Sunday Setup
A weekly newsletter to help get your mind set up for a positive workweek.
04.06.2025 — Don't Look Under the Bed
Kids Don’t Lie
I used to be afraid of the dark as a kid. I mean, who didn't go to bed, at least once, worried about the mythical boogeyman — or clown — under the bed? I still have PTSD from that scene in Poltergeist, but that was just a movie. Some poor kid in Kansas experienced that in real life after their babysitter found a full-grown man hiding under the bed.
The child complained there was "monster" under the bed, and when the babysitter attempted to reassure them there wasn't, she came face-to-face with a 27-year-old man who once lived at the residence. Although he managed to escape that night, the unnamed man was apprehended the next morning and jailed on multiple felony charges, none of which were impersonating a boogeyman.
If the goal of incarceration is to have the inmate repay a debt to society for their crimes, this guy should have to pay a national deficit type debt. Because of him, Little Johnny may end up spending $1.9 trillion on night lights, electricity, and therapy. He's gonna need a bigger health insurance plan.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSS
Today, April 6th, is the 96th day of the year. So basically, one quarter of the year is officially dead and gone, and we're now 6 days closer to the end of the year. If that makes you feel a bit of anxiety about your progress — or lack thereof — towards achieving your goals for 2025, good! You’ve got 269 days left to make the doughnuts!
Like most people, I set a handful of new year's resolutions at the beginning of the year. I included some health goals and a few financial goals — like find a steady source of income before the end of Q2 — but mostly I included intentions to be mindful of as I seek to improve certain aspects of my life this year.
So far, I feel as though I'm on track with most of them, but I've seen this movie before. Like many new year's resolutioners, I blast out the gate on fire with the verve of a thoroughbred at the Kentucky Derby, only to fizzle out on the back stretch from excuse exhaustion and excessive self-disparagement for falling short of unrealistic expectations.
According to a recent Gallup poll, 70% of U.S. adults set goals every year, but only 6% are still pursuing them just six months later. In the past I faithfully renewed my annual membership to the dubious Quitters Club, but something's different this time around. Perhaps it's the sobering realization that there’s more road behind me than ahead of me on this roadtrip we call life.
There are no guarantees in life — other than the end of it. Roman generals were often reminded of that fact during post-battle celebrations with the phrase, "Memento mori," which means "Remember, you must die." I bring this up not to be a morbid Debbie Downer, but to remind you — and myself — of the fleeting nature of life and encourage you to make the most of your time today, and every day you have the privilege to experience.
Regardless of whether your goal is to climb the corporate ladder, walk out the back door early, ride off into the sunset of retirement, or positively enrich the lives of others through your art, don't let the busy-ness of the week distract you from the business of your pursuit.
If you feel gassed at the beginning of the week or find yourself questioning whether you can even achieve your goals amidst all the obstacles in the way, try reflecting on the reason you set your goal in the first place and re-envision your future self enjoying the life you seek. But if that doesn’t work, consider this…
Six months from now — in October — you will either have
six months of progress
orsix months of excuses
Which will it be?
Go get busy making those doughnuts.
Carpe diem!