[{"id":63357,"published_at":"2026-08-07T08:40:21.740Z","created_at":"2026-08-07T08:40:21.821Z","updated_at":"2026-08-07T08:40:22.653Z","title":"Another accidental book","content":"Last year you might remember I had NotebookLM [write a 24K-word book](https://golifelog.com/posts/the-accidental-book-1758695470065) as a test. I fed it my chat transcripts and ran various reports to shape the book and write each chapter.\n\nOne year later I gave a similar task to Claude Fable 5 on Cowork. Claude had my notes, research, and other context in hand, and it worked autonomously to wrote a whole book. It burned through a mountain of tokens and produced a 65k-word draft for *Nobody Reads Your Book: How Writing Actually Works in the World*. Total processing time was less than two hours. This was an autonomous eight-stage process that used multiple agents working in parallel. The plan had been its own. I just supplied the ideas and said \"have at it\".\n\nI'm still reading the draft, but dang, it's so much better than last year's draft. In fact, I'm having it rewrite that book next. These aren't books I planning to publish. The books are just for me at this point. I'm reading them to see what it looks like when my ideas are expressed in a 65k-word book.\n\n---\n\n**Sample (split into shorter paragraphs for the web)**\n> Here is what actually happens between a finished manuscript and a stranger's hands, and as you read it, watch for the moment the text itself stops being the thing that moves.\n>\n> A 100,000-word manuscript reaches an agent as a 300-word query letter—not a compression of the book but a different object, engineered to resonate at the frequency agents actually process: is this sellable to an editor? The agent re-encodes it for submission; the acquiring editor, to buy it, re-encodes it again, as a profit-and-loss spreadsheet—the book as projected unit sales, the only frequency a publishing board can hear. Before publication, the sales force compresses it once more into the industry's most revealing genre: the handle, one sentence calibrated for a sales conference, of the form \"Educated, but set in rural Appalachia\"—the book rendered entirely in terms of previously successful books, because comparable to what has sold is the frequency bookstore buyers process.\n>\n>Those buyers, facing 40,000 to 50,000 new titles a year, spend seconds per title; the reps presenting to them have read almost none of what they present—John B. Thompson, the sociologist whose 280 interviews anatomized this industry, records a buyer waving off a season's offerings with \"Skip the next title... actually, skip the next twenty.\" The chain even has its perverse elegances. A debut novelist with no sales history can be easier to sell upstream than a modestly successful veteran, because a veteran's numbers constrain the projection while a debut's blank record, as the industry saying goes, sets the imagination free—the system preferring a fantasy it can price to a fact it cannot inflate. And the people inside know what the compression costs: when James Daunt took over Barnes & Noble, he dismantled much of the chain's central buying apparatus and pushed decisions down into individual stores, on the explicit theory that the relay had been filtering out the only information that mattered.\n>\n> The books that survive this gauntlet arrive in stores as physical signals: co-op payments from publishers buy placement on the front tables, and 10 copies face-out where a browser will graze for three seconds carry a message two spine-out copies do not—quantity itself becomes a quality signal. The critic Gérard Genette named this whole apparatus—covers, blurbs, placement, the book's entire clothing—the paratext: \"a fringe of the printed text which in reality controls one's whole reading.\" The fringe is the system's handwriting on your book, and every reader meets the fringe first.\n>\n> Even the advance, the sum paid to the author, functions mostly as internal messaging: some 70 percent of advances never earn out, which would make them insane as investments, but they are not investments—they are the organization signaling to itself, and to the chain, how hard everyone downstream should push. Thompson's summary deserves its italics: \"Big books do not exist in and by themselves: they have to be created.\"\n","tags":"_717words_","slug":"another-accidental-book-1786092021750","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63356,"published_at":"2026-08-06T23:50:19.521Z","created_at":"2026-08-06T23:50:19.599Z","updated_at":"2026-08-06T23:50:20.423Z","title":"I'll have my AI talk to your AI","content":"

Up until recently, the only interactions I've had with AI were obvious. Usually, it was some spam text that I knew wasn't actually from the person it said it was from. We've all gotten used to that. What's happened within the last month or two is that I'm seeing text messages and emails from people I know that are definitely AI.

\n

For example, my business partner Veronica went all-in on AI before I did. She joined the Tony Robbins/Dean Graziosi AI bus, and she's been using her AI clone to send out text messages and emails \"in her voice.\" The problem is I know how she communicates, so while someone else may be fooled, I am not. I actually find it off-putting to get an AI message from her. It's not the content; it's the fact she's using AI. Granted, I'm sure she is verifying it before she sends it, but I cannot say I prefer it.

\n

The latest example was a lengthy email with her comments about the Holistic Referral Network. Rather than reply directly, I was half-tempted to let my agent draft a reply so that my AI can talk to hers. Why not let them go back and forth and sort things out?

","tags":"_207words_","slug":"ill-have-my-ai-talk-to-your-ai-1786060219529","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63355,"published_at":"2026-08-06T23:01:34.644Z","created_at":"2026-08-06T23:01:34.720Z","updated_at":"2026-08-06T23:01:35.411Z","title":"2 years since 9–5","content":"Two years ago, a door closed for good. Any opportunity for a 9 to 5 job ended when this [government job offer fell through](https://golifelog.com/posts/bye-bye-9-to-5-1722894343030). \"F em\", we all said.\n\n*How has it been, since?*\n\nI've been ALL IN on freelancing frontend dev cum Carrd tech support agent cum indie entrepreneur now.\n\nA hybrid career.\n\nNo longer about passion or purpose. \nNo longer about design and innovation.\nNo longer social impact and public good.\nNo longer about contributing back to society. \n\nNow it's about working remotely.\nNow it's about location independence.\nNow it's about thriving beyond survival.\nNow it's about joy from being good at a task.\n\nTwo years ago, we were desperate to survive.\nTwo years on, we got big dreams now, to relocate.\n\nTo a new, better life.\nA more well-lived life.\n\nImagine what two more years will bring!\n\nThere's no looking back.","tags":"_161words_","slug":"2-years-since-9-5-1786057294651","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63354,"published_at":"2026-08-06T13:52:55.158Z","created_at":"2026-08-06T13:52:55.359Z","updated_at":"2026-08-06T13:52:56.194Z","title":"Grappling with words","content":"> **TL;DR:** Writing is a process where the parts suggest the whole which then closes itself by selecting its own parts.\n\nI'm on one of my weird, esoteric explorations. What is writing, really? Does it have an invariant pattern at its core?\n\nThe coach Greg Souders has developed what he calls an [invariant framework](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw9xkK9QOoU&t=6s) for jiu-jitsu where he boils down what is true about the sport at every moment. If you break down all the techniques and tactics, what is the grappler trying to do? There are a lot of parts to the framework, but the essential shape of a successful play starts at the periphery (arms and legs) and moves towards the core (back and chest) in order to immobilize the core and re-attack the periphery. All the moves of jiu-jitsu can be rederived from understanding the full invariant framework.\n\nIt's such a fascinating idea because every endeavor should ultimately have an invariant pattern at its core from which all its techniques can be derived: chess, business, programming, or whatever else we practice. Maybe even writing.\n\n## Writing's invariant framework\nMy first instinct was to think of the writer grappling with the reader, but this is wrong. The reader is important, but the writer doesn't actually interact directly with the reader. They only indirectly affect the reader. No, the writer is actually grappling with the words.\n\nI'm doing this right now.\n\nA writer makes and maintains context in their mind. They might us imagery, an outline, or summon concepts -- there are a myriad of techniques to make and maintain context. This context then generates words that the writer either dismisses or commits to the page. The text itself then becomes part of the context.\n\nBut there are limits to what the mind can maintain in working memory. In order to manage cognitive load, we construct patterns as a hierarchy of wholes composed of other wholes. The part suggests the whole, and then the whole helps construct the next part.\n\n- A few words....\n- A few words suggest the pattern of the sentence...\n- A few words suggest the pattern of the sentence, and the pattern closes itself by selecting its final words.\n\nThe sentence suggests the paragraph, and the paragraph closes itself with more sentences. The paragraph suggests the scene. The scene suggests the chapter. And the chapters suggest the whole book. Whether it's poetry, or a screenplay, an article, or a marketing email, the parts suggest the whole, and the whole then closes itself with more parts.\n\nAnd we do this because the wholes as patterns are easier to maintain in memory than all the loose parts would.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/B54yLx7F/The-Invariant-Framework-of-Writing.png)\n\n## Back to the audience\nWe can write off the top of our heads. This is usually called knowledge-translating. Think of a kid writing about dogs. They just respond to the word \"dog,\" and each sentence follows what ended the sentence before. Another form of writing is called knowledge-transforming. And I think this is where we use these wholes to shape a complex context from which new, interesting parts can be generated.\n\nAnd because of this structure, the text -- when read by an audience -- can perform a similar maneuver in the reader's mind. If done well, the text is able to generate a complex context in the reader's mind that can begin to shape what they know. As hopefully I've done here.","tags":"_592words_","slug":"grappling-with-words-1786024375166","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63353,"published_at":"2026-08-06T12:12:41.162Z","created_at":"2026-08-06T12:12:41.240Z","updated_at":"2026-08-06T12:12:41.920Z","title":"Thursday Night Football","content":"In recent years, Thursday night football has become a regular fixture in the AFL, and for many fans it has been a welcome addition to the week. Traditionally, football was largely reserved for the weekend, but the AFL recognised that supporters were eager for more opportunities to watch the game. By scheduling matches on Thursday nights, the league extends the football round and builds excitement heading into the weekend.\n\nFor supporters, Thursday night footy feels like an early reward after a few busy days at work. Instead of waiting until Friday or Saturday, fans can settle into their favourite chair, grab a meal, and enjoy a game under the lights. It transforms what was once an ordinary weeknight into an event. Even when your team is not playing, there is something enjoyable about having football on television and following the fortunes of clubs across the competition.\n\nFrom the AFL’s perspective, Thursday night matches attract strong television audiences and allow individual games to stand out without competing with several matches played simultaneously. For fans, however, the appeal is much simpler. There is a unique atmosphere to a Thursday night contest, knowing the weekend is just around the corner. It makes the week feel shorter, gives supporters something to look forward to, and provides another opportunity to enjoy Australia's great winter game.","tags":"_222words_","slug":"thursday-night-football-1786018361171","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63352,"published_at":"2026-08-05T23:14:10.864Z","created_at":"2026-08-05T23:14:10.941Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T23:14:11.622Z","title":"So much for the Blue Zones","content":"

Anyone even semi-interested in health and wellness has probably heard of the Blue Zones. These are geographic areas around the world that purportedly have the longest-living (and, by extension, healthiest) populations. People in the Blue Zones, on average, live well past 100, or so the story goes. People aiming to live long and healthy lives have emulated the diets and lifestyles of these so-called Blue Zones, hoping to increase lifespan and health span. As it turns out, the story may have been a fairy tale. 

\n

According to a recent article by Michael Easter, the Blue Zones are actually a fraud perpetrated with bad data. The main problem is that no one really verified the age of the people in these regions. In the US, we are used to people having birth certificates and being able to validate age. This consistency is not applied in many countries, and certainly not at the time many of these aged people were born. 

\n

I was never fully on board with the Blue Zones. I considered the general principles of eating whole, unprocessed food, staying active in nature, and maintaining connections with people without putting full stock in the specifics. 

\n

A friend of mine had this response: \"Nothing is as it seems anymore.\" A wise observation.

