Charles Doublet

Conscious Living for a Chaotic Crazy World

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3 Ways I Stopped Being Stupid and Created More Success and Happiness

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Stop Spinning Your Wheels:
Outsmart the Noise and Take Control

Let’s face it, you feel stuck.

Like a gear stuck in neutral, dreams in your head and frustration in your gut.

You see successful people around you, and a nagging voice whispers, “Maybe you’re just not smart enough.”

Hold on right there.

Stop letting that voice win.

The truth is, success has less to do with some magical “smart gene” and more to do with avoiding stupidity – the kind that keeps you spinning your wheels and getting nowhere.

Here’s the liberating secret.

You’re not alone.

​Carlo M Cippola, an Italian economic historian, wrote a whole book about it – “The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity.”

He talks about five kinds of people:

  • the stupid

  • the helpless

  • the intelligent

  • the bandits (the malicious ones)

  • the ineffectual (those who just don’t get it)

He argues that the number of truly stupid people is vastly underestimated, and the damage they do is staggering.
Stupid people don’t watch where they’re going

But here’s the good news.

You don’t have to be one of them.

You can become a leader, a master of your own destiny, by learning a few simple mental models.

Think of them as tools in your success toolbox.

Tool #1: The Five Whys​
Digging Deeper Than Surface Goals

Ever feel like you’re chasing shiny objects?

Goals that seem cool but don’t quite light your fire?

The Five Whys help you uncover the “why” behind your goals, ensuring they align with your deepest desires.

Let’s say you want a promotion.

Ask yourself, “Why is that important?”

More money?

Okay, why?

Security?

Why?

To travel the world!

Aha!

Now we’re getting somewhere.

By peeling back the layers, you discover the true purpose behind your desire for a promotion – travel.

This clarity allows you to focus your efforts and avoid wasting time on things that ultimately don’t matter.

Now it’s called the The Five-Fold Why but you may require more (or less).

The key is digging deep enough so that it resonates to your core.

When I’ve used this exercise, it will often connect so deeply with my most important values that it will literally bring tears to my eyes.

The exercise is that powerful!

Tool #2: The Five Hows​
Turning Dreams into Action Steps

So, you know what you truly want (travel the world!), but how do you get there?

The Five Hows break that seemingly impossible dream into bite-sized, actionable steps.

For any goal ask, “And how will I accomplish that?”

Repeatedly asking and breaking it down into ever-smaller and easier steps.

How do you travel the world?

Save money.

How do you save money?

Track your spending and cut back on unnecessary expenses.

See?

Each “how” becomes a manageable task you can tackle today.

Suddenly, that dream trip doesn’t feel so far-fetched anymore.

Like The Five-Fold Why, it may take more than 5 asks to break it down small enough into the daily actions you can do each day.

Tool #3: Second and Third-Order Thinking​
Avoiding the Stupid Pitfalls

Remember those stories I shared of the construction site I used to work at?

Yeah, the one where I was surrounded with coworkers who would have those “accidents”?

A lot of them could have been avoided with a little second and third-order thinking.

​Second-order thinking considers the immediate consequences of your actions.

Third-order thinking goes a step further, asking “What then?”

Maybe you were about to move a ladder without checking if someone was underneath.

Second-order thinking: Someone could get hurt.

Third-order thinking: You could get fired, sued, or even worse.

Suddenly, that shortcut doesn’t seem so tempting anymore.

Applying These Tools to Your Life:

  • Use the Five Whys on your current career path. Are you on the right track to achieve your travel dreams?

  • Use the Five Hows to craft a concrete savings plan. How much do you need to save per month? How can you create a budget to make that happen?

  • Practice second and third-order thinking before making any major decisions. Consider both the immediate and long-term consequences of your actions.

Martial Arts:
The Ultimate Training Ground

Think martial arts are just about kicking and punching?

Think again.

​The dojo, the training space, is a controlled environment where you learn valuable lessons about cause and effect.

You mess up, you might get a bruise, but it’s a safe space to learn from your mistakes.

The best thing about martial arts is that you are with other people who are working on being better, not just getting by.

And certainly, not stupid.

The Takeaway:

Stop letting others, or your own inner critic, tell you you’re not smart enough.

Learn these mental models, hone them like a martial artist hones their skills, and watch your life transform.

You are capable of achieving great things.

Now, go out there and prove them all wrong.

Remember, success isn’t about being a genius, it’s about being smart enough to avoid stupidity and take control of your destiny.

Feeling Like a Hamster on a Wheel? Here’s How to Take Control

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The Weekly Power Hour: Your Secret Weapon for Crushing Your Goals

Let me tell you something that might surprise you:

Most people I talk to feel stuck;

  • in their jobs
  • relationships
  • overall life direction

They haven’t the faintest clue how their daily actions stack up against their long-term dreams.

