I’m typing this without my glasses, so “forgive me if it goes astray,” as the Purple One said.
The first quarter of every year has a particular energy to it.
We reassess. Our schedules return to routine. Ideas that were vague in December start taking some structure. Everybody looks good on the starting line.
Over the past few months, I’ve been working to turn ideas that grew out of conversations with clients and parents into projects. They all revolve around the same practical question: how do we help people step into growth without turning it into another abstract conversation or something to put on a “to do” list?
Here’s what’s taking shape.
Micro-Adventures for Teens
Several coaching clients who are parents have described a familiar tension.
Their teen understands what would help them grow. They even agree with it in theory. Follow-through is the sticking point.
Adolescence is built around a pervasive drive for autonomy. Advice from adults, even thoughtful advice, can feel like pressure.
So I created a teen-specific Micro-Adventures download.
It emphasizes action over explanation. Physical movement. A little bit of economic initiative. Speaking up about something meaningful to them. Each task is short and concrete. Something they can complete in a day.
Confidence tends to grow when there is evidence to point to. A completed task. A risk taken. A conversation initiated.
Please reach out for tips on how to introduce it in a way that preserves your teen’s sense of ownership.
A Conversation at The Root
I was recently a guest on The Fruit of the Root, recorded with Brigid Morrisey, co-founder of The Root coworking space.
We discussed identity after major transitions, how adventure reshapes self-concept, and why structured challenge often leads to clearer thinking and steadier confidence.
Speaking through these ideas publicly forces participation. It requires examples. It invites questions I might not have considered.
The episode is scheduled to release around March 1. I’ll send the link once it’s live.
Father-Son Adventure Retreat
Early Enrollment Opens March 1
On March 1, early enrollment opens for this summer’s Father-Son Adventure Retreat.
This is a small-group expedition for fathers and sons ages 14–18. Time on the water. Shared effort. Responsibility distributed rather than directed.
Adolescence moves quickly. There are a limited number of summers where a shared expedition like this still fits naturally into a son’s world.
Early enrollment runs for seven days, and a payment plan will be available during that period.
Details are available at the link above.
Question of the week:
Where in your life are you talking about growth instead of structuring it?
The Thread Running Through It All
A teen completing a small, self-directed challenge. A father and son navigating open water together. A public conversation about identity and behavioral change.
Each one reflects the same pattern I see in coaching: behavior shifts first, and identity gradually follows.
Experiences shape belief more reliably than explanation alone.
That’s what I’m building more of this year.
