Hi Reader, At least once a week, usually around dinner time, the doorbell chimes. I glance at my phone, pull up the doorbell camera, and there they are: a salesperson making their rounds. Solar panels, new windows, knives, car detailing — you name it. Most of the time, I ignore them. But when I do engage, the tactics are predictable: quick attempts at trust, appeals to social proof — “we just helped your neighbors save a ton of money.” To me, it feels no different than a spam call, a cold DM,...
14 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, As I transition out of summer mode and back into work mode, I’m using a familiar tool: Start / Stop / Continue. It’s simple. And it works — as long as you’re cool to occasionally look in the mirror, slow down to notice your behavior and energy, thoughtfully critique yourself, and do the hard work of self-improvement. But, hey, who isn’t? 😅 Personally, after time off, I’m always itching to do exercises like these — I can’t wait to recommit to my daily rituals and consider which...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Trying something new? Great – just don't expect it to go perfectly. Not trying to be a downer. This is about mental preparation. Thomas Edison once said of inventing: “the first step is an intuition – and comes with a burst – then difficulties arise.” (Shoutout to my favorite book and regular re-read, The Obstacle Is The Way, for introducing me to this quote.) I've felt this too. New projects start with a natural inertia (and a dopamine spike in the brain as the reward system kicks...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It’s been a great summer. Retreating to the Midwest, I journaled and read books in the morning, I swam with my kids, I sat outside watching the robins, cardinals, and blue jays. I intentionally took my foot off the gas pedal, I slowed down, and it felt good. But now? It's time to get back into the swing of things. New goals, refreshed focus, back into Get $#*% Done (GSD) mode. At least, part of me wants that to be true… I find myself craving the usual sense of achievement I'm...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This is my 150th newsletter. Whether you’ve been reading from the start or just joined recently, thank you. This newsletter has taught me a lot – both as a writer and a chronic-juggler-of-too-many-projects-at-once. But most of all, it's taught me about experimentation. I’ve learned that momentum comes from actually trying things. (Yes, the thing I so often preach about is still difficult for me at times). It's one thing, for example, to edit a project for clarity, it's something...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Accountability means holding yourself and others to commitments. To understand what it means to be accountable, it helps to name its opposite: Unreliability – a sloppy, undisciplined approach; dropping the ball when it counts. So why does accountability matter? Because it builds trust. Without trust, businesses crumble. Your team, customers, and partners need to believe in your follow-through. If you miss deadlines or fail to honor commitments, it’s not just the task that suffers –...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, If you try to be everything to everyone, you’ll end up being nothing to anyone. The right marketing message speaks directly to your ideal customer. Critically, that means it’s okay – even necessary – for some people to be turned off by it. How do you know who your ideal customer is? Experiment. Test your assumptions. Pay attention to what sticks – and what doesn’t. Ryan Holiday tells a story in The Obstacle Is the Way about an Irish ship captain who mapped all the rocks in a...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, “Those things that hurt, instruct.” – Ben Franklin Growth doesn’t always come the way you’d expect. Sometimes it’s hidden in the challenges that push you to your limits. Think of it like strengthening metal – it’s heated, hammered, and cooled repeatedly to make it tougher. Or playing a game against a stronger opponent – you’re forced to adapt, anticipate, and improve. When a problem feels overwhelming, ask yourself: What skill is this building? What strength will this test or...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Summer is the perfect time to set work aside and recharge. Yes, I know there’s a lot going on in the world these days – that’s all the more reason to hit pause and savor a small moment or two. Step away from your laptop, turn off notifications, and let yourself unplug completely. A true pause allows you to reset your perspective. Here are 3 ideas to help you make the most of it: 1. Soak in the outdoors. Take a hike, visit a park, or enjoy your morning coffee outside. Sunlight and...
3 months ago • 1 min read