It’s like trying to build a championship physique by absentmindedly lifting weights whenever you feel like it.

You might see some random bicep growth, but a sculpted physique?

Forget about it.

Here’s the truth, warrior:

The secret to success isn’t some mystical force or lucky break.

It’s about intentionality.

It’s about deliberately aligning your daily actions with your long-term vision.

And that, my friend, is where the Weekly Power Hour comes in.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Another hour I have to squeeze into my already overloaded schedule?” hear me out.

This isn’t about adding another burden.

This is about unlocking a secret weapon that will transform your week from a chaotic scramble to a laser-focused mission toward your goals.

Think about it;

How many times have you started the week with the best intentions, only to find yourself swamped with emails, sidetracked by distractions, and left feeling like you accomplished nothing of real importance?

It’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel, right?

But here’s the thing, brother — you’re not the problem, your system is.

The enemy?

A lack of structure.

The culprit?

That nagging feeling that you’re constantly playing catch-up.

The solution?

The Weekly Power Hour.

Here’s the beauty of it;

You only need 60 focused minutes each week to completely transform your approach.

From Constructing Multi-Million-Dollar Projects to Constructing a Well-Lived Life

I first learned about the power hour as an apprentice in construction.

Every week, the company would hold a weekly huddle with all the guys, sometimes this was well over 100 union electricians.

On some jobs even more, when we did the Tom Bradley Remodel in 2010, we had well over 400 electricians.

That’s about $20,000 per hour at union scale at that time standing around each week.

That’s how important it is for the weekly power hour.

It saves time, money, and energy to make sure the work being done is in alignment with the overall goals and conditions of the job.

You’re Building Something Much More Important Than an Airport Terminal

While working on big projects was cool.

I took the lessons from the job for a much more important project;

Building my life.

Here’s how I did it:

  1. Grab your calendar and a pen. Find a quiet hour where you won’t be interrupted (think of it as your weekly war room meeting).
  2. Pull up your vision board (or that scribbled list of dreams tucked away in your drawer). Remember those audacious goals that set your soul on fire? Let them be your guiding light.
  3. Ask yourself: What are the 3–5 most important things I need to accomplish this week to move the needle on those long-term goals? Be specific! Don’t just say “get healthy,” say “go for a 30-minute run 3 times this week.”
  4. Now, schedule those actions into your calendar. Block out dedicated time slots, treating them like important appointments you wouldn’t dare miss. Remember, your goals deserve your respect!
  5. Here’s the kicker: During your Weekly Power Hour, revisit your schedule and identify potential roadblocks. Maybe that social media scroll after work is a bigger time-suck than you realize. Block those distractions too!

That’s it.

That’s your Weekly Power Hour.

One hour of focused planning and intentionality can completely transform your week.

You’ll go from feeling like a hamster on a wheel to a strategic leader, steering your actions toward the life you truly desire.

And here’s the best part;

This system works even when things don’t go according to plan.

Life throws curveballs, that’s a given.

But with your Weekly Power Hour in place, you’ll have a clear roadmap to get back on track.

A missed workout doesn’t derail your entire fitness journey, a setback at work doesn’t spell doom — you just adjust your schedule and keep moving forward.

So, are you ready to ditch the chaos and take control?

Don’t let fear hold you back.

Remember, every successful person you admire started exactly where you are — with a dream and a desire for something more.

The Weekly Power Hour is your first step towards making that dream a reality.

Take action today, warrior.

Your future self will thank you for it.

P.S. If you’re looking to up-level your strategy and planning to build your life, I recommend two additional resources.

First, I have my FREE 3-week email course, ​Learn to Lead​. Because if you can’t lead yourself, there’s no way that you’ll be able to lead in anything else.

Secondly, I have the $47 100-page ebook, ​Design Your Ideal Week​. This isn’t some lame “workbook” filled with blank pages to fill out! It’s an action-packed step-by-step roadmap to design your life blueprint.

If you don’t like the direction your life is going in, I suggest you pause, assess, and pivot to where you want to go.

And my resources will help you with that.

The Electrician Who Retired Early: What He Did Differently Than You (and Why It Matters)

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The Blueprint to Your Best Life: More Than Just Being Successful at Work

An interesting thing happened to me yesterday.

Imagine this:

You’re at a bustling diner, enjoying your breakfast.

Next to you at the counter sits a fellow patron, a seasoned construction worker, and you share a pleasant chat while eating breakfast.

You tell him you were an electrician for 35 years, and enjoyed working in the field but hated working in the office.

He proudly recounts how his willingness to tackle paperwork in the office, away from the physical labor of the field, led him to have multi-million contracts under his belt.

Yet, a stark contrast emerges as he reveals he’s still working at 65, lacking a pension and the freedom to enjoy his golden years.

