10-Minute Audio caffeine for go-getters seeking perspective for growth Hosted by Self-Leadership Speaker & Author Baylor Barbee, Shark Theory is dedicated to helping you win the mental battles and unlock new perspectives that create opportunities in your career and life. The podcast discusses mindset development, mental health, and peak-performance.
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Mindsetdevelopment Podcasts
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If you keep telling yourself you'll start tomorrow, this episode is your wake-up call. Progress only happens when today counts. Show Notes — Tomorrow Never Comes In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor reflects on a passage from his book Wintality and the hard lesson it taught him about postponing what matters most. Through a personal story about l…
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f you've ever felt disappointed when a milestone rolled around and life didn't look the way you thought it would, this episode reframes how you measure progress and why every single day matters more than one date on the calendar. Show Notes — Why Every Day Is a Birthday In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor reflects on why he's never been a "big …
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If you feel alone right now or stuck waiting for the "right people" to show up, this episode reminds you of a powerful truth. When you stay in the race and keep moving in the direction of your goals, the right people don't have to be chased. They will find you. Show Notes — Stay in the Race and the Right People Will Find You In this episode, Baylor…
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Don't Prepare for Everything, Prepare for What's Next
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6:49When you try to prepare for every possible scenario, you don't become more effective. You just become slower. Progress requires clarity, not clutter. Show Notes — Don't Prepare for Everything, Prepare for What's Next In this episode, Baylor revisits a story from Extreme Ownership about Navy SEALs who weighed themselves down by over-preparing for a …
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You're Not for Everyone, and That's the Point
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6:17Freedom begins when you stop trying to appeal to everyone and start showing up for the people who are actually meant for you. Show Notes In this episode, Baylor shares a hilarious long-running Crocs joke that leads to a powerful truth about identity, audience, and purpose. Using everything from candy corn to corporate feedback surveys, he explains …
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Great leaders aren't defined by how loudly they speak— but by how strong their team becomes because of them. Show Notes — "Lead From the Front—and the Back" In today's episode, Baylor breaks down what real leadership looks like as we move into 2026—not the title, not the spotlight, but the standard you set and the people you surround yourself with.…
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Stop Sharing Umbrellas With People Who Love the Storm
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6:17Some people don't just experience bad days—they look for storms so they can complain about being soaked. This episode teaches you how to protect your energy from the people who drain it most. Show Notes — "Stop Giving Your Energy to Storm Chasers" In this episode, Baylor shares a moment from a coffee shop where a man argued loudly on speakerphone f…
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The People-Pleaser Trap: How to Break Free in 2026
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6:17If you're always the one who shows up for everyone else, this episode reveals why that strength can quietly become the very thing holding you back. Show Notes — "Stop Helping Everyone Except Yourself" In this episode, Baylor exposes one of the most overlooked forms of burnout: being the reliable one. The fixer. The hero. The go-to problem solver. T…
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If you want a different life in 2026, you can't wait for the calendar to change—your transformation begins with the seeds you plant today. Show Notes — "Plant the Seeds of Who You'll Become" In this episode, Baylor breaks down why most resolutions fail and why short-sighted intention is the silent killer of people's goals. We love to talk about cha…
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Somewhere along the way, we stop letting ourselves be kids—yet the freedom we're craving might be buried inside the parts of us we told ourselves to outgrow. Show Notes — "Find Your Happy Meal" In this episode, Baylor shares a hilarious yet profound moment sparked by McDonald's new Grinch meal. One impulsive run to the drive-thru with his dog turne…
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What if the difference between staying stuck and leveling up was simply turning your goals into a game you actually want to play? Show Notes — "Level Up Your Life" In today's episode, Baylor dives into a surprising lesson from his first week of Ironman training and his introduction to the Zwift cycling platform. What was supposed to be an hour-and-…
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Before you convince yourself you "aren't ready," ask this: Are you actually unprepared… or just standing in your own way? Show Notes — "Get Out of Your Own Way" In today's episode, Baylor shares a lesson sparked by a blast of cold wind and a long overdue purchase: a bike trainer he knew he needed months ago. Like many of us, he put it off… not beca…
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If you spent today hunting for deals, here's the question Baylor wants you to ask yourself: Are you offering yourself at a discount too? Show Notes — "Stop Black Friday-ing Yourself" In this Black Friday episode of Shark Theory, Baylor uses the madness of holiday sales to illustrate a deeper, more personal problem: many of us treat ourselves like b…
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Say It. Show It. Become Better Because of It.
