THE POWER OF PURPOSE In Angela Duckworth’s “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance”, one of the key insights is that PURPOSE is essential to developing grit. Duckworth defines grit as the combination of passion and perseverance toward long-term goals, and purpose plays a critical role in sustaining perseverance. It gives meaning to our efforts, transforming challenging tasks into steps toward a larger mission. Duckworth’s research shows that people with a strong sense of purpose, such as educators or athletes, are more likely to push through adversity because their goals are connected to their values and impact beyond personal success. Purpose not only drives grit but also nurtures passion over time. It’s not something that appears overnight but grows through consistent effort and commitment. Duckworth argues that having a clear and meaningful reason to keep going—especially when faced with setbacks—is what separates those who achieve long-term success from those who give up. In essence, purpose is the fuel that powers grit, turning perseverance into a force capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving extraordinary results.

"Without old feuds I got none at all, and where’s the fun in that?" - said by Wade Morrow to John Dutton in Yellowstone.

The overnight funds rate, or federal funds rate, is the interest rate at which banks lend reserves to each other overnight, and it's a key indicator of monetary policy and economic activity

“A market where government reaches in to decide who wins or loses is nothing more than crony capitalism, where wealth is not created by the value you create and the risk you take to get there by a political system that rewards it’s insiders.” - Jeff Booth

Deliberate practice is the key to mastering any skill. Unlike mindless repetition, it involves focused, purposeful effort aimed at improvement. By breaking down complex tasks, seeking feedback, and pushing beyond current abilities, we build competence and confidence. Whether in music, sports, or any craft, the power of deliberate practice lies in its ability to challenge us just enough to foster growth. With patience and consistency, we unlock our true potential. #DeliberatePractice

In today’s political landscape, it’s becoming increasingly evident that many politicians have become little more than grifters—individuals who exploit public office for personal gain, power, and influence. These so-called leaders often prioritize their own agendas over the needs of the people they’re meant to serve, further entrenching a system that favors the wealthy elite while leaving the rest of us behind. Whether through corporate donations, backroom deals, or self-serving policies, it’s clear that the current political structure is broken. But here’s the hard truth: we can no longer rely on these career politicians to bring about real change. They’re too entangled in the web of the system they’ve built and perpetuated. The only way forward is through grassroots action—real, community-driven movements that bypass the corrupt system and build new, parallel structures. This doesn’t mean we abandon the political process entirely, but rather that we take back control by organizing locally, working together as neighbors, and creating systems that serve our needs directly. Community-driven initiatives, mutual aid networks, decentralized decision-making, and alternative forms of governance are the keys to creating true progress. By empowering ourselves and supporting one another, we can begin to break free from the control of a government that too often serves itself rather than the people. It’s time to stop waiting for politicians to fix things. They won’t. But when we come together, collaborate, and build from the ground up, we can create a world that works for all of us—not just the select few at the top. It’s time to take action, and the best way to do that is by working together at the grassroots level to build parallel systems that serve the people, not the powerful.