","tags":"_211words_","slug":"so-much-for-the-blue-zones-1785971650872","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63351,"published_at":"2026-08-05T22:47:59.575Z","created_at":"2026-08-05T22:47:59.657Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T22:48:00.351Z","title":"Hard privileges","content":"Work more, I'm concerned I'm not being present.\nWork less, I'm scared of survival and feeding the fam.\n\nPrioritize self care, I wonder if it's selfish.\nCare for family first, I feel I'll burn out.\n\nStrong discipline, I'm concerned if it will break my kid.\nGiving space, I'm worried if he gets spoilt.\n\nTalk about my needs, I fear it becomes a burden to my wife and loved ones.\nStay quiet about my needs, I become unseen, invisible and isolated.\n\nAsk for help, I feel useless and imposing on others.\nCarry it alone, I know it will break me into pieces.\n\nNobody said it's gonna be easy.\nBut life's best privileges are—by default—hard.\n\nBetter to have hard choices, beautiful life, than easy choices, poor life.","tags":"_136words_","slug":"hard-privileges-1785970079587","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63350,"published_at":"2026-08-05T16:50:03.004Z","created_at":"2026-08-05T16:50:03.086Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T16:51:57.167Z","title":"My AI taskmaster","content":"I'm starting a new project -- more like three projects under one umbrella where I'm building my perfect writing process with the help of an AI taskmaster.\n\n1. **Taskmaster:** A system where AI proposes writing tasks for me to complete based on projects I'm working on. I do the tasks and review them. The system learns and adapts to what works, and what didn't.\n2. **The App:** An app where I write in 15-minute sprints, and each paragraph I write becomes part of an uneditable permanent record. This is based on what worked for me in 2021 and 2022. Assessing the app will be part of the taskmaster's job.\n3. **Novel:** Editing the novel draft I finished in 2022 as a way to kickstart the project.\n\nI'm starting with the editing project because I actually have a lot of data about the manuscript and how I wrote it. I originally planned and wrote it while I was writing timed sprints. So I was able to parse a lot of data.\n\nAccording to the stats, it took me 120 hours to write about 60k words of the draft plus another 30k words of planning.\n\n| month | sessions | sprints | words |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| 2021-05 | 4 | 48 | 10,257 |\n| 2021-09 | 13 | 49 | 7,033 |\n| 2021-10 | 17 | 114 | 19,600 |\n| 2021-11 | 6 | 29 | 5,842 |\n| 2022-01 | 39 | 285 | 49,149 |\n| **TOTAL** | **79** | **525** | **91,881** |\n\nWith the writing sprints I was able to capture a lot of info about my process, but I never really had a way to resurface that data and learn from it. Now with AI as my boss, I might finally figure out how my writing brain works.","tags":"_285words_","slug":"my-ai-taskmaster-1785948603016","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63349,"published_at":"2026-08-05T10:29:05.882Z","created_at":"2026-08-05T10:29:05.959Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T10:29:06.636Z","title":"Four brothers, two roadsters tour","content":"Driving a roadster always feels special, and that feeling never fades. Each time I get behind the wheel, lower the roof, and hear the engine roar to life, I remember why I love it so much. It's not just the car, but the sense of freedom it provides. After our Eurodaster road trip, which now feels like a distant memory, my brother and I decided to plan another adventure. This time, he'll bring his roadster too. We will head east through Gippsland, ascend into the Victorian High Country, cross the Alpine Way, and explore the stunning Snowy Mountains before reaching Sydney. The trip will be about 1,500 kilometres over a week, taking us along some of Australia's best driving roads.\n\nWhat adds extra excitement to the trip is that we’ve invited our other two brothers to join us, making the journey even more special. With four brothers, two cars, and four seats, it feels like the perfect mix for plenty of laughter, friendly teasing, and countless stories that will be cherished for years to come. For me, the destination matters little. The true joy comes from navigating winding roads, taking in stunning scenery, and enjoying quality time with family. As time goes on, moments like these become even more valuable, and I eagerly look forward to hitting the road together again and creating more unforgettable memories.","tags":"_231words_","slug":"four-brothers-two-roadsters-tour-1785925745890","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63348,"published_at":"2026-08-05T03:09:20.224Z","created_at":"2026-08-05T03:09:20.304Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T03:09:21.126Z","title":"The writer's stance","content":"I almost forgot to write today. I was sitting outside with my laptop away from the PC where all my reminders live. Thankfully I came back inside with an hour left.\n\nRecently I've been looking through writing sprints I saved from 2021 and I think I found the inception point for my writing exercises.\n\n*9-11-2021 @10:20am*\n> I'm watching a live stream of a boxer working through exercises, and it seems to me this is what writers are missing. Sort of like the art assignment. Why don't you see more writing assignments? Exercises and drills to specifically work one particular aspect of your writing craft.\n\nSo I was sitting outside discussing my exercises with Claude, and I realize I need to adjust what I'm producing. My exercises have become too mechanical, focused on the moves being made rather than the field of play. This leads to exercises that disrupt the writer's natural stance. In soccer/football a common exercise is to dribble the ball between cones. The problem with this exercise is it trains the player to look down (where the cones are) rather than up (where the other players are). It's the same reason I can't touch type -- I keep looking down at the keys. A better exercise has the players face off against each other in small-sided games that require them to dribble past a defending player.\n\nMy exercises are doing the same thing as the cones. I have to work on preserving the writer's natural stance when writing.","tags":"_262words_","slug":"the-writers-stance-1785899360234","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63347,"published_at":"2026-08-05T02:26:00.214Z","created_at":"2026-08-05T02:26:00.296Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T02:26:01.112Z","title":"Speaking products into existence","content":"

Today is the last week of the 4-week AI Surfer cohort. Today's topic was vibe coding and micro-apps. I was blown away when the speaker literally spoke a website into existence. 

\n

I have a storied history with creating websites going back to the confusion of Wordpress.com vs. Wordpress.org. I never found web design to be easy or satisfying. It was frustrating, and I eventually gave up.

\n

Last year, I did set up a website to help onboard new Vital Health team members. I used the website templates in Go High Level. It was easier than before, but it's still a lot of work. I thought about the countless hours and frustration as AI was able to create a professional working website in less than five minutes.

\n

Many people don't know that my initial major was mathematics with a concentration in computer science. After Fortran, I took a C++ course. This was the mid 90's when Apple was on life support and before the original iMac was released. I was the only student using a Mac with emulation software (CodeWarrior). The professor was so anti-Mac that I was turned completely off to programming. The joke's on him because now I can just speak an app into existence.

","tags":"_208words_","slug":"speaking-products-into-existence-1785896760225","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47757,"created_at":"2026-08-05T03:47:17.587Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T03:47:17.862Z","content":"It's getting easier and easier and the result better and better. I tell you what, though, I would love to have your SQL superpowers. I keep avoiding databases out of fear.","post":63347,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}},{"id":47758,"created_at":"2026-08-05T15:21:57.950Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T15:21:58.230Z","content":"With your analytical mind, I'm surprised you've held back from exploring SQL. Maybe if I get bored one day, I'll have my agents create a basic SQL course using a non-domain-specific database.","post":63347,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47759,"created_at":"2026-08-05T16:02:28.570Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T16:02:28.846Z","content":"I did take a database course in college. From what I remember, past the basics it got complicated fast. 🤯","post":63347,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63346,"published_at":"2026-08-04T23:01:59.766Z","created_at":"2026-08-04T23:01:59.843Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T23:02:00.532Z","title":"Was it as easy as it looks?","content":"In the last few scenes of movie The Pursuit of Happyness, the boss offers Chris the job he's been desperate for, and the boss asked, \"Was it as easy as it looks?\" Chris replied, tears welling in his eyes, \"No sir, no it wasn't.\"\n\nThat's scene.\n\nWas it as easy as it looks?\nNo.\n\nEveryone who's ever tried hard chasing a dream knows that. Everyone who's ever watched someone do that from the sidelines only see how easy it looked.\n\nNo one's coming to save you.\nNo one's going to show you.\nNo one really sees you.\n\nYou wished to be seen, but others seeing you doesn't matter, really.\nWhat truly mattered was that your younger, past self sees you.\n\n\"You made it! You said you wanted it and you got it!\"\n\nImagine your naive, innocent, younger self seeing you as you are right now—older, richer, wiser, dreams achieved—and saying that.\n\nImagine that.","tags":"_163words_","slug":"was-it-as-easy-as-it-looks-1785884519775","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63345,"published_at":"2026-08-04T12:01:21.500Z","created_at":"2026-08-04T12:01:21.576Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T12:01:26.703Z","title":"A year in Northcote","content":"This week marks the first anniversary of our move into our new home, and I still find it hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. It feels like just yesterday we were surrounded by boxes, trying to figure out where to put everything. At that time, the move seemed overwhelming, the culmination of months of careful planning, organising, and hard work. Now, a year later, it’s hard to remember the stress and chaos. Those days feel like a distant memory, replaced by the comfort and familiarity we’ve built here.\n\nOver the past year, our house has steadily become a home. The spaces that initially felt strange are now infused with routines, memories, and everyday comforts. We’ve explored local cafés, strolled through the neighbourhood streets, and integrated into Northcote’s everyday rhythm. What once seemed unfamiliar now feels entirely second nature. Looking back, I am amazed at how quickly we adapted. The seasons have changed, family dinners have taken place, dogs have roamed every part of the neighbourhood, and life continues as usual. However, reflecting on this milestone feels particularly meaningful. It reminds me that home is more than just a location; it's the memories we build there. After a year, Northcote genuinely feels like home, and I look forward to what the future holds.","tags":"_221words_","slug":"a-year-in-northcote-1785844881507","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63344,"published_at":"2026-08-04T00:08:30.075Z","created_at":"2026-08-04T00:08:30.152Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T00:08:30.967Z","title":"The founding of the Holistic Referral Network","content":"

I just returned from the first official meeting of the founders of the Holistic Referral Network, a group of alternative care practitioners who intend to build a community of healers and a community network.

\n

The purpose, as stated by Paul, the original founder, is to make whole-person wellness easier to understand, easier to find, and more connected to everyday community life in Scottsdale, AZ — and later in other communities.

\n

A holistic lifestyle recognizes that health is shaped by the whole person: the body, mind, emotions, relationships, surroundings, daily habits, sense of purpose, and connection to community. It does not reject conventional medicine, and it does not promise cures. It adds practical support through nutrition, movement, stress regulation, sleep, breathwork, mindfulness, restorative practices, healthy environments, and trusted professional guidance. The central question is not only, \"What is wrong?\" but also, \"What helps this person live with greater balance, resilience, knowledge, and choice?\"

\n

The Holistic Referral Network is the front door through which people meet trusted practitioners and learn about credible holistic options. HRN is not simply a list of names. It is a relationship-based community in which practitioners know one another, referrals carry trust, members can ask questions, and the public can find guidance without being pressured or overwhelmed. 

\n

This is exactly the kind of network and people that I want to be around.

