Take a look at our January newsletter!
JANUARY 2025
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GAINS AGAINST THE GRAIN When in Doubt, Do the Opposite
Sometimes, what you think is the right thing to do couldn’t be more wrong.
doing the opposite and focusing on patience and acceptance. As it says in Proverbs 16:32: “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self- control than to conquer a city.” If you follow the instinct for perfection or instant gratification in your personal life or try to add as many clients to your business as possible, something will inevitably give. There have been times when doing the opposite has been easier said than done. I’ve always had a Type A personality, but I’m trying to be the opposite of that and not be so go-go-go all the time. I tend to be a nitpicker at work, but I’ve been striving to slow that role when I’m home. One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others is the understanding that we all only have so much to give. The house doesn’t need to be spotless all the time, and not everything needs to be put away that day. This mindset is especially helpful to me as a father of three young children. Yes, I want them to grow into responsible people who keep things clean and organized, but I know that certain things can always wait until tomorrow. There’s no sense in upsetting one of them over something they can — and will — take care of the next day. This is another example of how doing the opposite of what your personality tells you to do can help you become a more loving and patient person.
A few years ago, I watched a great episode of “Seinfeld” called “The Opposite.” In it, George Costanza (played by Jason Alexander) sits in a coffee shop, complaining that his life is a disaster. He decides to start doing the opposite of what he’d normally do in his everyday life — the first act being to ask out a pretty lady on a date. It turned out that his date had a relative who worked for the Yankees, which eventually led to a face-to-face meeting with team owner George Steinbrenner. Continuing to follow through on his promise to do the opposite of what his instincts tell him, he openly criticizes Steinbrenner’s management style. Instead of getting him into hot water, however, his blunt words impress the sports legend, who offers him a job with the team! George’s meteoric rise from his depressed state in the coffee shop to a position with the Yankees was all due to his doing the opposite of what his nature would suggest. I immediately thought of this episode when I learned that Jan. 25 is Opposite Day. I’ve thought a lot about how doing the opposite in life has benefitted me both as a businessperson and a family man. In terms of my business, I’ve done the opposite of conventional wisdom and not worked to earn as many customers as possible. Instead, I’ve focused on building a select niche of clientele that I know I can serve to the best of my abilities. I’m not the biggest company out there, but I try to be the best at what I do — and that has often meant aiming for quality over quantity. It’s sometimes human nature to want to do things that make us feel good, to want things to go our way, and to be selfish and prideful. Of course, none of these things work — professionally or spiritually — in the real world. The key to finding true success and happiness in life is often a matter of
So, the next time you find yourself stressed, frustrated, or worried about not achieving enough, try thinking and doing the opposite. You may be amazed at how much calmer and more at ease your life and spirit become.
Robert Burns
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Hello, and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a sweet holiday season and are ready for the new year. I can’t wait to go on all my adventures with my family this year. All in all, I keep pretty busy for a 5-year-old girl. I love going to new places and seeing new things. These days, when I’m not doing gymnastics, I usually ride my scooter or run around the circle we live in. It’s so much fun being outside in the nice weather here in Florida. I get to be outside in the fresh, sunny air, although I’d love to go sledding or build a snowman someday. Back in October, my whole family went to Busch Gardens in Tampa. If you’ve never been there, you need to go! Although the bigger kids went on the big roller coasters and other rides, I spent most of my time getting to know all the animals. I met giraffes and alligators and had a great time with my mommy, daddy, brother, and sister on such a beautiful day. I can’t wait to go back! What are your plans for the year? I hope they include being happier and smiling more. My daddy tells people I’m the happiest kid they’ll ever meet. Well, I do like having fun and making people smile! My daddy smiles all the Jumpin’ Juliet’s Amusement Park Adventure An ‘Effortless’ Reminder of a Great Read BUSINESS BOOK REVIEW REWIND
As regular readers of this newsletter know, I’ve written in the past about one of my favorite books, “Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most” by Greg McKeown. In celebration of the new year, I’m giving the book another read — and I’d like to share again how much I appreciate it and why I think it would make a great addition to your collection. Greg McKeown is a business strategist, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author who has greatly inspired me in business. Published in 2021, “Effortless” aims to help readers embrace a philosophy of simplicity, reenergize their physical and mental well-being, and avoid getting too overwhelmed on the road to success. As any small-business owner knows, burnout is one of the greatest risks we face. It’s also common to feel like we’re running faster all the time but not getting any closer to our goals. “Effortless” takes a close look at these dilemmas and offers practical advice on overcoming them. I’ve made it a habit to revisit the book at the start of every year, and it has never failed to help me as I chart my goals for the months ahead.
