I’m interested in how thinking becomes behavior, and how behavior becomes change.

Through writing, I explore the systems behind creativity, productivity, mindset, and personal growth — not as isolated topics, but as connected parts of how people develop over time.

Rather than focusing on motivation or surface-level advice, I look for the underlying structures that shape how we work, think, and improve.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

A bit about me…

By profession, I’m a licensed Professional Engineer, and I’ve worked on projects ranging from small street improvements to large-scale multi-billion-dollar efforts involving complex teams, clients, and long-term planning. That background has shaped how I think — in systems, structure, and cause-and-effect.

Outside of work, I’ve been writing for over 20 years and exploring ideas around thinking, behavior, and creativity. I’m also a lifelong reader, an early riser, and someone who values building ideas, relationships, and meaningful work over distraction.

I’m married and a father of three, and family is the center of my life. Sundays you’ll find me at church with all of them.

A few years ago, I stepped away from social media after building a large online network, choosing instead to focus on presence, attention, and what matters most long-term.

Over time I realized that many of the topics I was writing about—discipline, attention, creativity, relationships, learning, and stewardship—weren’t separate subjects at all. They were different expressions of the same pursuit: learning how to use our time, talents, relationships, and opportunities wisely.

That philosophy has gradually become what I call Responsible Freedom, and it now serves as the foundation for everything I write.

Here’s what my readers have said:

1

"This is a simple and yet profound concept that’s beautifully explained Rhys…. I have two young daughters who will love this as much as I do. Such a lovely positive post."

2

"Oh my goodness, Rhys! You made me smile SO big reading your description and review of my book! Thank you, thank you!!!!!"

3

“When I was young, I was a huge Dr. Seuss fan, and now after reading this post, I realize that he is an inspiration for me to keep breaking the rules! Thank you!”

4

“Great content…I am definitely going to use my notes from this blog when I sit down to start planning out the new look. Thank you.”

5

“Have been battling a bit of discouragement lately, so this was encouraging! Thank you for posting, Rhys!”

6

“Hi Twitter Coach Rhys…I unfollowed a bunch of writers who recently became obsessed with “fighting off internet bullies” but they embodied the same behavior. It was gross. Your advice is not gross. Thanks for caring and showing up authentically for others!”

7

“Once again, Rhys, you have inspired me…Thanks for the encouragement…thanks for the good advice as always.”

8

“I am still not recovered from your suggestion of getting up a couple hours earlier for productivity and less interruption, Six miserable days, all of which your name was not happily echoed, my friend. But because I count you as one of my Life Yodas, I have forgiven you, because I know that you genuinely want the best for your readers. Thanks for the reminder that the reaction is in our hands and within our power.”

9

“Rhys…your blogs are often so relatable, that I swear you are spying on us…I think you have a really good insight into the mechanics of human nature, with some great mentor texts. Maybe it is the engineer in you that allows you to see the parts and pieces that make a whole?”

10

“Rhys has been a business colleague for over 3 years with my personal business. I can testify to his impact as a leader and problem solver without a shadow of a doubt. He is by far one of the most resourceful and trustworthy individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. His integrity as a business professional and human being shines through in all professional settings. I can’t stress enough how resourceful and valuable Rhys was to the success of my business. I’m sure he will bring the same value to anyone else who chooses to work with him.”

11

“My husband and I run a home remodeling company. We were very unfamiliar with the logistics of creating a website for our business and asked Rhys to help us create a good and functional website for us that our customers would find helpful. Rhys did just that and he did it in good timing. Rhys was very patient explaining the ins and outs of the website and the procedures for updating the site as needed. We trust Rhys and would not hesitate to use him again.”

12

“I am the owner of a popular Latin cooking blog “Postres de La Cipota” that’s been featured on NBC Latino. I wanted a fun and colorful layout for my site but I had no idea how to implement the design template. I told Rhys what I wanted in a design template and he made it happen for me. I was very picky about specific aspects of my design and Rhys patiently worked with me to get my template to look exactly how I wanted it. I know that my blog would not be as popular as it is today if I did not have the awesome design template that I have. Thank you, Rhys!”

What you can expect:

Most of my work connects ideas across writing, behavior, and life experience, often looking at how small shifts in thinking or action lead to meaningful long-term change.

My content is thoughtful, practical, and grounded in real life. It’s written to be useful, reflective, and accessible.

Everything I publish is written with intention, and reflects the values of clarity, honesty, and long-term thinking.

I don’t claim to have all the answers. My goal is to keep asking better questions, keep learning, and share ideas that genuinely help people live with greater clarity, purpose, and freedom.

I’ve written guest articles:

I’ve written articles on other websites that I believe you’ll find helpful (I wouldn’t have written them otherwise!). Please take a moment to enjoy these articles and share your feedback:

How to Build Your Brand with Rhys Keller at Journey to Kidlit

Effective Communication for Writers and Public Speakers at Ari Meghlen

True Strength is Strength Under Control at Mr. Dad (under pen name HearDad)

I’ve spoken on podcasts:

nextTalk with Kim Elerick – 300th Show: Real Stories from nextTalk Parents (Recorded December 12, 2023)

Happy Brain with Heather Parady – Take Control of Your Day in Little Ways (Recorded January 20, 2022)

Restorative Grief with Mandy Capehart – Preparing for Grief (Recorded January 4, 2022)

Jay Anxious Podcast with Jay Anxious – Intentional Living (Recorded April 15, 2021)

And I’ve performed an advance review copy (ARC) edit on an exceptional book:

Becoming A Seller-Doer by Jim Rogers – Provided ARC review as a subject matter expert (SME) and acknowledged on page 171.

Where to Begin

If any of these ideas resonate with you, I hope you’ll explore further.

If you’re new here, I recommend beginning with one of the four cornerstone guides that introduce the core ideas behind the site. From there, follow the topics that interest you most and explore the connections between them.

• The Psychology of Discipline: How to Stay Consistent When Motivation Fades
• Sustainable Performance: How to Stay Productive Without Burning Out
• The Ultimate Guide to Attention Management in the Digital Age
• Learning, Writing, and Creation: How People Learn, Improve, and Create Meaningful Work

Most of what I write is designed to help you see patterns more clearly and think more intentionally about how meaningful change actually happens.

If you have questions or simply want to say hello, feel free to contact me anytime.