Oh hey! Welcome back!!! Tim here, still…. I know I know. Him again… But alas, I’m your only option when it comes to this newsletter. I don’t even know if this can be called a newsletter. I sure don’t share much news? Anywho… Let’s get back on track. Let’s talk about life, and situations, and energies, and thermometers.

Ya see, in life, we can so often find ourselves walking into situations where the energy is already set, conversations are buzzing, and moods are swirling. And it seems, more often than not, at least lately, that energy is not the best. It’s so easy to pick up on those vibes and let them influence our own thoughts and emotions. But what if we decided to shift our role? What if instead of taking the temperature of the room, we focused on setting the temperature ourselves? What if you set your own thermostat. Be the thermostat.

Here’s the truth, YOUR TRUTH: You have the power to decide your energy, shape your mindset, and in doing so, influence the environment around you. Too often, we let external factors dictate how we feel. Maybe you walk into the office, and someone says, “It’s going to be a rough day” because of a big deadline or some bad news. Instantly, it’s tempting to absorb that negativity and let it cloud your thoughts. Their thermostat is already set to freeze you out. Or heck, maybe their thermostat is broken.

But what if you chose differently? Not what if. Let’s just choose differently.

Decide Your Energy, Drive Your Destiny

You have the power to create your own reality. Just because someone else is having a bad day, doesn’t mean you need to join them. When you walk into a room, instead of asking, "How's everyone feeling?" or "What's the mood here?"—decide how you feel. Are you energized? Are you determined to have a good day regardless of the obstacles? Decide that before you step into any situation.

This simple shift can change everything. When you control your energy, you gain control over your destiny. You stop being reactive and start being proactive. You are no longer a passive participant in your life, but an active creator of your own experience.

Question is, “How Tim, how do we do this!??!”

Well, I don’t know, no clue, I just know that it’s a good way be. I didn’t say I was good at implementing it.

Really though, let me share a few ideas, a few practical ways to implement this mindset into your days:

1. Set Intentions Daily: Before your day even starts, set your intentions. Decide what kind of energy you’re bringing to the table. Whether it’s calm, focused, joyful, or determined, you choose how you want to feel, and let that guide your actions. Set your thermostat there!

2. Don’t Absorb, Observe: When you walk into a room where the energy feels negative or low, don’t absorb it. Take a moment to observe how others are feeling, but remind yourself that their emotions are not yours. You are not responsible for the feelings of others, and you certainly don’t have to match them. DO NOT BE A SPONGE!

3. Lead with Positivity: Sometimes, by choosing to remain positive or hopeful, you can shift the energy of the entire room. Be the person who sees solutions instead of problems, who brings encouragement instead of doubt. You may be surprised how your attitude can lift others. Set your thermostat and have others rise to your temp! Don’t be the one bringing people down. Don’t be a party pooper. No one likes poops at parties.

4. Protect Your Peace: Not every situation will change, and not every person will be influenced by your positivity. That’s okay. Protect your peace by not letting external negativity drag you down. Some people will always see the glass half empty, but you don’t have to. Stay rooted in your own energy. Lock your thermostat.

Influence, Don’t Be Influenced

When you decide to be the thermostat instead of the thermometer, you shift from reacting to life’s circumstances to influencing them. This doesn’t mean that you ignore challenges or pretend everything is perfect. It means you choose to face difficulties with a mindset that says, “I control how I respond.” And sometimes, in doing so, you can help change the mood of those around you.

Think of it like walking into a cold room and turning up the heat. It may not happen immediately, but eventually, the temperature starts to rise, and others begin to feel the warmth you’ve set. You have that power every day—whether it’s in your workplace, your home, or even just a casual interaction at the grocery store.

You really are more powerful than you know. Your energy is contagious, and the way you carry yourself has the potential to shape the spaces you walk into. I’m not saying, leap off the roof and fly around, I’m not saying that you can wave a wand and have the negative people disappear (though that would be nice wouldn’t it?). I am saying you don’t have to let other people’s negativity dictate your mood. Set your own temperature. Be the one who decides that today is going to be a good day, no matter what.

By mastering this shift in mindset, you not only take control of your own life, but you might just inspire others to do the same.

So next time you walk into a room, ask yourself: Am I taking the temperature, or am I setting it?

The Other Thermostat…

No Matter Where Your Thermostat Is Set, You Can Be At 100

We all have days when we feel unstoppable, heck yea we do. Every freakin’ day we wake up! (okay, maybe not, maybe that was a bit over the top) — We have days when our energy is high, our motivation is on point, and we can tackle anything. But then there are those days when we wake up and feel a little… off. Maybe you’re not running at full capacity, maybe your “thermostat” feels like it’s set at 71 out of 100. Maybe it doesn’t feel like it is. Maybe it just is.

But here’s the thing: even when your energy level isn’t at its peak, you can still give 100% of what you’ve got.

We often think, or we were told, that we were trained, that we were brainwashed into thinking that giving 100% means we have to be perfect, firing on all cylinders at every moment. But life doesn’t always work that way. Some days, you might be operating at 100%, while other days, your “full capacity” might feel more like 71%, 50%, or even lower. The trick is to give 100% of what you do have—because that’s still living up to your fullest potential in that moment.

Let’s break this down. Let’s take it apart. Let’s get into the nitty gritty. But also, let’ jump up and do the griddy while we are here.

Where was I….

If today your energy is only at 71%, giving 100% means pushing yourself to stay in that 71 zone all day long. Don’t let yourself slide down to 60% or 50% just because you aren’t feeling at your best. You may not feel like you can run at your top speed, but if you give it everything you’ve got, you’re still doing your best, and that is what truly matters.

Celebrate Your Effort, Not Just Your Results

Too often, we celebrate outcomes more than the effort that got us there. But if you give 100% of what you’ve got—whether your thermostat is at 71, 85, or 100—that deserves to be celebrated. It’s not about having the perfect day every day. It’s about showing up and giving your all, no matter what “all” looks like today.

Some days, you’ll wake up feeling unstoppable, and some days, you’ll feel like you’re working with less. But that’s okay. If you commit to giving 100% of what you’ve got, you’re still operating at your best. And that’s all anyone—including yourself—can ask for.

So, even if today your thermostat is set at 71 out of 100, lean into it. Give 100% of that 71. Push yourself to stay consistent, to stay focused, and to give your best effort in every situation.

Because the secret isn’t being perfect. It’s giving your full effort, every single day, no matter where your starting point is.

In other news, here are some costume ideas for your pups. I do not partake in the outfitting of our dogs. But… If I were..

If you’re on the Spotify. This weeks curated for you playlist is right here. Hit that follow button once you’re in there. 

As always, I believe in you, Keep shining,

~Tim