This Monday, I did something bat sh*t crazy. It was completely out of character. I’d never done anything this wild in my life. I woke up and watched an episode of Peaky Blinders. At 8 am on a frigging Monday morning! I think I’m in the midst of a spiritual awakening. ## The Taskmaster must step aside Let me explain why this is nuts. My entire life, my _operating system_ has been one of discipline, [consistency]() and ungodly amounts of willpower. A few examples: * During my 14 years on Wall Street, I only read non-fiction books that would [improve my market value]() * I’ve meditated 40 minutes a day for 10 years * Since having kids, I’ve averaged 2 TV series and 1 (non-kids movie) _PER YEAR_ * I’ve written a weekly essay for 400+ consecutive weeks * I’ve [dollar-cost-averaged the S&P 500]() since I was in high school and have __never sold a share__ Now this Taskmaster has served me extremely well. Many of the great joys in my life (like [surfing every day]()) are thanks to its unrelenting focus and high expectations. But it comes at a cost. [High blood pressure.]() A fierce [inner critic.]() Male-pattern baldness and [alopecia.]() And probably, most painfully – the need to [make every moment of my life productive.]() ## The wisdom of the blob in my chest This all changed in the blink of an eye. I was in a coaching session doing some attachment work with [the phenomenal Jess Morey.]() She was using an approach known as [Internal Family Systems]() (often abbreviated as “IFS”). And despite being totally sober, I had a spiritual release that genuinely felt like [I was on psychedelics.]() First, Jess asked me to find tightness or stress in my body. Easy. I carry my stress around my upper chest – particularly above my heart. Next, Jess asked me to describe it. _What did it feel like?_ _What shape did this stress have?_ _What color might it be?_ (Usually, these questions annoy the f*ck out of me, because my brain and body tend to feel very disconnected. But I played along.) Next, Jess asked me to talk to the _tight blob in my chest_. First, she wanted me to ask it, “How are you doing?” Immediately, _Tight Blob_ replied, “I’m tired.” Then, Jess asked me to ask _Tight Blob,_ “What do you need right now?” And without even thinking about the answer, _Tight Blob_ responded: > “It just wants to be thanked.” And I immediately burst into tears. (And I’m not a crier.) ## Thomas Shelby saved me From that moment on, it felt like a burden had been lifted from my chest. I literally started falling asleep around 8 pm. I couldn’t “plow through” hard workouts. And didn’t feel the need to grind through every item on my to-do list. __For the first time, I gave myself permission to just chill.__ Enter the TV series _Peaky Blinders._ [via GIPHY]() One of the benefits of barely watching any movies or series during your 30s and 40s is you get to binge all the good shit. And so here I was, on a Monday morning. I hadn’t meditated. I hadn’t surfed. I hadn’t opened Slack. Instead, I was on a breakfast date with Thomas Shelby. And it was glorious. * * * ## Are you a high-earner going through a career transition? Find purpose, navigate money scarcity and reimagine ambition with our Group Coaching program. [Apply today]()