Self-Sufficiency Toolkit
Food
Preparation
Cooking is simultaneously a “lost skill” and one that is being rediscovered by this generation. Fast food, TV dinners, and delivery apps make it easier and easier to get by with zero culinary knowledge. Yet the Internet is helping many new home cooks fall in love with the art.
Tier
What Is Cooking?
Cooking is said to be the art, science, and craft of preparing food for consumption. At its most basic, it simply requires applying heat to food. At the advanced level, it becomes a dance of ingredients, techniques, and inspiration. But ultimately it’s always about flavor.
Why Cooking?
Cooking is a fundamental skill for human life. Though our modern world has relieved us of the duty, I still want to take on the responsibility.
I don’t claim to be an expert on anything I write about.
Hell, I hardly claim to be an expert on myself. 😂😂😂
These breakdowns are largely for me. I use them to record and reference. Unlike most others on this site though, this goal setting page might actually be useful to the outside observer.
No promises. You can tell me.
Chef BoyarBradshaw
Those too impatient to “find” their life’s purpose can create it. Goal setting helps the courageous become winners.
Organic AF
Your brain is wired to set objective and reach them. Completing even small-scale goals provides a natural “high.”
Tasty Healthy Eats
The right goals are hard not to chase. Done right, goal setting has the power to unlock human potential.
Mark of the Maker
Doers need goals. History’s greatest men and women weren’t spectators. They were known by their deeds.
There’s a lot that goes into becoming a “master” home chef. Here’s a quick look at what the journey in the kitchen has been like for me.
Learn with Me
I’m pretty good at this one.
I’ve been setting epic goals for nearly a decade now.
I don’t achieve all of them. But I certainly accomplish more in life because I have them. Without consistent goal setting, there’s no way I’d be the man I am now.
I’ve done goal setting exercises of all types. They are one of the most important tools I use to improve my life.
Over the years, my process has evolved.
Nowadays, I have a solid list of life goals that I revisit periodically. I break those down into yearly, quarterly, monthly, and weekly goals. I use a variety of different frameworks and love to try new goal setting methods.
My goals are how I make my life, as seen on This Site.
My Experience
I’m climbing my way toward mastery.
More than anything, I just need a few more years.
I already have a fairly sophisticated system. But for me, figuring out what I really want takes reps.
I use my goals to carve out a life purpose.
Points of emphasis respond to change in both me and in the world. But all the while, they pull me forward.
I create goals then mold my character to the traits that those objectives require. My goals help me discover the man I need to be so that I can do the things I want to do.
So far, they’ve served me well. Long may it continue.
- Importance – 55%
- Passion – 80%
- Mastery – 75%
Journey Started: ≈2000
Good Life Foundation
Goals are fundamental. They are an essential pillar of a good life. Without them, it’s easy to get blown to and fro by the winds of the world.
Where cooking Fits in the Game of Life
Cooking is one of the biggest pieces of the Self Sufficiency puzzle.
For me, it’s a “Tier 2” concept, on the same level as Homesteading, Survival, and Self Defense.
Under it you’ll find _____, _____, and _____.
1. Achievement
‣ 2. Goal Setting
3. Frameworks
3. Scheduling
4. Yearly
4. Monthly
4. Daily Planning
3. Business Plans
Success Habit Rank
Videos Watched
Mentions on My Site
Books Read
Pulling Threads: A Lion Chasing Rabbits
What the hell is This Site, exactly? A pointless stream of consciousness? A fanboy's ode to his Heroes? A psycho's Favorite topics? All three? Or maybe, it's just the result of a lion chasing rabbits. You might LOL... but this is how it works: I am destined to be the...
Creating Food That You Love to Eat
For goal setting newbies:
Let’s start with the best advice up front.
Just get started.
You can’t set effective goals until you’ve done it before. Like most things, you’ll suck the first few times. Eventually though, you might discover things about yourself you never knew.
The first step is to write your goals down.
If you don’t have a Journaling habit, it’s time you started one.
To borrow a personal growth cliché:
“Goals not written down are just dreams.” (Les Brown?)
