I was working as a real estate sales representative near Tampa, Florida in the fall of 2023. My boss Daniel enrolled me in a month long sales training curriculum shortly after I was hired. Part of the curriculum required a daily sales log to be maintained. It was a simple 8.5x11’ spiral bound book that had easy to follow prompts in various skill areas. At the end of each day, I could see what I had done and what goals I had accomplished. I loved it, and carried that thing with me everywhere. The simplicity and the consistency of it were why I thought it was so effective.

Shortly after that I thought, “why don’t I apply this same model to my personal life?” and I started using a primitive version of a personalized daily tracker. The prompts weren’t very detailed at first, just simple things like prayer, exercise, steps, and sleep. I started to jot down how I felt in the free space next to it.

I used that checklist format for about a year with marginal success. I filled it out most days, but didn’t always do what it said. In that time, I suffered some emotional, spiritual, and professional crises that had me chasing jobs and relationships only to fall deeper into despair and failure. This rock bottom brought me to finally surrender to Christ and seek help. In the midst of this rebirth, I was fortunate to meet some amazing Christian men who exemplified what being a Godly man was, and what I should be. It became apparent that just tracking fitness wasn’t enough. My life was unmanageable and I lacked the power to fix it myself.

I realized the template I was using was missing the one thing that would make all the difference. It was missing Jesus Christ. I’d like to claim credit for this, but it was God. He put it in my heart, and this idea literally popped into my head out of nowhere. Without Jesus going to the cross, there would be no salvation for me, and I would not have come to fully give my life to God to heal. So if anyone were to ask me how I came up with this. I didn’t. He did. If you are new to Christianity, you might think that’s nuts, but He works in peoples lives all the time if you just pay attention.

I started working on this idea feverishly, and shared it with pastors, friends, business partners, and family, soliciting their feedback. One pastor in particular, Dr. Matt Parris of Genesis Church in Vero Beach FL, told a funny story about how his Dad became committed to Christ. I would do Matt a disservice by re-telling it, but it was funny, and the crux of it was; “you’re either in or your out”…and there you go, All In became the title for this project.

So little by little, I began to add this new concept until I landed on what you see today in the ALL IN Journal, and my life began to finally improve. I surrendered, got sober and I stopped fighting myself. I started taking care of myself more consistently. I chose better relationships and broke off toxic ones. I started to dive deeper into God’s word. Best of all, the model I’d built allowed me to do it consistently over time, which is the key to getting results.

The benefits I’ve found from this method are amazing. When I start my day with prayer and scripture, everything falls into place and I feel whole. When I find quiet time to reflect, read an interesting book, or re-connect with a friend; I feel contentment. Lastly, when I take care of my body with exercise and proper nutrition, I feel amazing and confident.

The best part is not just how I feel, it’s how my relationships with my family and friends have improved. I’ve connected with other Godly men and women and started being more involved in my community. This past year between using this journal and staring a 12-step program, I have literally passed from “death to life”-John 5:24, and am re-connected with my Creator.

Peter the apostle reminds us to  “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”-1 Peter 5:8-9. None of what I’ve experienced would be possible without Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross, and none of the benefits I speak of here will come to fruition without taking care of yourself every day. You have to commit to a clear mind, healthy body, and faithful spirit. You either do it and reap the rewards, or you don’t and you get zilch. That is the essence of being ALL IN.

I hope you feel better physically, mentally and spiritually with the ALL In journal. It improved the quality of my life and I know it will do that for you; and it starts every day with a new page.

-Mike.