Brenton's Blog

Book 2: Post 1 Feel Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You - Ali Abdal I'm only about a third through this book thus far, however, it's easy for me to see why this book could be beneficial to me. Being a junior in college right now, it's easy to lose yourself in the constant balance of school, work, and social life. This book has made me appreciate the idea that I'm still a college student, and I can enjoy my free time without feeling like I'm wasting my time. Obviously, work and school have always been very important to me, but they have never felt insanely strenuous to me, and I think that is why I enjoy both so much. I always come to class and work with positive energy, and after reading the book, this same concept is illustrated. People who have positive emotions associated with their jobs tend to be much more efficient, which is something I will continue to always bring to the table.  More so, the book emphasizes the importance of creating you...

Growing up under the warm glow of Southern California skies, my allegiance to the Los Angeles Lakers was as inevitable as the setting sun. Through the many highs of championship glory to the absolutely gut-wrenching lows of losing seasons, my support for the team has never skipped a beat. This season, the Lakers find themselves in a familiar predicament that they've had for the past 4 seasons. Currently, they are hovering in the mid-tier of the Western Conference with a playoff berth very within reach. With a current record of 31-28, they're just above .500, and there's a sense every time you watch them that they must kick into a higher gear if they want a chance in the postseason. This year, perhaps more than ever, the spotlight shines on Lebron James. In the twilight years of his dreamlike career and the final year of his contract with the Lakers, every game feels like a part of the end of his legacy. Within the next 3 games, James is predicted to achieve the feat of 40,0...

  POST #2: " “You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”  (Goggins) As you read deeper into Goggin's story, you really began to realize what turned him into the beast he is today. His mindset, which he developed from a very young age through his own personal traumas, is what sets him apart from most people. I know it might sound cliche, but he found a way to ignore pain. He literally uses pain to fuel him. With this unique mindset, he began to no longer see obstacles as deterrents but challenges to confront head-on. Growing up Goggins was a man lost in life. Someone who had no direction, and no sense of purpose. However, with consistent routine, he found joy in the pain of working out. He embraced the fact that he could push his body further than anybody with the sheer power of his mind. "It's a lot more than mind over matter. It takes relentless self discipline to schedule suffering into ...

Embracing the Chill: The Power of the Cold Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. How do you wake up each morning? Is it through the persistent ringing of 10 alarms, the quick jitters from a shot of espresso, or perhaps the all-too-common wish for just a few more minutes of sleep? People's morning routines vary widely, but have you ever contemplated starting your day with an ice bath? The ice bath, the latest culture craze, serves not only as a unique method to awaken your senses but also to enhance your body.  The enhancements in ice bath technology and their research have made the equipment more accessible and affordable. This has helped allow people all over the world, interested in such a practice, to easily incorporate it into their daily routine. This decrease in cost also means that the ice bath is no longer exclusive to elite athletes and the economically advantaged but can be enjoyed by a much broader audience. With the convenience of new at-home setups, what was once an exclusive...

POST #1: "Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" is an autobiographical memoir written by David Goggins, an esteemed Navy Seal. This choice of reading was driven by my strong interest in personal development and mental resilience, themes that the book illustrates through Goggin's own extraordinary life story. Known mainly for his incredible feats of endurance and physical strength, Goggin's narrative is not just about these triumphs but, more importantly, about mental toughness and the ability to adapt to adversity. I was drawn to this book because it promises more than just an inspiring story of a true American hero, but it also offers a way to push past one's perceived limits, both mental and physical. And furthermore, in the world of business and real estate, these same limits can be applied. My hope in reading "Can't Hurt Me" is to absorb some of Goggin's attitude and to apply his lessons of perseverance, self-discipline, and ...

Puritan Yardman All of us being students here in Southern California, we likely all know one flavor - the unmistakable taste of an In-N-Out burger. It may seem out of the blue to talk about hamburgers at this moment but stick with me. Envision an In-N-Out Double-Double. Regardless of personal preferences for toppings, every burger shares one constant that often goes unnoticed yet is essential to the iconic flavor - the bun. However, unlike most fast-food restaurants, In-N-Out's bun contains zero preservatives, ensuring the quality of every burger sold. Now, it might seem weird I know this much about a burger bun, but I gained this knowledge because of my role last summer. I had the opportunity to work for Puritan bakery, as a yardman and a part-time member of their sales team. This might not sound like the most glorious position, and most people probably don’t know what a yardman even does, so that’s where I’m going to begin. At Puritan Bakery, the role of a yardman falls outside t...

Where do I come from? I grew up in Manhattan Beach, California, just a short distance down the street from USC. Where am I going? "The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves." -Quote from Terminator 2 How do I plan to get there? "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." -Quote from Ferris Bueller's Day Off How am I LIKE my parents? My parents are my rock, I strive to be like them everyday I wake up. Like my dad hardworking, determined, and unafraid of any challenge. Like my mom caring, understanding, and the life of any room she walks into. Without them I honestly don't know where I would be today. How am I UNLIKE my parents? Like everyone, I am my own person. Although they are my role models, and always will be long after they are gone, I never strive to copy them. They have taught me how to act since I was young, and I have developed into someone that has used those quali...