The Book That’s Getting Me Through the End of the Year

Welcome back! If you’re like me, you’re putting the finishing touches on your house in preparation for trick-or-treaters. To help find the best Halloween or fall-inspired offerings, we sent a reporter to two big-box retailers to see which one had the best stuff. Find out who won.

On the agenda:

But first: “It takes what it takes.”

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This week’s dispatch

How to get through Q4: mental discipline

“Take care of yourself.”

That was a text I had sent to my friend last week, reminding her to take time for herself after a pretty grueling week. You see, she was working on several major projects in her high-performance corporate job, and she was often working late into the evenings, frequently not leaving the office until after 8 p.m.

“It takes what it takes,” she replied.

Impressed by how she seemingly had adapted to this period of high work stress, I asked if she had created that mantra. If I’m being honest, part of me wanted to uncover how she had effectively coped with her work pressure; pressure that we all feel, regardless of our role.

She’d eventually reveal that it came from her favorite book, which has now become my obsessive read of the week: “It Takes What It Takes” by the late Trevor Moawad, a mental conditioning and performance expert who had worked with the likes of NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.

The book is 12 chapters centered on mental discipline. It serves as a blueprint for training your mind to think neutrally, rather than positively, in order to achieve results. And in the doldrums of Q4, we could all use a bit of motivation to simply get it done.

“It Takes What It Takes” resonated with me when Moawad wrote about the “illusion of choice.” In order to achieve results, it’s simply a matter of studying those who’ve achieved it before you, building routines to support your goals, and just — as the title suggests — doing what it takes.

“This game rewards people who do it right. This game has demands. You do them and succeed, or you don’t do them and you struggle. There is no middle area,” Moawad writes in chapter three, titled “It Takes Hard Choices.” “My point is, we don’t have a choice about how we are going to do things if we are going to stay true to the goals we all made to start this year.”

Good, right? So, if you’re ready to complete those goals you made in Q1, let’s do it. It takes what it takes.

Are you obsessed with a new book that’s unlocked a new mindset or taught you something to help you achieve your goals? Share it with me!

The new midlife workout

Jiu-jitsu — the Brazilian martial art of taking an opponent to the ground and controlling their movement — is becoming popular thanks to its physical and mental benefits.

“Physically, it’s a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and flexibility. Mentally, it teaches patience, humility, and problem-solving,” actor Mario Lopez told BI. Plus, it’s great for those who want to start combat sports in their 30s, 40s, or 50s.

Mind-body connection on the mat.

A meal fit for a Chief

Tables at 1587 Prime — the steakhouse opened by Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes — seemed to book up within minutes after reservations opened. Kelsey Huson was among the lucky few who nabbed one.

Huson, a longtime Chiefs fan, said the $800 dinner felt like more than just a meal. She was impressed by 1587’s menu, service, and ambiance — and felt like it paid homage to Kansas City.

Steak for dinner.

The dark side of the facelift boom

Plastic surgeries have become a means to advance in corporate America, as an improved appearance can often lead to more confidence and better work performance. Facelifts in particular are on the rise, but not everyone is qualified to perform this type of surgery. Plus, the procedures aren’t always regulated — or safe.

Dr. Daniel Gould, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, shared the red flags to look out for if you’re considering the procedure, from oversimplified language to a surgeon’s credentials.

Before you nip and tuck.

Time spent looking at timepieces

Prior to attending WatchTime New York, BI’s Amanda Krause was indifferent to watches. The multi-day event brings watchmakers, brands, experts, and fans together to experience the latest watches on the market.

Almost instantly after entering the event, Krause said she felt like she’d joined a luxurious and exclusive club. From chatting with experts to trying on watches, she said she was bitten by the watch bug by the end of the day.

Take a look.

What we’re watching this weekend

• “Nobody Wants This”: Season 2 of Netflix’s hit show brings back Kristen Bell as a podcaster who has the hots for a rabbi played by Adam Brody.

  “IT: Welcome to Derry”: Over on HBO Max, Pennywise is back as this series delves deeper into the beloved Stephen King novel.

  “Weapons”: Also on HBO Max is the hit horror movie starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin in search of missing children.

What to shop

• Tall boots for all legs: We tried DuoBoots’ wide-calf-friendly styles on a range of legs, from petite to statuesque, slim to curvy, and spoiler: Tthey passed the zip test. With nine calf sizes and three shaft heights, these boots walk the walk and fit like they mean it.
• Bite this, not the couch: We dove into the world of aggressive chewers and tested dozens of toys — because when your dog destroys everything in minutes, you need something that lasts. Our picks focus on durability, safe materials, and real chew power.
• Everyday fitness tracking, simplified: This slim tracker nails the basics: step counting, heart‑rate tracking, sleep insights, all wrapped up in a lightweight band that you barely notice. Learn more about why the Fitbit Inspire 3 kept us coming back over flashier models.

Could one pill help us live longer?

Scientists and investors are racing to find a drug that slows aging, but the breakthrough might not come from humans.

More of this week’s top reads:

The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.