Matthew Kelly

Best Vacation Ever?! The Secret To Having Your Best Vacation Ever! - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “The secret to having your best vacation ever is not finding the perfect beach, ideal ski-run, or amazing hotel. In December each year, when I speak to the team about the year that has been and the year ahead, I take a couple of minutes and encourage them to plan half their vacation days for the following year as soon as possible. The reason is simple: anticipation is more than 50% of the joy of a fantastic vacation. In the midst of a cold dark February, with snow everywhere, it is easier to push through the daily challenges of life, both personal and professional, if you know you will be on vacation at the end of March. As human beings, having something to look forward to is of vital importance. Anticipation, the excitement and expectation of something good in the future, is a beautiful thing. And it is free. All that is required is the wisdom to activate it. What are you looking forward to this year? The secret to having your best vacation ever is anticipation. Plan it far in advance and each time life gets a little tough, turn your mind to the vacation you have planned and draw from that the strength you need to push through whatever is happening in your life right now. Activate anticipation in your life. Not just around vacations, but around all good things you see in your future.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Has Your Child Been Kidnapped? Would You Leave Your Child with a Serial Kidnapper? - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “Would you leave your child alone with a serial kidnapper? It sounds like a ridiculous question or the beginning of a really inappropriate joke, but it isn’t. It is real and tragic. Talk to parents who gave their child a cellphone one year ago, regardless of the child’s age, and discuss how the parent’s relationship with that child has changed. The irony is these devices are supposed to improve our relationships. Their primary purpose is, after all, communication. But I don’t know a single parent who would say giving their child a phone improved their relationship. And then there are all the other problems that come with these devices… Study after study now show they cause or contribute to… behavioral problems, stunting social and emotional development, and vast mental health consequences, tiredness, nervousness, absentmindedness, eyesight problems, insomnia, negative impact on neck and spine health, arthritis in the hands… to name just a few. And the pros? One study named three. The first one was self-sufficiency, in particular it explained that having a phone helps children to self-regulate the amount of time they spend on these devices, creating healthy self-awareness and self-reflection. I don’t know too many parents who are seeing much of that. Their second pro was digital literacy. I don’t disagree with that, though they are going to pick this up in other ways in school and at home, so isn’t that like saying one of the pros of kids using drugs is that they learn how to use drugs? And finally, the third pro this extensive study found for giving children cell phones was access to emergency services. Again, that’s important, but if that’s the best we can come up with on the pro list, doesn’t that tell us something unto itself? Now, let’s explore the real problem. Most parents have stopped listening because they would rather have someone poke pins in their eyes than deal with the wrath that would follow taking their child’s phone away. I get that. It’s probably not going to happen. But this is when we make two mental mistakes… 1. We let what we can’t do interfere with what we can do. This is essentially all or nothing thinking. 2. We close ourselves off from the truth that we can’t live or choose not to live. It requires intellectual honesty and humility to say something like, “I think my child might be better off if he/she didn’t have a phone” or “I can see now I should have waited longer to give my child a phone.” Both of these types of thinking prevent us from improving our actual situation. If you watch my videos regularly, you know I like to give you simple, practical steps. So, you may not be going to take your child’s smartphone away, but what can you do? One clear suggestion: Designate one day a week as a no-phone day. If your responsibilities make it possible for you to participate that’s even better. Perhaps that seems impossible all around. If that’s the case, then perhaps you designate one evening a week. What are we trying to accomplish? Let’s prove to ourselves and teach our children that we can live without these things. Let’s know that we can be free from them if we decide to. You will get twitchy at first. They will get irritable, restless, and discontent in the beginning. All signs of addiction. Make it a point to spend more time with your children those days. Talk to them. Do this for three months, and after three months, observe how your relationships with your children are on the no-phone days.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Most Parents Are Not Prepared… Four Questions EVERY Parent Needs to Answer - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “Most parents don’t like to think about it, and they don’t like to talk about it. The problem with that is that they don’t have a plan. We all know we are going to die, but most people live as if they will live forever. 