Charles Doublet

Conscious Living for a Chaotic Crazy World

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Quitting vs. Pivoting: How to Tell the Difference and Become Unstoppable

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Don’t Throw in the Towel, Warrior:
Why Quitting Early is the Ultimate Enemy of Success

Let’s talk straight, warrior.

You’re here because that fire in your gut, the one that used to blaze so bright, feels like a dying ember.

Maybe you started a business, a creative project, hit the gym with gusto, only to find yourself staring at the ceiling, questioning everything.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth they don’t tell you: Everyone faces setbacks.

Everyone hits walls so high they feel like mountains.

It’s those pesky “enemies” – doubt, fear, and frustration – whispering sweet nothings about quitting.

They want you to believe the lie that this is all some cosmic joke, that your dreams were never meant to be.

But here’s the secret weapon they don’t want you to know:

Setbacks are not failures.

They’re battle scars, warrior.

They’re proof you stepped into the arena, that you dared to fight for what you believe in.

Remember that feeling you had at the beginning?

That unbridled enthusiasm, the unshakeable belief?

That’s still there, buried beneath the frustration.

Think of it like this:

You wouldn’t quit building your dream house because you hit a rock during excavation, would you?

You’d adjust your plans, maybe even find a hidden treasure (who knows?).

The same goes for your goals.

Difficulties are inevitable, but quitting is a choice.
One step at a time

But hold on.

There is a time to “pivot,” as they say in the fancy business world.

This isn’t about mindlessly banging your head against a wall.

New information can change the game.

Maybe your initial plan wasn’t the best, or maybe the market shifted beneath your feet.

That’s okay.

But quitting because it’s hard?

That’s letting the enemies win.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

  • Setback: You hit a roadblock, need to adjust your strategy, but the core goal remains the same.

  • New Information: You discover something fundamental that changes the entire landscape of your goal. Maybe a key technology becomes obsolete, or your target market evaporates.

So, how do you keep the fire alive when the quitting monster whispers its lies?

  1. Remember Your “Why”: Close your eyes and revisit that initial spark. What ignited your passion? What problem are you solving? Reconnect with that purpose, let it reignite the fire in your belly.

  2. Celebrate Small Wins: Quitting whispers “nothing is working.” Fight back by celebrating every tiny victory. Finished a chapter? Celebrate! Learned a new skill? Do a victory dance (even if it’s just in your head).

  3. Find Your Tribe: No warrior fights alone. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who believe in you and your dreams. Share your struggles, celebrate your wins, and let their encouragement fuel your journey.

  4. Reframe Your Thinking: Instead of “This is too hard,” try “This is challenging, but I’m learning and growing.” Shift your perspective from victim to victor.

  5. Take Action, Even Small Steps: The quitting monster thrives on inaction. Take one small step forward every day, even if it’s just researching a new strategy or reading a motivational article. Momentum is your friend.

Remember, warrior, the greatest achievements often lie just beyond the point where most people give up.

Don’t be most people.

Embrace the setbacks, learn from them, and keep pushing forward.

The world needs your unique fire, your unwavering spirit.

Don’t let the quitting monster steal your dreams.

You got this.

The Secret to Effortless Progress: It’s Not What You Think

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The Flow Channel: Building Your Success Muscle, One Rep at a Time

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels?

You grind away at a task, but progress feels nonexistent.

Frustration mounts, motivation dips, and suddenly that “dream life” seems like a distant mirage.

Leader, there’s a better way.

Enter the Flow Channel

The Flow Channel

Imagine yourself in the gym.

You’re not struggling to lift a weight that’s way too heavy, nor are you mindlessly curling ten-pound dumbbells.

You’ve found that sweet spot – a weight that challenges you, but still allows for controlled reps.

This is the Flow Channel, the zone where difficulty meets skill, intensity meets time, and growth thrives.

Why the Flow Channel is so powerful

Think of it like building muscle memory.

When you lift weights that are too light, you don’t build new muscle fibers.

Too heavy, and your form breaks down, leading to injury and hindering progress.

The Flow Channel is that perfect weight, pushing you to your edge while keeping you in control.

This sweet spot ignites several key benefits:

  • High Interest, Low Stress: You’re engaged, motivated to push further. No mind-numbing boredom or crippling anxiety to hold you back.
  • Muscle Memory: Consistent, controlled reps in the Flow Channel etch new skills into your brain. You become more efficient, more confident.
  • Neural Pathways: Imagine the roads in your brain – the Flow Channel helps carve out new, stronger pathways, making it easier to navigate towards your goals.

I first got introduced to the Flow Channel training in Hapkido in the 80s and 90s, though it wasn’t called that.

Instead, they called it the beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes.

  • Beginners were the white, yellow, and orange belt students
  • Intermediates were purple, green, and blue belt students
  • Advanced were brown, brown-stripe, red, and red-stripe students

In your class, you were training and sparring with your peers.

In this way, you would train and be tested within a range of relative skill and ability, not too hard or too soft. And like Goldilocks, just right.

So, how do you find your Flow Channel and unlock its power?

Buckle up, warrior, here’s your roadmap:

1. Know Your Limits, Push Your Edges:

  • Self-Awareness: Reflect on your current skill level. Be honest – where are you strong? Where do you need improvement?
  • Challenge Yourself: Don’t shy away from tasks that push your comfort zone. Stepping outside your bubble fosters growth, but remember, it shouldn’t feel like falling off a cliff.

Example: You want to be a master presenter. Start by giving mini-presentations to a trusted friend or colleague. Then, gradually increase the audience size and complexity of the topics. Celebrate your progress, and identify areas for improvement.