You, on the other hand, retired in your early 50s, with a solid pension and ample free time.

While impressed by his work ethic, a profound question lingers:

How can someone who builds blueprints for a living neglect to design and build their own blueprint for a fulfilling life?

It’s Not How Much You Make, It’s How Much You Keep, and How Much Freedom You Have

The answer, sadly, isn’t uncommon.

Many people, like this construction worker, dedicate years to meticulously crafting blueprints for construction projects, yet fail to apply that same dedication to shaping their own future.

They get caught up in the daily grind, chasing money and success at the expense of personal well-being.

But just as a building requires a blueprint to ensure its stability and functionality, so too does a life worth living.

Why is a life blueprint so crucial?

Think of it like a roadmap.

Architect designing a blueprint

I Started My Blueprint in 1990

One day as a 3rd-year apprentice, looking over the blueprints, a thought occurred to me.

I asked my journeyman and foreman, “Do you have a blueprint for your life?”

I continued, “We use prints every day to build this project but what about our lives?”

They looked at me as if I was crazy and yelled at me to get back to work.

That was ​my first insight into the 80/20 Rule​ and learning who to learn from.

But it gave me my first insights into what kind of life I wanted to live and ​I started to design my first Life Blueprint​.

With it, working as an electrician, I was able to

  • retire early

  • not work overtime AND take at least (1) 3-week international vacation every year

  • be happily married for over 24 years

  • train every day and earn two hapkido black belts

  • teach kids and adult classes in hapkido

  • take community and online classes for business and marketing

  • helped my wife build a 6-figure home business

  • continue to train in martial arts in my 50s and hopefully for decades to come

In my Life Blueprint, I outlined my goals, values, and aspirations, providing me with a clear direction and purpose.

It helped me:

  1. Make informed decisions: With my blueprint guiding me, I could evaluate choices based on their alignment with my long-term vision. This prevents chasing fleeting desires that ultimately lead nowhere.

  2. Prioritize effectively: When I knew what truly mattered, I could allocate my time and energy strategically. This way, I didn’t just work hard but worked smart toward what truly fulfills me.

  3. Navigate challenges: Life throws curveballs. A well-defined blueprint equipped me with a sense of purpose and resilience. When faced with obstacles, I relied on my overarching goals to guide me back on track.

  4. Track progress and celebrate achievements: My blueprint served as a personal yardstick. It allows me to measure my progress, acknowledge milestones, and celebrate victories, both big and small. This sense of accomplishment fueled my motivation and kept me moving forward.

  5. Live with intentionality: A blueprint fosters a conscious approach to life. I was no longer simply existing; I was actively creating a life that aligned with my deepest desires and values.

So, How Do You Build Your Life Blueprint?

The key to a solid blueprint is to have a solid foundation.

What are the values, principles, and priorities that you want your life to represent and experience?

Without these basic building blocks in place, it won’t matter what you attempt to build, because it will be built on swampy soil and will eventually collapse.

Here’s a starting point to build your firm foundation:

  1. Self-discovery: Take time for introspection. What are your core values? What kind of life do you envision for yourself? What brings you joy and fulfillment? Reflecting on these questions is the foundation for building your blueprint.

  2. Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals provide direction and focus within your blueprint. Define your desired outcomes in each area of your life, be it career, relationships, health, or personal growth.

  3. Create an action plan: Break down your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. This makes them feel less overwhelming and more achievable, fostering a sense of progress.

  4. Review and adapt: Your life is a dynamic journey, not a static destination. Regularly revisit your blueprint, evaluate your progress, and adapt it as needed. Embrace flexibility and growth as you navigate life’s ever-changing landscape.

Remember, building a life blueprint isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process.

Just like a building requires constant maintenance and improvements, so too does your life plan.

By dedicating time and effort to its creation and refinement, you take control of your future and pave the way for a life filled with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Don’t let your life be a haphazard construction project.

Start crafting your own blueprint today, and build a life that truly stands the test of time.

P.S. Even with the best-built blueprint, it won’t come to fruition if you don’t take control of your time, energy, and attention. You will need to know how to lead yourself if you want that plan to become a reality.

I’ve laid out my blueprint for personal leadership as a FREE 3-week 22-email course, you can get it here: ​Learn to Lead

From White Belt to Black Belt: The Real Guide to Becoming a Leader (No Dojo Required)

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The Belts of Leadership: Mastering Yourself Before Leading Others

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a ​video of a skinny kid getting his ass kicked on YouTube​.

At first, I didn’t think anything of it.

I thought it was another silly video posted to get “likes.”

And it was.

But I didn’t like it.

After seeing a ​breakdown by Hard2Hurt​ it reinforced for me that too many people seek public recognition before they’ve developed personal acceptance.

You can’t get from others what you don’t already give yourself and it reminded me of my own martial arts journey.

