The Spoon the Stirs the Pot

Hot off the heels of finishing the movie A Real Pain, written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg and starring Kieran Culkin of Billions fame, I am reminded of a Yiddish word that one of my mentors, Dr. Larry Markson, used in a lecture. Kocklefel (kook-lefel) is described as the spoon that stirs the pot. In Yiddish, it loosely means a person who is a bit of a troublemaker. In Dr. Markson’s version, he refers to it as movement creating action.

What is the connection between the word Kocklefel and the movie I just finished watching, you might ask? Well, the film tells the story of two cousins returning to Poland, the birthplace of their grandmother, shortly after she passes. Their grandmother was a Holocaust survivor, and they end up visiting a concentration camp. The movie conjured up images of my maternal grandfather, who was born in Poland. Just to be clear, this movie is not as heavy as Schindler’s List—it’s more of an offbeat road trip film centered on interpersonal relationships and how people process loss and pain.

You might also ask, what does this have to do with One-Fed and, more specifically, injured federal employees and the medical providers who support them? Fair question. The purpose of this blog is to share thoughts meant to touch, move, and inspire those within my circle of influence—to encourage reflection and, perhaps, spark action toward becoming the best version of oneself. As I’ve said before, my main focus is CANI (Continuous and Never-Ending Improvement), and I definitely drink from the wellspring that I speak about. So, what about the spoon? Glad you asked.

By the time you read this, we’ll be approaching March 2025. New Year’s resolutions are long forgotten, dry January is over, and Valentine’s Day has come and gone. Now what? Well, if you’re satisfied with how things are going, then I guess this blog isn’t for you. But if you’re feeling underwhelmed by what’s happening around you—your career, health, relationships, or personal growth—then it’s time to stir the pot.

Step 1: Take Personal Inventory

Before you can make meaningful changes, you need an honest assessment of where you stand. Ask yourself:

• Am I where I want to be in life?
• What areas am I excelling in?
• Where am I falling short?
• What habits, routines, or mindsets are holding me back?

This personal report card is your reality check. Be brutally honest with yourself—

Step 2: Create an Action Plan

Once you’ve identified gaps, it’s time to develop a plan to address them. Break it down into:

• Short-term goals (daily/weekly actions that build momentum)
• Mid-term goals (30-90 day projects that yield measurable results)
• Long-term goals (big-picture achievements that redefine your trajectory)

A plan without action is just a wish list. So, commit to executing, adjusting, and pushing forward.

Step 3: Take Massive Action

In my experience, small steps yield minimal results. The greatest outcomes come from massive action—bold moves that force you out of your comfort zone and into uncharted territory. If you’re looking for real change, don’t dabble—dive in. Success doesn’t come from wishful thinking or playing it safe. It comes from calculated risk, relentless effort, and an unshakable commitment to CANI. So, if life feels stagnant, stir the pot.

My personal inventory includes assessing my physical, mental, spiritual, and financial well-being. Am I exercising enough? Honestly, I haven’t been as active as I should be. Mentally, I’m doing well, though I’ve been slacking a bit on meditation. Financially, things are in order. The point is, no one can expect improvement without first identifying what needs to be improved. So, creating a personal inventory is the most important step. The second? Being brutally honest when assessing where you truly stand. I have never met an individual that was not interested in improving their lot in life. Whether it pertains to finances, physical well-being or personal achievement. The key factor in all of that is doing the work! The year is still young and there is plenty of room for improvement in all areas of your life. Make your list, devise your plan, don’t deviate, and the results might just surprise you. Writing these Blogs has been a pleasure and privilege and I thoroughly look forward to my time in front of the computer. The ability to express my thoughts without judgement has been one of the greatest experiences of my professional career. Have a great week, everyone.