💎 Diamonds are a man’s best friend too

Good evening, lads,

In light of an impending TikTok ban, thought my fellow 9-5’ers would get a kick out of this. I, for one, will sign the petition for Salesforce. 🤣 

Insight: “Stress is like spice – in the right proportion, it enhances the flavor of a dish. Too little produces a bland, dull meal; too much may choke you.” — Donald Tubesing

Why this matters: Stress is an intriguing part of life. Lately, it has been top of mind as I work to balance career, family, and personal growth. This season has been stressful, but when I take a step back and reflect on times of growth in my life, I notice a pattern: some level of stress was always present. Perhaps “pressure” is a better term—like how pressure creates diamonds. Too little, and not much happens. Too much, and it can overwhelm or paralyze. But just the right amount? That keeps us sharp, resilient, and ready to grow.

This idea is echoed in Scripture. The Apostle Peter wrote: “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1: 6-7 (NLT)

Wisdom: “Relax. No one else knows what they’re doing either.” ― Ricky Gervais

Why this matters: Sometimes, we all need the reminder that no one has it all figured out. The men you’re comparing yourself to? They’re facing similar struggles and asking the same questions you are. Comparison can be a dangerous trap—not only can it breed insecurity, but it can also lead to pride, convincing us that we’re somehow better than others. True wisdom lies in maintaining humility and a grounded perspective.

As Romans 12:3 (NIV) reminds us: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”

Action: “What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.” ― Maya Angelou

Why this matters: Complaining can be addictive—it gives a brief dopamine hit, creating the illusion that our situation is better than someone else’s. But it’s a distraction that keeps us stuck. Here’s the formula: If there’s something you don’t like, do everything in your power to change it. If change isn’t possible, then shift your perspective. Complaining adds nothing; action and mindset are what truly move us forward.

As Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT) reminds us: “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”

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