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6:23Thankfulness isn't just a feeling—it's a responsibility. And when you treat it like one, gratitude becomes a growth strategy, not just a holiday emotion. Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory… In today's Thanksgiving episode, Baylor breaks down the real meaning behind the word "thankful," rooted in its Latin origin: "I will forever rem…
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Calendar Confidence: Designing Your 2026 Before It Arrives
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6:23You don't stumble into a meaningful year—you design one. And your calendar is one of the most powerful confidence tools you have. Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory… In this episode, Baylor shares how—even in the middle of soreness, recovery, and new training cycles—he's already mapping out 2026. Not because every plan will happen e…
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Your Race, Your Pace: Beating the Post-Victory Blues
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6:23Winning feels great—until the adrenaline fades, the soreness hits, and you find yourself asking the question no one prepares you for: Now what? Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory… In this episode, Baylor dives into the lesser-discussed side of achievement: the post-performance blues. After completing his first HYROX race, day two so…
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Strengths, Suffering, and the Finish Line: Lessons From My First HYROX
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6:23When you step into something new, the adrenaline spikes, the fear kicks in, and the unknown gets loud—but that's also where your real strengths finally get a voice. Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory… Baylor breaks down the full experience of completing his first HYROX race after 13 weeks of training—and the life lessons that shook …
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When the Jitters Hit: How to Calm Your Mind Before Big Moments
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6:23The moment you whisper "I've never done this" is the moment fear tries to take over—unless you learn to anchor your thoughts first. Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory… In this episode, Baylor talks about the pre-race jitters he's feeling heading into his first-ever HYROX competition—and what those nerves teach us about stepping into…
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When Your Brain Redlines: How to Reset Your Mental RPMs
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6:13Before you tell yourself you're having a bad day, ask a more important question: Is it really the day… or is it your mind? Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory… In this episode, Baylor breaks down one of the most underrated skills in personal performance: knowing the difference between a bad day and a bad mental day. Most people lump …
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Before the Panic: What You Do in the First 90 Seconds
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6:15When life punches you in the gut—a lost wallet, bad news, a broken relationship—it's not the event that defines you, it's what you do in the next 90 seconds. Show Notes – You are now listening to Shark Theory… In this episode, Baylor shares a recent "gut punch" moment: realizing his wallet was gone and feeling that instant wave of panic and what-if…
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Positioning, Packaging, and the Power of Being You
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6:23Sometimes the best blueprint for your life comes from watching how someone else wins by simply being themselves. Show Notes In today's Shark Theory, Baylor shares an unexpected encounter on South Congress in Austin—a young author selling books outside a coffee shop whose authenticity, positioning, and presentation ended up teaching a masterclass in…
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Sometimes the thing you're chasing is already sitting in your own driveway. Show Notes: In this reflective Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee shares an eye-opening story about admiring a car at a stoplight—only to realize it was the exact same car he already owned. The experience becomes a metaphor for how often we overlook what we already have wh…
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The Minimum Line: Defining What You'll Never Fall Below
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6:17The people who criticize your drive usually aren't doing enough themselves. In this episode, Baylor explains why your real growth starts when you set—and protect—your standards. Show Notes: In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee dives into the importance of separating goals from standards—and why the people who say you're "doing too much" a…
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You Can't Expect Pro Results with Amateur Effort
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6:47When you stop expecting championship results from casual effort, you start enjoying the game — in golf, business, and life. Show Notes: In this episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee takes lessons from a round of golf to explain one of life's most freeing principles: knowing what you actually want from what you do. Whether it's business, fitness, o…
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Stop Hiding Your Flaws — They're What Make You Stand Out
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6:15Sometimes the only thing holding you back isn't what you're missing — it's thinking that what you're missing matters. Show Notes: In this powerful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee shares a lesson learned at the dog park from a joyful three-legged dog who didn't seem to know — or care — that he was missing a leg. What starts as a simple observati…
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The Other Side of the Cold: Finding Perspective in Any Situation
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6:19The weather didn't change — your perspective did. In this episode, Baylor shares how learning to see both sides of the coin can turn discomfort into opportunity. Show Notes: In this insightful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee uses a cold Dallas morning and a warm infrared sauna session to illustrate a powerful truth: your circumstances might not…
