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When Winston Churchill said, “Only one link of the chain of destiny can be handled at a time,” it’s clear he wasn’t talking about Matt Higgins. Whether leading successful companies, investing in startups, or helming legendary NFL franchises, Higgins has proven himself a renaissance man with an entrepreneurial spirit. On the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast, Matt Higgins talks success, regrets, and highlights from his new book Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential. Listen to the episode here.

Breaking through the noise

Born and raised in Queens, NY, Higgins’ mother taught him the value of a strong work ethic; a lesson that resonated throughout his life. Many years later, while attending Queens College, he wrote an award-winning investigative column for the Queens Tribune. Higgins created a buzz in a city where even the most talented people find it difficult to break through the noise. Instead of slowly fading, that buzz intensified until it caught the attention of some of the city’s most influential people, including mayor Rudy Giuliani.

At just 26 years old, Higgins made history as the youngest press secretary in New York’s long, proud history. The position proved challenging, but it paled in comparison to Higgins’ aspirations and talent. While his days were spent in lower Manhattan working in the mayor’s office, his evenings were spent studying at Fordham University School of Law, where he was a student.

But nothing could have prepared him for what happened next. In an instant, Higgins found himself heading a global media response to the worst attack ever perpetrated on U.S. soil. As time went by, he turned his attention to helping a grieving nation heal by leading the first phase of rebuilding. As the chief operating officer of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, he helped organize the international design competition responsible for the construction of the September 11th National Memorial and One World Trade Center.

The private sector

In 2012, Higgins took a chance on himself and co-founded RSE Ventures, a New York City-based venture capital firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and technology. As a CEO with a talent for identifying promising young companies, Higgins helped the firm amass a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio that included brands like Vayner Media, Napster, and the International Champions Cup. RSE Ventures was also an early investor in startups around blockchain technology, such as Qredo, Flowcarbon, and Dapper.

During the podcast, he touched on something profound when discussing motivation. “The joy of living is [experienced] in striving,” said Higgins. “Anybody who reaches the top of the mountain realizes there’s not much to see. We like looking up, not looking down.” Later, he explained that he’s not motivated by money or competing against others because the only person he competes against is himself.

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, he made a name for himself in the sports world. In 2004, the New York Jets recruited Higgins to serve as the team’s director of media relations. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the team’s executive vice president of business operations. During his tenure with the Jets, Higgins oversaw the construction of a new stadium and helped negotiate naming rights with MetLife. After leaving the Jets in 2012, he signed on to serve as vice chairman of the Miami Dolphins.

Beyond business

Success in the business world allows Higgins to give back. In 2019, he joined the ranks of Nobel Prize laureates and former American presidents when he was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a distinction reserved for those with a deep-rooted commitment to helping marginalized populations. As a board member of Autism Speaks, Higgins has worked to spread awareness about the challenges faced by neurodivergent people.

Despite his impressive list of accomplishments, Higgins remains humble and grounded. He attributes his success to a willingness to manage fear. “We all have anxiety when taking risks…it’s about managing it,” he says. As he continues building his legacy as a serial entrepreneur and investor, it’s clear his impact on the world will be felt for years to come.

The Talking Series is a weekly segment that delves deeper into topics discussed by guests on the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast.

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Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Rich Diviney has lived a life of service, but it’s not his 13 overseas deployments that made him a household name. Instead, it’s what he’s accomplished since retiring that’s captured the public’s attention and resulted in countless people bettering their lives. In his groundbreaking book, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance, Diviney offers an insightful look at the attributes driving today’s high-performing individuals and provides readers with a roadmap for success.

Diviney’s role in the SEAL selection process—where the Navy’s best and brightest experience such mental and physical exhaustion that only the most elite remain—gave him a unique look into the continuum of success and a rare glimpse at the metaphysical nature of resilience. As he watched the cycles repeat, he noticed it was difficult to predict a candidate’s success; this piqued his interest and drove his quest to understand why some rise to the challenge while others fail.

While the world measures success by wealth, power, and influence, the best-selling author and performance coach challenges these conventional beliefs and empowers readers with a refreshing perspective that reframes limitations as internal and temporary. Diviney argues that the attributes high performers use to achieve optimal results can be cultivated through commitment, dedication, and practice.