","tags":"_223words_","slug":"the-founding-of-the-holistic-referral-network-1785802110083","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63343,"published_at":"2026-08-03T23:05:46.412Z","created_at":"2026-08-03T23:05:46.490Z","updated_at":"2026-08-03T23:05:47.177Z","title":"The happiest SaaS","content":"Maybe I'm not trying to build the most profitable SaaS.\nMaybe I'm trying to build the happiest SaaS.\n\nFor myself.\n\nThey say lifestyle business. But \"lifestyle\" just don't cut it. It falls short. It's happiness I seek. It's joy I want. It's delight I work for.\n\nThe happiest SaaS is waking up loving the project, the work, the hours, the challenge.\nThe happiest SaaS is learning and growing, getting better and better at the skills you need to run it.\nThe happiest SaaS is having enough time for the family, and running the business around the family's needs, not the family adapting to the work.\nThe happiest SaaS is sleeping enough, eating well, exercising much, even while you work hard for money.\n\nThe happiest SaaS is happy, with money enabling it.\nNot earning money, with happiness as a consequence.\n\nThe order matters.\n\nIt's all that matters.","tags":"_154words_","slug":"the-happiest-saas-1785798346420","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47753,"created_at":"2026-08-04T00:03:15.368Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T00:03:15.643Z","content":"\"The only measure of success is joy.\" Deepak Chopra","post":63343,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47756,"created_at":"2026-08-04T23:03:01.617Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T23:03:01.891Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson Aye aye!","post":63343,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}}]},{"id":63342,"published_at":"2026-08-03T09:52:03.050Z","created_at":"2026-08-03T09:52:03.128Z","updated_at":"2026-08-03T09:52:03.814Z","title":"Fire warning","content":"The devastating fires that have swept through North America and Europe this year serve as a stark warning for Australia as the summer season approaches. These fires have destroyed large forested areas, forced numerous communities to evacuate their homes, and affected countless lives. The extreme heat, persistent drought, and strong winds have created ideal conditions for severe and uncontrollable bushfires, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and preventive measures.\n\nWatching these events from Australia is troubling. We understand how quickly a small fire can turn into a disaster. Many Australians still vividly remember Black Saturday and the 2019-20 Black Summer, and the scenes from overseas seem all too familiar. Climate scientists warn that rising global temperatures are making extreme weather events more frequent and severe. Prolonged dry spells can make forests and grasslands more combustible, while heatwaves strain emergency services and increase risks for communities.\n\nThese overseas fires serve as a timely reminder to prepare for the months ahead. Regularly clearing gutters, reviewing bushfire plans, checking emergency kits, and staying informed can significantly improve our readiness when conditions worsen. As winter transitions into spring and summer, the smoke visible over distant lands underscores the ongoing challenges Australia may encounter, emphasising the critical importance of being well-prepared.","tags":"_208words_","slug":"fire-warning-1785750723058","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63341,"published_at":"2026-08-03T06:17:30.980Z","created_at":"2026-08-03T06:17:31.056Z","updated_at":"2026-08-03T06:17:32.007Z","title":"On the socials","content":"Today marks my yearly ritual of logging into Facebook to see if anyone wishes me a happy birthday (after they've been told by FB that today's my birthday). It's almost the only reason I jump on FB anymore. Although, I do also check my brother's farm updates -- no figs this year.\n\nBut I am back on the socials again. I finally had Claude set up a [shareable snapshot](https://golifelog.com/posts/shareable-snapshot-1780662074690) tool for my Writing Streak writing prompts.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/rK7vR0Fp/chrome-Mhgbazz-Gx4.png)\n\nI already had Mastodon and Blue Sky accounts, so I'm posting there. Claude suggested I post on Pinterest for these snapshots since those can surface years later. Posts to the others sites live and die within minutes. Right now I'm using Buffer, but I'm planning to integrate posting directly from my dashboard.\n\nI just added automated posting to Mastodon from my Line A Day app. Took 15 minutes to set up and configure with Claude. Usually I can't be bothered to post to social media, but I guess with AI I'll eventually have a whole host of little content generators.\n\n[![](https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/117/030/029/080/231/825/small/d2877631d7646960.png)](https://mastodon.social/@winkletter/117030029138730498)","tags":"_220words_","slug":"on-the-socials-1785737850988","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":356,"published_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.045Z","created_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.053Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:02:36.227Z","title":"Create apps for authors","description":"- Learn to program with and without AI\n- Make applications that are useful for authors\n- Use those apps for my own author brand","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47754,"created_at":"2026-08-04T01:42:19.130Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T01:42:19.404Z","content":"Happy belated birthday! ","post":63341,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47755,"created_at":"2026-08-04T12:12:37.134Z","updated_at":"2026-08-04T12:12:37.408Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson Thanks! Sadly my biological age is counted like dog-years.","post":63341,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63340,"published_at":"2026-08-03T00:51:34.297Z","created_at":"2026-08-03T00:51:34.375Z","updated_at":"2026-08-03T00:52:46.212Z","title":"The opposite of a good idea","content":"Adman Rory Sutherland often says, \"The opposite of a good idea is another good idea.\" When you start to factor in human psychology, things get a little weird. Bold and minimal is one good idea. Subtle and ornate is its opposite. People optimize for different things. And even the same person over time loses interest in their preferred choice and craves its opposite.\n\n![](https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/117/028/587/357/821/332/small/6adb036c6bfcb0fa.png)\n\nWe're always presented with trade-offs. This is why I often say that every rule implies its opposite. This is what philosopher Paul Grice called conversational implicature. The advice itself implies there's a tempting other choice and a context within which it makes sense. \"Show don't tell,\" implies that \"Tell don't show,\" also applies in specific situations.\n\nInnovation often centers around these trade-offs, according to Genrich Altshuller. With \"Show don't tell\" we have a contradiction: the speaker wants to present convincing evidence and also form a compelling conclusion. Telling the conclusion is never as impactful as letting the audience form their own conclusions. But, this opens the possibility that evidence will be misinterpreted. Knowing this contradiction exists can help resolve the contradiction, usually through some form of separation. \n- **Separation in time:** Use scene and summary structure. Show the scene. Tell through summary.\n- **Separation in space or structure:** The narrator tells as a framing device while the narration shows in detail.\n- **Separation by scale:** A detail is shown in isolation, but at the same time works to tell the conclusion. \"If someone tries to tamper with the evidence, then we'll know they are the killer.\"\n\nIf you spot a good idea in the wild, don't copy it. Look for its opposite. Look for a contradiction. Look for an innovation that resolves that contradiction. That's how to turn one good idea into many more.","tags":"_319words_","slug":"the-opposite-of-a-good-idea-1785718294306","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63339,"published_at":"2026-08-02T22:53:05.738Z","created_at":"2026-08-02T22:53:05.816Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T22:53:06.641Z","title":"Getting good is good enough","content":"If you love learning and growing, then the way to ultra consistency can simply be about just getting good, a little bit each day.\n\nNot about being more productive.\nNot about keeping a streak.\nNot about good habits.\n\nBut just the love of getting good at something, a craft.\nThe nice, warm feeling of growing into confidence at a task.\nThe flow of performing the skill, at first awkwardly, then naturally.\n\nSometimes just that feeling alone is enough, to keep going.\nNever mind the metrics, page views, impressions, followers, shares, revenue, profit.\nEven though they are necessary.\n\nSometimes getting good, is good enough.","tags":"_103words_","slug":"getting-good-is-good-enough-1785711185746","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":25,"published_at":"2021-01-04T13:21:19.498Z","created_at":"2021-01-04T13:21:19.516Z","updated_at":"2021-06-18T00:57:35.239Z","title":"1% compounding","description":"Look for 1% improvement every week. Just 1%, 1 thing, 1 task, 1 idea.","author":1,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63338,"published_at":"2026-08-02T21:19:36.929Z","created_at":"2026-08-02T21:19:37.007Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T21:19:37.958Z","title":"Never fear, the ideas always come","content":"

I woke up this morning with no clue what my newsletter topic would be. I don't panic when this happens because I know the ideas always come. 

\n

When I have an event or some big thing going on, those newsletters are built in. When I have less going on, I have to think a bit harder about what I'm working on and how I can hit an angle that would provide value to my audience. This morning, I meditated and decided that the topic would be AI.

\n

The approach I took was to compare AI to the late 90's when Google quickly dominated the search engine space. As I noted in my newsletter, we've been trained over the last 28 years to enter some keywords into the Google search bar and go on an expedition to find what we need. A Google search asks, “Where can I find information about this?” A strong AI prompt asks, “Given my goal, circumstances, and preferences, can you help me turn this information into a useful next step?”

\n

Prompting is the real magic, and I provided some foundational principles to help people create better inputs to get better outputs. Look for the full newsletter tomorrow morning, as usual. If you're not subscribed, head on over to https://bewellthy.substack.com/.

","tags":"_214words_","slug":"never-fear-the-ideas-always-come-1785705576937","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":13,"published_at":"2020-12-31T17:54:29.086Z","created_at":"2020-12-31T17:54:29.099Z","updated_at":"2025-10-05T19:42:33.585Z","title":"Reach 1,000 paid subscribers for the Be Wellthy newsletter","description":"I think 1,000 is a nice round number that demonstrates a good following of people for my newsletter. I would like to reach 1,000 paid subscribers.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63337,"published_at":"2026-08-02T14:59:41.417Z","created_at":"2026-08-02T14:59:41.495Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T14:59:42.316Z","title":"August 2026 Goals","content":"After finally clearing the biggest milestone for my freelance work last month, I can finally shift my focus back to my own products.\n\nI actually did quite a bit of planning during my solo trip. Instead of rushing into building new things, I want to spend this month getting the foundation right. August is all about putting those plans into action.\n\n1. Health\n\nI have been ignoring my health for the past 8 months while focusing on work. I don't want to look back next year and realise I'm still at the same weight with the same regrets.\n\nThe goal isn't anything complicated. Just get back to exercising regularly and pay more attention to what I eat. Small steps, but hopefully something I can keep doing.\n\n2. Product & Hosting Cleanup\n\nDuring my trip, I spent quite some time thinking about all my products. I think the AI era is different now. Building more products isn't the answer anymore.\n\nThis month I'll be archiving or pausing some existing projects and focusing on just two tracks — one for the global market and one for the local market. Before building anything new, I want to clean everything up and simplify my portfolio.\n\n3. AI Native\n\nThe last goal is probably the one I'm most excited about.\n\nI want my product workflow to become as AI Native as possible. Not just using AI to help me code, but letting AI automate as much of the whole process as it can.\n\nThis month isn't about building the final product. It's about building the system that will help me build faster in the months ahead.\n\nSo yeah... that's my three goals for August.\n\nNothing too ambitious. Just getting the foundation ready after spending most of this year focusing on freelance work.\n\nHopefully by the end of the month, I'll have a much cleaner product portfolio, a healthier routine, and an AI Native workflow that's ready for the next stage.","tags":"_334words_","slug":"august-2026-goals-1785682781425","author":{"id":13,"username":"knight","created_at":"2020-12-28T15:34:14.581Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:28:22.589Z","streak":null,"account":13},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1124,"published_at":"2026-01-01T13:18:29.029Z","created_at":"2026-01-01T13:18:29.104Z","updated_at":"2026-01-01T13:18:29.513Z","title":"My Goal 2026","description":"My Goal 2026","author":13,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47751,"created_at":"2026-08-02T21:09:00.812Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T21:09:01.090Z","content":"I look forward to reading more updates about your AI endeavors. Regarding health, if you'd like to get insights into where you are currently, may I suggest trying this new face scan that uses the camera on your phone? https://scanner.vitalhealthglobal.com/bewellthy","post":63337,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}}]},{"id":63336,"published_at":"2026-08-02T10:44:48.593Z","created_at":"2026-08-02T10:44:48.669Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T10:44:49.349Z","title":"Wait for a win","content":"For three months, watching my football team has tested my patience. Losses mounted each week, replacing hope with resignation. However, when today’s match, a contest between two struggling teams at the bottom of the ladder, began, I felt a familiar glimmer of optimism. Perhaps, just perhaps, today would be different. \n\nThe game wasn’t exactly a classic. Both teams had numerous chances to score, but their finishing accuracy was lacking. Missed shots and squandered opportunities kept the match closely contested, preventing either side from gaining a clear advantage. The game was chaotic, frustrating, and sometimes difficult to watch, which only intensified the tension on the field. Overall, it was a tense, unpredictable encounter filled with missed opportunities that reflected both teams' struggles to convert their efforts into goals.\n\nAs the last quarter progressed, my team stayed composed. Each goal was vital, and every defensive play was crucial. When the final siren sounded, relief washed over us. It signalled more than just earning four premiership points; it marked the end of a winless streak, rewarded our steadfast loyalty, and reaffirmed why we support our teams through every challenge. For one afternoon at least, hope returned, and being a supporter felt wonderful again.","tags":"_202words_","slug":"wait-for-a-win-1785667488601","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63335,"published_at":"2026-08-01T22:56:01.050Z","created_at":"2026-08-01T22:56:01.128Z","updated_at":"2026-08-05T01:49:00.245Z","title":"Launched my very first browser extension - Carrd Auto-Save","content":"Just launched my very first browser extension on the Chrome Web Store, the [Carrd Auto-Save](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/ckcahcogomgaklbmmgcnfihckpffgmnk)!\n\n[![](https://i.ibb.co/ksM8jQPc/Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-16-21-09-Carrd-Auto-Saver-Chrome-Web-Store-copy.png)](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/ckcahcogomgaklbmmgcnfihckpffgmnk)\n\nThe Carrd Builder has no auto-save, so users (especially new users) are often losing their work. It's frustrating when hours of edits are gone! So it's not a Carrd plugin this time. It's a browser extension that automatically save your Carrd projects at customizable intervals. \n\nThis project felt like it took forever from conception to birth, because I procrastinated for months! Had this idea since early this year, but held back, hesitated because of assumptions. I assumed signing up for a dev account for the Chrome Web Store would cost a lot, like $100, but in the end it was just $5! I thought it'll take super long to approve and be a real pain, but it just took a day! It took thrice as much effort than the usual plugins, but nothing too difficult with Cursor helping. What helped lower the perceived barrier was being able to just build it and use it locally, without needing any dev account - this was all thanks to building my own local-only [color picker extension](https://golifelog.com/posts/made-my-first-browser-extension-1783205599662) and learning from that. Once that's all done, then submitting a listing felt easier. In the end, all went smoothly and well worth it. In the end, it was just my presumptions holding me back.\n\nAfter sitting on this for so long, after such a long shipping drought, it certainly felt very good getting this out into the world.\n\n[Stand up](https://golifelog.com/posts/august-2026-goals-1785539706876), I said. And I did. \n\nGood signs.","tags":"_314words_","slug":"launched-my-very-first-browser-extension-carrd-auto-save-1785624961058","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47746,"created_at":"2026-08-02T08:05:22.288Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T08:05:22.564Z","content":"OMG, you're already indexed!\n![](https://i.ibb.co/whSKZ4v3/chrome-Yz-EE07-Ei-EV.png)","post":63335,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}},{"id":47748,"created_at":"2026-08-02T14:57:27.830Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T14:57:28.102Z","content":"power!","post":63335,"author":{"id":13,"username":"knight","created_at":"2020-12-28T15:34:14.581Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:28:22.589Z","streak":null,"account":13}},{"id":47750,"created_at":"2026-08-02T21:06:59.325Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T21:06:59.597Z","content":"Congrats!","post":63335,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47752,"created_at":"2026-08-02T23:11:25.934Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T23:11:26.208Z","content":"@Winkletter WOW what?? First time seeing Google work THIS fast! Thanks for the intel, Rob!\n\n@therealbrandonwilson @knight Thanks thanks! ","post":63335,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}}]},{"id":63334,"published_at":"2026-08-01T20:20:34.378Z","created_at":"2026-08-01T20:20:34.458Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T21:06:51.224Z","title":"Blind testbench pattern","content":"One thing that makes it hard to learn is the curse of knowledge. You know what you want to create, so when you look at what you made your mind fills in the gaps, making it impossible to evaluate what you've created honestly. To learn what you really need is to experience a creation like a reader or user coming blind to the experience.\n\nI may have stumbled into a fantastic learning tool, the blind testbench. Essentially, with this pattern I use AI to generate a stock of candidate content that gets saved to a file. Then I, as the user, use an app to try out the candidates blind, recording my thoughts.\n\nThe power of this process is getting to experience the content without knowing exactly what it's meant to do or mean. I encounter it as a new user would, not as a content creator who is cursed with the knowledge of my own intent.\n\n**The pattern**\nI've started using this for my writing exercises. Using a Claude skill, I stock a candidate pool with writing exercises. Each is its own file. I then attempt the writing exercises Claude generates, recording a grade (for the exercise, not my writing), and jotting down my thoughts after reading Claude's rationale for the exercise. The point isn't to use the exercises later. There's no pipeline connecting it to my editorial dashboard. The point is to learn what makes a good writing exercise so I can write better exercises myself. It's a bit like coffee cupping, or a drinking a flight of wine to train taste.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/wZc0VJzq/chrome-c-Emko-Od-RBn.png)\n\nThere are four main parts to this system.\n\n1. File Contract, a specification for candidate files. The form of the contract depends on what you are studying.\n2. Stocking Skill, a skill for an AI agent to run to research and generate candidate files. Importantly, the skill starts by looking at what exists in the stock and planning to explore new territory.\n3. Evaluation Bench, an simple app to test, grade, and review each candidate, appending feedback to the file. It can also record user interactions like time on task, time away, and word counts.\n4. Learning Ledger, a file that collects insights from the testbench results. While the user learns from the process directly, the system learns indirectly by running through the feedback and adding insights to a ledger.\n\n**Examples and build instructions**\nAlready I have four examples I'm using or building.\n- Writing Gym: Writing exercises for my daily writing prompts\n- Cookie Jar: Data for a number-estimation game\n- Kotoba Reader: Short Japanese texts on culture with a vocabulary quiz\n- Rhetorical Reader: AI-generated passages shaped by rhetorical situation (in progress)\n\nIf you're interested in making a blind testbench, here's are links to [PATTERN - Blind Testbench](https://docs.google.com/document/d/127FQeU03UtWUyNnxj0K48gtMGAX_Q0R8DkePS6JOhfM/edit?usp=sharing) and [PATTERN - File First Collaboration](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q6aYEP4GsedzmIwUdcOhguAxE8kvk85wDdope5O0d1U/edit?usp=sharing) that can be fed to an LLM to set up a similar testbench.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/4gd2cHmy/Five-Steps-for-Objective-Evaluation.png)","tags":"_531words_","slug":"blind-testbench-pattern-1785615634389","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63333,"published_at":"2026-08-01T18:21:34.965Z","created_at":"2026-08-01T18:21:35.043Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T18:21:35.864Z","title":"The 8 Principles of Success in Network Marketing","content":"

