PN | Weekly #28: August 16, 2026

“The other thing exceptional people seem to have is a special talent for converting life’s setbacks into future successes.”

CAROL DWECK

Happy Sunday, Hero!

Michael here. 👋

Hope you had another great week!

Earlier this month, Brandon Guyer joined us for a live training and coaching session focused on his new book, Raise the Player, Not the Pressure.

The book, which is also the subject of this week’s new Philosopher’s Note, is a Playbook for Confident, Happy Athletes.

As a 7-year MLB veteran, the founder of Major League Mindset, and father to a growing family, Brandon knows a thing or two about taking elite-caliber performance and applying the lessons at every level.

I love this line in particularly, because it’s something so many of us frequently approach sub-optimally:

"The first rule of the car ride is non-negotiable: you do not evaluate the performance in the car. Not immediately... You lead with love. 'I loved watching you compete today.' 'I'm proud of how you showed up.' 'That was fun to watch.' Then you stop talking and let them lead."

Every one of us has a car ride.

It’s the moment after the performance, the meeting, the launch.

Correction is cheap, even though it often feels like leadership.

Connection is the harder discipline... and it's the thing that makes the correction land in a way that actually gets heard and sticks.

So…

What does your team (colleagues, kids, etc.) hear in the first thirty seconds?

Are you leading with a win, or with the adjustments?

May you create an environment that harnesses the potency of the post-performance window.

And have one of your own to use as a launch pad.

Make it a great week!

LOVE!

-Michael

New on Philosopher's Notes TV

This week, Brian is back to explore The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday.

How can you raise great kids while making the most of the precious time you have together? In this episode, Brian explores insights from Ryan Holiday's meditations on parenting, love, and family. You'll discover why teaching by example matters far more than what you say, how responding to life's challenges with a "good" mindset builds antifragile confidence, and why fully believing in your kids' goals helps them succeed. Plus, you'll get a grounded reminder that time flies, inspiring you to stay present and cherish every moment with your children.