On a recent episode of the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast, Diviney discussed these attributes and how high-performing individuals leverage them. At the heart of his book lies a framework consisting of five categories: grit, mental acuity, drive, leadership, and team ability. Before watching the episode, learn more about why these categories are foundational to unlocking your full potential.

1. Grit

Grit contains the attributes of courage, perseverance, adaptability, and resilience. “Many people think of grit as an attribute; it’s not,” says Diviney. The author defines grit as the capacity to endure and push through acute challenges, arguing it’s vital to reaching optimal performance and making a lasting impact. By developing grit, highly successful people maintain a level of focus and determination that allows them to persevere and achieve their goals. In a culture that relies on instant gratification and sees quitting as an acceptable option, grit sets those who achieve greatness apart from those who merely exist.

2. Mental Acuity

Mental acuity includes four distinct attributes: situational awareness, task switching, learnability, and compartmentalization. While grit is about the ability to power through adversity, mental acuity encompasses the ability to process information to navigate complex challenges. Success requires we remain vigilant, adapt to change, and learn quickly in today’s fast-paced world. The final attribute in this category allows high-performing individuals to be hyper-selective about the information informing their decisions. “Compartmentalization is the ability to chunk an environment into meaningful elements, focus on what’s needed, and block everything else out,” says Diviney. “It’s the single most important attribute to make it through SEAL training.”

3. Drive

Drive consists of self-efficacy, cunning, open-mindedness, discipline, and narcissism. These attributes, when utilized effectively, can motivate individuals to pursue a life of success, impact, and fulfillment. Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s abilities, and cunning is the ability to navigate challenges. Open-mindedness is a willingness to embrace change and consider new ideas, while discipline helps us foster focus and consistency. Lastly, narcissism is the attribute that uses the desire for recognition to drive a person to seek continual improvement and strive for excellence. “Every human being on the planet at some point in their lives wants to stand out [and] be adored. We’re neurologically rewarded when it happens,” said Diviney. “A little bit of narcissism is [often] the impetus of some of our most audacious goals.” This combination of attributes can be a powerful motivation in achieving goals and aspirations.

4. Leadership

Effective leadership requires empathy, accountability, authenticity, decisiveness, and selflessness. Individuals can inspire and influence those around them by developing, utilizing, and mastering these five attributes. While important, Diviney emphasized that leaders must take a nuanced approach to empathy. “The best leaders have empathy on a dimmer switch; too much can be detrimental because [those you lead] will walk all over you. So, sometimes you must dial it up and other times down,” says Diviney. Next, accountability ensures that leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions, while authenticity demands that they’re genuine and transparent. Decisiveness gives leaders the confidence to make bold moves, and selflessness allows them to prioritize the needs of those they’re responsible for over their own. These attributes inspire trust and respect within the team and put leaders on the path to greatness.

5. Team Ability

Team ability is crucial for success and includes the attributes of integrity, humility, conscientiousness, and humor. Integrity aligns an individual’s actions with a code they’ve agreed to abide by, while humility allows them to learn from their mistakes. Conscientiousness ensures high performers honor their commitments, and humor fosters strong relationships within a team and helps them navigate challenging situations. A good sense of humor goes a long way to increase morale during difficult times – which can be the difference between winning and losing. During the podcast, Diviney said that laughter is an involuntary response that strengthens bonds between people; it has a powerful neurological effect as it releases dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin, which connects us on a biological level.

Diviney proves himself to be a subject-matter expert whose engaging writing style makes complex concepts accessible to a broader audience. Praised for its unique perspective and practical approach, The Attributes is a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh take on success. Its hands-on approach provides strategies, real-world examples, and exercises that everyone will find helpful, from entrepreneurs and executives to athletes and artists. Hear from the author himself on this episode of the Everyday Warrior Podcast.

The Talking Series is a weekly segment that delves deeper into topics discussed by guests on the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast.

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Prepare to be spooked during the Super Bowl this weekend. Ahead of the big game, Paramount has released a new trailer for Scream VI set to air as a commercial during the Super Bowl. It’s the latest film in in the long-running horror franchise, and even though the first film premiered way back in 1996, Scream VI features several returning characters, including Courteney Cox in her role as Gale Weathers and Ghostface (of course).

