way, and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, whom Ryan Holiday was inspired by to write about stoicism. For when my eyes are tired from reading; some podcasts I will be listening to are: The Joe Rogan Experience, The Tim Ferriss Show, and 99% Invisible. While consuming information is faster through reading than by listening, podcasts provide a balance for me to avoid overload and remain engaged to sensational content.

3. Physical Growth

This may be tricky, as the grocery stores have looked like a zoo (stop hoarding toliet paper, water, & chicken); but when there’s a will there’s a way. I am using this as an opportunity to improve my nutritional and even financial habits. With some grocery items in shortage, I’ve been careful in deciding which food items will last me a couple of weeks without having to make multiple trips to the market. My approach has been: buy a week’s worth of eggs, fish, and any other preferred (available) meat, refusing to eat anything else until those products are gone. The reason being, these foods are most perishable, therefore saving my rice, pasta, oats, cereal, or even frozen foods will help significantly during the early stages of distancing. Not only will it help with any hunger in the long run, since carbs are filling, but also will save money in the coming weeks as well. Additionally, I’ll be cutting back on unnecessary snacks and beverages to break the cycle of consistent consumption, and even then, avoiding name brand snacks and beverages for the sake of simple saving. In turn, the biggest challenge will be to avoid eating during moments of boredom, and eating past 9pm. I’ve come to realize when I ask myself out loud “Am I really that hungry?”, the majority of the time I find the discipline to walk away from the refrigerator or pantry.

*BONUS: Even though the gyms are closed, I will not be skipping out on my workouts. This is a time for me to really commit towards a small daily fitness routine. For this, I purchased some dumbbells for the house; and will continue to run daily (Nike Run Club app is a great tool to planning out daily run objectives, big or small).* “A mile a day, keeps the anxiety away”.

4. Financial Growth

Lastly, the most difficult growth to achieve during this time, will be financial growth. Perhaps growth isn’t the proper term to use, but rather be stable in budgeting and my literacy. Hopefully soon, I will publish a post about the details of my budget strategy, but for now I take the approach of 50-25-15-10. That’s 50% necessity, 25% variable wants, 15% investing, and 10% giving. During social distancing, the wants will be cut significantly, and therefore I will be reallocating those budgeted funds towards my investment portfolio and giving. Now, I am no means a financial advisor, but the only advice I will give to my readers is to begin researching potential businesses to invest into. Warren Buffett says that, “you are not buying stocks, you are buying a business.” In that approach, I do not purchase stocks because of the price or name; I purchase because the company has a forward vision and the business model to back it up. The key is not to be speculative, have confidence into where you are placing your money and run with it. To leave off, there are many people in this moment who are experiencing economic hardships much stronger than yours or mine. While, I definitely do not suggest giving because you feel pressured to, I would recommend being wary of how you spent your money in the coming weeks. It’s my money, I get it; but the highest human act is to inspire and be a servant to others. Hopefully, these small acts of giving will translate to bigger blessings for others and ourselves upon the horizon.

-Cagen

Welcome to the Wide I Experience

Welcome to the Wide I Experience

By |

Hello Friends,

I formally welcome you into the “Wide I” experience. I have been tremendously eager to conceive this platform for quite some time, but naturally, I continued to convince myself to wait for the proper moment. The irony, is that I came to realize the proper moment, is any moment. With that being said, each posting will be dedicated towards spotlighting pivotal observations, discoveries, and epiphanies in my personal journey of this wild ride we call life. Furthermore, while these postings will not be intended as direct life coaching or advice, I hope that many of you will feel inspired to cultivate these factors, and consider these topics in your own personal journey. Together, we will experience both the pleasures and pain that this glorious life offers us daily, while calibrating our effort and attitude to establish the aims of our purpose. I do not know where this train will ride to, but I hope that you will hop on board and ride with me to wherever that destination may be.

WIDE I, is an acronym created by Cagen Cantrell in early 2018, while listening to Virgil Abloh’s infamous lecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. In the lecture, Abloh elaborated on the “zig-zag” approach for manifesting new, creative space (originated by American psychologist Keith Sawyer’s book, Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity). The fundamentals of the zig-zag approach, guide individuals to not fall susceptible to trends or linear thinking, but rather move in a direction where creativity can independently blossom. Inspired by this, Cantrell designed his own cardinal virtues in order to consistently apply the zig-zag approach towards a more fruitful life.

W-orkmanship
I-ntegrity
D-iscipline
E-ndurance

In conjunction, these virtues are the foundation of establishing the I.
I-T

When one discovers their “IT” factor, the only person who can stop them, is themselves.