Navy SEAL Gary Rossi's Daily Reflection Journal
Daily Questions to Sharpen Your Mindset and Unlock Resilience
One of the greatest gifts of hosting this podcast has been the connections I've built with guests who are some of the most inspiring, driven people on the planet. Navy SEAL Gary Rossi was one of the first guests on the show, and since then, we've grown a solid friendship. Gary’s incredible dedication, both on and off the battlefield, has motivated me daily and reminded me how powerful a disciplined mindset can be.
Recently, I launched a Kickstarter for my children’s book, You Really, Truly Are Enough!—the second book in my Cosmo the Alien series. Gary was one of the very first to back this project, which blew me away. Only one family member pre-ordered my new book, yet here was Gary, who I hadn’t even known a full year, stepping up in support. His encouragement left me feeling deeply grateful, and I sent him a personalized thank-you video, just like I do for all my backers.
We caught up on a call shortly after, and Gary shared something that has become part of his own daily routine and that I’m thrilled to share with you today. He walked me through his daily journaling habit, a practice that’s been instrumental in keeping his mindset sharp and grounded. Here are the powerful questions he answers every day:
What is the most important task of the day?
How did I sleep last night?
How do I feel today?
What happened today?
What am I grateful for?
These questions are powerful because they bring clarity, intention, and gratitude into our day. When you start your day by setting a clear goal, you eliminate distractions and work with purpose. Reflecting on how you feel and what happened keeps you present, aware, and grounded. And ending with gratitude? It’s like giving your mind a daily dose of optimism and resilience. Regularly asking ourselves these questions not only helps us stay focused but also nurtures the mental toughness we need to tackle life's challenges with grace and strength.
The Mindset Benefits of Journaling
Journaling can be one of the most effective ways to build a resilient, positive mindset. Studies have shown that reflecting on our day can lower stress levels, improve memory, and help the brain process emotions more effectively. When we write down what we're grateful for or what challenges we faced, we create a habit of constructive thinking. Our brains become wired to look for positives, identify areas of improvement, and gain perspective—a fundamental part of developing mental resilience. Over time, this reflection builds a solid foundation of mental toughness, equipping us to navigate obstacles with clarity and poise.
A New Tool for Your Journey
I’ve created a journal page with these questions for you to download and use. You can print it out, or simply jot the questions down in your own journal. Either way, I hope you find as much value in these reflections as I have and that they guide you to be the best version of yourself each day.
Stay driven, stay inspired, and remember—mastering your mindset is the first step to unlocking your full potential.