64% of Americans do not have a will. And the other thing is, we live as if we will die at a time that is natural, normal, and convenient, and that is never true. For parents of minors this topic has specific implications, and that leads us to the Four Questions Every Parent Needs to Answer: 1. Who will take care of your children? This is one of the most difficult questions you will face as a couple. You will probably never need to implement the answer you come up with, but simply having the conversation and coming to a decision will teach you so much about what you value individually and collectively. 2. Who will make financial and medical decisions if you become seriously injured? Very few people think adequately about a plan for if they die, almost nobody thinks through a plan for if they are seriously incapacitated. 3. Do you have a Last Will and Testament, and has it been appropriately updated recently? Nobody dies when they expect to die, and one of the last gifts we can leave those we love is to not leave them a mess by planning and leaving things in order. 4. Do you have life insurance? Money isn’t everything, but ensuring your children’s financial security in the event you are not around to provide for them is critically important. These funds can be used to make sure they have the daily necessities of life, along with ensuring they get the education they need to launch them into life so they can follow their dreams and provide for themselves. Most of the important things in life are never urgent. These questions fall into that category. There will be things every day for the rest of your life that you would rather do than tackle these questions. But if you take the time to explore these questions and come up with a plan, I think you will find that the exercise enriches your life in unimagined ways.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Comfortable LIES Vs. Uncomfortable TRUTHS: The Key to Real Happiness - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “We usually experience various forms of discomfort when we lie. But if we tell a lie often enough those uncomfortable feelings tend to fade, and in time, we could become quite comfortable telling a lie. And we usually think about lying in relation to the lies we tell others, but it may be that the most damaging lies are those we tell ourselves. Worse than that we use lies to comfort ourselves. When was the last time you lied? Some of the most common lies in society today are: lying about why you were late; saying you are on your way when you haven’t left yet; telling others you are not drunk when you clearly are; saying you have done something you promised to do when you have not; lying about your age; telling others everything is okay when it isn’t; and, I never got your message. We justify our little lies, but the truth is, the more we lie to others the more we are likely to lie to ourselves, and the more comfortable we get with lies the more delusional and dissatisfying our lives become. Then we start telling ourselves lies to comfort ourselves. What are some examples? I could do that if I really wanted to… I’m just no good at that… I’m unlucky… I just don’t have time to… That’s just who I am… I will be happy when… Beware the lies that comfort you. Every day we choose between comforting lies and unpleasant truths. Real happiness begins with being brutally honest with yourself.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

What Are Your Money Wounds? We All Have Money WOUNDS: Take A Step Toward Money Health - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “One of the most volatile topics at every level of society is money. Everyone has their opinions about it, and we all seem to have blind spots when it comes to this topic. The reason is because we all have money wounds. The problem is most people don’t know they have money wounds. So, the first step toward health and healing is awareness of the wounds we carry around money. Whether we have a lot of money or not at all, whether we grew up in poverty or in a wealthy family, we have all experienced money trauma. We have money shame and money blame, we have trust issues around money, we have money fears, and negative money self-talk, to name but a few of the symptoms of money trauma. All of these impact the way we use or abuse money, the way we attract or repel money, and affect the health or dysfunction of our relationship with money. If any of this sounds familiar, the best place to start is by taking an inventory of your attitudes toward money. Write down as many beliefs, thoughts, feelings you have about money as you can. Once you have this list, try to trace these attitudes back to situations in your life that gave birth to them. Everybody has money wounds, which causes people to be a little weird about money in their own peculiar way. Knowing that we have our own money wounds helps us to be empathetic with others when their money wounds manifest. Awareness is the first step toward money health.