Advanced Report Durable Goods Manufacturing February 2026-Uncertainty

(Illustrative Only)

Trying to find 
the trajectory.

Circular thinking. 

Decisions During
Uncertainty

Goods declined over February 2026, with some of the change possibly driven by market speculation and general concerns geopolitical issues, decoupling about economic trends. Notable decreases included new orders, which fell 1.4%, and declines in manufacturing, particularly in non-defense aircraft parts.

On the other hand, some sectors showed growth. Metals experienced increased demand, computers are growing, and motor vehicle parts remained stable.

While the overall picture is uncertain, it highlights the importance of focusing on fundamentals, including manufacturing, production, human capital and infrastructure improvements, as the market adjusts and plans become clearer.

Monthly Advance Report on Durable Goods Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories, and Orders (April 07, 2026)

• This page presents the Monthly Advance Report from the U.S. Census Bureau on durable goods manufacturers’ shipments, inventories, and orders for February 2026, including preliminary statistical estimates.
• The report shows new orders for manufactured durable goods decreased by $4.4 billion (1.4 percent) in February 2026, following a January decline.
• On an adjusted basis, new orders excluding transportation rose modestly (0.8 percent), while new orders excluding defense declined (1.2 percent).
• Transportation equipment was a primary factor in the downturn, with a $6.1 billion (5.4 percent) decrease in orders.
• The page links to accompanying data tables for shipments, new orders, unfilled orders and inventory, and advance total manufacturing estimates.

United States Census Bureau. (2026, April 7). Monthly Advance Report on Durable Goods Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories, and Orders. https://www.census.gov/manufacturing/m3/adv/current/index.html

 

The Power of Grit in Achieving One's Goals

(Illustrative Only)
A lady who achieved
her goals.

Do you want to accomplish
something? This is
how much time you have
to do it. 
Don't waste your days.

If you want to achieve something in life, you have to pursue it with intention and persistence. Obstacles will arise—people may get in your way, resources may be limited, and competing priorities can make progress difficult. Some days will bring success, while others will bring setbacks. Showing up consistently and refusing to give up is a hallmark of grit.

Regardless of the goal—starting a business, completing college, or overcoming personal challenges—grit is essential. It begins with having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and staying focused on that vision. Often, interests evolve into goals, and those goals may shift over time. However, by continuing to learn, grow, and take action, opportunities eventually emerge.

Success often comes to those who stay engaged long enough to recognize and act when the moment is right. In many cases, progress is not immediate, but persistence allows you to adapt and remain prepared when circumstances change in your favor. Staying in the game is what creates the possibility for meaningful breakthroughs.

It’s also important to recognize that people differ in their ambitions. Some pursue large, long-term goals, while others focus on smaller, more immediate ones. Both approaches have value, and there is nothing inherently better about one over the other. Not everyone seeks leadership roles or mastery at a high level, and that’s perfectly fine. If you do, then you will need to stay with it!

As you review the study, consider how grit is defined and supported by research. Even a brief look at the abstract and conclusions can provide useful insight into how perseverance and passion contribute to long-term success.

Title: Beyond Passion and Perseverance: A Review of the Science of Grit

• Grit is defined as a combination of sustained passion and perseverance toward long-term goals and is linked to success in academic, work, and personal domains.
• Research shows grit is positively associated not only with performance outcomes but also with well-being, including psychological and emotional health.
• The perseverance of effort component appears to be a stronger predictor of success than consistency of interests, raising questions about the original two-factor model.
• Existing grit measures and theory have limitations, including concerns about validity and overlap with related constructs like conscientiousness and self-control.
• The article proposes alternative models (e.g., triarchic model of grit) and calls for future research to better understand mechanisms linking grit to performance and well-being.

Datu, J. A. D. (2021). Beyond passion and perseverance: Review and future research initiatives on the science of grit. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 545526. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.545526

Mindfulness and A Plan (Baking Cake on a Beach)

(Illustrative Only)

A couple baking a
cake on a beach
and running their
online business.

What is mindfulness? Let me tell you what I learned......

I have a yoga trainer’s license, and I’ve explored mindfulness on a philosophical level many times. While I’m not perfect at it, I understand its core idea: focusing on the present. The present is all we truly have. The past is already gone, and the future is uncertain. By living in the moment, we can focus on what matters today, reducing stress and unrealistic expectations of the world around us.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan for the future. Daily activities can and should have structure and goals. For example, if you want to advance your career, save money, start a business, or pursue any ambition, a plan is essential. But while you work toward these goals, your attention should remain on today. Your joy and fulfillment come from engaging in the process, not just reaching the outcome.

