Ever feel like life’s moving so fast that you forget to pause and reflect on what’s actually working—or what’s not?

We all get caught up chasing goals, juggling priorities, and trying to “do more,” but sometimes the real key to living happier isn’t in doing more—it’s in reflecting more. That’s exactly what I unpack in this solo episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, where I dive into one of my all-time favorite reflection practices: The Rose, Thorn, and Bud Method.

This stupid-simple (yet incredibly powerful) exercise has been used by Navy SEALs, Silicon Valley founders, and high-performing entrepreneurs across the world. And it’s one that I personally use to get clarity, cultivate gratitude, and stay in harmony—both in business and in life. The beauty of this practice is that it doesn’t take long, but it can completely shift how you show up every day.

So here’s the breakdown. The Rose represents what’s going well in your life—your wins, your highlights, your gratitude moments. For me, my personal rose right now is that my wife is pregnant with our baby girl (yep, I’m about to be a #GirlDad, and I couldn’t be more excited!). Professionally, my rose is hosting the upcoming Optimized Life Mastermind with my buddy Ben Greenfield, which is shaping up to be an epic experience for entrepreneurs who want to level up their health, wealth, and happiness.

Then comes the Thorn—the challenges, the friction points, the stuff that’s testing you. I’ll be real with you, my thorn lately has been not showing up as intentionally in my marriage as I’d like to. I’ve been on the road nonstop for masterminds and events, and it’s been tough to balance that with being the husband Steph deserves—especially now that she’s pregnant. Professionally, my thorn has been building out a new SaaS business that’s pushing me outside my comfort zone. It’s exciting, but it’s also tough. And that’s okay. The thorn reminds us to pay attention to what needs care, boundaries, or change.

Finally, there’s the Bud—what’s emerging, what’s next, what you’re excited to nurture and grow. For me, it’s watching my son step into big brother mode and seeing The Happy Hustle Club continue to blossom into a supportive brotherhood of heart-centered entrepreneurs. This community blows me away with their vulnerability, generosity, and genuine support for each other—it’s proof that when you lead with love and authenticity, you attract the right tribe.

If you take one thing from this episode, let it be this: reflection isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about tuning in. It’s how you spot the blessings, transform the struggles, and plant the seeds for what’s next. When you take the time to acknowledge your roses, your thorns, and your buds—personally and professionally—you gain the clarity and alignment to truly Happy Hustle your dream reality.

So grab a journal, take five minutes, and write it down: What’s your rose? What’s your thorn? What’s your bud? The answers might just change the way you show up for yourself and others.

Connect with Cary!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/
https://twitter.com/thehappyhustle
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured

Get a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/book
Sign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Coursehttps://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/
Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventurehttps://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/

“It’s time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”

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