The film picks up where the last installment left off and follows four survivors from the last Ghostface killings as they “leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter,” according to the trailer description. From the second the trailer begins, it’s clear the past has come back to haunt them: Ghostface comes knocking at the door.

In the new film, Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy Meeks-Martin), Mason Gooding (Chad Meeks-Martin), Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter), and Hayden Panettiere (Kirby Reed) all reprise their respective roles in the series, and they’re joined by newcomers Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.

In the clip, we see Ghostface breaking in and attacking—yes, with a knife. As things get worse, his harried would-be victims attempt a dangerous escape from their apartment into an adjacent building. Even in a big city, it seems no one is safe.

The trailer also hints at some deeper revelations, including a Ghostface “shrine” and a new plot to defeat the killer: lure him in and kill him.

Scream VI was directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Deadline reports, and the script was based on the characters created by Kevin Williamson for the original Scream, released in 1996.

The film will premiere in theaters March 10, 2023.

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“Love thine enemies because they are the instruments of your destiny.”

What strikes me most about this quote from Joseph Campbell’s bestselling book The Power of Myth is how frustratingly accurate it is. We revile our adversaries without acknowledging their role in helping us achieve our full potential.

Although we associate the word enemy with those who oppose us, people are rarely our greatest adversaries. Instead, our enemies are often more personal and intimate, such as a health concern, negative mindset, or obstacle we’re working to overcome. Whether it’s a person or situation you see as an obstacle, shift your perspective to see them as instruments of destiny that shape your journey and promote self-discovery instead. By embracing adversity, we gain the wisdom and strength to persevere and achieve things we never thought possible.

How we learn

The truth is, we learn little sitting under clear blue skies with our bellies full and bills paid. That’s because comfort causes complacency, which is the antithesis of growth. In moments of discomfort, pain, and fear, we make significant progress and take tremendous strides toward revealing our warrior spirit. While avoiding challenges robs us of these valuable opportunities, embracing the suck and leaning into adversity fuels exponential growth and transforms us into the best versions of ourselves.

Lessons from nature

In the early 1990s, scientists built a massive, closed ecosystem in Oracle, AZ, to study the viability of supporting human life. It was known as Biosphere 2, and those involved soon found that trees grew faster inside the airtight building but never fully matured; this resulted in shorter trees devoid of fruit that toppled under their weight. Unlike their counterparts in the wild, these trees were protected from the elements, never having to endure the rigors of nature. In other words, they never struggled. In nature, the wind forces trees to drop their roots deep into the earth and grow a rigid skeletal structure known as stress wood. Without it, the trees couldn’t survive. It turns out that difficult times make strong trees, and easy times make weak ones.

Mindset matters

Labeling experiences as good or bad is often a hasty judgment, bereft of comprehending their transformative potential. Our mindset plays a critical role in determining the impact of such experiences, shaping our perception so much that we often mistake a blessing for a curse or see a curse as a blessing. What can we do to transcend this type of momentary emotional reaction? While answering that will require a far more in-depth conversation, asking yourself these three questions is a great start:

1. What’s good about this?
2. What might this bring out in me?
3. How might this help me get stronger?

Although hardships often feel like curses, they’re usualLy blessings in disguise. Like the wind and trees, each struggle strengthens our resolve and prepares us for the battles ahead; difficult times reaffirm our best qualities and uncover our true character.

Write your story

We’ve all heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but few know about post-traumatic growth (PTG); it occurs when people become stronger and more resilient following hard times. Psychologist Martin Seligman says the primary factor determining whether an event triggers PTSD or PTG is the story we tell ourselves. The narrative we spin around our experience is pivotal to the outcome. While some may wilt under adversity, others view it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Strive to create a narrative that nourishes your soul and elevates your spirit.

Love your enemies

Embracing our challenges and adversaries with love, rather than mere tolerance or endurance, paves the way for us to derive maximum benefit from the experience. It allows us to view our enemies as catalysts of growth that equip us for even greater challenges resting just beyond the horizon. While struggling can be painful, remember that ash from a burned forest becomes the fertilizer from which new growth flourishes.

