Author: yolocruz

Book notes: Showboat by Roland Lazenby

Showboat by Roland Lazenby book review summary.

Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryan by Roland Lazenby

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Synopsis:

“Seventeen-time all-star; scorer of 81 points in a game; MVP; and a shooting guard second only to Jordan in league history: Kobe Bryant is one of basketball’s absolute greatest players, a fascinating and complicated character who knew when he was a mere boy that he would be better than Jordan on the court.

The debate about whether he achieved that is a furious one – but Kobe has surpassed Jordan on the all-time scoring list and has only one less championship than Jordan (five to Jordan’s six).

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Book notes: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss book summary review.

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

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Synopsis:

“A former international hostage negotiator for the FBI offers a new field-tested approach to high-stakes negotiations – whether in the boardroom or at home.

Never Split the Difference takes you inside the world of high-stakes negotiations and into Voss’ head, revealing the skills that helped him and his colleagues succeed where it mattered most: in saving lives. In this practical guide, he shares the nine effective principles – counterintuitive tactics and strategies – you, too, can use to become more persuasive in both your professional and personal lives.

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To Improve Your Life, Improve Your Friends

One of the most effective ways to improve the results you’re getting. Surround yourself with those who elevate you.

 

“You are the average of your 5 closest friends”

This “Thought of the Day” centers around the idea of how the easiest way to predict our future is to look at who we choose to surround ourselves with.

Constantly find groups that will push you to become your better self.

Take on leadership positions to force yourself to take on new challenges.

Choose growth over comfort.

Special thanks to the Campuswide Honors Program (CHP) at UCI for elevating my mindset and being a part of my personal journey to where I am today 🙏🏼

The most expensive thing you can own

One of my greatest fears and why I keep learning.

“If you’re green, you’re growing. If you’re ripe, you’re rotting.” – Tony Robbins

Key Topics:

  • One of my greatest fears 😱
  • Why I enjoy reading so much 📚
  • Why knowledge is like a spider’s web
  • Older people compared to younger people 👶🏻👴🏼
  • The most expensive/costly thing you can own 💸

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When People Complain About Walking Far

How perspective can change your reality.

The other day I was talking to a friend who works at both as a nurse, and at milk tea shop part-time.

It made me realize that perspective is a powerful thing.

A bit of perspective can dramatically change our experience. Add up those experiences and over time we have a happier life.

What do you think? How has gratitude played a part in your life?

Leave a comment and let me know, I read and respond to every comment 🙂

Book notes: 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson

12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson book summary review.

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

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Synopsis:

“Humorous, surprising, and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.

What does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? Why did ancient Egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention as the highest of gods? What dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant, and vengeful?

Dr. Peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure, and responsibility, distilling the world’s wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life. 12 Rules for Life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith, and human nature while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its listeners.” -Audible

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Why I Spent Almost $120 on Acai Bowls Last Month

Why I don’t think this is going overboard.

For anyone who checks out my foodie Instagram account (@yolocruzfoodz) and story, or has talked with me in the past couple of months, you probably know that I’ve become mildly obsessed with acai bowls.

“Mildly” being up for interpretation.

This point was underscored when I took a look at my July spending towards this recent obsession (I track all of my spending categories via my budgets feature on Mint).

While my fascination with acai bowls began in late May / early June, this was the first month I knew it was becoming an actual obsession.

July Acai Spending Breakdown:

Total: $117.95

Continue reading “Why I Spent Almost $120 on Acai Bowls Last Month”

How do we find our purpose?

The other day, I was in a discussion group talking about willpower and how someone would develop or increase it.

One of the guys in our group said:

“All you have to do is just find your purpose and do it. Then you’ll get more willpower.”

Me: “But how do you just ‘find your pupose?'”

I didn’t like that answer because it sounded easier said than done. I felt like saying that wouldn’t help anyone who wanted to find their purpose but didn’t know how.

Key idea: You find your purpose by trying different things and finding the intersection of what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. 

Let me know your thoughts! Do you agree? Disagree?