It's that T.I.M.E of the week again!

The newsletter that provides actionable life lessons to a wealthier, healthier, and happier future.

The Effect Paradox

Have you ever tried to untie a knot on a piece of string, but it has been pulled so tight it won’t release?

Have you noticed when you patiently loosen your grip you are able to untangle it?

That’s the Effort Paradox in action.

The Effort Paradox is the idea that trying too hard can actually make success harder to achieve.

When we push relentlessly toward a goal, whether it’s solving a problem, coming up with ideas, or even falling asleep, we create tension and mental blockages that work against us.

This happens because intense focus over-activates the prefrontal cortex, limiting creative connections and problem-solving ability. Meanwhile, when we relax, take a break, or shift focus, the brain’s default mode network kicks in, allowing subconscious processing to generate fresh insights.

That’s why breakthroughs often happen in the shower, on a walk, or right before sleep when our minds are free to explore new connections without force or pressure.

We’re conditioned to believe that success comes from grinding 24/7, but the truth?

Breakthroughs happen when you stop forcing them. Your brain needs breathing room to connect the dots and see solutions you’d otherwise miss.

Want to test it out?

Try this simple activity:

Step 1: Identify a problem you’re stuck on.
Step 2: Stop working on it for an entire day. (Yes, really!)
Step 3: Do something fun or relaxing, walk, listen to music, journal, or just chill.
Step 4: The next day, write down any new insights that surfaced naturally.

Why this works?

Your brain is like a muscle, overworking it leads to burnout, not brilliance. When you step back, your subconscious takes over, making connections in the background.

That’s why your best ideas often hit you when you least expect them.

If you’re into human psychology and love understanding why people behave the way they do, Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson is a must-read!

This book breaks down personality types into four color groups:

🔵 Blue – Analytical, detail-oriented, and logical
🔴 Red – Decisive, bold, and competitive
🟡 Yellow – Creative, social, and spontaneous
🟢 Green – Patient, empathetic, and harmonious

Most people are a mix of two or three, but finding someone who is purely one type, especially a full-on Red, is pretty rare.

What makes this book so fascinating is how spot-on it is when explaining why people act the way they do. You’ll start seeing these colors everywhere in your friends, colleagues, and even yourself.

I haven’t been able to put this one down. Highly recommend giving it a read!

Money is not the problem.

We are constantly chasing what we don’t have rather than focusing on the incredible things we do have in our lives.

For me personally, if you love what you do, have strong close relationships and a house full of love you’ve already won.

If not, I encourage you think about what those key things are for you, write them down, and get to work.

Do you ever go to the gym without a workout pre planned and have a sub par workout, compared to when you go in knowing exactly what you need to do and smash the session?

If that is you, you’re not alone.

I am currently trialing a new weekly schedule which I have put in place in my life. The idea is that I have a visual representation of how I spend my time on a weekly bases, as most weeks(especially Monday to Friday) are the same.

By scheduling exactly what I need to do, it takes away the stress of having to plan or remember things. It is kind of like a to do list but in a weekly schedule format.

You would have to be a robot to stick to a schedule this regimented so I do give myself some lee-way from time to time.

For example if I know I need to work on something for an hour but I get home later that day, I will compensate for the time missed and start the work an hour later.

You will also see a lot of free time on the weekends. I usually allow myself the most flexibility as many things pop up unexpectedly.

The most powerful effect I have found from this strategy is that I am actually getting things done, even if it is slightly more than usual.

I truly believe that by creating a schedule like this and sticking to it, it is only a matter of time until you will find success in their life. Putting in those small reps every week compound over time.

Remember, small things become big things.

Feel free to give it a try and create your own copy here.

Ambitious Question

If you lost everything tomorrow, what would still make life meaningful?

In case you missed last week's newsletter, I spoke about:

TEACH: The 80/20 Pareto Principle – 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Focus on high-impact tasks in productivity, fitness, relationships, and money to work smarter, not harder.

INSIGHTS: A Key Strategy to Financial Freedom – Daniel Priestley’s 7-11-4 framework shows how to build a personal brand and gain trust online. 7 hours of content, 11 touchpoints, 4 platforms—people buy from those they know.

MOTIVATION: You Can’t Deny Consistency – Talent is flashy, but consistency wins. The ones who keep showing up—day in, day out—are the ones who build empires.

EXPLORE: Alcohol-Free Journey – Six months sober and the benefits are undeniable. No preaching, just a personal truth: this has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Ambitious Question: What 20% of your daily activities bring you 80% of your happiness and success?

Check it out here.

Feel free to share this if you gained any value from it. Feedback is also welcome.

THANKS FOR READING LEGENDS!