I remember when I was a kid, my friend was learning how to play guitar. He strummed and fumbled around all day long. I would visit him for over a year and see little progress snapshots. One day, I was like, John can play guitar. I am not sure when it happened, but it did happen. He went from Smoke on the Water to Runnin’ With the Devil. As John got better, a whole new music world opened up to him. He never stopped. As he learned more complicated chords and progressions, he was able to play more complicated songs, improvise, and enjoy playing the guitar. He unlocked the guitar through a series of steps and reveled in the process. I recently had the idea that anything has a series of unlocks. Each one you figure out helps you build and find more of the thing. And, life has it too. I bet if you look back, there were moments that changed everything, and from then on, you were able to experience more of what life has to offer. It’s easy to stay on a plateau. You would be surprised by what’s on the other side of the doors that you have closed. Each time we learn something new, adopt a different perspective, or challenge an old belief, we open the door to fresh possibilities and hidden paths. Over the next few weeks, I’ll introduce you to 10 such “unlocks” that, taken together, can foster a renewed mindset. This mindset encourages continuous learning, embraces change, and leads you toward a richer, more expansive experience of life.
These aren’t about secret formulas or gimmicks. They’re about understandings, mindset shifts, and simple truths that, once embraced, help you experience life on a deeper level. They were inspired by my own experiences. I struggled and still struggle to see a way forward, but frequently find a new vantage point. I am also grateful to have a circle of friends who think and talk about things, too. There’s a lot to learn.
What Are the 10 Unlocks?
- Embrace Curiosity Over Judgment – Shifting from “I know” to “I wonder” invites growth.
- Cultivate Mindful Presence – Learning to be fully where you are, not lost in the past or future.
- Understand the Power of Habits – Small, consistent actions build the life you experience.
- Practice Honest Self-Reflection – Seeing yourself clearly is the starting point for true change.
- Learn to Let Go of Control – Not everything can be steered; learning to release can bring peace.
- Develop Mental Resilience – Adversity is inevitable; resilience turns obstacles into stepping stones.
- Harness the Value of Community and Support – We thrive when we lean on and lift up others.
- Recognize the Value in Failure – Mistakes can be some of your greatest teachers.
- Align Actions with Values – When what you do reflects what you believe in, life feels more meaningful.
- Consistent, Compassionate Growth – Growth isn’t a one-time event; it’s a gentle, ongoing process.
Inspiration From Those Who’ve Gone Before Us
These ideas aren’t new inventions of mine. Think of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher who urged quiet reflection, or Maya Angelou, who taught that we do the best we can until we know better—and then, when we know better, we do better. Warren Buffett often speaks about habits as the key to building long-term success, while Brené Brown reminds us that vulnerability and connection give life its real flavor. Time and again, leaders, thinkers, and everyday people show that these unlocks are universal truths that can help anyone navigate life’s complexities. I will tie my experiences with their words as I go through this series.
Why I’m Writing This Series
For years, I personally struggled with feeling “stuck.” I’d compare myself to others, judge my decisions harshly, and hold so tightly onto outcomes that I rarely enjoyed the moment. Over time, I picked up lessons—from books, mentors, and my own missteps—that changed how I relate to life. As I tried these ideas, I noticed something shift inside me. The world didn’t change overnight, but my perspective did, and that made all the difference.
I’m sharing these unlocks because I believe they can help you too. They’re not about being perfect. They’re about understanding that life is a journey (bingo), and each of these keys can open a new door: to growth, to deeper relationships, and to a more fulfilling existence.
How This Series Will Work
In each post, I’ll focus on one unlock. I’ll explain what it means, share a personal story of how I stumbled onto it (often through trial and error), and bring in quotes or ideas from respected thinkers. Finally, I’ll show how you can leverage that unlock in your life. The goal is to turn big concepts into tools that you can pick up and use.
By the end of this series, my hope is that you will not only have read about these 10 unlocks but also start applying them, and maybe I will do better at applying them too. Because knowing about a key isn’t enough; you have to fit it into the lock, turn it, and step through the door it opens. Yes, I went for it, but I think it worked.