Goals are like baking a cake—the process of making the cake is what counts. The process is where we grow, learn, and experience meaning. Achieving a goal is rewarding, but once it’s reached, there will always be another goal. Those who find joy in the process—not just the end result—tend to live fuller, more satisfying lives.

When we focus on today, our days feel richer. We take time to enjoy small moments—having coffee, greeting a friend, or appreciating simple pleasures. People who are internally motivated often find more success because they define it by the process and their own growth, rather than external standards. This enjoyment allows them to create opportunities they might not have found otherwise.

Whether you’re a business guru, a researcher, entrepreneur, student, artist or simply enjoying life by the beach, it’s possible to have a plan and still focus on the present. By embracing the process, you improve your skills, achieve your goals more effectively, and cultivate greater satisfaction along the way.

If your interested in fitness training or need a little help achieving your fitness goals send me a message to the right. A side hobby. 

Mindfulness and Savoring: Interactive Predictors of Positive Emotions and Psychological Health

• Dispositional mindfulness and savoring are distinct but complementary constructs that together influence emotional well-being.
• Both mindfulness and savoring independently predict higher levels of daily positive emotions.
• The relationship between savoring and positive emotions is stronger when individuals have higher levels of mindfulness.
• At low levels of mindfulness, savoring does not significantly enhance positive emotions or psychological health.
• Positive emotions serve as a key mechanism linking mindfulness and savoring to improved psychological health outcomes.
• Mindfulness contributes more strongly to psychological health when individuals also have strong savoring abilities.
• The findings support a synergistic effect, where combining mindfulness and savoring leads to better mental health than either alone.

Kiken, L. G., Lundberg, K. B., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2017). Being present and enjoying it: Dispositional mindfulness and savoring the moment are distinct, interactive predictors of positive emotions and psychological health. Mindfulness, 8(5), 1280–1290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0704-3

Bankrate 2026 Report Indicates Most Credit Card Holders Carry Balance Over a Year (Fish Stories)

(Illustrative Only)
The days
when we could build
our own house
and afford to 
buy the land. 
You didn't need much
but you did need grit.

The Fisherman and
His Wife

Credit card use is rising, and for many people it’s becoming a real financial strain. While wages have increased in some areas, they often haven’t kept pace with the rising cost of living, and wealth continues to concentrate at the top. This creates a gap where everyday expenses outgrow average incomes, making it harder to stay within a budget. Although personal discipline and financial management play an important role, there are also larger structural factors contributing to the increase in debt. Credit cards, in particular, are among the most expensive forms of borrowing, and because they are so easily accessible, they can quickly shift from a short-term solution into a long-term burden.

The current credit system often appears to favor lenders more than consumers, which means individuals need to be especially proactive about managing their finances. Waiting for systemic change isn’t a reliable strategy, so planning and self-control become essential. I’ve experienced this firsthand—carrying high credit card debt before making the decision to pay it off completely, even if it meant dipping into savings. That moment reinforced how costly and limiting debt can be over time.

A major part of the problem is spending on things that aren’t truly necessary. Much of what we buy is driven by marketing, social pressure, or the desire to maintain a certain image rather than actual need. Take cars, for example. While reliable transportation is important, it doesn’t always require the newest or most expensive option. Choosing a more modest, paid-off vehicle—even one that needs occasional repairs—can eliminate monthly payments and reduce financial stress. In contrast, financing newer vehicles often leads to years of payments with little long-term value, especially when depreciation and insurance costs are factored in. Yes, I now drive a junker and I think insurance is costly and shouldn't be that way.

Ultimately, avoiding or reducing credit card debt requires intentional decision-making. Earlier generations often built financial stability through saving, patience, and gradual investment rather than relying heavily on credit. There’s value in returning to some of those principles. If you’re dealing with credit card debt, the path forward starts with a clear plan and a commitment to spending less. Not everything that looks appealing or is heavily promoted is worth the long-term cost. The temporary satisfaction of a purchase can quickly fade, but the burden of debt tends to linger much longer.

