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Welcome to another edition of the 1% Habits Newsletter!

This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction. 

Let’s get to it.

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📈 5 Life Lessons from Fantasy Football

It’s the start of the American football season, which means millions of people are also starting up their fantasy football leagues. This past week has been “draft week,” where fans pick the players they hope will carry them to victory.

I’ll admit — fantasy football is a pretty silly game. But it’s also a fun way to stay in touch with family, compete with friends, and even meet new people.

In fact, at my wife’s family gatherings on Thanksgiving and Christmas, fantasy football is often one of the main topics of conversation.

And while it’s just a game, I think there are a lot of lessons you can take from fantasy football and apply to real life.

1. Know the Rules

Every fantasy league has its own rules. Some give extra points for receptions, others reward long touchdowns, and some have quirky scoring systems that completely change strategy.

If you don’t understand the rules, you’ll make poor decisions. For example, in a “PPR” league (point per reception), wide receivers and pass-catching running backs are far more valuable than in a standard league. If you don’t know that, you might draft the wrong players and put yourself at a disadvantage.

Real-world application: Life and work are full of “rules,” whether written or unwritten. Every workplace has policies, every industry has standards, and even social situations have norms. By learning the rules first, you set yourself up to succeed instead of stumbling blindly.

● Starting a new job? Read the employee handbook and ask coworkers about “unspoken” rules (like who really makes decisions).

● Launching a side hustle? Learn the regulations for taxes, licenses, and online platforms so you don’t get blindsided later.

● Even in relationships, knowing the “rules” — like your partner’s communication style or your kids’ routines — helps you avoid unnecessary conflict.

The faster you learn the rules, the faster you can play the game effectively.

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2. Look for the Loopholes

In fantasy football, a loophole is a quirk in the rules that gives you an advantage if you spot it.

For example, in one of my leagues with old college friends, instead of drafting entire defenses, you can start four individual defensive players. Seeing this, I drafted Travis Hunter — a rare player who plays both wide receiver and cornerback. That means I get to use a defensive slot to score points like a receiver. It’s a loophole that could give me an edge.

Real-world application: In business, careers, or even personal finance, loopholes exist too. Maybe it’s a tax deduction you didn’t know about, a company policy that lets you work remotely, or a tool that saves you hours of effort.

● If you’re an employee, read your benefits package closely. You might find perks like tuition reimbursement, free counseling, or wellness stipends that you’re not using.

● If you’re a freelancer, learn the ins and outs of tax write-offs. Even small deductions (like part of your internet bill or home office expenses) add up.

● If you’re a parent, look for “loopholes” in your schedule — like turning kids’ sports practice into your workout time or audiobook time.

Loopholes aren’t about cheating — they’re about paying attention and using the system to your advantage.

3. Plan for the Unexpected

If you’ve ever played fantasy football, you know that injuries, suspensions, and off-field issues are part of the game. A star player can go down in Week 1, and suddenly your season looks very different.

The best managers don’t just rely on their starters — they build depth. They draft backups, scour the waiver wire, and prepare for the inevitable surprises.

Real-world application: Life throws curveballs too. A project at work might get delayed, a client might back out, or your car might break down. The lesson is to expect the unexpected and have a backup plan.

● Financially, this means having an emergency fund so a surprise expense doesn’t derail you.

● At work, it means cross-training so you can step in if a coworker is out.

● At home, it might mean having a backup babysitter, an extra set of car keys, or even a frozen pizza in the freezer for “just in case” nights.

The unexpected will happen. The question is whether you’ll be ready when it does.

4. Don’t Overreact to One Week

Every fantasy season has wild swings. A player might score three touchdowns one week and then disappear the next. New players often panic — dropping good players after one bad game or chasing after last week’s star who won’t repeat the performance.

Experienced players know to take the long view. One week doesn’t define a season. Success comes from consistent decision-making, not emotional reactions.

Real-world application: In investing, careers, and personal goals, short-term ups and downs are inevitable. Don’t let a single bad day (or even a bad month) derail your long-term plan.

● If your investments dip, don’t panic-sell — look at the 5–10 year trend.

● If you bomb a presentation at work, don’t assume your career is over — focus on improving for the next one.

● If you miss a workout or eat badly one day, don’t throw away your health plan — just get back on track the next day.

Consistency beats emotional reactions every time.

5. Have Fun With It

At the end of the day, fantasy football is a game. It’s meant to be fun. The trash talk with friends, the excitement of game day, the joy of a last-minute win — that’s what makes it worth playing.

Too often, people get so competitive that they forget the point is enjoyment.

Real-world application: In life, it’s easy to get caught up in goals, metrics, and outcomes. But don’t forget to enjoy the process.

● If you’re building a business, celebrate small wins along the way instead of only focusing on the big payoff.

● If you’re raising kids, enjoy the silly moments instead of stressing about every milestone.

● If you’re working on self-improvement, find ways to make it fun — like gamifying habits or doing challenges with friends.

When you enjoy the process, you’re far more likely to stick with it.

Final Thoughts

Thanks for indulging me in this silly little article. I know fantasy football isn’t for everyone, but I think the lessons are universal.

And if you are into fantasy football, then I wish you the best of luck with your team(s) this season. May your draft picks stay healthy, your loopholes pay off, and your Thanksgiving conversations be lively.

Talk soon,

Steve

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