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Your Child’s Moral Compass: You Don’t Have As Much Time As You Think - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Reduce Stress at Work! The Pomodoro Technique: Make Work More ENJOYABLE - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “If you are looking for a way to increase your focus, get more done, and conquer procrastination, the Pomodoro Technique (or Method) may be a great place to start. What is the Pomodoro Technique? Identify the tasks that matter most today, get a timer, set it for 25 minutes, and focus on a single task until the timer rings. Enjoy a five-minute break and do it again. Millions of people have found this simple time-management tool increases concentration and productivity, reduces stress, conquers procrastination, and makes work more enjoyable. By switching between periods of focus and short breaks, both mental and physical fatigue are significantly less likely to grip us. But more importantly, this approach increases the enjoyment and satisfaction produced by even the most difficult tasks. If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #60SecondWisdom #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Inflation Is NOT Just Economic: It KILLS Democracy - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “One of the most disturbing realities unfolding in our society at this very moment is rapidly rising inflation. Many are saying that there are much more important issues for us to focus on. They are wrong. Inflation is not just an economic issue. It isn’t about the price of gas at the pump, though the media dumbs it down to that single data point (and dumbs us down in the process). Inflation kills democracy. It is not an economic issue. Inflation was the primary factor in the decline and collapse of the Roman Empire. They decreased the silver content in their coins from 100% to 5% in order to repay debt. At the same time, they were increasing their non-productive debt. Non-productive debt is that which doesn’t add to the productive assets of a nation (or a person). What is non-productive debt? In the case of a nation this would include financing war or unsustainable public spending. In the case of an individual this would include credit card debt. These types of debt are non-productive because they are not deployed in ways that add value to the economy and produce income to pay the interest on the debt. The combination of non-productive debt and devaluing their currency by reducing the silver content ravaged the Roman Empire by creating inflation that saw prices rise 1000%. The Great German Inflation between 1919-1923 played a significant role in the death of German democracy and the rise of Hitler and the Nazis. The cost of a loaf of bread rose 80,000%. Hitler’s central promise in his early days was simply “bread and jobs.” And we know what happened next. Less than 15 years ago, Zimbabwe set staggering inflation records with percentages in the billions month-to-month in 2008. Inflation is now a problem in the United States. This is an absolute statement of fact. Anyone who says otherwise is lying to you. It has been a problem for many months, but the Federal Reserve only took action on it this month. This is the analogy to keep in mind. We are chasing a train, travelling at 110mph that left the station 9 months ago. To catch that train and bring it under control is going to take some chasing. Economic policy has been politicized and is now potentially being weaponized like never before. Inflation isn’t the government’s problem. It isn’t the Federal Reserve’s problem. It is everyone’s problem. If you want to do a deep dive into one socio-political-historical issue this year, let it be inflation. The more people who know something about this topic in our culture at this time the more chance we have of combatting it. And when you see news reports on inflation, don’t think about the price of gas at the pump, remember inflation kills democracy.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

How to Get Unstuck The 1% Rule: How to Get Unstuck - Matthew Kelly - 60 Second Wisdom Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “The 1% Rule is the cure for feeling overwhelmed, it is the way to get unstuck, and it is the antidote for procrastination. So, what is the 1% rule? Take any project, no matter how large, break off a portion that represents 1% of the project. When we procrastinate, feel overwhelmed, or get stuck, our minds are experiencing the enormity of what is before us (real or imagined). In order to move on we need to shift the mind’s perspective by placing before it something that seems manageable. The goal is to place before the mind something that allows it to say, “Huh, ok, that’s no big deal, I can do that.” The power of the 1% rule is that it gets you started, it gets you moving in the right direction, and once you have momentum you will find yourself doing much more than just 1% in many cases. So, next time you find yourself stuck, procrastinating, or overwhelmed, use the 1% rule to breakthrough.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #60SecondWisdom #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

