Without Words & The 2024 Icelandic Christmas Tradition.

Let’s Go!!! Pumped You’re Here!

First off, my last name is Ferate like karate with an F or kinda like, Ferrari.

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Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas Eve! ICELANDIC BOOK TRADITION, there you go, something interesting you can bring up today around the dinner table! If it gets quiet and awkward, or you need to change the subject when hanging out with the entire family. I GOT YOU, now you’re locked and loaded!

A few years ago, I stumbled across this Icelandic Tradition called Jolabokaflod, which translates to "Christmas Book Flood," Yep, book flood. I know, I know, tell me more... Long story short, in 1944, after the economic crash in Europe due to World War II, Iceland was neutral and had a restriction on the majority of goods/imports. Their finances and the availability of paper were two things that were not impacted. With a rich literary history, this led to the tradition of gifting books during Christmas. Tonight, on Christmas Eve, Icelanders will exchange gifts and get lost in their new books.

High level of restriction on goods + above average Icelandic spending + an abundance of paper + rich literary history + Christmas = Jolabokaflod

I understand if you’re struggling with finding meaningful gifts during the holiday season. The quest for a thoughtful present without breaking the bank can be challenging.

Insert idea here → books. Reflecting on the impact they've had on my life, the knowledge gained, and the potential to influence others, it becomes a no-brainer. David Senra, the host of the Founders Podcast, has said, “There are ideas worth billions in a $30 history book.” Gifting lessons worth billions or even pure enjoyment of a fiction book is worth that much.

• 2021 James Clear's Atomic Habits.

• 2022 The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness.

• 2023 Dr. Michael Gervais’ new book, The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You.

This year, I chose Harvey Martin’s new book “Without Words. Mastering The Art of Being”. The awesome part is I haven’t even read the book yet, but I know without a doubt it will be incredible. Harvey and I connected over the phone a few years ago through a mutual connection, J.P. Martinez, who is the current Assistant Pitching Coach for the San Francisco Giants.

I instantly connected through our conversation over the phone and all the content Harv was putting out into the world. Breathwork, cold exposure, sauna, high-quality conversations, & awesome questions that explored our curiosity in everything, not just performance topics. I was pulled in by his energy, curiosity, and what he was putting out into the world. (Recent podcast with Harvey as the guest)

He first was a breath work coach for the Giants, and then he evolved to the Human Performance Coach, which I believe he is the first in the MLB. He even jumped on my podcast, where we discussed what it was like writing this book during an MLB season! WHICH IS INSANE! 162 games in 180 days + travel + quick turnarounds + road games vs. home games + late nights and early mornings… this could go on and on, but he created time to write. So sick to see the book come alive and be for sale to purchase.

Here’s what I am fascinated by.

• When we ask the question, “Who am I? What am I doing with my life?” we trick ourselves into thinking we are the only ones in the world asking that question. The only ones who don’t have it figured out. But then you think about it for a second, and it is hard to name anyone who has it all figured out.

• Who am I becoming? Who do I want to become?

• What character or role am I playing? What mask am I wearing right now? Does that align with who I want to be?

• What do I want to want? (Deeply want, not just what I want because other people want it.)

I am excited about this book because I feel that it will double-click on these questions and dive deeper into understanding this better for myself.

Harv has even been doing some Q&A’s on his Instagram in preparation for the book to drop and his podcast to get rolling again! Make sure you check that out here. Here are a few examples of questions that he answers.

1. What’s the difference between listening and hearing?

2. If one’s always searching, do they ever get there? What is the balance between living and searching?

3. Is it better to be smart or educated?

4. If you are consistently faking it until you make it, are you actually faking it?

5. What your 30 for 30 be about? (ESPN 30 for 30 Docuseries)

Make sure you check out Harv’s new book, and THANK YOU for checking out today’s holiday newsletter. All of your time, energy, and support means a lot. Not only for this one but for all of the writing I have put out over the years!

If you ordered this book or have a different book to gift this year, hit me up! Email me and let me know what it was! Appreciate all of you who continue to click reply, type something out, and click send!

Keep stacking those daily deposits and making every day the best day of the year until tomorrow.

Ferate

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