Money plays an important role in life, but it can't be the only filter for how you decide to spend your time. Nobody will ever pay you to go on a dat… - James Clear

My wife shared a bit of wisdom with me recently, and I'd like to pass it along to you today…

You can be happy with who you are and still want to be better. You can love your body and still want to improve it. You can appreciate your financial state and still want to improve it.

Progress does not require self-loathing. You can feel successful along the way.

Optimism early, pessimism in the middle, optimism late.

Your starting position has to be somewhat optimistic or you'll talk yourself out of getting started. Believing in what you are about to do does not guarantee success, but a lack of belief can prevent it.

Once you've committed, pessimism becomes useful. Question things. Find holes in your plan. Hold yourself to a high standard and try to identify your mistaken beliefs before they become your misplaced actions.

After you've spent some time troubleshooting, it's back to optimism again. Nothing will ever be perfect, but you have to act anyway. Progress requires the courage to forge ahead despite the inevitable obstacles.

Lack of confidence kills more dreams than lack of ability.

Talent matters—especially at elite levels—but people talk themselves out of giving their best effort long before talent becomes the limiting factor.

You're capable of more than you know. Don't be your own bottleneck.