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Patiently Progressive: The Real Mindset of a Shark
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6:15After 1,400 episodes, Baylor finally answers the question: What does Shark Theory really mean? The answer might change how you approach your goals, your pace, and your purpose. Show Notes: In this milestone episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee reflects on seven years and 1,400 episodes of growth — and breaks down the true meaning behind the name …
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The Truth About Humility: Stop Letting People Walk on You
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6:13Being humble doesn't mean being a doormat. It's time to clean your circle, reclaim your confidence, and stop mistaking self-respect for arrogance. Show Notes: In this fiery Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee challenges the modern misunderstanding of humility. Too often, good-hearted people overextend themselves in the name of being "team players,"…
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Step Back from the Moon: Seeing Life in a New Light
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6:15Like the moon, your life shines brightest when you're close to the right things. Perspective, proximity, and patience determine what you reflect to the world. Show Notes: In this reflective Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee draws inspiration from a stunning supermoon — known as the Beaver Moon — to unpack lessons about perspective, patience, and …
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00000A2 Success isn't about packing your calendar — it's about knowing your true capacity, planning for real-world conditions, and leaving space to breathe. Show Notes: In this insightful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee uses a cold morning on the golf course to explore one of life's most overlooked performance lessons: understanding your true "…
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Break Away from the Pack: How Winners Think Differently
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6:17The 2025 New York City Marathon ended in a photo finish after 26.2 miles — proof that every step, decision, and ounce of effort counts. Your race in life is no different. Show Notes: In this high-energy Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee breaks down what the New York City Marathon can teach us about mindset, positioning, and perseverance. From the…
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Off the Beaten Path: Finding Clarity in the Unknown
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6:19Sometimes being lost isn't failure—it's freedom. The best views, lessons, and growth often come when you step off the path everyone else is on. Show Notes: In this introspective Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee takes a morning walk with his dog Bear that turns into a life lesson about uncertainty, perspective, and purpose. What started as a deto…
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Base Hits, Not Home Runs: Showing Up Every Day Matters
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6:19You don't need to hit home runs in life or relationships—just learn how to show up, speak their language, and say thank you when it counts. Show Notes: In this reflective Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee turns an unexpected listener message into a deeper look at consistency, connection, and communication. Not every day—or podcast—is a home run, …
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Light-Up Shoes & Pizza Parties: Lessons in Seeing Life Like a Kid
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6:15In this heartwarming Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee reflects on his day serving as "Principal for a Day" at Holland Elementary — a role that offered more lessons than it required giving. From light-up shoes to pizza parties, Baylor explores how childlike simplicity can bring renewed energy and purpose to our adult lives. Through the innocent l…
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The Mirror Knows: Learning to Love What You've Got
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6:17The moment you stop wishing for someone else's gifts is the moment your own start to shine. Show Notes: In this Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee takes us from a soundcheck gone wrong to a revelation about self-worth, confidence, and environment. After realizing his mic wasn't broken—he just didn't have a "bass voice"—Baylor reflects on how easy …
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Stop Burying Your Gift: The World Needs What You Have
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6:15The gifts you hide don't protect you—they rob the world of what only you can give. Show Notes: In this heartfelt Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee uses a simple moment with his dog, Bear, to unpack a profound truth about human potential. When Bear hides the treats he's given instead of enjoying them, Baylor sees a reflection of what so many of us…
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Find Your Training Tribe: Growth Loves Company
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6:15Don't wait for the big moment to see where you stand—test yourself early, build your tribe, and celebrate the small wins along the way. Show Notes: In this Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee reflects on a "simulation day" leading up to an upcoming HYROX race and the lessons it revealed about preparation, community, and self-belief. What starts as …
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Just because it's taking longer doesn't mean you're losing—it might mean you're growing. Show Notes: In this powerful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee dives into the uncomfortable truth about patience—why it feels like suffering and why that's exactly what makes it valuable. Drawing parallels from endurance racing, business, and personal growth,…
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How Many Pizzas Does It Take to Find Perspective?
