Rewind and Reload

Good morning,

In this issue, we're diving into Trump's next moves, how small lifestyle changes could change everything and more.

Here's everything you need to know today:

Getting ready for a second term, Trump is already laying the groundwork for significant changes. The return of familiar faces–Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff and Elise Stefanik at the U.N.–suggests a return to Trump's signature policies.

Susie Wiles gave Republican donors a sneak peek at Day One priorities at a recent closed-door event: Expect reversals on several Biden-era orders. There is no official list yet, but Immigration policies, climate commitments, and even global alliances are expected to return to Trump's original blueprint.

It's clear from Trump's team picks what his priorities are. Immigration and deregulation are again front and center, with Lee Zeldin leading the EPA and Tom Homan serving as his "border czar." Before the midterms, Trump appears ready to make his mark as fast and fiercely as possible.

Owning to Renting

Ever feel like owning a home is out of reach? You're not alone. Homebuyers today are an average of 56 years old - a record! Due to sky-high prices and rising mortgage rates, first-time buyers are now, on average, 38 and wealthier than ever. The shift makes ownership harder to achieve, especially for younger people who are priced out or renting. Interestingly, more than 20% of these new homeowners are single women, compared to 8% of single men.

So, what's driving this trend? Many young people are locked out of home equity and family support because they are too young. Buying a home today isn't just about the American Dream - it's about affordability and timing and becoming a luxury that fewer can afford.

Sleep On It

Did you know that 46 extra minutes of sleep can mean the difference between simply getting through the day and truly flourishing? A new study from Baylor University shows that sleep boosts resilience and gratitude, leading to a more positive outlook. Adding a few minutes to your nightly routine can help you feel more grounded, grateful, and motivated.

Researchers found a sharp contrast between young adults who added 46 minutes of sleep a night and those who felt less satisfied and purposeful. By contrast, those who cut their sleep by just 37 minutes reported lower moods, resilience, and life satisfaction.

In a world that often promotes busyness over balance, getting a few more minutes of sleep can profoundly affect our outlook and actions. So why don't you go to bed earlier tonight? It could be the easiest way to wake up with a better mindset.

Bravo! Hurray! Meh.

Picture this: you're watching an exciting performance, and the audience applauds wildly. Do you join in or stay seated? Nowadays, almost every show ends with a standing ovation, regardless of the performance's quality.

Standing ovations were once reserved for exceptional performances, but they are almost expected these days. This trend has led some to question its value. Are we applauding the performance or just following the crowd? In the eyes of critics, frequent ovations dilute the impact of this gesture, making it more routine than meaningful.

So, what drives us to our feet? Social pressure, the desire to justify high ticket prices, or simply wanting to give back to the performers? Whatever the reason, next time the crowd stands, maybe take a moment to ask yourself—does this performance deserve it?

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards winners.

🧮 Core Count: 600

Number of rooms in Buckingham Palace.

🗓️ Flashback:

1880 - Lew Wallace’s best-selling novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ” is published.

1927 - The Soviet Communist Party expels Leon Trotsky, enabling Joseph Stalin to consolidate full power.

1990 - Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau propose the World Wide Web at CERN.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran