Today at a Glance
- EI — The Missing Piece to Success
- Optimize Cognitive Energy with the Mediterranean Diet
- The Reframe That Breaks the Cycle of Inconsistency
- Who Are You Becoming?
- Design Your Environment for a Body-First Lifestyle
This week, I had a fascinating conversation with a self-made millionaire.
He introduced me to the 8 Stages of Human Maturity — a concept that explains why we evolve (or stay stuck) at different points in life.
As he talked, I reflected on my own journey.
For years, I was trapped in Stage 3: The Robotic Existence. Grinding through life. Following the script society hands us:
☑︎ Work hard.
☑︎ Chase success.
☑︎ Keep going — don’t question anything.
Then, burnout hit. It forced me to wake up.
Not in a woo-woo, mystical way.
But in a “holy sh*t, this isn’t how I want to live” kind of way.
That conversation made me realize something: Awakening doesn’t always come from pain. It can also be triggered by a perspective shift. A moment that makes you see the world differently.
For me, traveling has done that. For Ketty, too.
You step into different cultures. See, people live in ways that challenge your conditioning. You realize that there is no one “right” way to exist — only the way that aligns with who you truly are.
So here’s the question:
Are you living intentionally?
Or do you just follow a script you never wrote?
"The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past."
EI — The Missing Piece to Success
Most people think intelligence is about IQ. Some understand the power of EQ (Emotional Intelligence).
But almost no one talks about EI — Environmental Intelligence.
This is the ability to engineer your ecosystem to bring out your best self.
Because let’s be honest — most people fail not because they lack motivation. They fail because they live in an environment that constantly works against them.
- Want to eat better? Keep fresh fruits visible on the counter and junk food hidden in hard-to-reach cabinets.
- Want to focus? Create a clutter-free desk with only essential items and face your workspace away from distractions.
- Want to upgrade your mindset? Join mastermind groups and schedule regular coffee dates with people who inspire growth.
In this week’s deep dive, I break down how to optimize your environment so success becomes automatic.
The Physical Edge
Optimize Cognitive Energy with the Mediterranean Diet
You know that food fuels the body. But do you think about how it fuels the mind?
If you want to optimize your brainpower, focus, and long-term cognitive health, consider the Mediterranean diet as your first choice.
And one ingredient stands out above all: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).
Why EVOO is a Superfuel for the Brain
- Packed with polyphenols — powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support brain function.
- Stabilizes blood sugar, preventing energy crashes that kill focus.
- Supports neuroplasticity, keeping your mind sharp as you age.
How to Find High-Quality EVOO
→ Avoid supermarket brands—many are blended with cheaper oils.
→ Look for dark glass bottles (light destroys its nutrients).
→ Check for a harvest date—the fresher, the better.
→ Best option? Come to Sicily. Nothing beats fresh, locally harvested and pressed olive oil.
Your brain deserves better fuel. Start with what’s on your plate.
The Reframe That Breaks the Cycle of Inconsistency
You know you should eat better. Train more. Prioritize your sleep.
Yet, something keeps pulling you back into old patterns like a rubber band.
The problem? You identify with the past version of yourself.
You say, “I always fall off track.”
You believe, “I’ve never been disciplined.”
You tell yourself, “I’m just not that kind of person.”
Want to escape the pull?
Try Identity Shifting.
Instead of forcing habits with willpower. Start thinking like the person you want to become.
Apply It Today:
Instead of “I have to work out,” say, “I’m the kind of person who moves daily.”
Instead of “I should eat healthier,” say, “I fuel my body with what makes me feel unstoppable.”
Instead of “I need more discipline,” say, “I naturally show up for myself.”
You act based on who you believe you are. So, upgrade the belief, and the habits follow.
Side note: I don’t say this is the only way. It’s one way you can try.
Who Are You Becoming?
One of the biggest insights from the 8 Stages of Human Maturity is this:
Most people never evolve beyond Stage 3 — The Robotic Existence.
They go through life reacting instead of creating. They live based on old conditioning instead of conscious choice.
But the next level — the one that unlocks true freedom, fulfillment, and expansion?
It requires something different:
A willingness to question.
A commitment to growth.
A radical ownership of your life.
A Reflection for You:
Are you actively shaping your future, or just repeating your past?
Close your eyes. Sit with that for a moment. Be unapologetically honest. And if you don’t like the answer — change it.
Design Your Environment for a Body-First Lifestyle
Your body is your foundation. Your focus, your energy, your mindset — flows from how well your body functions.
Yet most people sit too much. They move too little. And surround themselves with food, furniture, and routines that make them sluggish instead of strong.
So, this week, I challenge you to optimize your environment for energy & movement.
Your Home → Make movement easy. Set up a standing desk. Or leave a kettlebell in your living space. We love elastic bands and gym rings. Ah yeah, and take phone calls while walking. Your home should invite movement, not just sitting.
Your Kitchen → Align your nutrition with who you want to become. Keep high-quality proteins, healthy fats (EVOO), and whole foods within reach. Eliminate the foods that drain you.
Your Zen Den → Transform your bedroom into a sanctuary. Create a dedicated meditation corner with cushions and soft lighting. Make this your device-free zone where you decompress and release the day’s tension. Your mind needs a space to find stillness.
Your environment shouldn’t just support your body — it should elevate it.
This is exactly what we’ve built into Equilibrio, our immersive retreat designed to help you reset your body, master your energy, and build sustainable, high-performance health.
Curious? Learn More Here
And reply to this article: What’s ONE shift you’re making to your environment this week?
I read every response.
That’s it for today.
Hope you enjoyed it (and learned something new).
As always, stay fit, stay active, and enjoy your life.
Ketty & Markus