Credit Card Debt Report: Key Findings, Trends, and Statistics

• 47% of U.S. credit cardholders carry a balance, meaning nearly half of Americans are in ongoing debt.
• 61% of those with debt have carried it for at least one year, indicating an increase in long-term debt.
• 22% of credit card users in debt believe they will never fully pay it off.
• Average credit card interest rates exceed 19%, making repayment significantly more expensive over time.
• 41% of credit card debt is driven by emergency expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, and home maintenance.
• 33% of individuals rely on credit cards for everyday expenses like groceries and utilities.
• 64% of those in debt have delayed major financial decisions due to their balances.
• Only 48% of people with credit card debt report having a structured plan to pay it off.
• 19% worry they may miss at least one minimum payment within the next six months.
• 84% say credit card debt affects their financial decisions, from daily spending to long-term planning.

Bankrate. (2026). Credit card debt report. https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/credit-card-debt-report/

Beyond the Herd: Choosing Integrity Over Conformity (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)

There are a lot of 
selish people out there.
Sometimes saying 
"no" protects others.
If they do it to you
they are doing it to
others. If they think
that way then it is
a pattern of thinking
that has actualized
outcomes. We revisit
in history because
we have not learned.
Dehumanization
and lack of respect
for generational
sacrafices
should never take
precedence or
become primary in 
decision making.

If you know it
to be true, then
say your piece/peace. 

Accept the consequences
of having a
value system and
responsibilities.
You should not
expect any level of
justice until
their is reanchoring
to our core values.

Those who embrace
wrongdoing will 
unlikely ever
take responsibility
over their behaviors.
They will nearly always
seek to dump it on
the victims. It is 
a successful strategy
clan courts have used
in the past. A few
courts promoted
the weakening
of institutional 
integrity and societal
value by politicizing
and targeting minorities.


Even if you fail,
you at least tried.
They have a 
responsibility
to correct.
Reform and change
are needed. 
Self-Actualization

People often follow the group—we’re wired that way. Most of the time, it helps things run smoothly. But when concerns are ignored, following the crowd isn’t always the right choice. To see this more clearly, imagine a hypothetical “Story of the Clan,” or think of alternatively a situation where you have a valid opinion about a strategy and others disagree.

In the Clan thought experiment, a group creates harm in three ways. The courts intentionally targeted witnesses, whistleblowers and minorities. When discovered they failed to correct. Let us unpack. First, insider networks favor their own and exclude others. Second, strong group identity leads to normalization of punishing people who think or act differently, even when there’s nothing wrong with it. Third, authority is misused to justify and protect these harmful behaviors, making them seem acceptable (subjective moral conscious) even though at their root they are one of the biggest violations of the foundations of laws (Major Article 1 violations). In this philosophial example courts defaulted in a pattern of increasing lost trust because they embraced hate (social, racial and religious preferences), undermined the Constitution, ignored the Bill of Rights, intentionally harmed victims, retaliated against whistleblowers, targeted members of society and gave no recourse to those wronged. In this learning setting, taking a stand matters—not just for current victims, but for those who might be harmed next. It reflects a commitment to principles over identity (i.e. patriotism vs. nationalism). Allowing them to go too far in one direction leads to societal weakening while going in the other direction strengths the bonds and the mission. Those who want to do harm in this thought experiment will misuse any authority to do it and that has become well known. What would you do in a similar situation?

In environments like this, doing the right thing—speaking up or challenging wrongdoing—comes with real risks. Even if only part of the group supports harmful ideas, the pressure to stay silent can be strong. That silence is often what allows harm to grow. It’s easy to talk about values; it’s much harder to act on them when the stakes are high and outcomes are uncertain. This is why broader defaults can occur that are sparked from exclusionary values.

A form of this herd dynamic also can appear in workplaces. Sometimes the issue is ethical, where speaking up is essential to protect the organization, its stakeholders, and its long-term value. Other times, it’s about offering a different perspective. A dominant voice can steer decisions in the wrong direction, and without challenge, mistakes become more likely. Speaking up can improve outcomes, but it may come with consequences like criticism, loss of status, or even job risk. However, wise minds know the difference on when to let others make their decisions and when to voice their opinion even if they know it is going to be rejected (Let us consider Detroit and the

well known corruption that few stood for until the hammer fell. Externally motivated people who were

worried about their positions and money.)