Mildred Witte Stoven wrote, “A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot; it has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain.”

Like clay pots sitting in the sun, we remain unchanged until the crucible of hardship refines us and transforms us into something beautiful. Let’s embrace that heat and acknowledge those who spark it as the transformative force they are—only then can we be truly thankful for their presence.

D.J. Vanas is an enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe and a former U.S. Air Force officer. He’s a thought leader, producer, and author; his most recent book, The Warrior Within, is published by Penguin Random House. As an in-demand speaker, he’s taught more than 500 tribal nations, corporations, and organizations, including Intel, NASA, Subaru, Disney, the Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. military, how to employ traditional warrior principles to lead with courage, be resilient, and perform at their best. In 2022, Vanas hosted the critically acclaimed PBS special, Discovering Your Warrior Spirit. Learn more.

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Craving another caper after Glass Onion? Netflix has just what you need—Murder Mystery 2, a sequel to 2019’s Murder Mystery starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.

Here, the duo are reprising their roles as Nick and Audrey Spitz, a married couple framed in the first film for the murder of a billionaire while vacationing in Europe. In this sequel (set four years later), they’re trying to launch their own private detective business while embarking on another ill-fated vacation.

It all begins with their friend Maharaja’s wedding on a private island. When the groom is kidnapped and the abductors demand a ransom be sent to Paris, the Spitzes jump on a golden opportunity to prove their chops as private detectives—while snagging a little working vacation in the process.

“Well, you always wanted to go to Paris,” Sandler’s Nick Spitz says to his wife Audrey in the trailer.

From there, it’s Mission: Impossible meets SNL. The trailer shows the Spitzes arriving in Paris to deliver the money—then cuts to them in the back of a moving van as they face off against two masked assailants. It’s pretty standard action movie fare, except the Spitzes are not cold-blooded assassins. When Nick gets into a tight spot, he screams at Audrey: “Shoot this guy!” But she’s not comfortable with wielding deadly force: “I don’t want to kill anybody!”

Then (spoiler alert) Audrey accidentally puts an axe through the van driver’s head. Plus one for her bodycount.

Jeremy Garelick, who directed the original Murder Mystery, returned to helm Murder Mystery 2. The film also stars Adeel Akhtar as Maharaja along with Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Kuhoo Verma, John Kani, and Dany Boon.

The film premieres on Netflix on March 31.

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The bright lights of Hollywood are a long way from the working-class neighborhood Taye Diggs knew growing up in Rochester, NY. These humble beginnings shaped the actor he’d become, and his journey to fame is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. With raw talent, undeniable charisma, and unwavering dedication to his craft, Diggs has become one of the most respected actors in the industry today.

In a recent episode of the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast, Diggs opened up about success, staying true to himself, and passing those values down to his son. Before heading over to check that out, learn more about his incredible rise to fame.

Passion for performing

The oldest of five children, life in the Diggs household was always exciting. Diggs has said that growing up in a big family taught him the importance of teamwork and having a solid support system. With his mother being a teacher and his father a visual artist, he developed a love of learning and a passion for performing at a young age. His parents were always encouraging, particularly his mother, who played a major role in helping him pursue his dream of acting.

Although Diggs started taking dance and acting classes at five years old, he’d started considering a different path by the time he was 13. “I thought I was an athlete in junior high, but when everybody grew two feet taller than me, I switched [back] to the performing arts,” says Diggs. After graduating from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, he attended Syracuse University and earned a degree in musical theater.

Staying true to himself

After college, Diggs quickly made a name for himself on Broadway with his dynamic performances and captivating stage presence, but his journey to stardom had its challenges. He had to take on various odd jobs to survive in New York City but remained confident that he’d be successful. “I wasn’t taking acting classes or attending auditions because I just knew it would happen for me at the right time. So, I had a very relaxed attitude and just did what I wanted,” said Diggs. “I’m a simple dude, and [knew] if I stayed true to who I am, it would work out,” he added.

His breakout role came in 1996 as Benny in the original production of Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Rent, which earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a rising star. Two years later, Diggs’ life changed forever when he landed a lead role in the comedy How Stella Got Her Groove Back; this commercial and critical success earned him his first Acapulco Black Film Festival nomination for Best Actor. He followed it up with several more high-profile projects, including the romantic comedy The Best Man, the popular television series Ally McBeal, and the film adaptation of the 1975 musical Chicago.

