600,000 Minutes. 260 Weeks. 5 Years. 10,000 Hours. That’s it. The length of focused practice time it takes to become a skilled expert (give or take a few). Malcom Gladwell explores this concept in his book, “Outliers.” That excellence is not by accident, but is the result of sweat equity, with no substitution. To truly become world-class, you must build- slowly, intentionally, and with thoughtful purpose, hour by hour, day by day. In this diligent preparation, according to Gladwell, "fortune favors the prepared, and timing becomes everything."
We love to talk about overnight success stories. The breakthrough product, the viral moment, the “sudden” rise to the top. But what rarely makes the headlines are the hours, the iterations, and the unseen persistence that laid the foundation for those triumphs. Behind every strong and confident leader is time spent learning, failing, refining, and trying again. There are no shortcuts to a dream, only steps, and those steps can feel long, steep, and sometimes lonely. But we must press on!
I love the Chinese proverb: “When is the best time to plant an Oak Tree? …30 years ago. When is the second-best time?... Today!” Because I can visualize that tree. It is beautiful and glorious. I understand what it takes to become that tree — time, persistence, weathering the storms that will come, and the discipline to keep growing.
It’s a reminder that mastery and growth don’t depend on when you started, but on the fact that you do start. Every small, consistent effort is compounded, whether you’re scaling a business, honing your voice as a leader, or exploring a new skill. Just START!
So here’s my encouragement to you this month: plant your oak tree. String together your hours. Trust that every effort and intention is building something extraordinary — even when you can’t see it yet. Know that if you want to be extraordinary, you are going to seem “extra” to ordinary people.
Be Extra, Babe!
Tristan Evans
Property Insurance Tips:
Ways to Help Improve Your Premium
Keep Property Well-Maintained Newer roofs and updated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC can potentially reduce risk in an underwriter’s eyes.
Strengthen safety and loss control preventions Documented fire safety measures and slip-and-fall prevention protocols can help demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management.
Add practical theft preventions Security cameras, motion lighting, and controlled access could help limit theft, vandalism, and liability incidents.
Be strategic with claims and deductibles Avoiding smaller claims when appropriate and considering a higher deductiblecould improve pricing over time—always talk to your broker before changing your approach.
Help the underwriter help you Current photos, maintenance logs, safety manuals, and repair receipts help showcase how you actively manage risk and can support better coverage terms.
Book Recommendations
'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People''by Stephen Covey
Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. A step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity principles that give us the security to adapt to change and thrive.
'Outliers' by Malcom Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers"-- the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? His answer? We pay too much attention to what they are like, and too little to where they are from.
Homeowner's Insurance:
Your Roof Condition Matters
Your Roof Shape, Make, Age & Location Matters
Roof Shape - Different roof shapes handle weather differently and can affect premiums
Roof Age - A newer roof is usually stronger and less likely to leak or fail.
Roof Material - Materials like high-impact shingles resist hail and wind better.
Roof Location - Certain locations are prone to weather events or hazards your roof is exposed to.
A Lesson In Worker's Comp:
Restaurant Slip-and-Fall
The Incident
A mid-sized restaurant (about 120 seats) had a kitchen slip-and-fall where an employee suffered a serious back injury. The loss required emergency care, physical therapy, months of lost-time wages, and ultimately included a long-term impairment payout—totaling $185,000.
The Claim
Even though the restaurant expected insurance to handle it, the claim significantly affected their workers’ comp insurance standing. At renewal, their insurance premium jumped from $23,000/year to $41,600/year (about an 81% increase). The carrier also added stricter oversight, including mandatory loss control visits and reporting requirements, and only renewed after the business agreed to implement safety improvements.
The Result
The next year, the carrier reviewed the account again and found the recommended safety steps weren’t consistently put in place. The carrier then non-renewed, forcing the restaurant into the surplus lines market—where costs and terms were tougher. Premium increased again to about $56,000/year, with fewer payment plan options and a higher upfront deposit.
Jana Snow | Executive Director
United Way - Parker County
Jana Snow, born and raised in Parker County, is a mom of three boys, wife to a hard-working man, and a daughter of the one true God. As Executive Director for the United Way of Parker County, Jana believes she is where she is only through Jesus’ divine power.
After 22 years in mortgage and commercial lending, Jana discovered her deeper passion: serving others. Whether helping someone buy a home, guiding people through stressful moments, or simply being a listening ear, her work has always been rooted in service. She served on several nonprofit boards—including UWPC—and when the opportunity came to lead the organization, she felt peace and a desire she saw as an answered prayer.
"Learn something new every day, be humble, and lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength."
One of the most defining moments in Jana’s career came this past year when she was laid off, yet felt peace beyond understanding. During what could have been an overwhelming season—over the holidays and in her son’s senior year—she didn’t worry. Instead, she was able to refocus, be “mom” only for the first time in 17 years, and trust God’s timing. As her son neared graduation, the door opened to UWPC—on His timing and in His faithfulness.
Today, Jana sees success differently than she once did. It’s no longer primarily financial; it’s watching her children live fulfilling lives and love the Lord. Jana believes that pursuing Him in all we do shapes our families and our work, and that living with purpose impacts every part of life
