The StoWicks Conversations
by
Seth and Carolyn Wicks
Today's Key Points:
- Discipline Creates Real Enjoyment
- Health and Relationships Drive Fulfillment
- Keep Promises to Yourself
Carolyn: I’ve got a bone to pick, so buckle up. Whenever we say we’re doing another round of 75 Hard, skipping drinks, leaving early to get good sleep, or even sticking to writing this newsletter, people usually respond with: “I could never do that, I want to enjoy my life.” Huh?! 🤨
Since when did discipline, health, and growth stop counting as enjoyment? Eating clean, training hard, journaling, practicing gratitude, reading, these aren’t sacrifices. They’re what give us more energy, better moods, stronger relationships, sharper focus, and yeah...help us look our best. That’s what actually makes me feel alive. Most people confuse enjoyment with pizza, drinks, and comfort, quick dopamine hits to mask poor choices. But here’s the truth: that “fun” fades fast. The next morning you wake up hungover, bloated, dehydrated, unmotivated...and the cycle repeats. Real enjoyment isn’t in the quick fixes, it’s in building a life you don’t need to escape from.
Seth: The first thing that comes to my mind is food. People who eat healthy and limit alcohol often get judged the hardest. It’s almost as if “trying” is a negative in today’s world, yet many of the same people complain about low energy, poor sleep, or airplane seats being too small. Too small for who?! Enjoying life is different from gorging on fast food and overeating by 800 calories a day.
When it comes to eating well, you can absolutely still enjoy a wide range of foods and flavors. If you eat 21 meals a week, that’s plenty of freedom to try new recipes while still enjoying your favorites. Carolyn and I love our diet of 90%+ home-cooked meals, and we truly believe that enjoying delicious food while also feeling strong and energetic is the best recipe for living fully.
Carolyn: And let’s talk about exercise. People act like working out is punishment, but for me it’s one of the biggest sources of enjoyment. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of days I don’t feel motivated—especially now, being about 18 weeks pregnant and working 55 hours a week. But that’s exactly why discipline matters. It’s not motivation that gets me moving, it’s the habits I’ve built (and a really supportive husband).
Nothing compares to the energy boost after a lift, the confidence of feeling strong, or the mental clarity after a sweaty run. Movement is medicine. It sharpens my mood, lowers stress, and keeps me present. During pregnancy, it’s been crucial to holding on to my sense of autonomy, and that’s been huge for my mindset. Missing a workout doesn’t feel like freedom to me; it feels like stealing from myself.
Seth: True enjoyment comes from creating space and energy to live well. That applies not only to how we eat and move, but also to how we manage our time and stress. This is Stephen Covey's Habit #3 - Put First Things First.
Procrastination isn’t just about poor discipline, it's also fueled by stress. When life piles on pressure, our coping resources get drained, and even simple tasks feel overwhelming, making avoidance the easy escape. The real solution isn’t beating yourself up but strengthening how you handle stress so you can face challenges head-on.
Something we're implementing to combat this is the Miracle Morning. We learned about it this week and love the framework. Even if you’re not a morning person, it can be a great way to start the day with clarity and focus, giving you the energy to handle stress and stay centered on what really matters.
Carolyn: And just like we prioritize health and mindset, we prioritize our marriage. That means saying no to Thursday night plans, because date night is non-negotiable. It means Sunday 1-on-1’s where we get real about what’s working and what’s not. It means five-mile walks where we actually talk instead of avoiding the hard stuff. Too many couples just “hope” their marriage works out while putting zero reps in. Ours doesn’t run on autopilot, we train it like we train our minds and bodies. Because if we let everything else get our time and attention but neglect each other, what’s the point? A strong marriage isn’t optional, it’s the foundation for everything else we’re building.
Seth: Carolyn’s point can be expanded by looking at community and relationships in general. The number one predictor of longevity and healthspan isn’t diet, alcohol consumption, or whether you drink a Dr. Pepper every day (lol). It's the quality of one's relationships.
Loneliness literally kills. Strengthening your marriage, friendships, and community ties doesn’t just add years to your life but also makes those years richer. Since 2020, though, we’ve drifted. No matter your age group, people are spending more time alone than ever before.
Bottom line: Book that vacation with your family, say yes to trivia night with your buddies, or just meet up with friends to watch Taylor Frankie Paul find a 3rd baby daddy on The Bachelorette. Real enjoyment doesn’t come from isolation or endless scrolling. It comes from investing in people who make life worth living.
Carolyn: If you’ve been telling yourself you want to “enjoy life,” take a hard look at what that actually means for you. Is it short-term pleasure that leaves you drained...or long-term habits that make you feel alive?
Seth: If you’ve been wanting to change something but haven’t yet, this is the week to keep your word to yourself. Enjoyment and happiness can be found in following through on the promises you’ve made to yourself. Start today and make the change you’ve been putting off.
Both: Yesterday was the best time to make a change. Today is the next best time.
See you next week,
Seth & Carolyn
The StoWicks
Quote of the Week:
“But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?”
Albert Camus