4 Habits That Are Killing You Slowly 4 TOXIC Everyday Habits that Are KILLING You! - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “If I told you there is a place near where you live that, if you went there, you would surely be killed, what would you do? You wouldn’t go anywhere near it, would you? You probably wouldn’t go within ten blocks of it. You may even go miles out of your way to avoid getting close to that place. But what if I told you that you do go there, multiple times a day? And rather than killing you all at once, you’re dying slowly over the course of many years? What am I talking about? Bad habits. We all have them, and rather than running away from them and keeping them at a distance, we hold onto them and allow them to ruin our lives. Here are 4 toxic, everyday habits that are killing you slowly: 1. Getting too little sleep. You know how much sleep you need, but you scroll through social media, check your e-mail, or worry about things you can’t control instead. 2. Drinking too little water. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. At best, dehydration causes low energy levels. At worst, it’s a factor in almost every sickness and disease. 3. Holding onto negativity. Negativity, worrying too much, and taking things personally which were not meant to be personal all lead to high stress, which is a factor in six of the leading causes of death in America today. 4. Always being busy. Will rushing about everywhere, always going to this party or that event kill you physically? Maybe not, but it will kill your soul. We need time to do nothing, to refresh, rejuvenate, and recharge our passion and energy for life. Run away from the habits in your life that are killing you. Remove them from your life and never let them back in. And remember, don’t just be yourself… be the-best-version-of-yourself.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Before Criticizing Your Spouse (in Front of Your Children) - Matthew Kelly - 60 Second Wisdom Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “We live in a hyper-critical society and so it is easy to become critical of the people around us and even the people we love. But, before you criticize your spouse in front of your children, consider this… When you are critical of your spouse, your child takes it personally. Makes sense when you think about it because your child is half that person (in a sense). You came together with your spouse to participate in the process of procreation, and the result was your child. As children and adults, we see ourselves in our parents, to greater and lesser extents. We then transfer other people’s criticisms of our parents on to ourselves, especially someone as close and familiar as our other parent. So, before you criticize your spouse in front of your children, ask yourself: Do I want my child to think this about themselves?” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #60SecondWisdom #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Did Your Parents Say This To You? 5 Things Parents Should Never Say - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “Words have power. The words of a parent hold a special place in a child’s life. Children remember and reflect on what their parents say. Your child will keep hearing some of the things you say over and over again in their minds for the rest of their lives. Here are five things parents should never say to their children: 1. You’re okay. If your child is hurt or crying this confuses them. They know the reality they are experiencing, and you are essentially saying, what you are experiencing is not reality. 2. We will never be able to afford that. This makes it sounds like your personal finances are outside your control and always will be. Explain that your financial priorities are for other things right now. 3. You need to grow up. The job of a child is to be a child. They will grow up fast enough, and the world will push them to grow up faster than is healthy. Don’t rush the process. Let them enjoy being a child with all the joy and frustration that will bring you. 4. Hurry up. This creates stress and anxiety in children. Find a way to make it a game so they get faster at whatever it is you are trying to accomplish. 5. Everything will be okay. Every situation in life doesn’t have a happy ending. We all experience disappointments and setbacks. Our role as parents is to prepare our children for all of life, and that includes when things don’t turn out the way we would like. What children do and say is interesting, why they do and say what they do is fascinating. Look beyond the what to the why. These lists are supposed to be fun and helpful, but not definitive. More important than these actual examples are the reasons behind them, which can apply to many situations each day. This list is designed to engage us as parents and get us thinking. This moves us from unconscious parenting to intentional parenting.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Are Religious People Stupid? Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “Have you ever heard someone say, “Religious people are stupid!” I’ve heard it many times, but someone said it in a conversation recently and I challenged myself to really think it through. When we hear statements like this, our tendency is to either accept them as completely true or reject them as completely false. In the case of the statement, “Religious people are stupid” people who oppose religion instantly accept it and religious people instantly reject. The problem with that is that we are just reacting based on bias, rather than thinking critically. Are religious people stupid? No. Why am I so certain? Well, for one, the statement is a gross generalization, there are billions of people on the planet who fall into this category, and at the very least generalizations are never completely true. Some people would be satisfied at this and return to the comfortable place in their mind, assured that religious people are not