It's time to get serious and become a professional in the industry. I started the first module of the Go Pro Certification program from Eric Worre--Sales Mastery. Right off the top, Eric shared the 8 principles of success in this business.

\n
    \n
  1. Personal development is the foundation of success. Eric likes to say that network marketing is professional development disguised as a business. When in doubt, work on yourself, and the business will naturally grow.
    2. \n
  2. You are a business owner. Have a business mindset. Because the barrier to entry is so low, most people don't treat this business like a business. Even if you are part-time like I am, you must treat this like a business if you want to be successful. 
    3. \n
  3. You should be networking, not just network marketing. Networking is about expanding your network. This applies to any business. You should always be widening your circle of people you know, either potential customers or business partners. You never know when someone may introduce you to someone else who could make all the difference in your business.
    4. \n
  4. The goal is to educate people so they understand what we have. It's called sales, but we're really in the education business. If the product/service is great and fills a need in the marketplace, then our job is to find the people who have that problem and help them understand the solution. An educated person has an easier time making a decision.
    5. \n
  5. Our business is radical simplicity. Making something super simple takes work. It's easy to let things get complicated. It's like weeds popping up in a garden. Stay focused on keeping things extremely simple and be vigilant about maintaining this in all aspects of the business.
    6. \n
  6. All business is conversation. The goal is to have 100 conversations going at any given time. This doesn't mean reaching out to people and immediately pitching what you have. It means starting conversations and keeping them going. Relationships first.
    7. \n
  7. Third-party tools are vital for success. You may be the face of your business, but to grow a successful team, what you do must be duplicatable by everyone else on the team. Third-party tools are critical for helping people get started quickly, achieve success, and help others do the same.
    8. \n
  8. The fortune is in the follow-up. Follow-up is usually more involved in prospecting, but even in sales, some follow-up is necessary, especially if you have a high price point or have an offering that requires more education. 
    9. \n
","tags":"_412words_","slug":"the-8-principles-of-success-in-network-marketing-1785608494973","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47744,"created_at":"2026-08-01T19:07:57.525Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T19:07:57.839Z","content":"> If the product/service is great and fills a need in the marketplace, then our job is to find the people who have that problem and help them understand the solution.\n\nReminds me of the man who first started shipping ice to Cuba. People didn't know what to do with it, so he started giving ice to the bars so they could add it to drinks for free.","post":63333,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}},{"id":47749,"created_at":"2026-08-02T19:29:17.198Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T19:29:17.475Z","content":"And that reminds me of the line, \"If I asked people what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse.\" It's attributed to Henry Ford, but who knows if he actually said it.","post":63333,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}}]},{"id":63332,"published_at":"2026-08-01T14:57:59.713Z","created_at":"2026-08-01T14:57:59.789Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T14:58:00.605Z","title":"July 2026 Review","content":"I survived.\n\nJuly has been hanging over my head for almost a year. The mega freelance project that I've been working on since last year finally reached its biggest milestone.\n\nThankfully, everything went smoothly.\n\nThe servers handled the load without any major issues. Even during the dinner rush when tickets were being validated non-stop, there was no downtime. Looking back, I guess I over-worried a little, but after spending so many months building towards this event, I think that's pretty normal.\n\nOnce everything was over, I finally gave myself a proper break.\n\nI went on a solo trip to Ipoh. I'll write more about the trip in another post, but honestly, I think I deserved it after everything that happened this year. It wasn't just a holiday. It gave me time to slow down, think, and reset.\n\nEven during the trip, I still couldn't stop building.\n\nI explored a few more AI ideas, spent time experimenting with Hermes and Codex, and continued reshaping my productivity workflow. It's still far from final, but I made more progress in a few days than I expected. I finally have the time to rethink how I want my whole AI-native workflow to look.\n\nI also spent quite a bit of time cleaning up my product portfolio.\n\nInstead of building more and more products, I think the AI era is pushing me in a different direction. Distribution matters more than ever. Building another product is easy compared to getting people to use it.\n\nGoing forward, I think I'll focus on just two tracks.\n\nOne for global products, and one for local AI solutions.\n\nI'd rather build fewer things that actually generate revenue than keep collecting unfinished ideas. We'll see how it goes.\n\nOverall, July was a month of survival.\n\nNow that the biggest freelance milestone is finally behind me, I'm looking forward to spending more time on products, refining my workflow, and seeing where this AI-native journey takes me.\n\nThat's all for my July.\n","tags":"_344words_","slug":"july-2026-review-1785596279720","author":{"id":13,"username":"knight","created_at":"2020-12-28T15:34:14.581Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:28:22.589Z","streak":null,"account":13},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1124,"published_at":"2026-01-01T13:18:29.029Z","created_at":"2026-01-01T13:18:29.104Z","updated_at":"2026-01-01T13:18:29.513Z","title":"My Goal 2026","description":"My Goal 2026","author":13,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47745,"created_at":"2026-08-01T19:16:41.446Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T19:17:02.543Z","content":"> I’d rather build fewer things that actually generate revenue than keep collecting unfinished ideas.\n\nThis morning I put together an idea folder so I can capture ideas, get them out of my head, and track them if they get promoted. It's hard to stop ideas, so I'm going to focus on clearing them out of my head.","post":63332,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}},{"id":47747,"created_at":"2026-08-02T14:57:08.482Z","updated_at":"2026-08-02T14:57:08.758Z","content":"Everyone has their own system nowadays. I have found that I am cancelling or preparing to cancel lots of SAAS and am just focusing on using AI & Obsidian.","post":63332,"author":{"id":13,"username":"knight","created_at":"2020-12-28T15:34:14.581Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:28:22.589Z","streak":null,"account":13}}]},{"id":63331,"published_at":"2026-08-01T09:41:25.953Z","created_at":"2026-08-01T09:41:26.030Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T09:41:26.713Z","title":"Home again","content":"After a delightful week away, returning home still feels uniquely special. While travel is thrilling, nothing beats the comfort and familiarity of home. As soon as we entered, I instantly slipped back into familiar routines. My first habit after returning from a trip is to unpack immediately, preferring to put everything away rather than leave suitcases out for days. Once that's completed, I quickly focus on household chores and tasks.\n\nBut prior to anything else, there was a more crucial task. We went to our friend’s house to pick up Louie and Otis. The instant they saw us, their excitement was undeniable. Their tails wagged wildly, they jumped around joyfully, and they overwhelmed us with love. Their reaction instantly brought to mind how much I had missed them during the past week.\n\nWhile we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, having the dogs return home truly finalised everything and brought a sense of complete joy. Their familiar faces, cheerful presence, and constant companionship made the house feel like home once more, filling it with warmth and love. It was an ideal ending to a fantastic trip and the perfect start to settling in happily back home, feeling content and at ease.","tags":"_201words_","slug":"home-again-1785577285960","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63330,"published_at":"2026-07-31T23:15:06.868Z","created_at":"2026-07-31T23:15:06.945Z","updated_at":"2026-07-31T23:15:07.767Z","title":"August 2026 goals","content":"August is where Singapore celebrates its birthday. One of my favourite classic National Day songs is [Stand Up For Singapore](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw4f90YZAmk&t=17s). It's catchy, simple, contagious to sing along, back when we were in school. \n\nStanding up, is also a great metaphor for my August goals.\n\nBecause I've been sitting on everything for too long. Faaar too long.\n\nGolden opportunities came and went. \nBrilliant ideas, fizzled out.\nNice money, flew away.\n\nI've been sitting down too long, so sedentary, so stagnant it's bad for health. Money health. Creative health. Mind health. Self esteem health.\n\nSo it's about time to stand up. \nNot run.\nNot sprint.\nNot lift off.\n\nJust stand up still. For something. For anything. Anything on the plate. Anything on the list.\n\nJust a small act of standing, but a huge difference. From sitting.\nJust look around. Start swinging your arms. Crack those joints.\n\nReady, get set","tags":"_161words_","slug":"august-2026-goals-1785539706876","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":15,"published_at":"2021-01-01T06:38:55.471Z","created_at":"2021-01-01T06:38:55.512Z","updated_at":"2021-06-18T00:58:22.690Z","title":"Monthly goals","description":"A meta goal of setting monthly goals and experiments. Can be for learning, work, productivity, health, sleep, diet, family, relationships. Anything!","author":1,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63329,"published_at":"2026-07-31T22:10:23.840Z","created_at":"2026-07-31T22:10:23.918Z","updated_at":"2026-07-31T22:10:24.608Z","title":"Every man's favorite movies","content":"

I saw an article purporting to list the top 15 favorite movies cited by men. The fact that the domain is \"secretlifeofmom\" aroused my suspicion. Nevertheless, let's walk through the list and see how accurate it is for me.

\n
    \n
  1. The Shawshank Redemption - Yep, this one is absolutely in my top 5. I remember seeing it in the theater, even though it didn't do well at the box office.
    2. \n
  2. The Godfather - Ok, yes, but this movie is not very re-watchable for me. I get it, but I prefer more recent mob movies, like Goodfellas, further down the list.
    3. \n
  3. The Dark Knight - Again, I might get some static for saying this one is overrated. Yes, Heath Ledger's Joker is great, but I think this movie is too long. Why introduce the two-faced villain as well? One iconic villain is enough.
    4. \n
  4. Pulp Fiction - This one absolutely belongs on the list, and I know @peterdannock will agree.
    5. \n
  5. Goodfellas - This is one of the all-time great mobster movies, and I would actually pick it over The Godfather. Casino is also a worthy successor.
    6. \n
  6. Fight Club - I've only seen it once. Maybe I should watch it again, but I don't recall being blown away by it.
    7. \n
  7. Inception - Another Christopher Nolan movie, which I saw once and remember being more confused than anything. I would probably pick Interstellar (#15) over this one.
    8. \n
  8. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - I've never read the books, but I did watch the movies. Again, too long. As long as we're in that type of universe, give me the adult version known as Game of Thrones. 
    9. \n
  9. Schindler's List - I never saw it. Maybe I'm missing something, but I was a teen when it came out, and it feels like a movie for an adult, and now I'm just not interested in that historical period.
    10. \n
  10. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Never saw it, but I think it's one of Quentin Tarantino's favorite movies. Perhaps I should give it a watch.
    11. \n
  11. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back - There had better have been at least one Star Wars movie mentioned--from the original trilogy, mind you. Yep, agree.
    12. \n
  12. Gladiator - Another one I somehow missed. Perhaps I should add this one to my watch list as well.
    13. \n
  13. The Matrix - Yes, definitely in my top 5.
    14. \n
  14. Saving Private Ryan - Yes, good movie. Not really re-watchable. More depressing than anything.
    15. \n
  15. Interstellar - This one should swap places with Inception, if Inception should even be on the list.
    16. \n
\n

Notable misses: 

\n\n

Guys--What would you add to the list?

