MasterKey is self-discovery. Its lessons cause self-reflection, which rarely happens in today’s world because of its distractions.

Sitting 15 minutes in silence is priceless. It is wonderful to end the day without video or music. Doing so reminds of when I was in college and lived/studied in Japan and Israel, where I had no access/limited access to television (only news was available).

There were no smart phones then. In Israel, I listened to Radio America and CNN radio or sat in silence and read. I read a lot then.In Japan, I had no radio. I’d sit in my room, free of distractions, and read. I remember those moments with relish.

Frankly, I did not miss television, let alone current culture in the United States, when I had lived and studied in Israel and Japan.

Recently, I have been turning off the television to read when I have the time. I had found it to be an enjoyable habit, so I continued to sit in silence. Through MasterKey, though, I have made it a habit. Since the start of MasterKey, I have sat in silence for 15 minutes daily. I’ve not always sat perfectly still. I am working on that.

Good habits subdue bad habits…

In the last few years, I have relearned the power of habit. About two years ago I was diagnosed with type II diabetes. I initially walked daily and then swam. I started to jog some. As my sciatica nerve pain eased with continued weight loss, I began to run longer distance. I also made drastic changes to my diet. Fortunately, my wife was (still is) very supportive. Without her support, I very well may not have made the necessary changes.

Now, I weigh about 30 pounds less than I was two years ago. I run/walk every day. Once a week I run at least 5k. Recently, I ran 4 miles. My goal is to participate in local 5K runs and to raise money for organizations that deal with housing, cancer and diabetes. It’s a matter of committing time to participate.

I’ve considered training to run in a marathon, but I’ve not committed myself to the practice and training necessary to accomplish that feat. Improving my health triggered something in me. Also, as I improved my health, I grew my business.

I am now at a point of inflection in life and business. I want to improve my life further through health, creativity and business. That is why I participate in MasterKey. I want to continue up this path of self-improvement and MasterKey is key.