stupid. But let’s go a little further. Why? Because the further we go, the more compete our answer, the greater confidence we can have in our conclusions. So, I asked myself two questions: Why do some people believe religious people are stupid? and Do religious people behave stupidly sometimes? The main reason non-religious people believe religious people are stupid is found in their accusation that religious people are “narrow-minded.” But then I asked myself another question: How to non-religious people experience religious people’s so-called narrow-mindedness? Is it in rigorous discussion of important topics? I don’t think so. It’s through judgement, sometimes real and sometimes imagined. The definition of stupid is “showing lack of intelligence or common sense.” So, this is the question that emerges: Is it stupid to be judgmental? Jesus was clear in Matthew 7:1 when he said simply, “Do not judge.” He repeated this teaching many times throughout his public life. I think a fairly good case could be made that judging other people shows a lack of intelligence and a lack of common sense. But why did Jesus counsel us not to judge? Many reasons, but let’s look at a three. First, because it is unreasonable to ask someone to do something they are incapable of doing. It’s like asking a three-year-old to teach a post-graduate course on bio-ethics. When we judge other people we are pretending to be God, but we are eminently unqualified. Next, because judging others interferes with healthy human relations (something God is intensely interested in). And finally, because judging other people poisons our hearts and complicates our souls. All these lead to chaos and confusion and God prefers order and clarity. But here is the big revelation I discovered in my recent exploration of this topic: Judgement makes empathy impossible. What is empathy? It’s the ability to emotional understand what other people are experiencing and feeling. It’s the ability to see things from another person’s perspective. It’s the ability to imagine yourself in their situation. Or… and this is a big one… the awareness that for whatever reason you are unable to relate or connect or imagine what it feels like to be that person. Empathy is so central to human relationships that God rigorously steers us away from anything that impedes it, and judgement seems to be at the top of that list. Judgement makes empathy impossible. I don’t know for sure if it is stupid to judge others, but I do know that empathy is a beautiful expression of emotional genius that we are all capable of and that we should all continue to develop. Are religious people stupid? No. But we do behave stupidly sometimes, and when we do, we impede other people’s ability to experience God. Judgment belongs to God and stealing from God is never a good idea. The difference between God’s judgment and human judgement is that in His perfection God can judge and remain empathetic. His judgement and mercy are in perfect balance and unison. When human being become judgmental it shuts down our capacity our empathic functions, creating division and conflict. There is no such thing as a highly evolved spiritual person who lacks empathy. Empathy is proof that the truth of religion has taken deep root in our lives.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

11 Signs You are an Empathetic Person - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “Empathy is a sign that you care about other people, that the well-being and happiness of other people matters to you. It’s all about being able to tune into other people’s feelings and emotions. Here are 11 Signs You are an Empathetic Person: 1. You are a good listener. 2. You have a keen sense of how other people are feeling. 3. You care deeply about other people. 4. You go out of your way to help others who are suffering. 5. People are comfortable opening up to you and sharing their problems. 6. Tragic events, even those that you are not directly involved in, stir a sadness in your soul and can even feel overwhelming. 7. Social situations sometimes drain or overwhelm you. 8. You consider what feelings your words and actions will provoke in others. 9. You struggle to set and maintain boundaries in relationships with other people. 10. You sense when people are being dishonest. 11. Other people seek you out for advice. Empathy is a sign of high emotional intelligence. In our quest to become the-best-version-of-ourselves empathy is an indispensable tool. Have a great day, and remember don’t just be yourself, be the best version of yourself!” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

