Train Your Brain

February 27, 2025 by Scott Todnem

The Reticular Activating System
Have you ever noticed that once you start thinking about something, you start seeing it everywhere? Like when you learn a new word and suddenly hear it in conversations, or when you start looking at a certain kind of car and now it seems to be on every street?

That’s not magic—it’s your Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work.

This tiny yet powerful part of your brain is constantly filtering what you pay attention to. And here’s the best part: You can actually train your RAS to help you focus on what matters most in your life.

Here are some concepts to help…

Habits That Stick

February 07, 2025 by Scott Todnem

Building Habits
Developing habits that last isn’t about willpower or sheer determination; it’s about strategy and intentionality.

We want a simple yet effective framework to create habits that stick—habits that align with our goals, strengthen our personal agency, and lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Here are three tips to help…

Personal Agency

November 19, 2024 by Scott Todnem

What does it mean to truly own your life? It might mean stepping into the role of the architect of your own existence. It might mean blending the wisdom of the past with the innovations of today. Or it might mean embracing change—not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth.

Let’s explore three key principles of personal agency.

Sleep Tips for Teens

September 22, 2020 by Scott Todnem

Zzzzzzz
In the age of around-the-clock work and entertainment, it is apparent that students (and many adults) are in need of reminders when it comes to slowing down. Specifically, how to recover from each day with consistent sleep.

The average adult sleeps less than 7 hours per night. In today’s fast-paced society, 6 or 7 hours of sleep may sound pretty good. In reality, it might be a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation.

Teens are following suit. Young people aged 12-18 require 8.5 to 10 hours of sleep. Yet 85% of teenagers are sleeping less than the recommendations per night. And, nearly 17% of teens qualify for clinical diagnosis of insomnia. Numbers are on the rise with other sleep disorders.

While sleep requirements vary from person to person, humans need consistent sleep to function at their best. This brings us to a quick list of five sleep tips specific to teens. (Plus one for good luck.)