Here are the 5 quotes that hung on handmade posters all over my bedroom for years, and are still hanging in my garage now, on the plywood wall between my stand-up work table and my pull-up bar. They may mean very little to you. They may change your life. If even one person experiences the latter, this post was worth it. I hope they spark a fire in you like they did me. After reading this, tell me your inspiring habits, I would love to read about/share them. #masteryourcraft

1. HBDYWI

How bad do you want it?

I’ve been quoting this with my little brother, James, who plays basketball at Ohio University, for years. So, maybe Eric Thomas heard me screaming it once and decided it’d be good content. I don’t know. It’s also the first tattoo James and I got together. Left hip.

2. “Do it now, or forever wish you had.”

No idea who to give credit to on this. Wish I did. Might be too generic of a thought to claim as your own, but if I continue using it as much as I do now, one day people might mistakingly think I’m the first. I’m not. But I do obsess over this idea. I’ve made some life changing decisions with this perspective, and it hasn’t failed me. This will be tattoo #2 for James and I at some point. Sorry Mom.

3. “H.I.A.”

Hustle, Intensity, Attitude.

This is an old acronym that my JV high school coach, Eric Rosicky, used to have us write on our shoes on Day 1 of Practice. I wrote on my playing shoes every year after, still do. These are 3 things that you can control at all times. I was always a bit susceptible to losing my composure in heated moments playing basketball. This one helped me mature, if you can even call it that, haha. One shoe is motivational quotes, phrases, words, and diddles. The other is “IFF…” (I fight for) followed by a list of names and communities.

4. HWYBR

How will you be remembered?

This means different things for different people. Even my own meaning for it has evolved over time. Dig deep on this one. It is a perspective shifter if you think or meditate on it long enough.

5. “Joy Wouldn’t Feel So Good If It Wasn’t For Pain”

If you have not been close enough to read it, this is what the tattoo on my left arm says. Not only overcoming, but growing and gaining perspective from, adversity, is the calling card of the people in my family. I journaled using this quote when I was in middle school. The following year, 50 Cent used it in a song. I’ll tell you what, I should be writing books! (#futurist). This is probably my favorite quote. It does not seek to abolish pain, but rather, to harness it. That is a powerful weapon.

Thank y’all so much for joining me on this journey.

I love you all.

If I can ever paint a perspective or offer a word of advice, please, do not hesitate to ask. That’s what The Master Your Craft Team is all about. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you about that very soon. 🙂

Jakob