In the end, standing up for your beliefs means weighing risk against principle. Life is short, and those who grow into themselves recognize that integrity matters more than approval or rewards tied to compromising one’s values. When you truly own your perspective, you can express it clearly and thoughtfully—even when others are quick to agree just to go along. Owning your perspective doesn't mean you are off the hook but it does mean you can take the wrath with grace. Bob Dylan’s, “Everybody must get stoned”

Standing Up for Your Beliefs: Psychological Benefits of Resisting Group Pressure

• A study from the University at Buffalo found that resisting group pressure can be a positive psychological experience, even when it appears difficult.
• People may outwardly conform to a group, but this behavior does not necessarily reflect their true internal feelings.
• The research used physiological measures (such as cardiovascular responses) to better understand emotional reactions under social pressure.
• Findings challenge the assumption that disagreement with a group is always uncomfortable; expressing personal beliefs can feel rewarding.
• The study highlights a disconnect between external conformity and internal satisfaction, suggesting authenticity may improve well-being.

Gambini, B. (2016, August 17). Study shows standing up for beliefs in face of group opposition is worth the effort. University at Buffalo. https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2016/07/014.html

Days River Poem

If you enjoy the outdoors, you might also appreciate a bit of poetry. This one was inspired by a recent hike—there’s still snow on the ground, and the rivers are running high with early-season flow.

Poetry often comes from making unique connections—capturing not just what nature looks like, but what it feels like. It draws on experience, observation, and a deeper understanding of the environment.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers no shortage of that inspiration, especially around Escanaba. This particular piece reflects time spent on the Days River Pathway—an easy, accessible trail with a few rewarding views along the way. If you’re looking for a relaxed walk with some scenic moments, it’s worth checking out.

Days River Poem

Rivers between the trees,

A soul it frees.

Covered with bark

A few the bucks left their mark.

Water flowing on its way,

in it the critters play. 

Days River offers a nature's hike,

or one can take their e-bike. 

Neural Mechanisms of Knowledge and Creativity in Poetry Composition

• The study uses fMRI to examine how the brain supports poetry composition, focusing on differences between familiar and unfamiliar themes.
• Poetry writing involves coordinated activity across multiple brain networks, particularly the language network, executive control network, and default mode network.
• Knowledge and topic familiarity significantly influence neural connectivity patterns, with familiar themes relying more on memory-related networks and unfamiliar themes engaging sensory and imaginative processes.
• The interaction between language and executive control networks is strongly associated with originality, but its effect differs depending on familiarity with the topic.
• Differences between expert and novice writers suggest that expertise alters how cognitive control is applied, with experts showing more flexible and less constrained creative processing.

He, R., Zhuang, K., Liu, L., Ding, K., Wang, X., Fu, L., Qiu, J., & Chen, Q. (2022). The impact of knowledge on poetry composition: An fMRI investigation. Brain and Language, 235, 105202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandl.2022.105202

Why Veterans Are Among the Most Valuable Employees

Veterans are among the most employable candidates available in the market. Military service instills a level of discipline and structure that is difficult to replicate in other environments. From a young age, service members learn to master themselves, and as they progress, they develop strong leadership skills and professional competencies.

It is not uncommon for young service members to manage multi-million-dollar equipment and lead entire teams. These responsibilities are made possible through rigorous training and a deeply ingrained sense of teamwork, where individual performance is directly tied to collective outcomes. Leadership development is a core component of military life, shaping both new recruits and seasoned personnel.

Employers can benefit greatly from this talent pool by actively recruiting veterans, including those recently transitioning to civilian life. Partnering with local veterans’ organizations and professional groups can be an effective way to identify candidates and create pathways for hiring and advancement.

Even simple outreach efforts—such as sending an email or sharing job postings with veteran organizations—can significantly improve recruitment efforts. By tapping into this network, organizations can build on the valuable skills veterans already possess while strengthening their workforce with disciplined, experienced, and team-oriented professionals.

Developing Attributes of the Leader: From Military Service to the Civilian Workforce

• The article examines how leadership skills developed in military contexts can transfer effectively to civilian organizations, emphasizing adaptability and structured training.
• It highlights the importance of continuous learning and development frameworks (such as leadership development models) in building effective leaders.
• Collaboration between human resource development (HRD) and human resource management (HRM) is identified as critical for aligning leadership training with organizational goals.
• Creating inclusive organizational cultures and support systems (e.g., employee resource groups) enhances leadership effectiveness and workforce engagement.
• The study emphasizes feedback loops, skills assessments, and strategic alignment as key mechanisms for improving leadership development outcomes.

Henderson, L. R. (2024). Developing attributes of the leader: From military service to the civilian workforce. Advances in Developing Human Resources. https://doi.org/10.1177/15234223231212444