No. 290 | July 18, 2025
Welcome to this week’s Friday Five — a quick dose of insights, inspiration, and personal favorites to kick off your weekend with clarity and intention.
Music of the Week
Limp Bizkit is a metal band out of Jacksonville, Florida, known for its aggressive sound and over-the-top visual style — think face paint and masks from guitarist Wes Borland, and the unforgettable presence of frontman Fred Durst.
They blew up in the late ’90s with Significant Other and the memorably titled Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. Start with “Nookie,” “Break Stuff,” or “Rollin’” if you’re curious — over-the-top energy.
Quotes of the Week
Timeless wisdom to help us focus on what we can control, embrace the journey, and face challenges with calm.
“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius
“When rage starts to rise, remember: it isn’t manly to be enraged. Gentleness and civility are more human, and therefore manlier.” — Marcus Aurelius
“Relinquish your attachment to the outcome. Embrace uncertainty, enjoy the journey, and let go of the need for a specific result.” — Deepak Chopra
“The great man is the one who, amidst the crowd, keeps the sweetness of solitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“It’s remarkable how much advantage we gain by simply trying to be consistently not stupid, rather than trying to be very intelligent.” — Charlie Munger
Articles of the Week
Thomas Edison wasn’t just a prolific inventor—he was a master of discipline, character, and reputation. More than any single invention, Edison understood that his name was his greatest creation. He guarded it fiercely, seeing it as a reflection of his integrity and purpose.
“I’ll protect my name, even if it costs me every dollar I possess.” — Thomas Edison
Edison’s story is a reminder that excellence, integrity, and intentional reputation-building still matter—maybe now more than ever.
Read the full article: Thomas Edison’s Character
Book of the Week
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven (narrated by the author)
This short, powerful audiobook made a bigger impact on me than reading the book ever did. Hearing Admiral McRaven narrate his own stories adds weight and authenticity you don’t get from the page.
Based on his viral 2014 commencement address at the University of Texas, Make Your Bed shares ten lessons learned from Navy SEAL training—McRaven was trained by legendary Vietnam-era frogmen. Each chapter delivers a practical takeaway about discipline, resilience, courage, and character. The message is clear: start small, do the hard things, help others, never quit.
It’s humble, motivating, and packed with timeless wisdom. If you’re looking for perspective and a jolt of clarity, this one’s well worth your time.
👉 Check out the book (or better yet, listen to the audiobook)
Podcast of the Week
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern work (my hand’s up), this episode is for you.
In How Much Should We Work? from the Deep Questions podcast, Cal Newport dives into why knowledge workers are more burned out than ever—and what to do about it. He also answers listener questions on:
- Whether you need a career backup plan
- How to find an executive coach aligned with his philosophy
- Setting realistic retirement goals
- The value of accountability tools
- How to know if your skills are “rare and valuable”
He wraps with insights from his recent New Yorker piece on managing AI—always appreciate his thoughtful takes there. It’s a grounded, useful listen for anyone trying to do deep work in a world that rewards distraction.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern work (my hand is raised), this episode is likely for you.
Enjoyed the read? Hit reply and let me know what stood out — or feel free to forward this to a friend who might appreciate it too.
You can also follow along on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
