I’m not a fan of surprises.

And yet, there are some surprises, like the one I’m about to share, that are too good to keep to myself.

It’s hard for me not to know something. My wife can attest to this.

I was a jerk on the day of my 30th birthday surprise party because we would be late for “dinner” with my parents and in-laws.

Now, if you tell me something and ask me to keep a secret, my lips are sealed. Like Jay Z said, “I’m like a dog. I never speak, but I understand.”

But I struggle when it comes to keeping things that I’m eventually going to share with others.

I’ve been holding onto a secret, a project that is very close to my heart, I was going to wait, but that’s boring…

Wait, did I say boring?

Would that be a good title for a children’s book?

Excited to announce that Caroline and Grace are at it again!

I sent the final edits to the illustrator this morning for the second book in this series, ‘Do BORING Better.’

Set to be published on Amazon later this spring, Caroline and Grace receive invaluable advice from their mom as they fall short of their goal of winning a soccer championship.

After accomplishing their goal of making it to the top of the mountain in the first book, ‘Overcoming Any MOUNTAIN,’ I wanted to delve deeper into a topic inevitable in everyone’s life: failure.

More specifically, what do we do with failure?

These books become a tangible way for my wife and I to discuss life’s lessons with our girls.

Ultimately, it is to prepare them, not protect them, for the reality that growth often comes from stumbling and learning how to rise again.

I’ll include the summary below, but I want to leave you with this.

I was thinking about writing this book since the idea for the first one came to me. I kept putting it off. Rationalized every excuse in the book – literally and figuratively.

This project is near and dear to my heart because of the correlations between my journey of not having a cell phone and what Caroline and Grace encounter in this new book.

• What you get isn’t nearly as important as who you become
  • This speaks to the character development of Caroline and Grace in the face of challenges. It’s not about winning the championship or going a year without a cell phone – who you become on the other side of the journey is paramount to the trophy.

• Your happiness can change exponentially once you stop expecting anything from anyone
  • Taking ownership of your choices, good and bad, and finding joy in the journey can empower you in ways others can’t touch.

• Hearing ‘you’ve changed’ is the biggest compliment you can receive
  • Consider your growth trajectory if you haven’t heard this from your family and friends in a while.

• Your life will change drastically the minute you stop complaining about things outside your control
  • My wife and I always remind our girls not to complain if we aren’t able to change it. The only things we control in life are our attitude, our confidence, and our effort.

• Small action is better than no action
  • Regardless of what others think. Despite what others think. Write that book. Send that email. Make that call.

Life is too short to tell yourself “I should” or “I could.”

Well…why don’t you?

‘Do BORING Better’ Summary:

Embark on another heartwarming adventure with Caroline and Grace in “Do BORING Better,” the eagerly awaited follow-up to their epic mountain climb.

This time, the courageous sisters lace up their soccer cleats, ready to face the challenges of teamwork and competition in their quest for the championship. Despite their hard work and dedication, they encounter unexpected setbacks, learning that winning isn’t the only measure of success.

With the wisdom of their mother’s guiding principles, “Do BORING Better,” the sisters embrace each moment on and off the soccer field. The acronym BORING—Belief, Ownership, Resilience, Integrity, Nimble, and Gratitude—becomes their mantra, teaching them to see setbacks as opportunities for growth and emphasizing the importance of attitude, confidence, and effort.

“Do BORING Better” is more than a tale of soccer; it’s a celebration of the enduring values that pave the way to true success. Caroline and Grace’s journey invites young readers to find joy in perseverance and discover that any challenge can be an opportunity to learn and thrive with the right mindset.