On inspiration
Eleven years ago today I registered the jcornelius.com domain name. Time has flown and much has happened since then. The web has transformed into quite a different place. Hardly anyone had heard of Google back then, and few of those who had took it seriously. Facebook and Twitter didn’t exist. Hell, social networking didn’t exist. Video didn’t exist on the web. People still... continue »
No ringtones, email, or GPS. No earbuds. No playlist. I left that device at home. My heart, lungs, and motion are the rhythm. Pushing, pulling, lifting, sweating. Faster and further. My body strains, getting stronger. I hear you, pain. But I’m not listening. Thoughts swirling around study and contemplation. Ideas emerge and sharpen. Excitement builds. This dream–almost... continue »
There you sat, excited and accomplished. A carefully selected orator reciting a commencement address to the class of 2010. Your dreams are fresh, vivid, and tangible. It feels as though the world is at your fingertips, and the possibilities are endless. Capture this feeling. You will need it again countless times in your journey. You’ve reached this milestone, now your quest begins... continue »
No one likes to be wrong. It hurts. You repeated “Achilles, Achilles, Achilles” in your head while raising your hand in 7th grade math class. No, Timmy. Pythagoras created that theorem. And a pile of bricks lands on your ego. It will be a while before you muster the courage to raise that hand again, even if you’re dead certain of the answer. But why does this... continue »
Just like that it happened. In an instant. Thwick! And the blood flowed. I had cut my finger while washing a chef’s knife. Badly. The flesh lay open, drooling crimson over the sink and counter. As I hurriedly searched for a towel or tourniquet, it hit me. That was a dumb — and totally preventable — painful mistake. I had allowed myself to become stressed about something... continue »
A new year is upon us and our eyes are gleaming with optimism and opportunity. But simply put, New Year’s resolutions are usually doomed to failure . Regardless, I’ve chosen to post mine here as a public reminder to hold myself accountable. Because, as we all know, promising action without accountability is wasted breath. Focus on the positive Listen to, and be true to... continue »