Minute With Mallon: What’s Your Briar Patch?
Welcome to Minute with Mallon!
Something I Taught:
Have you ever been stuck doing something you hate — the kind of task that drains your energy and steals your joy — and wondered, “Why am I even doing this?”
One of my clients said it perfectly this week. He was knee-deep in tax prep and told me,
“Robert, I feel like I’m walking through a briar patch in shorts.”
I couldn’t stop laughing… because I’ve been there.
Then I told him this story:
It happened back in February 2013. Every year, I’d spend three to five days pulling together all my business expenses and tax documents from the previous year. I’d take over our big dining room table—it was completely covered in papers.
One day, someone called me and immediately noticed that I wasn’t in a good mood. I told him what I was doing and explained that, every year, this week was always the worst week of my life.
Then he asked why I was doing it myself instead of using a bookkeeper. Honestly, I’d never even considered that before. He explained that’s exactly what they’d done in their business, so I decided to give it a try. I hired a wonderful person named Mindy (Hi Mindy! ☺️), and she’s been handling my taxes for more than a decade now. All I do is put the receipts and statements in an envelope each month, and my wife Sandy drops it off at Mindy’s office.
That simple conversation completely changed the way I work — and live. I realized how often we keep doing things just because we always have, even when they drain our time, energy, and focus. Once I let go of the task that frustrated me most, it freed me to focus on what I’m truly gifted to do.
The lesson: if something consistently steals your energy, find a way to delegate it. Your time is far too valuable to spend on things that others can do better and faster.
So, here’s my question for you:
What’s your “briar patch”?
That one thing you dread every time it shows up — but keep doing anyway.
This week, take one small step to delegate it, outsource it, or eliminate it altogether. Your energy is too valuable to waste on what drains you.
Something to Ponder:
"Earning more money increases freedom. Spending less than you earn reduces stress."
James Clear
Something I Learned:
I'm reading a book called The Nature Fix by Florence Williams. One of my close friends recommended it. It reveals how stepping into nature recharges your mind, lifts your mood, and sharpens your focus—proving that time outdoors really does make you healthier and happier.
One of the findings was about the power of cypress! 🌲
The scent of cypress is grounding, calming, and clarifying. Its clean, woodsy aroma helps quiet a busy mind, ease tension, and bring emotional balance. Many people find it promotes focus, peace, and a deeper sense of presence—almost like taking a slow walk through the woods.
3 Easy Ways to Enjoy It:
Diffuse it: Add a few drops of cypress essential oil to a diffuser for a calm, focused atmosphere. (This is what Sandy and I do!)
Steam it: Put a couple of drops on a washcloth in the shower to create a relaxing, forest-like scent.
Light it: Use a natural candle or reed diffuser with cypress oil for a steady, grounding aroma.
Cypress helps you slow down, breathe deeper, and feel centered — a simple way to bring more calm and clarity into your day.
Give it a try!
Something I Saw:
Buckhorn Inn!
As we head into Thanksgiving week, I just want to say how truly grateful I am for you.
Whether you’ve been reading Minute with Mallon from the start or recently joined, thank you for letting me be part of your journey each week. It means more than you know.
If you’ve found these short messages helpful, would you consider forwarding this one to a friend or colleague who might enjoy them too? They can sign up at RobertMallon.com/Newsletter.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restful, and thankful Thanksgiving. 🦃
Hope you have an incredible week!
Robert