The martial arts analogy serves a powerful purpose:

The journey to mastery is a relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Earning a black belt isn’t an overnight achievement;

It demands years of dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.

Similarly, true leadership, whether in your personal life, career, or public sphere, follows a similar path of progressive development.

Mastering Yourself: The White Belt of Personal Leadership

The Belt Colors of my Hapkido journey
The belt colors of my Hapkido journey

Your personal leadership foundation is where it all begins.

This white belt phase is about understanding and developing your core values, principles, and character.

It’s about building self-awareness, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, and actively working on self-improvement.

This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about confronting your limitations and taking responsibility for your actions and emotions.

Think of it like this:

Before you can effectively control an opponent in martial arts, you must master your own body and mind.

You need to understand your limitations, your weaknesses, and how to push yourself beyond them.

The Sneako-Strickland Fiasco: A Cautionary Tale

The recent incident between social media personality Sneako and UFC fighter Sean Strickland serves as a cautionary tale.

Sneako, hoping to secure an interview for his podcast, challenged Strickland to a sparring session.

The outcome was widely documented, showcasing a significant skill disparity.

While the specifics of their personal relationship are not the focus, this scenario highlights the potential pitfalls of neglecting personal leadership.

Sneako, in his attempt to establish himself as a public leader, seemingly disregarded the importance of personal development.

Entering a challenging situation without the necessary skill or preparation reflects a lack of self-awareness and ultimately leads to an undesirable outcome.

If you haven’t seen the beatdown, ​here is the video and a great breakdown by Hard2Hurt​, one of my favorite YouTube creators.

Earning Your Stripes: The Blue and Brown Belts of Professional Leadership

As you solidify your personal leadership foundation, you can begin exploring professional leadership.

Here, you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to inspire and guide others within a professional setting.

This involves effective communication, delegation, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive work environment.

Imagine this:

Having mastered your body and basic fighting techniques, you now learn more advanced moves and strategies.

You practice applying your skills with others, learning to work together and adapt to different situations.

Building Your Voice: The Black Belt of Public Leadership

Finally, with a strong foundation in personal and professional leadership, you can consider public leadership.

This stage involves influencing and inspiring a broader audience, often beyond your immediate professional circle.

It requires the ability to articulate a clear vision, connect with diverse individuals, and earn their trust and respect.

Public leadership isn’t about demanding attention or forcing your ideas onto others.

It’s about earning your stripes through genuine leadership qualities and building a voice that resonates with your audience.

Remember:

Even black belts in martial arts can be defeated by a more skilled opponent.

Public leadership, like any other skill, requires constant refinement and adaptation to maintain trust and influence.

The Takeaway: A Journey, Not a Destination

Leadership development is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

Whether you aspire to be a better partner, a more effective manager, or a public figure, remember the importance of mastering yourself first.

Invest in personal growth, hone your professional skills, and build your leadership voice authentically.

The journey will be challenging, but the rewards of inspiring and empowering others are truly remarkable.

By understanding the different “belts” of leadership and prioritizing your personal growth,

You can avoid the pitfalls exemplified by the Sneako-Strickland situation and embark on a path toward becoming a true leader,

One who inspires and empowers others to reach their full potential.

Black Belt Leadership: Are You Committed to Putting in the Work?

Last year, I decided to start an online presence with social media, blogging, and digital product creation.

I wasn’t doing this for the money or fame but as a new way to challenge myself to grow and learn.

For a guy, who for most of his life, mostly kept to himself, busily and happily pursuing his life, this was a big change for me.

But, I had already set the stage by building my personal leadership through self-work and self-awareness, therapy, journaling, meditation, and deep work.

I had also built my foundation of professional leadership on the mat in Hapkido as a 2nd-degree black belt and a supervisor in construction, running crews on multi-billion dollar projects.

So I’m better prepared for the challenges, trolls, and rollercoaster ride of building an online brand of public leadership.

And, I’m not needing the approval of anybody else to help boost my ego, progress, and growth.

If you’re struggling with your own leadership, look within.

Where are you not leading yourself?

That’s what’s holding you back from leading others.

P.S. If you haven’t already received my FREE 3-week course on Personal Leadership, you can get it here: ​Learn to Lead

Tired of Feeling Misunderstood? Decode Your Personality and Transform Your Life

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Cracking the Code: How Understanding Your Temperament Makes You a Better Man

Feeling like you’re constantly spinning your wheels in your relationships, leadership, and business?

Ever wonder why your partner seems like an alien, your team clashes like oil and water, and clients leave you scratching your head?

The answer might lie in an ancient Greek wisdom – the Hippocratean model of the four temperaments.

Imagine yourself divided into four fundamental elements: fire, air, earth, and water.

Each element shapes your unique personality, your strengths, and even your blind spots.

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