They say there is a magic in putting pen to paper. Many shy away. But for success, it’s a small price to pay. When you take your future seriously, you no longer see things like goal setting as a chores.
Instead, you’ll find that your goals help you chart a path. As you grow into the person capable of achieving your goals, you’ll then map out higher ones.
So begins the climb toward Achievement.
Once you commit, there are a variety of ways to get started.
I pull my inspiration from Brendon Burchard, Vishen Lakhiani, Tony Robbins, and my other Favorite Coaches. Each has their own spin and plenty to teach.
Again, it’s easier once you’ve done it before. Eventually, you’ll find what works for you.
How to Become a Good Cook Step-By-Step
01
Discover Your Why
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02
Multiple Iterations
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03
Goal-Based Habits
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04
Schedules & Tracking
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05
Be a Dream Chaser
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Remember: just start. The first time you put your goals on paper, you’re closer to achieving your dreams than 90% of the population.
My Favorite Cooking Videos
Everything you need to know about cooking is online.
I’m no high performance titan. I stand on the shoulders of giants. I simply listen to what my Heroes say and apply it. Not everything sticks. But enough does to make a lasting impact.
Data
Dump
One of the main purposes of This Site is to catalog my learnings. I’m not that learned. But I’m working on becoming moreso. If you see a “data dump” on this site, you’re looking at unsorted information. It may be related or completely unrelated, depending on the topic.
How Cooking Can Change Your Life
Why Every Home Cook Should Braised Master Short Ribs
Tuscan Chicken
ThatDudeCanCook: Duck Confit with Crispy Potatoes
Ash Kickin' BBQ: Competition Chicken Thighs
Jamie & Julia: Chicken Supremes with Mushroom Sauce
Tasty: The Original Orange Chicken by Panda Express
RecipeTin: Chicken Fricassee
Hanging Roast Chicken with "Nugget" Potatoes
How To Make Chicken Tikka Masala
Perfect Jollof Rice
Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Sam the Cooking Guy: Foolproof Valentine's Day Dinner
Natasha's Kitchen: Easy Beef Stroganoff Recipe
The BEST Beef Stew Recipe
Sam the Cooking Guy: Osso Buco & Palenta
Mashed Potato Pork Pie
Louisiana Style Red Beans and Rice with AB
Jack Owens: Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=parxjvYexCM
The Best Stuff Garlic Bread Pizza
No Recipes: Japanese Curry From Scratch
Sano-San's Legendary Shio Ramen Soup
Adam Ragusea: Stop Trying to Make Turkey Taste Good
Ethan Chlebowski: Why Are Deli Subs Better?
Chef Jean-Pierre: All bout Kitchen Knives
Adam Ragusea: Why People Love Cast Iron Pans
Adam Ragusea: Food Plastics = Estrogen in Your Body
Kitchen Organization Mistakes
Kitchen
Basics
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Ingredients &
Techniques
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Does Marinating Do Anything?
Do Bay Leaves Actually Do Anything?
Adam Ragusea: Chicken Thighs 101
False Facts About Steaks Everyone Believes
Adam Ragusea: Why I Season My Cutting Board Instead
Ethan Chlebowski: Why I Stopped Boiling My Pasta Water
Adam Ragusea: What Is Dry Aged Beef
Guga Foods: Can Dry Age Save a $1 Steak?
