Open Hearts & New Starts – Sharing Feelings and Embracing the Journey - 2025 - Week 32 update


Journal Entry:

This week, I’ve been reflecting on something that’s both vulnerable and vital: sharing your feelings with the ones you love and diving into those difficult conversations. Life’s too short to bottle things up—whether it’s telling someone how much they mean to you or addressing a tough issue head-on. Those talks aren’t easy; they can feel raw and risky. But here’s what I’ve learned: they build deeper connections, clear the air, and often lead to breakthroughs you didn’t see coming. It’s about showing up authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable, because that’s how relationships grow stronger.

On a personal note, I’m thrilled to share that I start at WinCo on Tuesday! I’m really excited to be part of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company—it aligns perfectly with my values of building ownership and stability as I get back on my feet. This role as a night stocker is a solid foundation, giving me security while I chase my bigger dreams, like moving up to sales or marketing in the corporate office. It’s all part of rebuilding my life in a way that’s grounded today but aimed at the stars tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the handyman services are going strong, and I’m loving every bit of it. Getting out there, fixing things, and making a real impact for clients feels empowering. It’s not just about the work; it’s about creating value, hiring folks when the time comes, and scaling toward that acquisition goal. The traction is building, and it’s a reminder that when you pour into something you enjoy, good things follow.

And let’s talk about the highlight of my week: I had Denver (my furry work buddy) with me all week! He’s been shadowing me everywhere—tagging along on jobs, “helping” with tools, and just being the best sidekick. We’ve gotten so much done together, and it’s been a ton of fun. Moments like these make the hustle feel lighter and remind me to appreciate the simple joys amid the adventure.

Life is what you make it, and right now, I’m making mine full of growth, gratitude, and those honest conversations that matter.

Here’s my challenge for you this week: pick one person you love and share a feeling—maybe something appreciative or a tough topic you’ve been avoiding. Start small, but start. Then reflect on how it feels.

Hit reply and let me know how it goes or what conversation you’re tackling—I’d love to hear and support you!

Onward with open hearts,

Justin

Details in Coding: Building Robust Tech with Precision – A Point of View from Tech Innovator Elena Vasquez

Published on August 8, 2025

Justin Stephens features tech innovator Elena Vasquez in Point of View: Details prevent code disasters (testing/reviews), enhance UX (UI tweaks boost engagement), foster resilience (documentation/quick fixes). Ties to business/personal growth. Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Details in Coding: Building Robust Tech with Precision – A Point of View from Tech Innovator Elena Vasquez

Read more...

Sandler-Inspired Sales Tools: Resources to Close More Deals with Precision

Published on August 7, 2025

Justin Stephens' Resources post on Sandler-inspired tools: Salesforce (CRM tracking), HubSpot (free qualification), LinkedIn Navigator (prospecting), Evernote (notes), Hootsuite (social), Calendly (scheduling). Close deals via pain/budget/decisions. Subscribe at justindcstephens.com!  Sandler-Inspired Sales Tools: Resources to Close More Deals with Precision

Read more...

Sandler Sales in the Trades: Closing More Deals with Pain, Budget, and Decision Insights – A Point of View from Jim Stephens

Published on August 6, 2025

Justin Stephens features dad Jim Stephens in Point of View: Sandler Sales for trades—find customer pain (emotional drivers), uncover true budget (qualify investment), understand decisions (map influencers). Close more deals in handyman/plumbing. Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Sandler Sales in the Trades: Closing More Deals with Pain, Budget, and Decision Insights – A Point of View from Jim Stephens

Read more...

Top Detail-Tracking Apps for Business and Life: Resources to Enhance Precision and Productivity

Published on August 5, 2025

Justin Stephens' Resources post on detail-tracking apps: Notion (custom trackers), Todoist (tasks), Evernote (notes), RescueTime (time/habits), Trello (visual workflows), Day One (journaling). Enhance precision in business/life. Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Top Detail-Tracking Apps for Business and Life: Resources to Enhance Precision and Productivity

Read more...

Applying Details in Daily Life and Business: A Journal Reflection on Precision and Progress

Published on August 4, 2025

Justin Stephens' Journal Entry on details: Hands-on house management (organizing, yard work) shows precision drives results—fix safety flaws, enhance aesthetics. Applies to career (WinCo), business (handyman scaling), personal (recovery). 3-year plan momentum! Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Applying Details in Daily Life and Business: A Journal Reflection on Precision and Progress

Read more...

A Wild Ride: First Week as Handyman, New Job at WinCo, and Building the Future

Published on August 3, 2025

Justin Stephens' Journal Entry: Wild ride—first week as handyman (organizing, yard work—loving tangible results!), launching Justin's Handyman Services (revenue funds blog/marketing machine, aim for acquisition), hired at WinCo (night stocker for stability). 3-year plan clicking! Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! A Wild Ride: First Week as Handyman, New Job at WinCo, and Building the Future

Read more...

Spotlight on Hack the Hood: Aiding Detail-Oriented Innovators in Tech from Underserved Communities

Published on August 2, 2025

Justin Stephens spotlights Hack the Hood in Great Causes: Empowering underserved youth with tech skills (coding, digital) & career support for justice/innovation. Programs: Free education, job navigation. Impact: Thousands in tech careers. Donate/volunteer at hackthehood.org. Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Spotlight on Hack the Hood: Aiding Detail-Oriented Innovators in Tech from Underserved Communities

Read more...

Justin Stephens

Life with Justin Stephens

I am on a journey to document the true value of time. I am doing that through writing my own documentary on my life on X. By subscribing, you will be seeing behind the scenes on how I believe we as a society can collapse time and take care of each other better.

Read more from Life with Justin Stephens

Journal Entry: This week, I’ve been reflecting on how incredible it is to work at WinCo, where I can truly leave work at work. Punching out after my night shift means the job stays behind—no emails piling up, no late-night stress. It’s given me precious time to pour into my side hustle and blog, and honestly, it’s been a huge blessing. In a world where hustle culture often blurs the lines, this setup lets me recharge and focus on what lights me up outside of the store. I’m getting better at...

Journal Entry: This week, I’ve been focused on dialing in a solid sleep schedule around my night shift at WinCo, and let me tell you—it’s been a challenge, but I’m loving how my life is set up right now. Flipping to nights means tweaking everything: powering through the shift, crashing for a deep nap in the morning, then rising refreshed for the day ahead. It’s not always smooth—those first few days felt like jet lag on steroids—but I’m finding my groove. Short power naps, consistent...

Journal Entry: This week, I’ve been thinking about how I’m reshaping my days from the usual 24-hour grind into a more intense, focused 12-hour cycle—and surprisingly, it’s working wonders. With my night shift at WinCo kicking in, I’ve flipped my schedule: stock shelves from 11 PM to 7:30 AM, grab a solid nap or sleep to recharge, then dive into my handyman business for a few hours in the afternoon. Another quick rest, and it’s back to the cycle. It’s not your typical routine, but it’s giving...