Yesterday, an ordinary sandwich led to an extraordinary encounter. I was at a local sandwich shop, struggling to calculate the tip—because, let’s face it, math isn’t exactly my strong suit. As I fumbled with the numbers, a hearty laugh broke the silence.
I looked up, and to my astonishment, it was none other than John Nash—the mathematical genius himself! You know, the guy from A Beautiful Mind.
He offered to help, and, well, I wasn’t about to turn down math advice from a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician. We chuckled over my lack of math prowess and bonded over the absurdity of the situation—me, needing a mathematical genius to help me leave a tip.
But then, the conversation took an interesting turn. John noticed the book I had open on the table: 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. His eyes landed on one tool in particular—"Daily Check-in with You." Intrigued, he pointed at it and asked, “How does this help someone stay in control of their mental health?”
I leaned in and shared my story. For 20 years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD. My challenges ran my life, leaving me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I uncovered something life-changing: Mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
Armed with that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a groundbreaking SELF-HELP approach designed to help YOU take charge of your emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life you truly want.
This book—and the tools within it—are all part of the warrior program.
John nodded, deeply invested. I then explained how the "Daily Check-in with You" tool works, and to my surprise, John got so excited that he shared three ways he could use the tool in his own life!
The Warrior Tool: "Daily Check-in with You"
I explained to John that the Daily Check-in with You tool is designed to help us reconnect with ourselves, especially on days when our emotions might be running wild. It's a simple, daily practice of setting aside a few moments to touch base with ourselves, assess our mental state, and plan our next steps.
This tool isn't just about checking a box; it's about deepening our connection with ourselves. After all, how can we triumph over life's challenges if we don't even know where we stand with ourselves?
First Example: Morning Reflections
John's Plan:
John believed this tool could be particularly helpful in the mornings. “I often wake up feeling overwhelmed by the thoughts racing through my head.
But if I take just a few minutes each morning to check in with myself and get emotionally centered, I’ll be more motivated and better organized to tackle the day’s challenges," he mused.
Your Turn:
You don’t have to be a mathematical genius to benefit from this strategy. Take just a few minutes each morning—perhaps over coffee or while brushing your teeth—to check in with yourself. Ask:
✔️ "How am I feeling today?"
✔️ "What do I need to accomplish?"
This simple practice sets a positive tone for the day, helping you feel clearer, more in control, and mentally prepared for whatever comes next.
Second Example: Midday Mental Reboot
John's Plan:
John admitted that his thoughts often spiral out of control at midday, especially when he's deep into solving complex problems. He suggested using the Daily Check-in tool as a mental reboot. "Around lunchtime, I could pause and ask myself, 'Am I on track? Do I need to adjust my approach?' It can help me avoid mental fatigue," he explained.
Your Turn:
Midday is the perfect time for a mental check-in. Whether you're at work, school, or home, taking a few minutes to pause and reassess can help prevent burnout.
Ask yourself:
✔️ “Am I still focused?”
✔️ “Is my energy level where it needs to be?”
If you’re feeling drained, this is your cue to take a break, refuel, or adjust your plan to stay sharp for the rest of the day.
Third Example: Evening Wrap-Up
John's Plan:
John saw value in using the tool at the end of the day to reflect and reset.
“Before I go to bed, I could take a moment to reflect on what I accomplished and what I could improve on tomorrow,” he said. “It’s like tying up loose ends in my mind, so I can rest better.”
Your Turn:
An evening check-in can be a powerful way to unwind and clear your mind before sleep. Before bed, ask yourself:
✔️ “What went well today?”
✔️ “What challenges did I face, and how did I handle them?”
This simple reflection helps you wind down, acknowledge progress, and set the stage for a more productive and mindful tomorrow. Plus, it can improve your sleep by easing lingering worries and giving your mind a sense of closure.
Embrace the Quirkiness
I shared with John that, at first, the "Daily Check-in with You" tool felt a bit awkward—almost like I was trying to date myself. I’d sit there, asking myself, “Hey, how are you feeling today?” and half expect an answer back. It was weird, no doubt.
But, just like building any relationship, the more I used it, the more natural it became. Eventually, it stopped feeling like forced small talk with myself and became a real conversation—one that actually helped. Now, checking in is a daily ritual that keeps me grounded, especially when Bipolar Disorder, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD try to throw me off course.
The truth is, mental health tools don’t have to be serious all the time. They can be quirky, personal, and even a little weird—as long as they work. And this one? It works!
Life Lesson from John Nash
As our conversation wrapped up, I handed John my copy of 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. He smiled and said, “You know, managing mental health is a lot like solving complex equations. It takes patience, persistence, and sometimes, a little help from others.”
As John got up to leave, I couldn’t help but reflect on his words. Whether you’re a mathematical genius or just trying to figure out the right tip, the "Daily Check-in with You" tool can be a game-changer. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stay connected with yourself, manage your emotions, and take control of your day.
So next time life feels overwhelming, pause, ‘check in with yourself’, and then go out and conquer the day as a Mental Health Warrior—knowing that you have the support of the most important person on this journey: YOU!
Bruce Schutter
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