BY: FOUNDER & CEO, DAVID OSTERWEIL

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Most of all, I hope you had a wonderful and joyous time with your friends and family. As we look forward to this year with gratitude, I want to share with you what I take away as some of my top lessons and learnings from 2021.

Each year, I make learning a key part of my year. I carry with me a book that I write in some of these lessons throughout the year. This year, I had a resolution to Read / Listen to 15 books. I was able to achieve my goal and I used just a handful of pages to draft some of my favorite learnings.

A few of my favorite books I read were, “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey, “Leading with Character” by Jim Loehr, “The Biggest Bluff” by Maria Kornikova, “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty, “Think Again” by Adam Grant and “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown. In addition to this, there were some powerful podcasts I listened to, speakers I saw and learning I garnered from some great friends and colleagues. 

Without learning, we stand still, however, with learning we develop ourselves into the best versions of ourselves. We are all works in process.

Here are my top 10 from 2021…

10  //  QUESTIONS ARE KEY. BE CURIOUS. 

When you are talking are you asking questions, or just stating facts and opinions? It is so much harder to ask questions, however, when you do, you get so much more out of each conversation, go deeper and learn more. Start with "Who," "How," "Why," "What," and "When."

09  //  TALENT. TALENT. TALENT. 

Without great talent nothing is achievable. You cannot do it alone. Start developing talent. Stop thinking you can do it all. Continue Growing.

08  //  THERE ARE GATE CLOSERS & GATE OPENERS. 

When it comes to relationships, there are things called gate closers and gate openers. Gate openers are Trust, Safety, Vulnerability, Curiosity, Compassion, Support, Compassion, Humility, Empathy, Being Present and Active Listening. Gate Closers are Shaming, Guilt, Unhealthy Humor, Judgements, Fear, Lack of Commitment, Stonewalling, Electronics. 

07  //  WELCOME STRESS. 

I used to fear my stress and see it as something raises anxiety. Then someone said to me, “what if it is that stress and anxiety that allows you to operate at a whole different level?” Welcome it, recognize it and leverage it to kick ass.

06  //  HELP PEOPLE FOR THEIR BENEFIT. NOT YOUR BENEFIT. 

Helping people for your own benefit is called manipulation. When you help people for their benefit it is the greatest gift you can give. Genuinely make a difference.

05  //  SUCCESS IS A CONTINUUM, NOT A DESTINATION. 

There is not a single destination of success. It is a continuum for your life, which is a journey. In number 3 you'll see me begrudgingly quote Nick Saban. This is a great quote that is true in sports and life. Nick Saban always says that there is no reason to "defend" a title. He says, "we already won that. it's history." the reality is, this is so true. Success is continuum, not a destination.

04  //  REPLACE "BUTS" WITH "ANDS". 

When I write and speak, I try and catch myself using the word “but” and making sure I can replace it with “and.” If you catch me, please let me know! Give it a shot and see a whole mindset shift.

03  //   "NEVER WASTE A FAILURE." - NICK SABAN. 

As a Miami fan and with a wife who went to Georgia, you won't see me as a big Alabama fan, but you have to respect Nick Saban and his mindset and ability to coach. How many times have I failed at something? Who’s keeping track?!  ☺When you fail at something; anything, use it as an opportunity to learn and get better. Prepare to catch the failure in advance, and if you fail just catch that learning.

02  //  DON'T GET LOST IN "WHAT IF." FOCUS ON "WHAT IS."  

Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. Focus on what is vs. all the What Ifs. There are too many to keep track of and you will drive yourself crazy.  

01  //  “WHEN YOU SCORE. YOU BETTER START POINTING." - ABBY WAMBACH.

 I enjoyed her book “Wolfpack.” No one achieves anything without the help and support of others. Think about all those who are supporting you and start pointing at those who are making it happen. When I look at this, I think about our BFFs of 2021 and how they have been pointed at! I also think about Tom Brady pointing to his receivers and offensive line and other teammates and coaches. Who are you pointing at?

So, as we dive into 2022, consider your own learning and what you will bring into 2022! Thank you for all your support to our mission to "Elevate the Way People Feel" at Fitlife Foods in 2022!

With Gratitude, 

 David