8 Signs of a Happy Relationship 8 Signs of a Healthy and Happy Relationship - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “Have you ever seen or been a part of a terrible relationship? Fighting all the time over meaningless issues, each person blaming the other when something goes wrong, and taking all the credit when something goes right are just a few hallmarks of such toxic relationships. It’s easy to point out what’s going wrong in a terrible relationship and promise ourselves we’ll never be like that. It’s much harder to identify what’s going right in a great relationship, and strive to achieve that for ourselves. Here are 8 signs of a healthy and happy relationship: #1 Common purpose. What is the purpose of a relationship? To help each other become the-best-version-of-ourselves. Everything makes sense in relation to our common purpose. #2 They define what makes a relationship great. How would you define a happy and healthy relationship? If you’ve never thought about it, now is the time to define what it would take for you to consider your relationship “great.” #3 Carefree timelessness. When was the last time you spend an afternoon, without an agenda, with the most important person in your life? #4 Hopes and dreams. Knowing the dreams of the people you love and helping them fulfill those dreams brings indescribable energy and enthusiasm to your relationships. #5 They follow through, because they want what’s best for their partner and their relationship more than they want anything for themselves. #6 They are accountable. Great relationships take hard work. Lovingly holding each other accountable is an essential element happy and healthy relationships helping each other become the-best-versions-of-yourselves. #7 They don’t give up, no matter what. #8 They never stop growing, reading books, and seeking coaching and guidance whether their relationship is in trouble, or seemingly perfect. Pick one thing from this list, and work on it to help make your relationship the best it can be. You’ll find that even striving for a better relationship, makes your relationship better. Have a great day, and remember, don’t just be yourself… be the-best-version-of-yourself.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Why You Love Comfort: Comfort Vs. Consolation - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “We seem more and more in love with comfort. We seem more and more intent on making life easy, and the more we pursue this ease of life the harder we make it. Our obsession with comfort has led us to become addicted to comfort, and then any time our comfort is threatened we become plagued with anxiety. Is it possible that we could be happier if we were uncomfortable? Yes. Absolutely. Discipline is by its very nature uncomfortable, especially at first, and yet it leads to a fulfillment and happiness that ease and comfort never deliver. The world counsels us to seek comfort in our afflictions. It also encourages us to think of everything as an affliction which places us in a constant victim mentality. This is how we get addicted to comfort. This daze of comfort prevents us from living a life directed by faith and critical thinking. When we experience pain, loss, trauma, and betrayal, it is natural to yearn for comfort. But there are higher and lower forms of comfort. The world is content to numb you with comfort, but God yearns not just to comfort you, but to console you. Why are we so in love with comfort? When we desire so much of something that it becomes bad for us it is usually an indication that we are desiring the wrong thing. Our love of comfort is proof that we desire consolation. There is a difference between comfort and consolation. Comfort is physical, consolation is spiritual. Comfort is passing, consolation is enduring. Comfort often leads to despair; consolation gently suggests hope. Consolation whispers, “You can do this” “Life is worth living” “Pres on” “The best is yet to come” “Something wonderful is about to happen.” Comfort insists, “You deserve it” “You’re wasting your time” “You’ll never make a difference.” Comfort is a type of resigned defeat. Comfort runs out and then we find ourselves in a deep desolation. This is what addicts experience. The comfort of the high and the inevitable desolation that follows. What is desolation? Desolation is a state of complete emptiness and destruction. Consolation leads us slowly back to fullness and wholeness. Make some time and space to sit with God quietly today and ask Him to console you. Those who seek will find, those who ask will receive, those who knock will have the door opened to them. Ask God to fill you like you have never been filled before. Ask Him to make you whole.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

#1 SIGN of a True Friend - Matthew Kelly - 60 Second Wisdom Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “There are lots of ways to measure friendship. One that my father taught me and has always stayed with me surrounds how people respond when good things happen for you. A true friend is happy for you when you are successful, a true friend is happy for you when you fall in love, a true friend is happy for you when you get a promotion, win a car, go on a fabulous vacation, and all the other good things that will happen in your life. How people respond when good things happen for you says a lot about who they are, their intentions, their motivations in life, and how they care for others. When something wonderful happens in your life, a true friend doesn’t try to one-up you. He or she takes delight in your happiness. And so, what we discover is that healthy self-esteem is essential to friendship, because only those with a healthy sense of self can rejoice in other people’s success and happiness.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #60SecondWisdom #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

