PN | Weekly #23: July 12, 2026

“If you want to reap long-term emotional benefits from a happiness activity, you need to devote persistent effort. Of course, if you identify with and enjoy what you are doing, you’ll be more energized and committed.”

SONJA LYUBOMIRSKY

Happy Sunday, Heroic!

Michael here. 👋

Who did your behaviors say you were this week?

The newest Philosopher’s Notes, on Susan Peirce Thompson’s Maintain, lays it out like this:

"We learn who we are by observing our behavior, not the other way around."

Action is the evidence that teaches you who you are.

She continues:

"It's not the plan you adopt that makes it a diet or an identity shift. It's your orientation to it."

Same plan. Same practices. One person runs it as a diet… another treats it as who they are.

That difference (in our food, our work, our marriages, our teams) changes everything.

Here’s one of the practices Susan recommends:

Every evening, write down what went well that day.

(Yes, this is the same practice we talked about a few weeks ago with Ben Hardy & Dan Sullivan’s The Gap & The Gain.)

Do the things that the person you're becoming would do.

Then reflect on and celebrate those actions and systematically architect your identity.

That’s like you.

Wishing you and yours a great week!

Day 1. All in. Let's go.

-Michael

P.S. Want to optimize your relationship to food? Check out the other Notes on Susan’s great books: Bright Line Eating and The Official Bright Line Eating Cookbook.

New on Philosopher's Notes TV

This week, Brian is back at the chalkboard to explore How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

How do you build stronger relationships without pretending to be someone you're not? In this episode, Brian unpacks the timeless principles behind genuine human connection, showing why authentic interest, empathy, and respect are the foundation of lasting influence. Whether you're leading a team, strengthening your relationships, or simply looking to become the best version of yourself, you'll discover practical strategies for connecting with others in a more meaningful way.