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6:17Life gets easier when you stop overcomplicating it and start asking the right questions. Show Notes: In this lighthearted yet insightful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee turns a simple dilemma—ordering pizza for 500 kids—into a powerful lesson on decision-making, curiosity, and effort. What starts as a logistical headache becomes a reminder that…
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In a world full of noise, true impact comes from motion—be the wave, not the seagull. Show Notes: In this thought-provoking Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee breaks down the difference between people who just make noise and those who actually make waves. Drawing inspiration from a moment on the beach, Baylor challenges listeners to stop squawking…
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The Chicken Hawk Lesson: Why Presence Brings Peace
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6:13When you stop forcing what's not meant for you, life starts working in your favor. Show Notes: In this reflective Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee shares a conversation that begins with a story about a chicken hawk and turns into a lesson about presence, alignment, and purpose. From business to relationships, Baylor explores why the best things …
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Risk, Purpose, and the Power of Asking Better Questions
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6:15Sometimes the right question reveals more than a thousand answers. Show Notes: In this insightful Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee reflects on a Q&A session with students from the University of North Texas' Professional Selling class—where powerful questions led to powerful realizations. From redefining risk to finding purpose in the moment, Bay…
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The Best Piece of Pie Is the One in Front of You
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6:15In this heartfelt Shark Theory episode, Baylor Barbee shares a powerful conversation with Julie, the owner of the legendary Texas Pie Company that's thrived for more than four decades. What starts as a casual chat about desserts turns into a masterclass in mindset, opportunity, and legacy. From the importance of seeing each day as a fresh opportuni…
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It Takes a Village: The Hidden Formula Behind Great Teams1383
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6:17No one succeeds alone. Growth happens when everyone knows the mission, plays their role, and rises together. Show Notes: After speaking at the Rise Leadership and Growth event in Kyle, Texas, Baylor Barbee reflects on the deeper lessons of teamwork, leadership, and collective success. What makes an event—or any mission—truly powerful isn't just tal…
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Ingredients of Control: How to Stop Living on Autopilot
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6:17You can't control the world—but you can control your world. It starts by taking back the pilot seat. Show Notes: In this reflective episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee shares a chance encounter with a man whose secret to happiness is simple: don't stress over what you can't control. That single conversation becomes a powerful lesson on emotional…
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Inside the Pain Cave: How to Keep Going When You Hit the Wall
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6:15When the motivation fades and the pain gets loud, discipline—and perspective—keep you moving. Show Notes: In this raw follow-up to his 50K ultra race, Baylor Barbee dives deep into the pain cave—that dark mental space where your mind tells you to quit, and every step hurts. But this isn't just about running; it's about life, leadership, and learnin…
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Big goals aren't won in leaps—they're conquered one step at a time. Gratitude, presence, and the right people make the climb worth it. Show Notes: Fresh off a grueling 50K trail race, Baylor Barbee shares powerful reflections on endurance, gratitude, and perspective. In this episode of Shark Theory, he breaks down the mental framework that helped h…
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Calm Before the Win: The Power of Mental Reps
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6:17The work is done. Now the mind takes over. The day before your big moment isn't about doing more—it's about thinking better. Show Notes: In this pre-race reflection, Baylor Barbee unpacks the hidden power of the day before. Whether it's a competition, a pitch, or a personal milestone, success isn't built on last-minute hustle—it's built on calm, cl…
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Convenience Kills: Why Easy Street Leads to Mediocrity
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6:17It's not getting harder—it's getting higher. The climb only feels steep because you're leveling up. Show Notes: In this powerful episode of Shark Theory, Baylor Barbee explores the illusion of difficulty and the hidden danger of ease. What feels "uphill" in life often isn't—it's perspective. Baylor breaks down how your mindset determines whether yo…
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