PN | Weekly #26: August 2, 2026

“We’re afraid to lose and fail because we think it says something about us. It doesn’t. Success didn’t either. All that failure says is that there is a chance to improve and better understand yourself.”

RYAN HOLIDAY

Happy Sunday, Heroic!

Michael here. 👋

Hope you had a great week!

There's a recent moment I’ve replayed a couple of times: I’m a little undisciplined in approaching the breakwater to climb out of Lake Michigan. The waves are big and I only use one hand so that I can carry an inflatable paddleboard up with the other.

My foot slips, I kick the iron behind the ladder, and my toe breaks.

Whoops.

It’s a silly moment, and not a big deal in the grand scheme of things… but it’s one of those moments I’d like back.

This week's new Philosopher's Note, on Make Your Next Shot Your Best Shot by Dr. Bob Rotella, has me focusing on the right place.

"Free up your mind, focus on your process, accept whatever happens, and commit to making the next best shot... by doing your process over and over until you run out of holes."

Seven words. That's the whole book.

Rotella tells the story of Justin Rose, who missed the cut in his first twenty-one professional tournaments. Twenty-one. Then he went on to win a US Open, an Olympic gold medal, the world's #1 ranking, and five Ryder Cups, including 2025 with Team Europe. 🙌🏆

Twenty-one missed tournaments in a row didn't determine who he became. The next one did. Then the one after that.

"The real heroics take place when no one else is watching."

None of us get to change our last shot. The missed rep, the short conversation, the day that didn't go how we wanted, the broken toe... it's gone. Done.

The only shot that's still ours is the next one.

What is it, for you, right now?

Take it. Today.

Wishing you and yours a great week!

Day 1. All in. Let's go.

-Michael

New on Philosopher's Notes TV

This week, Brian is back at the chalkboard to explore The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.

How much energy are you wasting trying to control things you can't? In this episode, Brian explores a simple yet powerful mindset for letting go of what is outside your control and reclaiming your peace of mind. You'll discover how shifting your focus back to your own choices can strengthen your relationships, reduce unnecessary stress, and help you express the best version of yourself.