Still Peaking: March 2025

Read Time: 6 minutes

Welcome back to Still Peaking, the newsletter for those who believe growth has no finish line. Together, we explore strategies to break through limits, embrace bold choices, and live a life of purpose and intention.

In this issue:

• Challenge of the Month: Deepen Your Bonds

• Don’t Think, Just Do: Take Part in a Misogi

• Green & Growing: Unleash Your Second Life

• Hero Spotlight: Man Up Book Club – Bold Goals

Let’s dive in!

Challenge of the Month: Deepen Your Bonds

Each month I share a challenge that gives you the chance to experiment with new ideas -- and this one may extend your life.

Have you ever looked back and realized you’ve lost touch with the people who once meant the world to you? That was me. From age 28 to 50, I was laser-focused on my career and making money, and in the process, I lost contact with nearly everyone who mattered: college teammates, high school buddies, and childhood pals. I spent too much energy on transactional relationships -- clients and colleagues -- instead of nurturing the lifelong confidants I’ll cherish at 85. I regret that deeply.

The Problem: We let work and daily obligations crowd out the relationships that enrich our lives. In our busy routines, genuine connections slip away, leaving us with superficial ties that lack support, joy, and meaning.

The Research: The Harvard Study of Adult Development -- a landmark 80-year longitudinal study -- shows that deep social connections not only enrich our lives but can even add years to it. Robert Waldinger, the study’s director, reveals that genuine relationships, not money and fame, keep us happier and healthier. (Check out his insights, ​here​.)

The Challenge: This month, invest in real relationships. Schedule at least four calls or visits -- about one a week -- with people you cherish, even if you’ve lost touch. Notice any shifts in your mood or perspective after reconnecting.

What You’ll Gain: By investing in genuine connections, you’re not just catching up -- you’re fueling your long-term well-being and enriching your life.

On a personal note, I’ve prioritized friendships over the past two years. For example, just two weeks ago in Miami, I had dinner with Matt -- a junior high basketball teammate whom I hadn’t seen in 30+ years. Later that weekend, I spent a full day at the beach with Mike, my best friend from high school and classmate in graduate school. Next week, I’m reconnecting with Colleen in California -- another high school friend who introduced me to the Stanford LEAD program. These moments fill my cup.

Don’t Think, Just Do: Take Part in a Misogi

The Don’t Think, Just Do mantra helps us commit to actions before excuses take over.

We live in a world of comfort. 70-degree homes, podcasts on our commutes, and food delivered at a tap. These conveniences -- while great -- rob us of the challenges that build grit and resilience. Too much comfort dulls our edge.

Enter misogi: an ancient Japanese ritual of purification through a daunting challenge, reimagined for our modern world. The idea is to tackle a task so physically and / or mentally demanding that you have only a 50% chance of success -- a goal so big it defines your year.

When you dare to step into discomfort, you redefine your limits and build confidence.

I first heard about misogi from Jesse Itzler and later discovered it in Michael Easter’s The Comfort Crisis -- a book that completely changed my perspective. Over the past year, I’ve purposely thrown myself into challenges that could have ended in failure (one did, in fact) and every time, I emerged feeling more alive. Whether it was summiting Mount Washington, jumping out of a plane, or taking on the notorious 1000 Pound Club challenge, each misogi redefined what’s possible.

This Month's Prompt: Pick one misogi to tackle this year. It might be a day-long hike in rugged terrain, launching that creative project you’ve been delaying, or diving into a new public speaking challenge. Don’t overthink it -- just choose, commit, and let the experience reshape you. (Looking for ideas? Check out Jesse Itzler’s Instagram page with misogi ideas, ​here​).

The Result? Grit and resilience.

Don’t think, just do!

Green & Growing: Unleash Your Second Life

“We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.”

This quote hit me hard. For years, I gave my energy to an industry I wasn't passionate about, convinced I had all the time in the world. Then, at 50, I got a wake-up call when my close mentor died: we only get one shot.

This realization sparked my “second life” -- a journey that involves aligning my daily actions with my values. I’ve dug deep to understand what drives me, and now every step -- whether launching my business, training for an Ironman, or choosing who I spend time with -- is done with intention.

Your Action Step: Take a few moments this week to reflect on what fuels your passion and purpose. Ask yourself:

• What values guide my decisions?

• When do I feel most authentic and energized?

• Are my daily choices aligned with the legacy I want to create?

• What small changes can I make today to live more in tune with my deepest priorities?

Once you’ve crystallized your core values, let them guide your actions. In doing so, you ignite your second life -- one fueled by passion, purpose, and growth. Need help clarifying your values? I’ve got a tool that can assist.

Remember, you are either green and growing or ripe and rotting.

Choose to be green.

Hero Spotlight: Man Up Book Club -- Bold Goals

Back in December, I launched the Man Up book club to build a community for men hungry to become the best versions of themselves. Genuine self-improvement groups for men are rare -- too often, guys’ events revolve around drinking: fun for a night but ultimately draining. I wanted to create something productive and healthy.

In our book club, we dive into non-fiction books packed with actionable insights. We share lessons, challenge each other, and commit to bold action. Our debut read was Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Great Things by Adam Grant; last month, we delved into Let Them by Mel Robbins.

Our diverse crew of 17 men -- ranging from 20 to nearly 60, including CEOs, engineers, entrepreneurs, salesmen, and an architect -- recently set some raw, heartfelt goals, like:

• Not letting what others think stop me.

• Reclaiming quality time with family by setting boundaries with clients.

Being surrounded by men committed to growth and mutual support is electrifying. That’s why this month; members of the Man Up book club are in in the spotlight.

Still Peaking

That’s it for this month. What bold steps are you taking...reconnecting with an old friend, diving into a misogi, or aligning with your core values? I’d love to hear your stories and insights.

Until next time, keep growing, keep challenging yourself, and keep living with purpose.

— Mike