time when we’re together. Even when he has a bad day, his face lights up when he sees me. Everybody
should try to make someone who’s feeling down smile. Nobody is happy all the time, but what matters most is that we smile more than we frown. Take it from Jumpin’ Juliet: Happiness is the best feeling in the world. Have fun on your own adventures, and I’ll check in again in a couple months!
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Although I’d love to have the time to sit down and read every book I’d like to explore, my schedule doesn’t always allow me this luxury. As a result, I tend to listen to podcasts in the car as a way to keep my mind stimulated and introduce myself to new ideas. Always forward-thinking, Greg has fully embraced this technology through “The Greg McKeown
“Five stars for BLG Environmental. From the design phase to completion,
BLG (led by Robert) and his excellent crew (led by Danny) created the backyard patio transformation we were hoping for! Their attention to detail and desire for total customer satisfaction made this home and patio renovation process a pleasure. Thank you, BLG!” –Deborah C.
Podcast.” I’ve really enjoyed listening to his conversations with individuals from all walks of life — from actor Matthew McConaughey to author Arianna Huffington — and I end each episode having learned something new. You can subscribe to the podcast at GregMcKeown.com/podcast . I encourage everyone to read — or reread — “Effortless” this year. It’s an enlightening and refreshing way of looking at the traditional values we apply to work. If you do read it, I hope it adds value to your life — and I would love to know what you think of it!
Robert Burns
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 JOHN 2:15–17 “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and
BEGINNINGS BLANKETS CARNATION CAPRICORN
GARNET HEALTHY ICICLE PENGUIN
PLANNING RESOLUTION SNOWBOARD SOUPY
the trees their fruit.” LEVITICUS 26:3–4
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Opposite Moves, Major Momentum
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Revisiting Remarkable Pages Jumpin’ Juliet: Busch Gardens Edition
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The Good News Hear From Our Clients
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Vacation in Tropical Panama
AN UNFORGETTABLE TROPICAL PARADISE DISCOVER PANAMA
Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park This amazing national park, established in 1988, covers over 50 square miles and over 130 islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, including the popular coral reefs of the Cayos Zapatillas. If you are interested in rubbing shoulders with monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and countless marine species, this is the spot for you! Panama Canal No list would be complete without mentioning one of the greatest engineering feats in human history: the Panama Canal. The canal, which runs for roughly 40 miles through the Isthmus of Panama, was completed in August 1914, just a month after the outbreak of World War I. The canal works via a system of locks, filled and emptied of water to raise and lower boats. Ships up to 950 feet long transport over 200 million tons of cargo annually through the canal. If you visit Panama, you have to see the canal for yourself!
The Central American country of Panama, home to the titular Panama Canal that allows easy passage of maritime traffic between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, is more than a hub for international trade: It’s a scenic tropical paradise. Just 30,000 square miles in size — smaller than South Carolina — Panama packs a lot of incredible sites into one compact package. The country uses the American dollar, so you don’t need to exchange currency to make a worthwhile trip there. Here are three locations you can look forward to on your vacation to Panama! Panama City Founded in 1519, Panama’s capital is a metropolis amidst lush tropical rainforests. Around 40% of the country’s population resides in the city, which is full of amazing historical and entertainment districts that attract tourists worldwide. The Casco Viejo historical district, comprised of Spanish colonial architecture, was named a World Heritage site in 1997.
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