Happy Fri-Yay! Reader,

Welcome to the 4x Friday, four of the coolest things I've found, learned, or experienced, this past week.

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What I read

​Fish: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results is a book by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen based on the premise that companies can improve their results by creating a "fish-friendly" environment. Thanks, to my BFF for the referral. So why fish? In Seattle, the Pike Place Fish Market, the one with fishmongers who throw fish, was not always successful. The shop came perilously close to bankruptcy when its owner met with a consultant in 1986 to brainstorm ways to save the business. That's when all the employees committed themselves to become "world-famous." But the book isn't about the market, per se. It's a story about a flaw-some character inspired by the "Fish! Philosophy" of the market. The philosophy consists of four simple practices, "Choose your attitude, play, be there, and make their day." The book is well-written and a quick read. It is for business leaders, managers, and employees. It provides a unique perspective on how businesses - make that individuals in companies - can improve results. But the book doesn't reveal the real reason why they started throwing fish. You'll find that story in this article written a few years ago when the market became employee-owned.

What I watched

An ad popped up for an online urban sketching masterclass. It's twenty hours of instruction for $40. The only thing causing me to hesitate is the list of projects I know I'd ignore when I anxiously put what I've learned into practice. I wanted to check out the instructor, though. In the process, I found a video (00:09:16) with the British artist and urban sketcher Ian Fennelly breaking down his technique on location in Porto, Portugal. It's pretty fascinating. First, he watercolors rough shapes to set the composition and structure of the sketch. Then, he uses brush pens (like Tombow brush pens) to give depth. At last, ink, with fine liners. This will help me prepare for Inktober 2022! What an inspiring process.

What I discovered

LEGO is bringing Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' to 3D with a mesmerizing 2,316-piece set. It becomes available on their website on June 1 for $169 and on May 25 for VIP and MoMa members. The set was designed by Hong Kong-based LEGO enthusiast Truman Cheng, whose proposed design left fans in awe and ultimately prompted the toymaker to make the arty build a reality. The multi-dimensional plastic masterpiece places a cypress tree and houses in the foreground, while stars, clouds, and the moon stud the background. Also included are a van Gogh Minifig, easel, palette, paintbrush, and even his own mini painting, of course. Did you know there are more LEGO mini-people on Earth than there are real people?

What I'm pondering

"If we reach for the stars, we might someday become one." During his speech at Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night 2008 (00:12:40), Kevin Costner.

Have a triumphant week!

Steve

P.S. - The American Residential Design Awards Call for Entries is open until June 13th (That's only 3 more weeks!).

P.P.S. - Help me earn a #BeTheException t-shirt by becomming #BetterEveryDay, yourself. Sign up for a daily mentoring video by Darren Hardy for free using this exclusive link. Like this subscription, you can cancel at any time.

P.P.P.S. - THIS YEAR is going to be epic! I am honoring you, the many people who have helped me shape, mold, and influence my life over the past 60 years with a Second Line Parade through the French Quarter of New Orleans. The celebration is on December 3, 2022, afternoon and evening. I need an estimated headcount to finalize the planning. If you think you might be interested in participating, please take a minute to RSVP online (no firm commitments required).

P.P.P.P.S. - Forward the 4X Friday to a friend or colleague, and let's build a community of like-minded go-getters.