His early predictions of success were more accurate than he could have ever imagined, and his rise to fame reminds us that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a little luck.

Family first

From the beginning, he had a clear vision of the career he wanted to build, which always included putting his family first. “My career has never been my number one priority, and I’m happy I chose that path because it’s kept me grounded,” explained Diggs. This dedication to his family is evident in that he takes on roles that don’t require him to be away for long periods. “I have a 13-year-old son who just made the seventh grade basketball team; I’m not going to take a job in Australia even if it’s going to get me an Emmy. It’s not even a question,” he later added.

Diggs’ success came from his unique ability to combine talent, unapologetic truth, and a propensity for seeking challenges that help him continually learn, improve, and grow. “I feel it’s about connecting with who you are and your purpose; once you do that, things line up,” said Diggs. This mindset not only helped him achieve his dream of becoming an actor but also allowed him to lead a happier, more balanced life.

In 2022, he reprised his role as Harper Stewart in the six-episode series The Best Man: The Final Chapters. He explained that as an African American actor, he feels lucky to be involved with this franchise because the original movie was the first project where he identified with the characters. “I saw myself in Harper, and it feels great to be a part of that still,” said Diggs.

Recently, he starred in the fifth season of the popular show All American, making it clear that his dedication to his family, his craft, and his refusal to sacrifice his values was the right move and has only furthered his success. Whether acting on stage, television, or the big screen, his performances have been widely praised by audiences and critics, cementing his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most talented and respected actors.

If you want to know more about this remarkable actor, including what drives him, his thoughts on his earlier movies now being considered classics, and how he’s helping his son develop the confidence to follow his path, make sure to check out his episode on the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast. Be warned: Diggs discussing his incredible rise to fame may inspire you to chase your dreams.

The Talking Series is a weekly segment that delves deeper into topics discussed by guests on the Men’s Journal Everyday Warrior Podcast.

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From HBO’s Winning Time to his next Wes Anderson role, Adrien Brody is generating as much unique buzz these days as an ’80s chainsaw.

Real Quick

Your real basketball team?

I’m a New Yorker. But I really do like the Lakers as well.

Funniest actor you’ve shared a scene with?

Owen Wilson.

I’d starve before eating this.

Human.

Painting you’d like to own?

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

Men’s Journal: Winning Time on HBO, the quirky comedy See How They Run, the Marilyn Monroe drama Blonde… Was 2022 as nonstop as it looked?

Adrien Brody: I love juggling. And when it rains it pours. You learn this as an actor—mustering up the discipline to ride the chaos and busy times between those droughts.

Were there stunt doubles for that classic fight scene in See How They Run? The one with [spoiler alert] the gigantic cake.

That was really us. Slipping and sliding on a marble floor in dress shoes—with cake. It was interesting. And painful.

Your portrayal of Arthur Miller in Blonde has a real vulnerability. How did you approach playing America’s most famous playwright?

By benefiting from a great script and director Andrew Dominik’s instincts—but also honoring a real person who’s far more complex than what may be on a page. I fought for retaining some of those sensitivities.

What comes more naturally to you, comedy or drama?

Hard to say—at least without limiting people’s perception of what you’re capable of doing. Wes Anderson was the first one to really get me in a lighter film that people actually saw. So comedy is definitely in the wheelhouse.

Asteroid City will be your sixth Wes Anderson film. What do you love about working with him?

The shorthand. At this point, I know what Wes gravitates to—and I also know what I may want to try in his films.

What was your favorite aspect of L.A. Lakers coach Pat Riley’s character in Winning Time?

Playing him was a reminder of our preconceptions about iconic figures—about their imagined prowess or innate confidence from the get-go, right? But that’s not necessarily true. That’s what was so fascinating in portraying Riley. The indecision and insecurities he had to overcome to become this legendary coach.

In one episode, you carve up your home office with a chainsaw. As fun as it looks?

You’d be surprised how therapeutic it can be to take a chainsaw to a building in character. The one we used prop from the ’80s. Trying stroke started on a roof in the blazing heat was a hell of a workout.