","tags":"_481words_","slug":"every-mans-favorite-movies-1785535823848","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47738,"created_at":"2026-07-31T23:18:30.983Z","updated_at":"2026-07-31T23:18:31.259Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson How is *Apocalypse Now*, and *Clockwork Orange* not on the list","post":63329,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}},{"id":47739,"created_at":"2026-08-01T09:42:33.868Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T09:44:57.285Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson, yes, I agree with No. 4. I would add Mad Max, the original film.","post":63329,"author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15}},{"id":47740,"created_at":"2026-08-01T13:11:41.569Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T13:11:41.842Z","content":"@jasonleow I can see Apocalypse Now, but my own distaste for war movies kept it off my radar. Clockwork Orange is in a category by itself. @peterdannock Yes, Mad Max should be included.","post":63329,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}}]},{"id":63328,"published_at":"2026-07-31T10:56:36.906Z","created_at":"2026-07-31T10:56:36.984Z","updated_at":"2026-07-31T10:56:37.806Z","title":"Learning from the doomers","content":"I'm developing a theory. When I look at big shifts in society like the dotcom bubble and now the AI-apocalypse, the companies that survive the initial bubble are the ones that solve the downsides. Some people see the downsides, decide, \"not for me,\" and they walk away. Others see the upsides, jump into action, and run headlong into a wall. At a time like this I need to be aware of both the ups and the downs. I need to mix exuberance with temperance. Belief with doubt.\n\nIn other words, I should learn from the AI-doomers. They will teach me the problems that need to be fixed. For the doomers, those problems are reasons to ignore AI. For me, the problems are barriers to making AI work.\n\nPayPal didn't survive the dotcom bubble by providing banking services online. They survived by building a system to combat the fraud that was devouring them from the heels up. Anyone who tried to compete with them had to deal with the same problem of automated fraud. PayPal survived because they built a monitoring system that worked.\n\nWhat's the problem I'm focused on? Learning. The doomers say AI will give us all brain rot. And they say people everywhere are going to lose their jobs. I look at those two predictions and here's what I see.\n- People will need to learn new skills.\n- People can't learn new skills if they use AI naively.\n\nThat gives me a focus: learn how to use AI effectively for learning. Use AI to fight the brain rot.","tags":"_267words_","slug":"learning-from-the-doomers-1785495396914","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":215,"published_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.862Z","created_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.873Z","updated_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.888Z","title":"Clear my mind","description":"- Mindful use of media platforms\n- An uncluttered environment\n- Meditation","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63327,"published_at":"2026-07-31T07:46:03.406Z","created_at":"2026-07-31T07:46:03.483Z","updated_at":"2026-07-31T07:46:04.170Z","title":"Sunrise over Palm Cove","content":"One of the greatest blessings in my life is escaping Melbourne’s winter annually to enjoy Queensland’s warmth. While I truly love Melbourne and the life my wife and I have created there, I often wonder if we might have taken a different route had it not been for the family and friends who ground us. Maybe, instead of settling in Northcote, we could have moved north to Queensland.\n\nWaking up early on holidays has its perks. While others sleep, I quietly head outside as a new day starts. Since being at Palm Cove, I’ve walked along the beach before sunrise, before settling at the local cafe overlooking the ocean, watching the sky change from darkness to colour. The first streaks of pink and orange appear on the horizon, and soon the sun rises over the Coral Sea, its reflection shimmering on the water. The silhouettes of the people walking along the beach among the palm trees remind me of what a special place it is.\n\nThose moments hold a profound calming effect. The world appears quiet, unpressured, and simple. Daily worries and routines seem far away. Although this holiday has been amazing, the peaceful sunrises at Palm Cove might be the most memorable part I bring back. They have undeniably been the highlight of my trip.","tags":"_219words_","slug":"sunrise-over-palm-cove-1785483963414","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63326,"published_at":"2026-07-30T23:05:38.715Z","created_at":"2026-07-30T23:05:38.795Z","updated_at":"2026-07-30T23:05:39.620Z","title":"July 2026 wrap-up","content":"July was for [jumpstarting](https://golifelog.com/posts/july-2026-goals-1782859229744) back on work, health and big relocation.\n\nAnd it's been jumpstarted. Full marks to that.\n\nBack to working momentum.\nBack to my daily workouts.\nAnd definitely started on making relocation more concrete - the big reveal to parents, set up new bank account, making deposit for proof of funds.\n\nBut as written, nothing done for products or SaaS.\nBut I'm tired of being too tired to ship. \nIf nothing changes, I might as well just [work](https://golifelog.com/posts/push-comes-to-shove-1785279816437).\n\nMore to come. \nI hope.\n\nBut just starting in July was good enough. \n\nAnd I did.","tags":"_114words_","slug":"july-2026-wrap-up-1785452738725","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":15,"published_at":"2021-01-01T06:38:55.471Z","created_at":"2021-01-01T06:38:55.512Z","updated_at":"2021-06-18T00:58:22.690Z","title":"Monthly goals","description":"A meta goal of setting monthly goals and experiments. Can be for learning, work, productivity, health, sleep, diet, family, relationships. Anything!","author":1,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47741,"created_at":"2026-08-01T15:03:44.240Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T15:03:44.515Z","content":"Well done, my turn to jumpstart as well!","post":63326,"author":{"id":13,"username":"knight","created_at":"2020-12-28T15:34:14.581Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:28:22.589Z","streak":null,"account":13}}]},{"id":63325,"published_at":"2026-07-30T21:14:37.668Z","created_at":"2026-07-30T21:14:37.747Z","updated_at":"2026-07-30T21:14:38.569Z","title":"Did you see my email??","content":"

Last week, I had a friend and newsletter subscriber submit his answers to my raffle, and literally ten minutes after sending me the email, he texted me asking if I saw his email. It reminded me of working in the corporate world when someone would send me a message and tell me they just sent me an email, implying that I should look at it immediately. That's the problem with notifications — your attention is hijacked based on someone else's priorities, not yours. I turned off all notifications, and most recently, I also began using DND more often. It's really great to eliminate those pesky calls. 

\n

Regarding emails, I turned my agent loose on them. I gave it access to my business and personal Gmail accounts and let it do all the analysis, always recommend first, and do not do anything until I say the word. It helped me identify the most important emails and draft responses, archive old emails, and unsubscribe to the countless subscriptions I've accumulated over the years. 

\n

Going forward, my agent is going to give me periodic email updates so I am not tied to my inbox. This is yet another win for the AI Surfer OS.

\n

 

","tags":"_200words_","slug":"did-you-see-my-email-1785446077677","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47737,"created_at":"2026-07-31T10:58:22.254Z","updated_at":"2026-07-31T10:58:22.529Z","content":"Did you see my comment... this one right now?","post":63325,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63324,"published_at":"2026-07-30T13:50:57.707Z","created_at":"2026-07-30T13:50:57.784Z","updated_at":"2026-07-30T13:50:58.613Z","title":"Filling the cookie jar","content":"Building my little HTML projects, I find Claude is great at helping me define next steps and even set limits when it's time to step back and collect data. For a couple hours today I worked on a spec for the game idea, [Am I A Cookie?](https://golifelog.com/posts/am-i-a-cookie-1765384994551) I'm no longer jumping from the prompt straight into building. The specification process determines what's settled, what's deferred, and what is still an open question.\n\nSome open questions block progress, while others need data. Answering the blocking questions took a couple hours to think through, but it led to a better design. And now I just need to answer the data-driven questions. That meant building a playtesting environment and a Claude skill for researching and adding potential rounds to a stock.\n\nI can say, \"stock the cookie jar\", and Claude will look for interesting facts to build new rounds from. And because I haven't seen them, I can play the rounds blind and add my feedback to the data file. This is the data I need to answer open questions, so it's time to stop building and run the tests.\n\nI provide the ideas and the experience. AI helps me run and build the project. That's how this is supposed to work.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/tPHnLwjW/chrome-jm39-VYyth8.png)","tags":"_235words_","slug":"filling-the-cookie-jar-1785419457715","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":356,"published_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.045Z","created_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.053Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:02:36.227Z","title":"Create apps for authors","description":"- Learn to program with and without AI\n- Make applications that are useful for authors\n- Use those apps for my own author brand","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63323,"published_at":"2026-07-30T09:36:59.820Z","created_at":"2026-07-30T09:36:59.898Z","updated_at":"2026-07-30T09:37:00.579Z","title":"The luxury of choice","content":"There is something deeply reassuring about seeing years of careful planning come together. When my wife and I sat down to review the latest retirement projections from our financial adviser, we felt relief and satisfaction. The numbers confirmed what we had hoped: all the saving, investing, budgeting, and disciplined decisions over many years have put us in a position to retire comfortably.\n\nWhat makes it feel even better is knowing that retirement is no longer a distant concept. It is coming into view, close enough to imagine without the fear that often accompanies such a major life change. We do not have to worry about drastically cutting our spending or giving up the activities and experiences we enjoy. The financial freedom we have worked towards is becoming a reality.\n\nPerhaps the greatest gift is choice. As retirement approaches, we can decide whether to keep working, rather than being forced to. That distinction feels enormous. Work can continue if it provides purpose, enjoyment, or social connection, but the pressure is gone. After a lifetime of effort, responsibility, and careful planning, there is a wonderful sense of calm in knowing that when the time comes to step away from work, we will be more than ready.","tags":"_204words_","slug":"the-luxury-of-choice-1785404219830","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63322,"published_at":"2026-07-29T23:03:47.197Z","created_at":"2026-07-29T23:03:47.274Z","updated_at":"2026-07-29T23:03:47.951Z","title":"Just because","content":"Just because you could be doing more, doesn’t mean you’re not doing enough.\n\nJust because you did more, doesn’t mean you should continue doing more.\n\nJust because you could continue doing more, doesn’t mean you should.\n\nJust because everyone is doing more, doesn't mean you're doing less.\n\nJust because you got an all-powerful tool, doesn't mean you got to milk it.\n\nJust because an industry apocalypse is coming, doesn't mean you should run.\n\nJust because you're tired and burned out, doesn't mean you can't try.\n\nJust because this, doesn't mean that.","tags":"_104words_","slug":"just-because-1785366227205","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63321,"published_at":"2026-07-29T22:55:31.969Z","created_at":"2026-07-29T22:55:32.047Z","updated_at":"2026-07-29T22:55:32.866Z","title":"Copilot sucks","content":"

I've been using GPT and Claude for a bit now, and they've set the bar for how AI should behave. Consequently, my standards were quite high when I decided to use Copilot inside of Excel to work through a fairly advanced problem. Unfortunately, I was left disappointed.

\n

I'm working on an Excel document that has built-in SQL queries. The setup is relatively straightforward, but I added a wrinkle by allowing the user to supply values to use in the queries. I was snagged on the code to add in the advanced query to pass the values to the queries. 

\n

Copilot has a pretty nifty Edit feature that will do things for you, much like Claude Cowork. The problem is that it only works in the workbook and tabs and not behind-the-scenes. The bigger problem is that after about ten exchanges, I got a message saying the limit was reached; come back tomorrow. Apparently, my client only has a basic plan that is very limited. I switched to the chat-only option, and it gave me a code that didn't work. It came right back, and it indicted its own suggestions. Microsoft has some serious catching up to do in the AI world.

