Do you ever stop to think, at this very moment, how many individuals (humans AND animals) are suffering due to forces beyond their control?

Me neither.

Regarding your PTO, as of today, October 9th:

1. Do you have it scheduled through the year?
2. Do you plan to roll zero days over?
3. Are your plans known to more than just HR (clients, etc.)?

If the answer is “no” to any of the above, you know what to do.

Do it today.

Build a house. Build a desk. Build a website. Build a business. Build a baby. Build a show. Build a place. Build a home. Build a brand. Build a class. Build a summer camp. Build a lego set. Build a family. Build a tradition. Build a legacy.

Build something.

Because in ten years, you’ll look back at the stuff you build.

And that’s stuff you’ll be most proud of.

Looking for the answer? Or some guidance? How about motivation?

I bet you could find it on your phone.

But when there’s always an escalator, shouldn’t sometimes just take the stairs?

Every six months, you see the dentist. Her main goal is to see if anything has changed.

Hopefully the answer is no.

While you’re there, do something similar.

Check to see if anything in your life has changed.

Hopefully the answer is yes.

Some quotes from the weekend:

From Bill Simmons, who helped start Grantland (paraphrased):

Website are like pants. It’s a lot of work to get them to grow. Then once they do, you have to keep watering the or they die out.

From Holstee who’s manifesto has been around for a while, but it always worth revisiting:

This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you starting doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often. Getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.

From UncleLeo’s Blog, Growing up:

Life is about figuring what things make you puke.

Have you done it? Seen it? Heard it?

Will you get to again next year? Or the year after?

Then do it. See it. Hear it.

What’s stopping you now?

Life is about figuring what things make you puke.

It doesn’t take many years to figure out what those things are.

But having the confidence and discipline to avoid them?

That’s the beauty of growing up.

Where are you gonna go?

• When you arrive.
• Once you’re done.
• When you’re bored.
• When you’re tired.
• When you need to make a call.
• When you need to pee.
• When you’re thirsty.
• When you need help.

Not sure?

Me neither.

The plan was to not publish a post today. Or, perhaps I would publish but claim I wrote and scheduled it way in advance.

The plan was to act as if I am not working today.

Why?

It’s Yom Kippur.

Don’t work, because that’s what Sandy Koufax did (or didn’t do) in the 1965 World Series.

Don’t work because today’s the holiest day of the year for Jews.

Don’t work because God is watching.

But that’s not the truth.

I am working today.

Maybe it’s because I don’t work the man anymore. There’s no opportunity to take a “free” day off (or not work to avoid hearing Gentiles ask why I’m working today).

Maybe it’s because my days are reflective enough every day. This blog is practically a daily atonement.

Maybe it’s because I thrive on being different.

Maybe it’s because I DO want to reap the fruits of my labor today.

Maybe it’s because I was sufficiently moved by the Temple Israel Kol Nidre service we live streamed and projected on our rooftop last night. (Don’t be rigid with your religion, I learned).

Maybe this post is my form of prayer.

Who knows.

Yom Kippur is about trying to be a better person. Being grateful. Truthful.

I do that shit every day and so should you.

Happy Yom Kippur.