Author: markezrastokes
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Praise for the Sweats & the Tryhards
I’ve noticed a trend in the past few years. Those who accomplish tasks or put forth an extra effort in whatever they’re doing are labeled “sweats” or “tryhards” while those who boast mediocrity present themselves as heroes for being “real.” After a little digging, I’ve found that the “tryhard” label goes back at least to…
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Us vs. Them: Clearly they’re the problem
Something bothered me on Facebook this week. No surprise there, right? One of my friends shared a post that gets recirculated every few years, but the gist is that a certain group of people (pro athletes, media personalities and Hollywood entertainers) isn’t important, nor are their voices, but another group of people (doctors, teachers, farmers,…
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Embracing the Boogeyman
As an ’80s child reared in the Bible Belt, I had the common fear that tabletop roleplaying games–specifically Dungeons & Dragons–paved a pathway to eternal torment. Fast-forward to the present, and I find myself writing supplements for leaders of such games.
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One’s Relationship to Pain
Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Since then, pain has been my constant companion. Today, we address one’s relationship to pain.
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Tempering Productivity
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the whole earth revolves—slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life.” -Thích Nhất Hạnh
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Maximizing 24 Hours
Even the most peak performers in history had the same 24 hours as I do each day. The challenge becomes maximizing 24 hours for the upcoming day.
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Finding Your Side Hustle
If you’re a school teacher or high-school student, the laid-back pace of summer often provides the opportunity to hustle. Not having a side hustle is rarer these days, as it can provide peace of mind to not put all of your income streams in one basket. Here are a few side hustles I’ve picked up…
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On Those Who Build Us Up
Today is a big milestone birthday for my beautiful wife, Kasey, and it provides a great opportunity to reflect on those who build us up. I first locked eyes with Kasey’s deep mahogany pools back in middle school, so I find it reassuring that she knew me in all my teen awkwardness and cringeworthy self-righteousness.…
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Books that Complement
On this ambitious quest to finish 77 books on self-improvement and business, I’ve come across a few that haven’t really wowed me for one reason or another. Occasionally, though, I come across books that complement one another in really powerful ways.
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Hacks and Balance
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life? Do you wish there were simple hacks that helped you to balance your life in a way that was manageable again?