","tags":"_201words_","slug":"copilot-sucks-1785365731977","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47735,"created_at":"2026-07-29T23:33:03.420Z","updated_at":"2026-07-29T23:33:03.696Z","content":"I'm looking forward to the day when every website, every browser, and every operating system has AI installed, and they all want you to subscribe.","post":63321,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63320,"published_at":"2026-07-29T20:21:57.587Z","created_at":"2026-07-29T20:21:57.664Z","updated_at":"2026-07-29T20:21:58.614Z","title":"Decks and documents","content":"It's weird to see my ideas come to life in an afternoon. Last Friday I decided to expand the Rhetorical Slides app. Can I use one file to generate a slide deck, and a website?\n\nPart one is done and embedded in the app. I can now switch between a Deck view and a Document view. The document view promotes the notes to a single canvas where I can edit the section titles and notes as a document, and designate slides that get exported with the document.\n\nPart two is mostly done. I have a basic website export tool. I can can group slide decks together and import them. I can also embed the slide presenter in the web page. I still need to add site styles, but Claude went down so I guess it's time to take a break.\n\nBit by bit I'm building my perfect writing environment.\n\n**Document mode example**\nI can now toggle between Deck and Document views. In this document view I can edit the notes on a single page, and pick slides to include as inline images. The same file is a slide deck, an article, and a web page.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/S4FBC10B/chrome-Cw4-Lm-LRy1-I.png)","tags":"_209words_","slug":"decks-and-documents-1785356517595","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":356,"published_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.045Z","created_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.053Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:02:36.227Z","title":"Create apps for authors","description":"- Learn to program with and without AI\n- Make applications that are useful for authors\n- Use those apps for my own author brand","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63319,"published_at":"2026-07-29T09:30:24.817Z","created_at":"2026-07-29T09:30:24.927Z","updated_at":"2026-07-29T09:30:25.608Z","title":"Townsville to Palm Cove","content":"After the ferry carried us back to Breakwater Bay in Townsville, our Queensland adventure continued with a long drive north to Palm Cove, just north of Cairns. After collecting the rental car, we set off on the 380-kilometre journey with little expectation of what lay ahead. What followed was one of the most enjoyable drives I can recall.\n\nThe highway followed the tropical coast, revealing scenery that seemed to improve with every kilometre. To our left, the mountains rose dramatically from the landscape, their slopes cloaked in lush rainforest. In places, low cloud clung to the peaks, creating a picture-perfect backdrop that looked almost painted. To our right, the Coral Sea occasionally appeared between the trees, offering tantalising glimpses of blue water sparkling in the afternoon sun.\n\nThe countryside itself was magnificent. Vast stretches of sugarcane fields spread across the coastal plains, framed by rugged ranges and dense pockets of tropical vegetation. Small towns dotted the route, each with its own character and charm. The combination of mountains, farmland, rainforest and ocean created a constantly changing panorama that made the hours pass effortlessly.\n\nBy the time we arrived in Palm Cove, tired but content, we felt we had already experienced one of the holiday's highlights. The drive showcased the extraordinary beauty of Far North Queensland and reminded us how spectacular Australia's countryside can be.","tags":"_228words_","slug":"townsville-to-palm-cove-1785317424826","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63318,"published_at":"2026-07-29T00:11:36.029Z","created_at":"2026-07-29T00:11:36.118Z","updated_at":"2026-07-29T00:11:36.940Z","title":"Saving time AND money","content":"

There is no question that my AI Surfer OS is saving me time. It can analyze and produce documents in a fraction of the time, at a higher quality level than I can. Ostensibly, it's also saving money, but if you start counting the expenses associated with a server, hosting tools, and token usage, one might question whether it is also saving me real dollars. The answer is yes, and here is the latest example.

\n

I used my last shower filter and wanted to buy some replacements. Normally, if I'm shopping for something on a website other than Amazon, I search for discount codes to save some money. Anyone who has searched for discount codes probably wonders whether the juice is worth the squeeze. You end up going to all these different sites and going through hoops and hurdles to get discount codes, only to test them out at checkout and have them fail. I've given up more times than I can count. Then it hit me--why not have my agent do the heavy lifting?

\n

I gave my agent the prompt to find me a WORKING discount code and the website. After about seven minutes, it came back with some candidates. The first one worked, but it eliminated the free shipping option, so the savings were minimal. The second code applied 15% off WITH free shipping, so that was a score. 

\n

So yes, the possibilities are endless to save time and money with some guy named AI.

\n

 

","tags":"_248words_","slug":"saving-time-and-money-1785283896037","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63317,"published_at":"2026-07-28T23:53:12.481Z","created_at":"2026-07-28T23:53:12.566Z","updated_at":"2026-07-28T23:53:13.393Z","title":"Identity rebrand","content":"Do I need an identity rebrand? Reading @jasonleow [this morning](https://golifelog.com/posts/ai-ate-our-lunch-1785199200939) spurred me to reassess what I'm doing. My main problem is, of course, that I play a spread thinking of that as a strategy. But really I'm just tossing out ideas randomly and hoping one of them will hit a bullseye by chance. That's not real strategy.\n\nStrategy means making real bets.\n\nA video by Jon Xu has been nagging at me: [\"Pick One Idea and Go Deep\"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R56RJFZBasQ). It's one of those lessons that I don't want to hear. A true pivot is hard to embrace because my instinct is to defend my current position. I personally think Writing Streak is a great brand name, but when I actually assess the ideas I care about and who my target audience should be, I'm probably better off identifying myself as Robb, the Rhetorical Writer.\n\nMy *kairos* is not the common scenario of \"people trying to develop a writing habit\". My focus should be writers in a transitional period, i.e. \"learning to write professionally\". To make that transition, they don't need a writing habit, they need to understand that rhetoric determines how a text lives and dies in social systems.\n\nIt feels safe to walk around the village houses and knock on doors. The hard call is picking a direction to walk straight into the wilderness.","tags":"_248words_","slug":"identity-rebrand-1785282792491","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47734,"created_at":"2026-07-29T23:07:30.598Z","updated_at":"2026-07-29T23:07:30.870Z","content":"> It feels safe to walk around the village houses and knock on doors. The hard call is picking a direction to walk straight into the wilderness.\n\nWow nicely put! Perfect image for how this SaaSpocalypse is playing out","post":63317,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}},{"id":47736,"created_at":"2026-07-29T23:38:21.714Z","updated_at":"2026-07-29T23:38:22.024Z","content":"Is it a SaaSpocalypse, or a SaaSportunity? Probably both.","post":63317,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63316,"published_at":"2026-07-28T23:03:36.428Z","created_at":"2026-07-28T23:03:36.507Z","updated_at":"2026-07-28T23:03:37.199Z","title":"Push comes to shove","content":"When does self-care turn into stagnation and laziness? Where does the line start?\n\nThis burnout never seems to end. And self-care never seems to stop. After a while, what was a stop gap measure became daily life. Daily life turns into lifestyle. And after a while, all I wanted was to do nothing, watch videos all day, and chill 24/7. Self-care turns into stagnation, into laziness.\n\nThen, unexpected forces in the household this week pushed me back to having to wake up at 5am all over again, finding an extra 2h per day to work for 15h days. Having to push hard, all over again.\n\nIt's as if the universe had enough of my pottering around and decided I needed a ~~push~~ shove.\n\nPush comes to shove. Hard shove. Maybe it's time, to use the difficulty.\n\nAfter all, all that self-care was leading nowhere. Burnout was not getting better, anyway. \n\nMight as well just get tf back to work.","tags":"_166words_","slug":"push-comes-to-shove-1785279816437","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63315,"published_at":"2026-07-28T09:52:37.647Z","created_at":"2026-07-28T09:52:37.725Z","updated_at":"2026-07-28T09:52:38.406Z","title":"Forts Walk","content":"One of the highlights of our holiday on Magnetic Island has been the famous Forts Walk. We set off late in the afternoon, hoping to catch the sunset from the forts. The track climbed steadily, revealing glimpses of sparkling blue water through the trees and offering breathtaking views across the bays below. As we walked, it was impossible not to reflect on the history hidden among the granite boulders. Perched high above the coastline, the remains of World War II fortifications stand, built to defend Townsville and the surrounding waters during a time of great uncertainty. The old gun emplacements, command posts and observation points stand as reminders of a very different era.\n\nThe scenery was truly spectacular, offering breathtaking views at every turn, but it was the wildlife that truly made the walk unforgettable. Several koalas slept peacefully in the branches overhead, one cradling a tiny baby koala, seemingly unconcerned by the visitors below and adding a sense of wonder to the experience. Reaching the summit felt like a well-earned reward for our efforts, providing a panoramic vista that was absolutely worth it. Standing among the ancient, weathered ruins, surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscape, I felt incredibly fortunate to experience one of Australia’s most remarkable walks.","tags":"_212words_","slug":"forts-walk-1785232357656","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63314,"published_at":"2026-07-28T00:40:00.931Z","created_at":"2026-07-28T00:40:01.007Z","updated_at":"2026-07-28T00:40:01.696Z","title":"AI ate our lunch","content":"There's a [trend of declining revenue and traffic with indie hackers projects](https://x.com/levelsio/status/2081372113307402730?s=20).\n\nAI is coming for our lunch.\nNo, it ate our lunch already. \nWe just don't know it yet.\n\nWith AI answers replacing SEO, and people vibecoding their own apps instead of paying a SaaS subscription, seems like the writing is on the wall. I think there's zero market now to sell to other indie hackers and makers. They can vibecode their own app that does 80% of what your app does. \n\nFor free.\n\nBut just because a tool makes everyone a developer doesn't mean they want to be. Some are too old to learn. Some are too busy running their analog business to fuss around with code. Others can code, but rather use a paid solution than to maintain it.\n\nSo maybe the opportunity is to sell to those who are not WILLING to learn vibecoding? \nOr a SaaS that's more complex to vibecode over a weekend, or too much effort to update/maintain over time.\n\nNot necessarily enterprise or B2B, though it's easy to imagine. I'm thinking analog industries, sweaty startups like cleaning, plumbing, construction.\n\n*Any examples??*","tags":"_205words_","slug":"ai-ate-our-lunch-1785199200939","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63313,"published_at":"2026-07-27T22:39:03.140Z","created_at":"2026-07-27T22:39:03.221Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T22:39:04.328Z","title":"The doctor is (possibly?) in","content":"

This morning, my business partner Veronica and I met with the naturopathic doctor. The appointment moved up an hour, so I'm glad we were up early and ready to meet on time. We knew we had limited time, and we made the most of it.

\n

We opened by saying that for this exercise, he's the patient. We added the record into the system and ran the whole-body scan on him that takes less than two minutes. We then proceeded through most of the report data. I say most because the final report is 120+ pages. He was very impressed with the level of detail and analysis. His focus was more clinical, and he was curious about how the results would track with lab work. He is going to get lab work in the next week, so he can compare his results and decide whether he believes this tool is A) accurate and B) something that will add value to his practice.

\n

I didn't push the business side much, but I did show him the potential for retail sales. Most naturopaths use Fullscript, which is an online supplement retailer. He said his margin on the supplements he prescribes is 30%. I told him our product margin starts at 50% and can be as high as 90%. That raised some eyebrows.

\n

The fortune is in the follow-up. It is up to Veronica, with my support, to keep the conversation going to help the doctor reach a decision. Ultimately, we want to get him on board, but I am not attached to any outcome.

