Written By JR Robinson

So, look. I’ve been sitting here thinking about how we operate. You know?

We spend all this time building. We build our businesses, we build our teams, we build our families. We have these massive goals—these KPIs we are desperate to hit. But then, what happens? We get stressed. We get reactive. And suddenly... pop.

We destroy the very things we are trying to protect.

That is why I am so fired up to talk about Todd Lochner’s new book, Porcupine in a Balloon Factory.

Okay, so the title? It’s funny. But if you really dumb it down, it is the most accurate picture of success I have seen in a long time. We are the porcupines. Our opportunities? Those are the balloons. And if we don't have our heads right, we are just walking around poking holes in our own happiness.

And, um, I don't want that. I want us to win.

Why You Need This Book (The Strategy)

Here is what I love about this. Todd didn't write this to be a "guru." He isn't trying to fill a seminar room. He simply wrote a book because he knows this stuff helps people. He put the entire playbook into these pages so you can take it and run with it.

It breaks down this concept called Positive Compartmentalization. It sounds technical, but it’s really just a sexy way of saying: "How do I organize my brain so I stop freaking out and start executing?"

It’s about resilience. It’s about taking action without the fear.

The "Silent Mentor" on Your Desk

So, what I am thinking is... this book is the mentor you need for Q1.

We want to win at the office, yes. But we also want to win at home. We want to be present for our families. We want clarity. And sometimes, you just need that one voice—that one chapter—to snap you back into focus.

This book does that. It helps you:

• Protect Your Peace: So you stop crumbling when things get hard.

• Stop the Drama: Because we don't have time to waste energy on things that don't matter.

• Get Results: Real, tangible wins in your life and leadership.

It’s faith-fueled, it’s practical, and it’s right there in black and white.

The Holiday Play

So, we are coming up on the holidays. And I know Todd wants to wish everyone a huge, Happy Holidays. But we also know this time of year can be a total pressure cooker.

So here is the plan. Here is the play:

I want you to think about the people in your life—your friends, your family, maybe even yourself—who are struggling to keep their balloons afloat. They need this message.

I’d like you to do just one thing: Grab a copy of the book. Buy one for yourself to get your head right for the New Year, and buy a few as gifts. It’s a low-cost investment that literally changes the whole mindset.

Let’s make this happen. Let's get this tool into the hands of the people who need it, and let’s stop popping balloons.