Helping you simplify your days, reclaim your joy, and grow with purpose.
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.
Cue the Intro
Before every battle, He-Man didn’t just rush in. He stopped, raised his sword, and declared, “By the power of Grayskull… I have the power!”
It looked like a dramatic cartoon moment, but really it was a simple ritual. A pause. A moment to focus before doing something big.
We may not fight villains, but we do face overflowing inboxes, tough conversations, and busy days. Adding a small pause before you act can be just as powerful. It creates space to choose your next step, not just react.
Flashback Focus
Fun Fact: A lot of cartoons in the 80s were used to sell toys, however this is the first show to have designed the toys first, then created the cartoon afterwards which first aired in 1983.
In the early 80s, kids gathered around glowing box TVs to watch a hero with muscles the size of tree trunks, a tiger in battle armor, and a royal bowl cut that somehow did not ruin his tough-guy image. Prince Adam would lift his sword, shout his famous line, and transform into He-Man, a walking action figure who could apparently save the world in furry underwear.
Behind the campy costumes and Skeletor’s high-pitched cackle, the show had a pattern: pause, declare your purpose, then act.
He-Man never sprinted into chaos. That pause gave him power…literally.
We see this same ritual in real life:
Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule helps people overcome hesitation by counting down before action.
Serena Williams bounces the ball exactly five times before serving.
Michael Phelps visualized every step of his race before even stepping on the blocks.
Soldiers and first responders are trained to scan their surroundings before moving.
The lesson is simple.
Power does not come from rushing forward. It comes from taking a beat, clarifying what matters, and then making your move.
…Even if your haircut is questionable.
Essential Shift
Essentialism is the practice of cutting through the noise so you can give your best energy to what truly matters. It isn’t about getting more done. It’s about getting the right things done.
That starts with a pause.
He-Man’s dramatic transformation is a fun reminder of something practical. Power comes when you slow down, choose what matters most, and then move forward with focus.
Every time you take a breath before saying yes, every time you pause before reacting, you are practicing essentialism. The pause gives you space to decide if the next step deserves your time and attention.
That choice is where real power comes from.
Mission Possible
In this section every week, I’ll give step by step instructions on how to tackle one project. It could be something simple and small like this week’s assignment, or it could be more involved. Once you take on a few of these, you’ll learn some of the common strategies that can be applied to just about anything.
My hope for this newsletter is to make it feel like a mini-coaching session with me.
So now, it’s time to…
Reclaim your Power
1. Pick a phrase, movement, or countdown to use before big decisions.
Create a quick, repeatable way to pause. It could be a short phrase like “I choose” or “Pause, then act.” Or a movement like placing your hand on your chest or taking a deep breath.
Example: Count down from 5 to 1 like Mel Robbins. Or whisper “Focus time” before starting a task.
2. Practice it daily, not just in stressful moments.
Rituals work best when they become habits. Use it when you start your day, before meetings, or even before opening your inbox.
Example: Take one deep breath before answering your phone. Or say your power phrase before starting your car.
3. Next time you feel overwhelmed, use your ritual to pause.
This is your signal to stop the chaos for a moment and reset your mind.
Example: When your to-do list looks like Skeletor’s evil plans, close your eyes and count down. Or step outside for a moment before replying to a tough message.
4. Ask: What matters most right now?
This question shifts your focus from everything you could do to the one thing you should do.
Example: In a busy kitchen, a chef asks this before every move. In an emergency room, doctors use it to prioritize patient care.
5. Take one clear, simple step.
Move forward with focus. Your pause is only powerful if it leads to action.
Example: Instead of multitasking, write one email. Instead of cleaning the whole house, put away one basket of laundry.
Roll Credits
You do not need a castle or a cartoon tiger to feel powerful. You just need a small, intentional ritual to create space between chaos and action.
What is your version of a “power phrase” this week? Reply and tell me. I would love to hear it.
Talk soon.
Yours in Simplicity,
