A Cookie Jar That Makes You Tougher

Life can be hard. It blindsides you, knocks you off balance, and leaves you searching for a way to keep moving forward. When that happens, you need a way to pick yourself up and press on. That’s where your Cookie Jar comes in.

The Cookie Jar Method

David Goggins introduced me to the Cookie Jar method by David Goggins. If you haven’t read his book, Can’t Hurt Me, I can’t recommend it enough. Goggins' story is a masterclass in resilience—overcoming tremendous odds, picking yourself up, and accomplishing amazing things.

One of his techniques is simple yet powerful: the Cookie Jar. This can be an actual, physical jar or just a place in your brain. The idea is when something awesome happens in your life, you put it in your Cookie Jar. And then, when life gets you down, you reach into the jar, pick one out, and revisit it to encourage yourself.

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Small Acts, Big Impact

We all have moments when someone does something kind for us—a stranger holds the door, a friend offers a shoulder to cry on, or a family member lends a hand when things get tough. These small acts of kindness might seem insignificant at the time, but they can have a considerable impact.

Think about the last time someone did something thoughtful for you. Maybe you were having a terrible day, and someone surprised you with your favorite coffee. Or perhaps you were struggling financially, and a friend offered to help cover your expenses. These moments belong in your Cookie Jar, because we often forget them when life gets tough.

Is Your “Ordinary” Really Extraordinary

Do you ever connect with others and get their take on your typical day; on what you consider ordinary? It’s easy to overlook your achievements. Your first major contract, a transformative trip, or an award you earned might not seem like a big deal—until you see them from someone else’s perspective. Some of these moments should be going in the Jar. But time goes on and we forget. Or it just becomes part of our fabric. It’s essential to reach out to others, share these moments, and see others’ perspective of your life. It’s a great way to remind you that some pretty amazing things have happened in your life. You need to hold on to them.

I was reminded of this recently while talking to my 16-year-old about my days in radio. I mentioned interviewing a certain celebrity, and he was genuinely impressed. It’s not easy to impress a teenager. That conversation was a powerful reminder of the incredible experiences I’ve had—and the importance of adding them to my Cookie Jar.

Share and Grow

If you’re struggling to fill your Cookie Jar, reach out to others. Ask them about their experiences. Get their stories, find out how they encourage themselves. You might be amazed at how many stories they have to share and how these stories can inspire and uplift you. They might even help you see your own life in a new light.

Fill Up Your Jar

Your Cookie Jar is more than a collection of memories; it’s a resource for resilience. Don’t hesitate to fill it up. When life hits hard—and it will—you’ll be ready. You got this.