Summary — EP 1: "Time Blocking What You Value" with Cortland Warren

Host: Stefan Catalan
Guest: Cortland Warren (professional speaker, personal development & transformation)

Overview

This episode is a conversation with Cortland Warren about personal development, emotional intelligence, priorities, and practical strategies to live with intentionality. Cortland weaves personal stories (childhood, family relationships) with principles—how feelings act as signals, the law of polarity (balance), integrity, and the practical habit of scheduling what you truly value (time-blocking).

Key points & main takeaways

• Feelings and emotions are signals, not weaknesses. Learning to name and tune into them helps you course-correct and grow.
• There are no “negative” emotions; emotions are neutral—how you act on them determines positive or negative outcomes.
• Law of polarity: balance is natural. Highs and lows exist to restore equilibrium; accepting this speeds personal progress.
• "We schedule what we value." Your calendar reveals true priorities. If family never appears in your calendar, it de facto isn’t your priority.
• Time-blocking and daily prioritization protect what matters and reduce being pulled by others' agendas.
• Integrity = wholeness (from integer). Alignment between what you think, say, feel, and do matters more than appearances of honesty alone.
• Do the work consistently—even when no one’s watching—so you are prepared when opportunity arrives.
• Opportunity will embarrass the unprepared. Regular preparation prevents missed chances.

Notable quotes / insights

• “Feelings and emotions are the signal.”
• “We schedule what we value.”
• “There is no such thing as a negative emotion. Feelings are feelings.”
• “Integrity comes from the math term integer… integrity is about wholeness.”
• “Do the work even when no one’s looking.”
• “Opportunity will embarrass the person who is not prepared.”

Topics discussed

• Cortland’s background and formative family stories (father’s influence, childhood experiences waiting for mom)
• How childhood wounds can create adult behavior patterns (e.g., withholding, resentment)
• Emotional literacy: naming emotions and using them as signals
• The law of polarity, balance, and how extremes self-correct
• Practical time management: prioritization and time-blocking to reflect values
• Integrity and alignment of thoughts, words, emotions, and actions
• Preparing through steady work (examples: TED Talk, Goldcast reach)
• Building an audience: share your truth; don’t expect to resonate with everyone

Action items & recommendations

1. Time-block what matters
   • Audit your calendar for one week. Highlight family, health, rest. If they’re missing, add them as non-negotiable blocks.
2. Name your feelings
   • When triggered, pause and label the emotion (e.g., resentment, hurt, pride). Use that as a signal to explore the root.
3. Practice alignment/integrity
   • Before committing, check: does my yes match what I truly want and value? If not, consider saying no.
4. Prepare consistently
   • Do small, daily work toward your goals—even when it’s unseen—so you’re ready when opportunities arise.
5. Reframe “negative” emotions
   • Treat discomfort as data: What perspective is out of balance? What change in attitude or action would restore balance?
6. Schedule maintenance
   • Expect ongoing challenges; plan recurring “maintenance” time (self-care, relationship check-ins, planning) rather than assuming a problem-free future.

How to follow Cortland Warren

• Active on Instagram and Facebook (search Cortland Warren / Cortland D. Warren)
• Has a notable Goldcast story and a TED talk—look up his talks for examples of his work and message.

Concise takeaway: Feelings are signals—listen to them. Align your calendar with your values through time-blocking. Do the work consistently with integrity so you’re prepared for opportunity.