Daily Self Improvement Journey - December 29, 2025

Every day, I strive to get better and learn something new. As I pursue a career in the commercial real estate industry, it is important I am keeping updated and constantly learning. My daily goals start by quickly going over the 10-point from the WSJ.

Then they are to read one real estate focused article and one broader economy article. I will write about each article – what I learned, my opinion or a takeaway.

Next, I will shift away from finance, building off of “three-minute takeaways.” I will summarize one podcast where I will learn something that improves my life. Whether its communication, mindset, etc.

Lastly, I will master one random question from a finance Interview Guide.

Real Estate

             After hearing from David Steinbach, Global CIO from Hines, on Bloomberg, I learned a little about how he approaches real estate investment from a global perspective. He concluded that in 2025 the US had a less than desirable year. While Europe and Asia, saw a lot of equity being investment into private real estate markets. When looking at the capital stack, there generally isn’t an issue with lending on the debt side. Especially with the recent rate cuts and optimism for more in 2026. But that the equity side is lacking when building the capital stack. He stated that in the US, Hines is investing a lot in residential properties with rental units. As the demand for renting is increasing since it’s a more affordable short-term solution to housing. David feels optimistic about 2026 for the real estate private markets. That the US will bounce back and take advantage of a stabilizing market and interest rate cuts. He also believes that Asia and Europe will continue to invest heavily in the real estate industry.

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hines/posts/ David Steinbachs conversation on Bloomberg.

Economy

             After reading the article titled: How Investors Are Preparing for a Less Independent and More Divided Federal Reserve, by the WSJ, I took away a few key notes. First, that Trump is making loyalty towards him much more important than in his first term. Trump states that whoever the next fed chair will be, they will agree on his policies. From an investors perspective, any rate cut that is made on the basis of economic data, rather than just following Trump’s opinion, even if the number is the same, would make investor sentiment more bullish. Another thing I learned is the different between short term borrowing costs vs long term. The Fed controls short term interest rates, while long term borrowing is more tied to the 10-year treasury yield (U.S. government bonds). A section in the article believes that there could be some more interest rate cuts in the near future, but not necessarily in the long term. One last main thing I learned is how there is a balance between cutting rates, inflation, and borrowing costs. And that you would think that lower rates mean cheaper borrowing costs, but if it goes too far, that inflation would overcorrect it and actually increase the borrowing costs.

Source: https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/investors-federal-reserve-2026-01681b9e?mod=economy_lead_pos1

Three Minute Takeaway

How to Build a "Big, Fat, Fluffy" Brain: 6 Science-Backed Fixes from The Diary of a CEO

If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about your goals, your career, and your relationships. But how often do you think about the organ that makes all of those things possible? In a recent special episode of The Diary of a CEO titled "THIS Is The Fastest Way To Get Dementia...The 6 Science-Backed Brain Fixes!", Steven Bartlett sat down with leading neuroscientists to discuss how we can protect our most powerful asset: our brain.

The experts in the podcast describe the brain as a "ball of tofu," and the goal is to keep it "big, fat, and fluffy". It sounds a bit funny, but the science behind it is serious. Here’s a three-minute breakdown of the most impactful takeaways to help you start your journey toward a healthier brain.

1. Every Drop of Sweat Counts

We often think of exercise as something we do for our bodies, but it’s actually the best thing you can do for your brain. Aerobic activity—anything that gets your heart rate up—releases growth factors that actually grow new brain cells in the hippocampus, the area responsible for memory. Whether it’s power walking, soccer, or a spin class, the research is clear: more is better. For those just starting out, even 45 minutes of aerobic activity two to three times a week can significantly improve your mood and focus. As the experts say, "every drop of sweat counts" toward building that resilient brain.

2. Sleep is Your Brain’s "Trash Collector"

We’ve all heard that sleep is important, but the podcast highlights a fascinating biological reason why. During sleep, your brain essentially goes through a "wash cycle." The cerebral spinal fluid flows through the brain to clear out "metabolic waste"—the garbage your cells produce throughout the day. If you don’t get enough sleep, that "gunk" builds up, leading to a "gunky brain" that can’t function properly. Plus, sleep is when your brain consolidates memories, turning the day’s experiences into long-term knowledge.

3. The "Gym Bro" Supplement for Your Mind

One of the most surprising segments of the podcast was the discussion on creatine. Long associated with bodybuilders, creatine is now being recognized as a massive brain booster. While your liver and brain make some naturally, supplementing with it helps provide the energy your brain needs, especially during times of stress, high cognitive load, or sleep deprivation. Interestingly, while 5 grams a day is great for muscles, 10 grams seems to be the "sweet spot" to ensure enough crosses over to the brain.

4. Protect Your "Nitric Oxide"

The podcast introduced a molecule many of us have never heard of: nitric oxide. It’s a gas produced in our blood vessels that helps them dilate, ensuring oxygen and nutrients reach the brain. As we age, our nitric oxide levels can drop by up to 80%. To protect it, the advice is simple: avoid sugar. High blood sugar makes your blood vessels "sticky" (like spilled soda on a counter), which shuts down nitric oxide production and increases the risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.

5. Eat the Rainbow (and Don’t Skip the Chocolate!)

The experts recommend a Mediterranean diet filled with colorful, non-processed foods. But there are two specific treats your brain loves: green tea and dark chocolate. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that protect the "neurovascular unit" (the barrier between your brain and the rest of your body), while dark chocolate (at least 75% cacao) acts as "medicine" by improving blood flow to the brain within minutes of eating it.

6. You Can Always Change

Perhaps the most inspiring takeaway is the reality of neuroplasticity. While a child’s brain is like a template for change, adults can still rewire their brains at any age. The key ingredients? Alertness, focus, and rest. If you pay close attention to something new and follow it up with a good night’s sleep, your brain physically reorders its connections. You aren’t stuck with the brain you have today; you can literally build a better one.

Easy Takeaway: Start small: Drink a cup of green tea, take a 12-minute walk to get your heart rate up, and try to get to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight. Your brain will thank you by clearing out the "gunk" and growing new cells.

Favorite Quote: "Every drop of sweat counts for building your brain into the big fat fluffy brain that you really want".

Relevant Question: "If you want to learn something, should you do it while walking or moving in motion?" (The answer is yes! Exercise increases blood flow to the hippocampus, making you more likely to remember new information).

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Source: Bartlett, S. (Host). "THIS Is The Fastest Way To Get Dementia...The 6 Science-Backed Brain Fixes!" The Diary Of A CEO. YouTube.

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Random CRE question

Assume you purchased a property for $1 million at a 7% cap rate, had 0% NOI growth throughout the hold period, and exited at the same cap rate after five years? What is your IRR?

The IRR for this investment is 7%. This is because the NOI of the property stayed the same, and the value of the property didn’t appreciate or depreciate, since it exited at the same cap rate. So, the IRR for the investment is the NOI of 7% achieved consistently across 5 years.

-       In an interview setting, confirm assumptions. For example, this would all be true if there aren’t any capital expenditures, debt service, etc. Which would lower the NOI, thus lowering the IRR.