Great TV and films are becoming less distinguishable for viewers. Is that good or bad?

Both. It’s a blessing that there are more opportunities for creative people and content for audiences. The dilemma is that it has cannibalized the independent film business. That’s a loss for everyone.

What’s something on your to-do list?

I’d really like to do a Western at some point. There are those elements in some of my own written works, like Clean. That was about a man being pushed by oppressive forces and having to stand up for what’s right. I’d like to do a love story too. Something with depth and sensitivity. I don’t think I’ve seen one of those that’s moved me in a while.

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As the weather changes, it sure is nice to have a fireplace. While that orange glow warms the house on cold winter nights, those flames can quickly get out of control if left unattended. Stress is similar. While some can be good, too much holiday stress can be disastrous.

The goal isn’t to eliminate stress; believe it or not, we need it. Good stress motivates us to exercise, socialize, and get out of bed each morning. The right amount helps us maintain a warrior’s edge and keeps us engaged, productive, and sharp. But with increased demands and hectic schedules, holiday stress can quickly become overwhelming. Like a fire burning out of control, excess stress can wreak havoc and consume everything it touches.

Since this is a time to give thanks, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the season, here are 5 simple ways to keep your stress contained.

1. Don’t let the perfection bug bite

Many of us go into the holiday season expecting to experience a real-life Hallmark movie. The gap between what we hope for and what happens can cause frustration and stress. Why can’t we have the perfect holidays we remember from our childhood? Sadly, the holidays of our youth weren’t perfect either. We only remember them that way.

Ask an older relative, and you’re likely to hear a very different story than the one you remember. Your memory is beautiful because, as an innocent child, you had the luxury of focusing on the purity of the moment instead of the frustrating details. Create the moments you remember by freeing yourself from the illusion of perfection.

2. Calm minds deal with crazy times

It’s easier to deal with adversity when you’re centered and balanced. I recently read an article about a wildland firefighter who said he sat down and took a break when the flames began surrounding his team. Why? Because his calmness allows the team to focus on their job instead of getting overwhelmed by fear.

Each morning, spend 5 to 10 minutes doing an activity that centers you. While in this calm state, commit yourself to focus on solutions, not problems, regardless of what the day brings. This way, the dirt settles in the mud puddle before your day even begins. Now, you can operate with clarity.

3. Address your stress

We’ve established that stress can be dangerous – so don’t ignore it. Even in the face of a hectic holiday schedule, make time for yourself and provide an emotional, physical, and spiritual outlet for the building stress. Take a walk, meditate, work out, spend quiet time in a bookstore, or take a nap. Do something to reward yourself and release pressure. Those who don’t do this during the holidays will need another holiday to recover.

4. Don’t break the bank

This time of year, debt can pile up faster than a plate at a holiday party. If you want to start the new year off right, start with something other than the burden of unnecessary holiday debt. Your kids may say they need that new expensive toy, but your time and undivided attention are what they really need. While it may sound cliche, the best gifts come from the heart, and it’s not the number of zeros that makes them valuable. Besides, children are sensitive to parents’ stress, and nothing is as crushing as debt. Keep it simple and resist overspending; you’ll enjoy the holidays far more, and so will your loved ones.

5. Learn how to say no

During this time of year, it’s natural to want to do everything and make everyone happy. Fight that temptation. With all the party planning, social engagements, and charity drives, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overcommit your time. Get this under control by scaling back and choosing the activities that matter most. Fewer obligations give you a chance to focus on quality over quantity. Learn to say no and enjoy the holidays rather than getting burned out by them.

D.J. Vanas is an enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe and a former U.S. Air Force officer. He’s a thought leader, producer, and author; his most recent book, The Warrior Within, is published by Penguin Random House. As an in-demand speaker, D.J. has addressed more than 500 tribal nations, corporations, and organizations, including Intel, NASA, Subaru, Disney, the Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. military. He teaches audiences of all sizes how to employ traditional warrior principles to remain strong and resilient, lead with courage, and perform at their best regardless of the circumstances. D.J. hosted the PBS special, Discovering Your Warrior Spirit. If you have a question or would like D.J. to speak with your team, please visit nativediscovery.com.

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