Guga Foods: Using Koji Rice to Dry Age Steaks
10 Cooking Skills I Wish I Had Known
Chef Jean-Pierre: From Boxed to Delicious Beef Stock
Chef Jean-Pierre: How To Make Au Jus
Chef Jean-Pierre: Making Clarified Butter
Sam the Cooking Guy: Saucy Pasty
Pro Home Cooks: Chicken Parmesan
Island Vibe Cooking: Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Not Another Cooking Show: Scrumptious Shrimp Scampi
Not Another Cooking Show: The Greatest Penne Vodka
Pasta &
Italian
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Latin
Cooking
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Sam the Cooking Guy: Chicken Chimichangas
Island Vibe Cooking: Chicken Birria
Sam the Cooking Guy: Cheesy Juicy Birria Tacos
Sam the Cooking Guy: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
caribbeanpot: The Ultimate Pepper Wings
Terri-Ann's Kitchen: Sweet Chili Jerk Chicken Wings
Caribbean
Cooking
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Cooking
Breakfast
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Sam the Cooking Guy: Perfect Eggs for Breakfast
Sam the Cooking Guy: Pepperoni Omelet
Chef Jean-Pierre: Steak & Eggs Breakfast
Pro Home Cooks: Life-Changing 15-Minute Breakfasts
Smokin' Joe's Pit BBQ: Chile Relleno Sausage
Smokin' Joe's Pit BBQ: Summer Sausage
Making
Sausage
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Cooking
Steak
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Olive Wagyu in Japan - The Rarest Steak in the World
Mashed: The Secret to Ruth's Chris Delicious Steaks
Ryan Maya Cooks: How to Cook the Best NY Strip
Guga Foods: Salt Bae's Hot Fat Searing Experiment
Sam the Cooking Guy: Picanha on an Argentinian Grill
Sam the Cooking Guy: Wagyu Steak au Poivre
Sam the Cooking Guy: Pineapple Marinated Steak Sandwich
Binging with Babish: Steak au Poivre from Archer
Chef Jean-Pierre: Steak & Eggs Breakfast
Sam the Cooking Guy: The Best Tater Tots & Sauces
Adam Ragusea: Oven Fries - Crispier Than Deep-Fried
Ethan Chlebowski: Adam Ragusea's Oven Fries Remastered
Sam the Cooking Guy: Life-Changing Scalloped Potatoes
Jamie & Julia: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
acooknamedMatt: Perfect Potato Gratin Stack
Ulimate Mashed Potatoes
Better Than Chips and Fries
Better Than French Fries
Taters &
Such
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Cooking
Gumbo
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Isaac Toups: Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Smokin' & Grillin' wit AB: Seafood Gumbo
Cajun Ninja: Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
CashNasty: Louisiana Style Gumbo with Big Baby Davis
worst gumbo; best gumbo video 😂😂😂
Smoking Beef Jerky & Cooking with Beans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGYXpRj3-Es
(best video but doesn’t allow playback)
7 Hours of Roasting a Huge Thigh of Beef in a Tandoor
(doesn’t allow playback)
Beef Cooked in Glass Jar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTc0qpLtdCY
(best video but doesn’t allow playback)
Wilderness
Cooking
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Old-Timey
Cooking
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Townsends: Barbecue with Michael Twitty
Townsends: Beef Stew from 1775
Townsends: Fried Chicken in the 18th Century
Townsends: Simple Roasted Onions from 1808
Chef Jean-Pierre: Classic Coq Au Vin
French Cooking Academy: Coq Au Vin
Tasty: Coq Au Vin
Chef Billy Parisi: Coq Au Vin
Bruno Albouze: Coq Au Vin
Barefoot Contessa: Coq Au Vin
Food Wishes: Coq Au Vin
Jamie & Julia: Coq Au Vin
Adam Ragusea: Coq Au Vin Simplified
TheOfficialHungry: Coq Au Vin
The Endless Meal: Coq Au Vin
RecipeTin Eats: Coq Au Vin
Cafe Delights: Coq Au Vin
Palate By B's Gastronomy: Coq Au Vin Blanc
Binging with Babish: Coq Au Vin from Donnie Brasco
Coq Au
Vin
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Chicken
Tetrazzini
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The Cooking Show with Farideh: Chick Tetrazzini
Laura in the Kitchen: Chicken Tetrazzini
Preppy Kitchen: Chick Tetrazzini
Giada from Food Network: Chick Tetrazzini
Everyday Food with Sarah Carey: Chicken Tetrazzini
How I Use Goals to Create the Life I want
If you haven’t noticed, I take this stuff seriously.
You don’t have to do it like me. But maybe you wanna know. So I guess I’ll tell you. You might have picked some of it up by reading through this page or clicking on some of the links.
I’ll spell it all out here.
