Brian’s Favorite Things
You’ve heard me talk about “surrounding yourself with success.” Usually, I refer to this in terms of either the people we’re around, or our environment.
I’m a strong proponent of modeling success – finding out how other people achieve success, and incorporating those ideas, techniques and strategies into my life. We can learn a lot from the habits of others, and from seeing how they operate.
I was first introduced to this concept in a book published in the 1970s by John T. Molloy, called Dress for Success. Molloy’s book described the effect of clothing on a person’s success in business and personal life. While dressing like successful people doesn’t equate automatically to success, it helps position you for success.
I’m often asked about products I use, especially in the area of health. Through the years, I’ve benefitted tremendously by asking that same question of others, and then incorporating those products into my life. There are so many products in the marketplace, and it’s difficult, time consuming and expensive to try and figure out which ones are best.
In response to those inquiries, I’ve decided to share several tools, supplements, and products I’m using these days. These are all products that (1) I use myself, (2) I highly recommend.
Full disclosure: These links are not affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I will not benefit financially from your purchase. I’m providing these links for your convenience, and because I believe strongly in these products.
*OFFICE SUPPLIES*
I write a lot, so the pen I use is very important to me. I’ve used this pen for several years, and order them by the box. It’s funny that Amazon calls it “the ideal pen for overachievers.” I have no idea why, but I do love this pen. I almost always have a pen with me and, if I do, it will be a blue Pilot G-2 07 Pen.
Wide Ruled 8.5 x 11.75-Inch Lined Writing Note Pads
I’ve used just about every system available, whether it’s a physical tool, an app, or desktop software. In my opinion, nothing beats a simple yellow legal pad. I’ve used them for years, and write lists, to dos, and other notes nearly every day. The key is to find a system that works for you, but for me that includes a yellow legal pad.
Mead College Ruled 70 Sheet Notebook
Another staple in my toolkit is this inexpensive notebook. Through the years, I’ve used them for journaling, brainstorming, writing down my top 10 goals every day, and capturing notes from the latest book I’m reading. If you ever see me at an event (seminar, workshop, etc), I will have one of these notebooks on hand to capture my notes.
*VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS*
When choosing vitamins and supplements, it’s important to make sure the products you’re taking actually contain the ingredients stated on the label, and that the product doesn’t have any potentially harmful ingredients. Thorne is a trusted name in scientific wellness, and one of the most reputable professional supplement manufacturers. Thorne’s products have high standards for ingredient sourcing, testing, quality and safety.
I take a number of Thorne products, including Multi-Vitamin Elite and Whey Protein Isolate. (I prefer the chocolate protein, but it’s available in vanilla, too.)
Founded by surfer Laird Hamilton, Laird Superfood is based on the idea that nourishing, plant-based foods can help fuel you from sunrise to sunset. I’ve tried several of their products, and my first cup of coffee in the morning almost always includes Laird’s Organic Performance Mushrooms. While it might be earthier than you prefer for your coffee creamer, I’m sold on the benefits of mushrooms, and this is an easy way to incorporate them into my diet.
While I prefer to get my omega-3s through oil-rich fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, I supplement with a tablespoon of Carlson Fish Oil on days that I don’t eat fish. Carlson is a reputable company that sources its product from high-quality, deep, cold-water fish using traditional, sustainable methods. I prefer the lemon flavor, which does a pretty good job of masking the fish oil flavor.
*SUPERFOODS*
If you’re wondering how to improve your diet, one way is to include more superfoods. Superfoods are foods that are so rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that they help maintain and improve your health. You can Google “superfoods” for a list. The more superfoods you include in your diet, the healthier you will be overall.
While living foods (fish, vegetables, fruits) make up the core of my superfood consumptions, I’ve found some great products that are also nutrient rich, and super healthy. Below are a few of my favorites:
Sun Goddess Matcha is organic, ceremonial-grade matcha made by third generation tea masters, using 130-year-old techniques. It’s packed with phytonutrients, and it’s a great afternoon pick-me-up for an “unrivaled antioxidant infusion for radiant skin, healthy metabolism, balanced mood and calm energy.” I drink this almost every day, around 3:00pm.
Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup
Black elderberries are packed full of powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins give the berries their signature deep purple color, and work within the immune system to enhance the body’s natural response and keep it functioning at its best. I have one tablespoon of black elderberry syrup almost every day.
King Orchards Montmorency Tart Cherry Concentrate
Montmorency tart cherries have anthocyanins that give them their deep red color. Tart cherries have been linked to several health benefits, including post workout recovery and, because cherries contain naturally occurring melatonin, improving the quality of your sleep.
King Orchards uses 100% Northern Michigan grown Montmorency Tart Cherries, with no preservatives or additives. I keep my tart cherry concentrate in the freezer and have two tablespoons almost every day.
POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
I’ve used POM juice in my protein drinks for years. Pomegranates are another great source of antioxidants, which help combat unstable molecules – called free radicals – that can cause damage to your body over time. POM is also a great source of potassium, which is an electrolyte that supports healthy muscle function. Drink it straight, or add a half cup to your favorite smoothie.
*OTHER FAVORITES*
Kiehl’s “Ultimate Man” Body Scrub Soap
“Ultimate Man” is an efficient exfoliating bar soap for men that sloughs off dead skin. Infused with an invigorating aroma, it contains oatmeal and bran that thoroughly cleanses skin and helps alleviate roughness. I use other Kiehl’s products, too, and I like this soap so much that I have a bar in my travel kit!
It’s probably a bit early for me to provide an unequivocal recommendation for the Oura Ring. After the fifth person told me I really needed to get one (based on my “less than optimal” sleep patterns), though, I broke down and ordered it two months ago.
I’ve never been a huge “wearbables” fan, but I think I’ve been missing out on an opportunity. Wearing the Oura Ring is a definite improvement over my rudimentary “Post-It Note” system of tracking sleep. Before, I was measuring quantity, but I’m now measuring quality, too. And, because it syncs with the Apple Health app, I’m using that now, too. Entering my daily weight is one specific application – again replacing manual (spreadsheet) tracking.
I believe technology will play an ever-increasing role in health and fitness. Though I’m nowhere near the cutting-edge of this trend, the Oura Ring is a definite step in the right direction!
I hope this list is helpful. I’m always looking to improve the way I operate, so please email me and let me know about some of your favorite things.