","tags":"_261words_","slug":"the-doctor-is-possibly-in-1785191943150","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63312,"published_at":"2026-07-27T10:22:35.248Z","created_at":"2026-07-27T10:22:35.325Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T10:22:36.004Z","title":"Magnetic Island Wildlife","content":"One of the most magnificent parts of our stay on Magnetic Island has been the incredible wildlife. From the moment we arrived, it felt as though nature was all around us, thriving in a way that is increasingly rare. The island is a sanctuary for many native animals.\n\nThe rock wallabies were a highlight. Seeing them hop among the boulders near the shoreline, completely at ease in their natural environment, was wonderful. Equally special was spotting koalas. The koala population on Magnetic Island is highly significant, as it is the largest wild colony in Northern Australia. This population marks the northernmost limit of the koala's geographic range. The birdlife was equally impressive. More than 180 bird species inhabit the island, including rainbow lorikeets, sulphur-crested cockatoos, and blue-winged kookaburras.\n\nPerhaps the most enchanting experience was walking along a bush track surrounded by butterflies. They drifted through the air like tiny pieces of living art, turning an ordinary walk into something unforgettable. Combined with the sounds of the forest, it created a sense of wonder that is difficult to describe.\n\nMagnetic Island is more than just beautiful beaches and stunning views. Its remarkable wildlife makes it a truly special place, and seeing these animals in their natural habitat has been one of the highlights of our holiday.","tags":"_218words_","slug":"magnetic-island-wildlife-1785147755256","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63311,"published_at":"2026-07-27T07:33:07.357Z","created_at":"2026-07-27T07:33:07.434Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T07:33:08.251Z","title":"Irons in the fire","content":"I have a lot of irons in the fire. Reading @therealbrandonwilson [yesterday](https://golifelog.com/posts/ai-tool-or-toy-1785106530760) inspired me to start building a process for a weekly review. I didn't want to make my AI models do homework, i.e. track everything they create. So instead there's a daily script that runs and checks what was changed in my Workspace folder. The process is still a bit open, but the plan is to harden it over time. On Fridays I'll have a planning session looking ahead, and on Sunday I'll do a look back at the week.\n\nIs AI a tool? Is it a toy? For me it's a time manager.\n\nThis morning I updated the Writing Streak [daily exercise page](https://writingstreak.com/today/) to support a new exercise structure. It's much simpler. The entire exercise now exists as a single line or two, although I do still have an optional preparation and reflection stage. My next goal is to add a [shareable snapshot](https://golifelog.com/posts/shareable-snapshot-1780662074690) so I can start posting the exercises on social media.\n\nAnd finally, I set up a placeholder webpage for my new project, [Rhetorical Writer](https://rhetoricalwriter.com/) (the domain name might still be propagating out to the web). Instead of a hero image, I embedded a slide deck that switches between four different slide decks that describe the vision I have for the system.\n\nPart of that vision is to eventually make the webpage itself the output of the system. The site itself is the test case.\n\n**Example slide**\n![](https://i.ibb.co/9khWqp8X/site-pitch-16-statement.png)","tags":"_281words_","slug":"irons-in-the-fire-1785137587365","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":356,"published_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.045Z","created_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.053Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:02:36.227Z","title":"Create apps for authors","description":"- Learn to program with and without AI\n- Make applications that are useful for authors\n- Use those apps for my own author brand","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47729,"created_at":"2026-07-27T13:55:44.095Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T13:55:44.369Z","content":"Fantastic. I like \"time-giver\" because that's what some guy named AI is doing for me.","post":63311,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}}]},{"id":63310,"published_at":"2026-07-27T00:48:40.065Z","created_at":"2026-07-27T00:48:40.143Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T00:48:40.828Z","title":"Make sense or make money","content":"When you get older, everything has to make sense or make money.\n\nEngaging with like-minded indie hackers to learn from one another - why bother?\nEntertainment like watching tv, video games, hobbies - who has time for that?\nCoffees that I used to go for without any agenda, just for serendipity - gone.\nFreely helping others, volunteering, doing projects for public good - bye.\nTweeting fancy stuff and complaints or bait to build an audience - yuck.\nConnections I used to want to keep warm for networking - nah.\nOld friends whom I would freely give my time to - no more.\nProjects I used to do for fun, to \"build in public\" - bleh.\n\nYou can say that's just being an asshole. Or selfish. Or cold.\nMaybe it is.\n\nBut I just don't care anymore.\nI can't.\n\nA lot of the bullshit and fluff naturally trims away, because there just isn't enough time, money or energy. And years left, of this one wild and precious life.\n\nMake sense, or make money.","tags":"_169words_","slug":"make-sense-or-make-money-1785113320073","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47731,"created_at":"2026-07-27T15:37:11.302Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T15:37:11.581Z","content":"There's a lot of truth in this observation. It's a bit sad when fun is taken out of the equation, which is something I want to bring back more fully in my life.","post":63310,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47733,"created_at":"2026-07-28T01:04:42.767Z","updated_at":"2026-07-28T01:04:43.041Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson Good point. I should have mentioned - make sense includes fun too! Just new—better—types of fun.","post":63310,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}}]},{"id":63309,"published_at":"2026-07-26T23:55:03.536Z","created_at":"2026-07-26T23:55:03.613Z","updated_at":"2026-07-26T23:55:08.648Z","title":"Effective AI use","content":"I've been trying to learn a bit more about the differences in the AI models just in the Claude ecosystem. Right now there are four main models: Haiku 4.5, Sonnet 5, Opus 5, and Fable 5.\n- **Fable 5** is the most competent when working on complex coding tasks, but it's terrible at prose. In fact, it's very dense when explaining things and I struggle to understand it. That being said, it understand me and my intent almost better than I do. It's best at architecting and managing a plan, and checking on the work of other models.\n- **Opus 5** is competent as well, but it has a tendency to chase rabbits down rabbit holes. It will see problems where none exist and get derailed by pointless details. In conversations I've noticed it pushes back, but superficially. It pushes back as a matter of form, not because it has a relevant point to make. It ignores my instructions because it decides something else is more important. With this model, it actually works best at lower levels of effort and thinking. More thinking makes it more annoying.\n- **Sonnet 5** is the best of these models for having a discussion or writing prose. I sometimes use it to make small edits in my projects. But mostly I use it for writing tasks and chatting about ideas.\n- **Haiku 4.5** is one I don't use often enough. It's the workhorse for following explicit instructions. So if I had 1000 documents to reformat or index, I would set up a process, test a few records, and then run Haiku. It's also good for quick questions.\n\nLast week I actually hit my plan limit. I thought I was losing access to Fable, so I ran it hard. Then I found out Anthropic was going to keep Fable on the Max plan. But I now understand why no one likes API usage. I used about 20 dollars of API usage with four requests which wouldn't have even triggered my session limit.\n\n- $2.42 for writing a spec using Fable 5\n- $2.10 for 15 research prompts using Fable 5\n- $2.90 for 5 reports and a breakdown into smaller files using Sonnet 5 (a big task that generates 105 files)\n- $13.85 for 10 reports and a breakdown into smaller files using Sonnet 5 (a huge task, 210 files)\n\nThat last one took me by surprise. I asked for twice the work as the third request, but it cost 5 times as much. Why? ¯\\\\\\_(ツ)\\_/¯ Who knows? And that's the only answer I'll ever get. It could be that the third task cost less than it should -- my usage was at 100% but maybe it didn't switch over to API use until partway through the task. As I said, \"¯\\\\\\_(ツ)\\_/¯\".\n\nThe main lesson is to use the right model for the right task. I've seen people complain because they can only use 50% of plan usage for Fable 5, but that just means they're using the models wrong. They're probably using Fable everywhere, and that's not just a waste, it's ineffective. Fable's the big boss. Opus is the competent but overeager subordinate. Sonnet is the effective worker who is good at communicating. And Haiku is the cheap workforce that benefits from clear instructions.\n\nBut I can also understand that knee-jerk reaction after trying out API usage. I burned my promotional credits quick. You never want to depend on API use unless you have highly optimized tasks that take advantage of batching and caching discounts. Or you have deep pockets.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/2bJcFhh/AI-Model-Task-Selection-Guide-med.png)","tags":"_626words_","slug":"effective-ai-use-1785110103543","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":356,"published_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.045Z","created_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.053Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:02:36.227Z","title":"Create apps for authors","description":"- Learn to program with and without AI\n- Make applications that are useful for authors\n- Use those apps for my own author brand","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47730,"created_at":"2026-07-27T13:59:26.108Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T13:59:26.378Z","content":"Nice breakdown. I don't want to know how the sausage is made. This idea of which model to use for which task should be solved for me, with some up-front definitions to tell it which models to use for which inquiries (and factor in the usage costs). Still offer the option to select a model, but my style is to let AI figure it out. ","post":63309,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47732,"created_at":"2026-07-27T23:18:41.941Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T23:18:42.221Z","content":"That's another approach. Let someone else tweak the system. I peek into the sausage because I'm fascinated with language and psychology and each model is a mini experiment in how to build intelligence.","post":63309,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63308,"published_at":"2026-07-26T22:55:30.751Z","created_at":"2026-07-26T22:55:30.830Z","updated_at":"2026-07-26T22:55:31.657Z","title":"AI tool or toy?","content":"

I have observed many people who seem to be dabbling in AI as if it were a toy. They're just messing around without any aim or goal. Almost using it for the sake of it rather than anything else. They might as well be a ghostbuster with a proton pack shooting around the ion beam, whether or not Slimer is around. I'm not knocking the activity. I'm all for having fun, but once I saw the potential of what AI can really do, it started to get serious for me.

\n

I asked my agent to give me a summary of everything it has done for me in just under two weeks. Here is the response:

\n
\n

AI Surfer OS has helped Brandon create and organize 200+ assets, including 43 PDFs, 18 HTML documents, 24 drafts/plans, 11 campaign CSV/log files, and 97 images, while supporting Vital Health outreach, GHL campaign setup, Be Wellthy launch content, prospect documents, product PDFs, recurring monitoring, and specialist-agent workflows.

\n

Estimated total time saved so far: 120 to 180+ hours, plus 5 to 10 hours per week ongoing from monitoring, campaign tracking, and follow-up support.

\n
\n

The time-saving alone is worth the price of admission. So for me, this tool feels like a toy, a tool, and something more personal and powerful.

","tags":"_215words_","slug":"ai-tool-or-toy-1785106530760","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47728,"created_at":"2026-07-27T01:16:07.206Z","updated_at":"2026-07-27T01:16:07.484Z","content":"Ah, good idea to put together a summary for a weekly review.","post":63308,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63307,"published_at":"2026-07-26T10:54:31.051Z","created_at":"2026-07-26T10:54:31.133Z","updated_at":"2026-07-26T10:54:31.818Z","title":"Magnetic Island","content":"Today was one of those holiday days that seemed to unfold at exactly the right pace. After escaping the chill of a Melbourne winter, we woke to the gentle warmth and relaxed atmosphere that make Magnetic Island such a special destination. Our day began with breakfast by the beach. There is something wonderfully soothing about enjoying coffee and breakfast as small waves lapped the shore. A typical holiday activity for us.\n\nLater, we set off on a bushwalk through the island’s rugged landscape. The track wound through eucalyptus trees and granite boulders, offering glimpses of the coastline through the bush. Walking at an unhurried pace, we were able to appreciate the natural beauty around us and leave behind the stresses of everyday life.\n\nMagnetic Island has a unique charm, blending tropical beaches with native Australian bushland. It feels peaceful yet alive, remote yet welcoming. As we wandered along the trails and took in the stunning scenery, it was easy to see why so many people fall in love with this island. By the end of the day, we felt relaxed, refreshed, and grateful to share such a lovely experience together in this beautiful corner of North Queensland.","tags":"_198words_","slug":"magnetic-island-1785063271062","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63306,"published_at":"2026-07-25T23:13:55.453Z","created_at":"2026-07-25T23:13:55.537Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T23:14:00.516Z","title":"Missing","content":"Sometimes language misses the point. \n\n\"I miss it\" sounds sad.\n\n\"I miss Japan.\"\n\"I miss Chiangmai.\"\n\"I miss being young.\"\n\"I miss those early years.\"\n\nAll sounds like loss. \nNostalgia often carries a hint of heartbreak.\nIt's unreasonable but it's true.\n\nBut oftentimes what I actually wanted to say was, \"It makes me happy to remember it. I am glad it happened at all.\"\n\nSo many more words.\nSo—unfortunately—people compress it to just \"I miss it\".\nBut it couldn't be more different in outlook and stance.\n\nOne sees lack, the other see abundance.\nOne is grief, the other is gratitude.\nOne clings, the other sets free.\n\nI wish we had a single word to say the other.\n\nPeople would be much happier.","tags":"_127words_","slug":"missing-1785021235465","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63305,"published_at":"2026-07-25T17:00:04.104Z","created_at":"2026-07-25T17:00:04.187Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T17:00:09.582Z","title":"The balance of learning vs doing","content":"

I continue to explore the balance between learning and taking action. As I wrote in my newsletter about the Training Balance scale, 90% or more of success comes down to mindset. That would be the learning side of the equation. But for those of us who love to learn, we might get stuck in learning mode instead of doing mode. 

\n

I am exploring this balance as it relates to growing my Vital Health business and becoming a network marketing professional. I have never had any formal training in network marketing, and I have a lot to learn (and unlearn from listening to the wrong people in previous companies). The key is still taking action because faith without deeds is dead.

\n

On the flip side, I jumped all in with AI and have been doing and learning all the way. It's been great fun and a nice change. Then again, AI lets you fail fast and with low stakes. This method wouldn't be ideal for the big pillars.

\n

I bring this up as I debate whether to sign up for a network marketing certification program. I have a call with a coach today and will discuss and make my final decision with her.

