Episode 248 - Act 4 - Connect and Renew - Strengthen What Strengthens You As A DadConnect and Renew — Strengthen What Strengthens YouBuild a Challenge Network. Compliments feel good, but they don’t help you grow. Honest feedback does. Psychologist Adam Grant suggests creating a small group of people who care enough to tell you the truth. Ask better questions like, “What’s one thing I could do better?” Try a weekly Feedback Friday: send one piece of work to someone you trust and ask for one suggestion to improve it. Two or three honest critics are enough to keep you sharp and improving.Curate Your CircleYour relationships shape your habits and mindset. Research shows emotions and behaviors — good and bad — spread through social networks. Don’t just drift into connections; choose them.Build a balanced circle with three key people:A Challenger who pushes you and speaks honestly.A Cheerleader who believes in you and lifts you up.A Coach who’s a bit ahead of you and offers guidance.Stay close to people who energize and motivate you.Create a To-Don’t ListGrowth isn’t just about adding more; it’s also about stopping what doesn’t matter. Each quarter, ask yourself, “What’s not worth my time?” Drop one commitment, meeting, or project that adds little value. Removing low-impact tasks frees your time and focus for what truly counts.Take Micro SabbathsBalance movement with stillness. A micro sabbath is a short daily pause — 10 to 15 minutes with no phone, no screens, and no tasks. Just breathe, sit quietly, or step outside. These moments restore your mind, reduce stress, and help creativity return. It’s maintenance, not laziness.Send 26 Thank-You NotesGratitude strengthens relationships and boosts happiness. Studies show writing thank-you notes increases life satisfaction and reduces stress. This year, send 26 notes — one every two weeks. Keep them short, sincere, and specific. Gratitude lifts your mood and deepens connections.Pick two or three of these ideas to focus on. A better year doesn’t just happen — you create it.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q10H5RA3eCADaniel's free workbook - https://www.danpink.com/workbook Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC2syoh-4I8L-mOMkJ_kNJgZgHB3G3sFZ https://www.danpink.com/___https://dadspace.camusic provided by Blue Dot SessionsSong: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270