(Principles are basic truths that, when applied, cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)


Have you ever known someone who has no Discipline and no Willpower? Well, that would be me. I learned this from Thomas Leonard. He coached me to see my biggest weaknesses and embrace them. Embrace them?! Yes. He wanted me to get that they were parts of me. Not errors. Attributes. But how could I have a successful life in the absence of them?

Thomas then showed me I could set up systems that would help me have the outcomes I am here to have. The weekly S3MC has been one of those systems.

For 31 years, I knew that another issue would be released into the wild on Wednesday at 2:00 a.m. Texas time. It had to be ready. And, except for a couple of weeks of hospital time a few years ago, it always was. Because of the structure, not my discipline.

That consistency is one benefit of The Process. Here is a bigger one. In the early weeks, I took ideas and language from Thomas’s coaching material that he graciously shared with me. Then I began to see ideas for weekly topics … everywhere! It is amazing how I have been on S3MC topic autopilot. A reminder that we see what we look for. (Remaining files have 250-300 potential topics.)

The final benefit is this: I have learned that I write to know what I think. Each week’s idea, first captured then edited through 10-12 rewrites, emerges into what you read. I have learned every week. Until she passed, Pam read each one and gave it what I called the ‘smell test’; that is, “Is this worth sending?” Some were not and went into the trash. Start over. Think some more.

The Process has provided structure, a deeper awareness of my journey, and 1600+ opportunities to express something meaningful to me and share with you.


Coaching Point: What could you start doing which would pay benefits to you and add value to the world?


Copyright 2026 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.