The book that helps me get through the end of the year

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On the program:

But first: “It takes what it takes.”

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This week’s shipment

How to get through the fourth trimester: mental discipline

“Take care of yourself.”

It was a text I sent my friend last week, reminding her to take some time for herself after a pretty exhausting week. You see, she was working on several major projects at her high-performing corporate job, and she often worked late into the evening, often not leaving the office until after 8 p.m.

“It takes what it takes,” she replied.

Impressed by how she had apparently adapted to this period of high professional stress, I asked her if she had created this mantra. If I’m honest, part of me wanted to find out how she effectively coped with the pressures of her job; pressure that we all feel, whatever our role.

She would eventually reveal that it was from her favorite book, which has now become my obsessive read of the week: “It Takes What It Takes” by the late Trevor Moawada mental conditioning and performance expert who had worked with NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.

The book has 12 chapters focused on mental discipline. It serves as a model to train your mind to think neutrally rather than positively in order to achieve results. And in the doldrums of the fourth trimester, we could all use a little motivation to just get through it.

“It takes what it takes” struck me when Moawad wrote about “the illusion of choice.” Getting results is simply a matter of studying those who have achieved it before you, creating routines to support your goals, and, as the title suggests, doing the right thing.

“This game rewards people who do it right. This game has demands. You do them and succeed, or you don’t and you struggle. There is no middle ground,” Moawad writes in chapter three, titled “It Takes Hard Choices.” “What I’m saying is that we don’t have a choice in how we’re going to do things if we want to stay true to the goals we all set to start this year.”

Good, right? So if you’re ready to achieve the goals you set for yourself in the first trimester, let’s do it. It takes what it takes.

Are you obsessed with a new book that introduced you to a new mindset or taught you something to help you achieve your goals? Share it with me!

The new quarantine workout

Jiu-jitsu – the Brazilian martial art of taking an opponent to the ground and controlling their movements – is becoming popular thanks to its physical and mental benefits.

“Physically, it’s a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance and flexibility. Mentally, it teaches patience, humility and problem-solving,” actor Mario Lopez told BI. Additionally, it is ideal for those who want to start combat sports in their 30s, 40s, or 50s.

Mind-body connection on the mat.

A meal worthy of a chef

Tables at 1587 Prime — the steakhouse opened by Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes — appeared to book up within minutes of reservations opening. Kelsey Huson was one of the lucky few to catch one.

Huson, a longtime Chiefs fan, said the $800 dinner felt like more than just a meal. She was impressed with the menu, service and ambiance at 1587 and felt like it paid homage to Kansas City.

Steak for dinner.

The dark side of the facelift boom

Cosmetic surgeries have become a way to advance in corporate America because an improved appearance can often lead to more self-confidence and better job performance. Facelifts in particular are on the rise, but not everyone is qualified to perform this type of surgical procedure. Additionally, the procedures are not always regulated or safe.

Dr. Daniel Gould, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, shared red flags to watch for if you’re considering the procedure, from overly simplistic language to surgeon credentials.

Before pinching and tucking.

Time spent looking at watches

Before attending WatchTime New York, BI’s Amanda Krause was indifferent to watches. This multi-day event brings together watchmakers, brands, experts and fans to discover the latest watches on the market.

Almost instantly after attending the event, Krause said she felt like she had joined a luxurious and exclusive club. While talking to experts and trying on watches, she said she was bitten by the watch bug by the end of the day.

Take a look.

What we’re watching this weekend

• “Nobody wants that”: Season 2 of the hit Netflix series brings back Kristen Bell as a podcaster who has a crush on a rabbi played by Adam Brody.

  “computing: welcome to Derry”: On HBO Max, Pennywise returns as this series delves deeper into Stephen King’s beloved novel.

  “Weapons”: Also on HBO Max is the hit horror film starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin searching for missing children.

What to buy

• High boots for all legs: We tried Styles suitable for wide calves from DuoBoots on a range of legs, from petite to statuesque, slim to curvy and spoiler: they’ve passed the zip test. With nine calf sizes and three shaft heights, these boots work and fit the way they want.
• Bite that, not the couch: We dove into the world of aggressive chewers and tested dozens of toys, because when your dog destroys everything in minutes, you need something that lasts. Our choices Focus on durability, safe materials and real chewing power.
• Daily fitness tracking, made simple: This slim tracker does the basics: step counting, heart rate tracking, sleep information, all wrapped in a lightweight wristband that you barely notice. Find out why the Fitbit Inspire 3 has us returning to flashier models.

Could a pill help us live longer?

Scientists and investors are racing to find a drug that would slow aging, but the discovery may not come from humans.

More top reads this week:

The BI team Today: Dan DeFrancesco, associate editor and presenter, in New York. Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor-in-chief, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.