Insights Blog
Four Pillar Friday
February 7th, 2025 // Adam Bruderly
Four Pillar Friday Your weekly guide to thriving in every aspect of life—Physical, Mental, Spiritual, and Financial Wellness.
This Week’s Quote: “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates
Physical Wellness
In this video, Dr. Rhonda Patrick delves into the intricate connection between exercise, brain health, and longevity. Highlighting the innovative Nordic 4×4 training protocol, she explains how various forms of physical activity can trigger the release of essential neurochemicals that enhance mental clarity and boost cognitive performance while also supporting overall physical well-being. Dr. Patrick unpacks groundbreaking research on hormones such as osteocalcin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), underscoring their vital roles in promoting neuroplasticity and learning. With actionable insights on timing your workouts and optimizing oxygenation and blood flow to the brain, this session offers a comprehensive, science-backed roadmap for designing an exercise regimen that elevates fitness, sharpens mental acuity, and supports long-term health.
Mental Wellness
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” — Viktor Frankl
I know I’ve shared this before, but its one I talk about time and time again: Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning is a profound reminder of the transformative power of purpose. Every time I revisit this book, I’m struck by its enduring message—that no matter what challenges life throws our way, we always retain the freedom to choose our response. This work isn’t merely a memoir; it’s a beacon guiding us toward resilience, urging us to seek meaning even in the darkest moments. If you haven’t explored its insights lately, I encourage you to dive back in and rediscover why it continues to inspire and empower so many. Explore Man’s Search for Meaning here.
Financial Wellness
According to Investopedia, “wealth is measured by taking the value of all the assets of worth owned by a person. This is determined by taking the total market value of all physical and intangible assets owned, then subtracting all debts. Essentially, wealth is the accumulation of scarce resources.” Based on this definition, society tends to equate wealth with a number or a dollar amount.
But is that really what wealth is? I believe true wealth encompasses so much more—and that the equation should start with our most precious and finite resource: TIME. It’s time to reshape the traditional formula by adding vital components such as health, family, happiness, and purpose alongside the numbers in your account.
This realization prompted me to engage in some reflective back-of-the-napkin math. At 45, if I live to be 88, I would have approximately 15,700 days—or about 2,243 weeks—remaining in my life. With my kids now 9 and 7 years old, I estimate that there are roughly 3,285 days until my 9-year-old and about 4,015 days until my 7-year-old reach 18 and leave home. Regardless of how you measure it, time is moving in one direction.
So, with this in mind, how are you choosing to spend your most scarce resource?
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Spiritual Wellness
In our coaching program, we believe that the relationships we cultivate are not just connections—they are sacred gifts that shape our journey. A key tool we use in the 9:03 Journey is guiding individuals to reflect on those who have profoundly impacted their lives. Whether through mentorship, friendship, or family support, these relationships influence our values, mindset, and spiritual growth. By pausing to acknowledge these influences, we deepen our sense of gratitude and recognize how connection fuels our well-being.
But reflection is just the first step—action is where transformation happens. This week, we encourage you to take a moment to write a gratitude letter to someone who has shaped your path. Whether it’s a mentor who guided you, a friend who stood by you, or a family member whose love has been unwavering, let them know the impact they’ve had on your life. A simple note of appreciation can strengthen bonds, foster deeper relationships, and remind us all of the power of connection. Who in your life deserves to hear how much they matter? Take the time today—write the letter, send the message, and share your gratitude.
Here’s to Living Richly, The Journey Team
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Four Pillar Friday
Your weekly guide to thriving in every aspect of life—Physical, Mental, Spiritual, and Financial Wellness.
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Mid-Quarter Market Commentary
While the Fed and the market are fairly aligned in their expectations, fixed income markets are likely to remain somewhat volatile while the fiscal impacts of the new administration’s policies become clearer. However, higher yields insulate bond investors from interest rate risk and elevated equity valuations make bonds more attractive on a relative basis. Given the level of concentration within US equity markets, we believe that international, value and small-cap equities provide a critical element of diversification. We advocate building portfolios to achieve your long-term goals as opposed to trying to react to the latest headlines. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisor to schedule time to discuss your financial plan, including your goals and planning assumptions.
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Four Pillar Friday
Your weekly guide to thriving in every aspect of life—Physical, Mental, Spiritual, and Financial Wellness.