My Grandmother’s Prayer My Grandmother’s POWERFUL Prayer - Matthew Kelly - 60 Second Wisdom Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “Throughout the Scriptures we read about God assigning angels to help people make journeys. In Exodus God said to Moses, “Behold, I am sending you an angel to go ahead of you, to guard you along the way, and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” God assigns each of us a Guardian Angel for many reasons including so that we will never be alone in our journey through life. This leads me to one of the most powerful prayers I have ever heard of and experienced. I was preparing for a very difficult meeting one day and my grandmother said to me, “If you want good to come from this meeting, ask your guardian angel to speak to his guardian angel, to open his heart, and prepare the way for your conversation.” It works. I cannot explain it. But it works. So, next time you have a difficult conversation ahead of you, pray asking your guardian angel to speak with the other person’s guardian angel. You will be amazed…” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #60SecondWisdom #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Is God in Your Heart? Is God in Your Heart? God’s Quest to Enter into Your Heart - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “God is on a quest to enter into your heart. He makes many approaches every day. Do you welcome him with open arms, or do you block God from entering into your heart? We don’t always notice God’s attempts to enter into our hearts, because they are disguised in the ordinary everyday moments of life. You notice someone in need. Through that moment God is trying to enter deeper into your heart. How do you respond? You hear about a difficult situation someone you used to be friends with finds herself in. God is trying to enter deeper into your heart. Do you reach out to that person? Do you pray for that person? Or do you simply assign that person to your past and get on with your life? God is trying to enter into your heart. He wants to occupy every corner of it. As you go about your day today, try to be aware of how God is attempting to occupy your heart and new ways.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Love Reaching Out To Misery What is Mercy? GOD’S Definition Vs. The WORLD’S Definition - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “What is Mercy? The world’s definition of mercy is “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.” But the mercy of God is much more than an act of pardon or the cancellation of punishment. It is more dynamic than the passivity of looking the other way. It is intimate and deeply personal. And so, we ask again, what is mercy? Mercy is love reaching out to misery. Love reaching out to misery. When we need God’s mercy, we are miserable, the two go hand in hand. Sometimes it is misery that we have caused ourselves, sometimes we are the victims of misery someone else has caused, and sometimes our misery is caused by the inexplicable accidents, disasters, and tragedies of life. Just know this, next time you are miserable, God is reaching out to you. And that reaching out is love reaching out to misery. I have seen human beings bestow astounding mercy on other human beings. How does that happen? Made in the image of God we are capable of mercy. So, imagine how vast and infinite God’s mercy must be. God’s mercy is bigger than any mistake any of his children can make. Such is the mercy of God. God is the love continuously reaching out to us when we are in misery.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Never Say I CAN’T! Great Lesson from Matthew McConaughey - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “I heard Matthew McConaughey speak recently. He was discussing a lesson he learnt from his father. It is one that he is determined to pass on to his own children. When McConaughey was a kid, his father asked him to do something, and he tinkered with it for about three minutes and then said to his father, “I can’t do it.” “Yet,” his father said. “You can’t do it yet.” From that day on, Matthew McConaughey’s father would not allow him to use the word “can’t” or would listen passively if he said, “I can’t do it.” “Yet,” is one word that changes everything. It is one word that transforms attitude. How? By taking us beyond the constraints of the now and revealing the possibilities of the future. I thought it was a great lesson. What is it that you are telling yourself you can’t do? Is it true? Because we lie to ourselves all the time and it’s not healthy. Maybe you just can’t do it yet. The other thing that struck me is that McConaughey said he is determined to pass this lesson on to his own children. Determined. Great word. Love that word. What lesson are you determined to pass on to your children? But first, and for those of us who don’t have children, what are you determined to do? Maybe it’s been a while since you were really determined to do something. Maybe it’s time to rediscover your ability to be determined.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