2. Break It Down, Conquer It:

  • Chunking: Don’t be overwhelmed by a massive goal. Break it down into smaller, achievable chunks. This makes the task less daunting and allows for steady progress.
  • Focus on the Present: Don’t get bogged down by the enormity of your long-term goals. Focus on mastering the task at hand – crushing that one rep in the Flow Channel.

Example: Let’s say you want to write a novel. Don’t aim for 100,000 words in a month. Set a daily goal of 500-1000 words. Each day you hit that target is a victory, building momentum and propelling you closer to your dream.

3. Celebrate the Journey:

  • Acknowledge Your Wins: Don’t wait for the “big win” to celebrate. Give yourself a pat on the back for hitting those daily goals, mastering new skills. These mini-victories fuel motivation and keep you in the game.
  • Find Your Reward: Positive reinforcement is powerful. After completing a task in the Flow Channel, reward yourself with something you enjoy. It can be a simple pleasure – a walk in nature, a good book – anything that reinforces the positive experience.

Remember, leader, finding the Flow Channel is a journey, not a destination.

There will be days when it feels elusive, but keep these action steps in mind.

As you consistently train in this zone, you’ll build the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to conquer any challenge and achieve success in work and in life.

You’ll be sculpting not just your physical muscles, but your success muscle, a powerful tool that will carry you far.

So, step into the Flow Channel, embrace the challenge, and watch your leadership potential take flight.

From Apprentice to Leader: Master the Skills to Take Charge of Your Future

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Forge Your Own Path: How Personal Leadership Becomes Your Success Blueprint

Imagine this, warrior.

One year from now.

  • You confidently walk into the office, colleagues respect your ideas, and your presentation nails that promotion.

  • Fearlessly, you ask out that captivating woman, your head held high.

  • Satisfaction radiates from you — a life built on your own terms.

Sounds pretty good, right?

This, leader, is the power of personal leadership.

It’s not about fancy titles or barking orders.

It’s about taking charge of your life, setting your own goals, and crushing them with unwavering focus.

It’s the first step to achieving anything you set your sights on, both personally and professionally.

Think of yourself as the foreman on a construction site.

You have the vision, the blueprint (your goals!), and the crew (your skills and determination).

But without leadership, the project goes nowhere.

Personal leadership is the foundation, the unshakeable belief in yourself that fuels your every move.

Why Is Personal Leadership So Important?

Here’s the deal:

  • You become the captain of your ship. No more drifting aimlessly, waiting for opportunities to fall in your lap. You chart the course, decide your destination, and navigate the storms that life throws your way.

  • Self-doubt gets KO’d. That nagging voice whispering limitations? You learn to shut it out. Personal leadership empowers you to believe in your abilities and conquer fear.

  • Goals transform from dreams to reality. You break down your aspirations into actionable steps, taking consistent moves towards that dream promotion, that cross-country trip, or that perfect relationship.

So, how do you grab the mantle of personal leadership and build your success blueprint?

young man drawing out his blueprint

Here’s your action plan:

1. Know Your Why: Unveiling the Inner Compass

  • Action: Before you build, you need a blueprint. What are your core values? What truly motivates you?

  • Dig Deep: Is it financial security? Recognition? Leaving a positive impact? Identify your driving force.

  • Example: Maybe it’s providing for your family that sets your soul on fire. That becomes your guiding star, pushing you to excel in your career.

2. Vision Boarding: Painting Your Dream Future

  • Action: Visualize your ideal life. What does success look like for you? Create a vision board (physical or digital) filled with images that represent your goals. Seeing is believing, leader.

  • Get Specific: Include images of your dream career, your desired lifestyle, and the experiences you crave. The more detailed, the more powerful.

  • Example: If you dream of traveling the world, pin pictures of breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cultures. Let it fuel your ambition.

3. Embrace the Grind: Building Your Skill Arsenal

  • Action: No champion becomes great overnight. You need to hone your skills. Identify areas you need to strengthen and actively work on them.

  • Continuous Learning: Take courses, read books, seek mentors. Every skill you learn becomes another tool in your success toolbox.

  • Example: Aspiring to be a leader at work? Develop your communication skills, learn to delegate tasks effectively, and become a master problem solver.

4. Silence the Doubters: Building a Fortress of Confidence

  • Action: Self-doubt is a sneaky enemy. Recognize it, then shut it down. Surround yourself with positive influences who believe in you.

  • Positive Affirmations: Start your day with affirmations like “I am capable” or “I will achieve my goals.” Repetition builds belief.

  • Action Step: Track your progress! Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Each accomplishment fuels your confidence and silences negativity.

5. Take Action: Brick by Brick, Building Your Success

  • Action: Enough planning! It’s time to build. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and break them down into daily tasks.

  • Consistency is Key: Small, consistent actions lead to big results. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment.” Start today, even with baby steps.

  • Example: Want to learn a new language? Commit to 30 minutes of practice daily. Consistency is the secret weapon, leader.

Remember, taking charge of your life is a journey, not a destination.

There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and unexpected detours.

But with unwavering personal leadership, you’ll weather any storm.

You’ll learn, adapt, and emerge stronger.

So, pick up your tools, warrior.

The blueprint for your success is waiting to be built.

Lead the way.

P.S. If you’re still struggling to let your leadership shine, I have a FREE 3-week email course that will help you, get it here: Learn to Lead.

Signing up will also give you, The Daily Dojo, your daily inspiration for living a life of the warrior-sage.

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