Knowledge of Self and Divination
When you set goals like this, it becomes a spiritual thang. Self Awareness is my fave. 🤩 It might be the best tool for sorting out things like your “heart’s desire” or “life purpose.” And when you get it right, your goals become your destiny. Predict your own success, then take responsibility. You’ll be able to look back and say “Called it, b!tch.” 😏
Bullet Journal, Save Us
I pretty much put my entire life in my Bullet Journal. It’s a straight up lifesaver. More than that though: for me, it’s a life maker. Bullet journals let you create your own dynamic layouts that are perfect for goal setting. I create new layouts every year as I learn and my needs develop. Without it, I don’t know how I would be able to plan as I do.
Turning Big Rocks Into Little Rocks
Each year, I revisit and revise my life goals. I add and subtract as needed then build out a yearly plan based on that. I break those down into monthly targets, to be reviewed and updated each quarter throughout the year. Finally, I use weekly and daily journal layouts to plan and track the individual tasks that need to get done day to day.
Day Dreaming with Homework
I approach goal setting with a “shoot for the moon” mentality. I’m all about bringing imagination into it. But that has to be anchored with tracking and review. I basically create worksheets for myself. They range from daily To Do Lists to monthly project planning to financial dashboards. Together, they help me identify what gets results for me.
Sharing is Caring
If you haven’t noticed, I like to share my goals. 😁 It’s good for you. I even try to set up group goal setting activities when I can. (See: First Mastermind) Support and accountability are underrated. Masterminds provide both. Beyond that, I like to announce my goals to the world because I’m a sh!t talker and it motivates me to do live up to my words.
Favorite Coaches
Favorite Teachers
Favorite Entrepreneurs
My Cooking Posts
Becoming Legendary: My 2022 Goals
I'm fairly confident 2022 is going to be the most successful year of my life so far. I'm writing this post to help guarantee that. Obviously, I can't control the future. But I can set intentions and create a plan of action. That's what Goal Setting is all about. So...
Setting the New 20s Off Right: My 2020 Goals
New Year's Resolutions get a bad wrap. It's not their fault though. It's yours. The truth is: The beginning of the year is a perfect time for a reset. You have to execute though. Do it right and this year could be the best year you've ever had. No guarantees. Because,...
![How to Become a Morning Person [Life-Changing Habit #1]](https://zachbradshaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/How-to-Become-a-Morning-Person-and-Stop-Being-a-Night-Owl-400x250.png)
How to Become a Morning Person [Life-Changing Habit #1]
Becoming a "morning person" has changed my life. Only time will tell, but it could go down as a top five factor to my future success. Learning how to wake up early wasn't easy. Until the second half of 2018, I've been a notoriously late sleeper. It started as a kid: I...
Becoming Legendary: My 2022 Goals
I'm fairly confident 2022 is going to be the most successful year of my life so far. I'm writing this post to help guarantee that. Obviously, I can't control the future. But I can set intentions and create a plan of action. That's what Goal Setting is all about. So...
Setting the New 20s Off Right: My 2020 Goals
New Year's Resolutions get a bad wrap. It's not their fault though. It's yours. The truth is: The beginning of the year is a perfect time for a reset. You have to execute though. Do it right and this year could be the best year you've ever had. No guarantees. Because,...
How to Become a Morning Person [Life-Changing Habit #1]
Becoming a "morning person" has changed my life. Only time will tell, but it could go down as a top five factor to my future success. Learning how to wake up early wasn't easy. Until the second half of 2018, I've been a notoriously late sleeper. It started as a kid: I...
Setting Goals for 2019
I have mixed feelings about New Year's Resolutions. I don't believe in waiting to make changes. I think it makes more sense to try to grow everyday. Create good new habits. Erase the negative old ones. Do it all the time. However, I find that measurement is...
My Top 3 High Performance Coaches
"YouTube University" has brought many a life-optimizer across my path. These three are my favorite high performance coaches.
So, You Think You Want to Become Self Sufficient?
Nice little subtitle for the win. Nice little subtitle for the win. Nice little subtitle for the win. Nice little subtitle for the win. or the win.
Self Sufficiency Toolkit
Top Self Sufficiency Links