You May Be Right! Wise People ALWAYS Consider They Could Be Wrong - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “I have a friend back in Australia whose favorite line in a debate is, “You may be right!” He usually dispenses this line when the discussion has descended to a place where nobody is listening to anybody anymore. “You may be right!” and that’s the end of the conversation. If you see this in action often enough it becomes quite amusing. But the wisest people I know have taught me something infinitely more valuable. Always consider the possibility that you might be wrong. Most people rarely consider the possibility. We believe ourselves, we trust our judgement, even though we have plenty of evidence that we have been wrong many, many times before. You might be wrong. Wisdom considers this possibility. The more you consider the possibility that you may be wrong, the more breadth and depth your truth acquires. If your truth is so fragile that it can’t stand up to rigorous debate and exploration, then either it isn’t truth at all, or you haven’t yet entwined yourself with it intimately. Wise people consider the possibility that they may be wrong.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Who’s the Passive-Aggressive in Your Life? How to Recognize Passive-Aggressive Behavior (And What to do About It!) - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “Most of us encounter passive-aggressive behavior on a daily basis. It could be as simple and innocent as a child who is unable to express her feelings or an adult who is intentionally trying to manipulate and control us. What is passive-aggressive behavior? It’s a pattern of indirectly expressing negative feelings instead of openly addressing them. The first important word to connect with out of this definition is ”pattern”. It isn’t something that happens once. When something happens once, it’s an event. If something happens twice, depending on how serious something is, we may be willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. But once something happens three times, it’s a pattern. An example of passive-aggressive behavior is someone who agrees to something you ask them to do, perhaps even agrees enthusiastically, but then expresses anger and resentment by failing to complete the task or missing deadlines. Passive-aggressive behavior often involves using inaction to punish or control people. It also usually involves refusing to express thoughts, feelings, opinions, and desires in a mature way. Passive-aggressive people attempt to get what they need or want indirectly and manipulatively. They act out aggressive impulses in an indirect way. For example, they might say, “Don’t bother. I guess I’ll just have to do it myself” as a way to guilt and manipulate you into doing what they want you to do right now. Instead of simply asking you to do something and explaining why it matters to them. Other examples of passive-aggressive behavior include: Resentment and opposition to reasonable requests; sulking; backhanded compliments; withdrawal; procrastination; intentional mistakes; refusing to communicate; cynical, sullen, or hostile attitudes; and frequent complaining. When someone is behaving in one or more of these ways, it’s important to control your anger and explain what you are witnessing and experiencing in a non-judgmental, factual way. For example, you might say to your child, "You seem to be angry at me for asking you to clean your room." Or you might say to your partner, “You agreed to come with me today, but now you seem resentful and angry at having to come.” Remember, passive-aggressive behavior is a pattern of indirectly expressing negative feelings, instead of addressing them openly. When a person is engaging in passive-aggressive behavior, there is always a disconnect between what that person says and what he or she does. Passive-aggressive behavior interferes with millions of personal and professional relationships every day. It sucks the joy out of doing things together, makes difficult things even more difficult, it is exhausting, and can lead us to doubt ourselves and question whether something is wrong with us. Once someone gets us into this fragile psychological state, we are easier than ever to manipulate. What’s the solution? Learn to recognize passive-aggressive behavior in your life, and don’t delay in pointing it out when you see it being used.” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion #ThoughLeader

Consumers or Being Consumed? Are We Still the Consumers? Matthew Kelly - 60 Second Wisdom Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe Video Transcript: “For decades we have been told that we live in a consumer society. At this point I doubt many would argue with the assertion, but I do have some questions. Are we still the consumers, or are we being consumed? Have we lost something of ourselves to this unbridled consumerism? And if we have, can we get it back? I look around, and it seems everything has a brand on it these days. The proliferation of brands has blanketed our society and has powerfully impacted our psyche. Again, I have some questions. What did we first use branding on? Cattle. What did the branding signify? Ownership. What was the second use of branding? Slavery. And that branding signified what? Ownership. Do we own the brands or do the brands own us? Are we still the consumers, or are we being consumed?” If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #60SecondWisdom #BestVersion #ThoughtLeader

Becoming Real: The Velveteen Rabbit 100th Anniversary Edition - Matthew Kelly Get Matthew’s 60 Second Wisdom delivered to your inbox: https://www.matthewkelly.com/subscribe If you have not read LIFE IS MESSY, order your copy today: https://amzn.to/2TTgZKn Subscribe to Matthew’s YouTube Channel today! https://www.youtube.com/c/MatthewKellyAuthor/featured?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.matthewkelly.com The Best Version of Yourself and 60 Second Wisdom are registered trademarks. #MatthewKelly #BestVersionOfYourself #BestVersion