","tags":"_202words_","slug":"the-balance-of-learning-vs-doing-1784998804116","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63304,"published_at":"2026-07-25T14:57:23.286Z","created_at":"2026-07-25T14:57:23.363Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T14:57:24.197Z","title":"Early adopters","content":"*Q: What's the actual gap between \"a tool I built for myself\" and \"a tool another author could open cold and use\" — and is closing that gap worth it for any single project right now, or is it premature?*\n\nThere's an app called YNAB (You Need A Budget). It started off a personal spreadsheet in 2003. And a year later it was launched as a commercial product, still in spreadsheet form. And then in 2006 it became an official standalone software product. One reason why that process worked is because the early adopters weren't casual users. These were people willing to deal with a bit of resistance in the product because the system was exactly what they were craving.\n\nThis is a good lesson to keep in mind. I can launch products without having to make them highly-polished applications. My Rhetorical Slides project can just be the web page docs and a set of instructions in a zip file. Build for early adopters who understand my vision.","tags":"_171words_","slug":"early-adopters-1784991443294","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":356,"published_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.045Z","created_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.053Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:02:36.227Z","title":"Create apps for authors","description":"- Learn to program with and without AI\n- Make applications that are useful for authors\n- Use those apps for my own author brand","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63303,"published_at":"2026-07-25T08:50:21.263Z","created_at":"2026-07-25T08:50:21.345Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T08:50:22.040Z","title":"A ferry long wait","content":"After a long afternoon of travelling, we finally arrived in Townsville just after 6:30 pm, relieved that the hardest part of the journey was behind us. Magnetic Island was almost within reach. We stood at the ferry terminal, knowing our accommodation and the start of our holiday lay just across the water. Then came the disappointment: we would have to wait an hour for the next ferry. Normally, an hour doesn’t seem like much. Tonight, it felt endless, and we just wanted to get there.\n\nNeither of us had planned for the delay. We had no food or drink, and by this stage our energy reserves were dangerously low. The excitement of escaping Melbourne’s winter had given way to hunger, fatigue and the simple desire to be somewhere comfortable. \n\nAround us, other travellers chatted excitedly about their holidays, all focused on one thing: getting to their accommodation. We imagined a meal, a drink and a chance to finally put our feet up after a long day. For now, though, all we could do was wait, watch the ferries come and go, and count down the minutes until we finally arrived on Magnetic Island and a comfortable bed for the night.","tags":"_203words_","slug":"a-ferry-long-wait-1784969421274","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63302,"published_at":"2026-07-25T03:04:57.211Z","created_at":"2026-07-25T03:04:57.287Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T03:04:57.991Z","title":"I am not who I think I am (apparently)","content":"

I just spent almost six hours in an incredible meeting with Jim, a certified iridologist. For those who are unfamiliar, and that was me up until a couple of weeks ago, an iridologist studies the patterns in the iris (colored part of the eye). I was blown away by everything Jim told me just from studying my eyes. Curiously, none of the information was related to my biology. His specialty is trauma and emotions.

\n

So yah, I've got mommy issues. And apparently, I'm a sensitive soul, but since I was a kid, I have gone inward and leaned into my analytical brain and suppressed emotions. These stuck emotions are what are keeping me stuck now in all areas of my life: personal as well as professional. It's a relief to finally have an answer to the missing piece I have been seeking for a while.

\n

So, now what? Well, he's going to send me some material to read/listen to, and then we're going to start working together on identifying these trapped emotions using breathing techniques and muscle testing. I really don't know what I'm in for, and I'm not exactly thrilled about finally plumbing the depths of what I have left alone, but it is work I must complete to evolve and achieve what I want in this life.

","tags":"_220words_","slug":"i-am-not-who-i-think-i-am-apparently-1784948697218","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63301,"published_at":"2026-07-24T22:55:47.672Z","created_at":"2026-07-24T22:55:47.748Z","updated_at":"2026-07-24T22:55:48.435Z","title":"Comfort","content":"> Plenty of growth can be found in removing your vices, but the real leaps are unlocked when you stop clinging to your comforts. – [James Clear](https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/july-23-2026)\n\nThat's called your comfort zone.\n\nIt's comfortable, yes.\nBut nothing grows there.\nNothing.\n\nBecause nothing changes.\nThere's no growth impetus.\nIt's all just laziness, or luxury.\n\nIt's just stasis masquerading as normalcy.\nIt's all circus and bread.\n\nReal growth happens where you're uncomfortable.\nWhere discomfort is normalcy.\nWhere you feel lazy but get up anyway.\nWhere not showing up is a luxury.\n\nSo, anytime you feel uncomfortable... you know you're growing.","tags":"_113words_","slug":"comfort-1784933747679","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47725,"created_at":"2026-07-25T16:43:44.562Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T16:43:44.840Z","content":"\"Removing your vices will make you better. Removing your comforts will make you suspiciously productive and slightly annoying at dinner.\" -Jim Muddled","post":63301,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47727,"created_at":"2026-07-25T23:15:34.666Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T23:15:34.937Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson LOL agree with the slightly annoying part!","post":63301,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}}]},{"id":63300,"published_at":"2026-07-24T20:37:19.057Z","created_at":"2026-07-24T20:37:19.135Z","updated_at":"2026-07-24T20:37:19.958Z","title":"Gradual disempowerment","content":"Substack has added an AI-detection tool readers can trigger to get an AI estimate of AI use. They don't ban AI use, but I like that they've added this window. Honestly, I've been losing my desire to write. For the newsletter I've been feeding my ideas into the AI, letting it set up the article based on a template, and then editing the output. I'm in the loop, but the article comes out reading more like AI than myself. I've been telling myself it doesn't matter since the newsletter is just a preview. But obviously it does matter because today is Friday, and I only finished this week's post today. The thrill is gone.\n\nToday I was ready to post the AI version but I stopped. The AI detection tool gave me just enough incentive to put in a bit more effort. I rewrote the article from the ground up so I could get the human-authored merit badge, and I enjoyed the process a lot more.\n\nThis is one thing I knew I had to watch. When you can get good output for cheap, the incentive to do the hard work drops, especially if you feel like no one is really looking. \n\nThere are still ways to use AI to empower what I do, but I have to be vigilant not to optimize away everything I care about.","tags":"_238words_","slug":"gradual-disempowerment-1784925439066","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47726,"created_at":"2026-07-25T17:21:03.983Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T17:21:04.260Z","content":"Interesting. I will be curious to see what scores my newsletters will get. ","post":63300,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}}]},{"id":63299,"published_at":"2026-07-24T10:11:07.936Z","created_at":"2026-07-24T10:11:08.013Z","updated_at":"2026-07-24T10:11:13.081Z","title":"A holiday for everyone","content":"For many years, whenever my wife and I headed off on holiday, one of the biggest expenses was arranging for Louie and Otis to stay at a kennel. While we always knew they were safe and well cared for, it came with a hefty price tag and a touch of guilt. Leaving them behind never felt quite right, especially knowing how much they enjoy being part of a family environment. This year is different. Our friend has generously offered to look after Louie and Otis while we are away, and the arrangement could not have worked out better. Her young grandson is absolutely thrilled that the dogs are coming to stay. From the moment he heard the news, he started talking excitedly about them sleeping on the end of his bed.\n\nIt makes it so much easier to know that our boys will be surrounded by people who genuinely want them there. Instead of spending their days in a kennel, they will be part of a household, receiving attention, affection, and, no doubt, more than a few treats. For Louie and Otis, it will be a holiday of their own. It is reassuring to know that while we are enjoying our upcoming trip, our two furry companions will be making happy memories of their own with a young boy who can hardly wait for their arrival.","tags":"_226words_","slug":"a-holiday-for-everyone-1784887867944","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63298,"published_at":"2026-07-24T01:16:57.598Z","created_at":"2026-07-24T01:16:57.679Z","updated_at":"2026-07-24T01:16:58.363Z","title":"SQL School encore","content":"

My client had a new person join the team, and they asked me to put her through my SQL course. I am always eager for a new student, so I readily agreed, and we had our first session this morning, which went swimmingly.

\n

I then had a conversation with the configuration manager, in which I shared with her an Excel tool I've been working on that takes the guesswork out of queries and lets users navigate data in Excel without SQL knowledge. She loved it and then mentioned that she has two people on her team that she wishes would learn more SQL. I told her that I just started a run of the course, and she immediately added them to the invite to join us for Session 2 next week. It's perfect timing because, although they missed Session 1, Session 2 is a recap, and it will be easy for them to catch up.

\n

My SQL School course is one of my favorite accomplishments during these last twelve years of my health consultant career. It's the deliverable I'm most proud of, and I believe it has had the biggest impact on the most people. I still have fellow consultants telling me how comfortable they got with SQL after taking my course. 

\n

 

","tags":"_212words_","slug":"sql-school-encore-1784855817609","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47723,"created_at":"2026-07-24T20:55:27.872Z","updated_at":"2026-07-24T20:55:28.148Z","content":"This sounds like a good side hustle to your now-main-hustle. It differentiates you within the team while giving you a longer track record teaching SQL.","post":63298,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}},{"id":47724,"created_at":"2026-07-25T13:44:13.238Z","updated_at":"2026-07-25T13:44:13.520Z","content":"Yes, I suppose if I had plans to stay in the insurance industry, I would put together a plan to get more gigs simply by selling and delivering my course. ","post":63298,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}}]},{"id":63297,"published_at":"2026-07-23T22:53:03.273Z","created_at":"2026-07-23T22:53:03.350Z","updated_at":"2026-07-23T22:53:04.037Z","title":"Difficulty is growth","content":"Overheard today:\n\n\"Life's been hard recently. I must be growing, then.\"\n\nThat's such a beautiful way to reframe hard times.\n\nThe growth mindset is such a powerful lens upon which to see the world, life and everything else in between. When everything is for growth and every growth opportunity a win, you can never lose. Failures are lessons in disguise. Missteps are detours towards success. Struggle is a chance to build skill.\n\nTransmute the difficulty—every difficulty—and nothing shall bring you down again, ever.\n\nThe garden was dry and browned, but your blood, sweat and tears have returned as rain. It rained so much that all the flowers came back.","tags":"_113words_","slug":"difficulty-is-growth-1784847183280","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63296,"published_at":"2026-07-23T20:37:44.396Z","created_at":"2026-07-23T20:37:44.475Z","updated_at":"2026-07-23T20:37:45.295Z","title":"Excess rigamarole","content":"*Q: What's the smallest possible version of the piece you've been avoiding — and would you actually write that smaller version this week instead of waiting for the real one?*\n\nThis week I'm answering questions I had Claude seed for me. This one is interesting because it perfectly matches an insight I had yesterday. I'm struggling to keep up with my newsletter and writing exercises. When that happens it's a good sign something is off and I know it. I've let my exercises become too complicated again. I was trying to make the exercises more rigorous, but I've just added excess rigamarole. The exercises need to be small enough to fit in a snapshot.\n\nNot only would it work better as an exercise, but then I can build an actual snapshot mechanism for posting the exercises elsewhere as an image. When my AI tokens reset tomorrow I'm going to rebuild the system. It will still have a pause to jot down a plan, and a reflection at the end, but the exercise itself is going to rely more on the writer to interpret instructions.","tags":"_191words_","slug":"excess-rigamarole-1784839064405","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63295,"published_at":"2026-07-23T10:56:58.446Z","created_at":"2026-07-23T10:56:58.523Z","updated_at":"2026-07-23T10:56:59.202Z","title":"Winter warmth","content":"Though the weather has been kind lately, Melbourne winter still has a way of creeping into my bones. The cold mornings, the short days and the endless layers of jumpers make me appreciate the warmth all the more. That is why my wife and I have developed a tradition we look forward to every year: escaping north for a week of sunshine in northern Queensland. This Saturday we leave for Magnetic Island and Palm Cove, two places that feel a world away from the middle of a Victorian winter. There is something wonderfully reassuring about packing shorts and sandals while everyone else is searching for scarves and heaters. The thought of stepping off the plane into warm air instantly lifts my spirits.\n\nMagnetic Island promises relaxed days, beautiful beaches and perhaps a few encounters with the local wildlife, while Palm Cove offers its famous palm-lined esplanade and laid-back tropical atmosphere. We are looking forward to morning walks along the water, long lunches, warm evenings outdoors and the simple pleasure of slowing down for a while. The week will no doubt pass far too quickly, but that is often the sign of a great holiday. For now, the anticipation is part of the enjoyment. After months of Melbourne's winter chill, a week in the Queensland sunshine sounds like exactly what we need. Safe, warm and relaxed; that's the plan.","tags":"_232words_","slug":"winter-warmth-1784804218454","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63294,"published_at":"2026-07-23T02:11:59.947Z","created_at":"2026-07-23T02:12:00.023Z","updated_at":"2026-07-23T02:14:06.511Z","title":"Rhetorical slides","content":"*Q: Of the tools sitting in your workspace right now, which one would an author outside your own head actually want to open — and what's the one thing keeping it from ever leaving your workspace?*\n\nWhat would my [Rhetorical Slides](https://golifelog.com/posts/thai-language-and-custom-slides-1781421281873) app look like as a product, even a free one? Anyone with AI can recreate it, but the concept is totally unique to me. I haven't seen presentation software that starts with my premise -- what if you couldn't edit the composition and layout of a slide? What if the slide just displayed the best layout based on rhetorical shape?\n\nThere are essentially four parts to it.\n- A slide viewer that can be [dropped into a website.](https://writingstreak.com/slides/)\n- An html app for creating and exporting the slide decks.\n- The spec for the [slide files](https://writingstreak.com/slides/decks/generative-engines.md), saved in markdown.\n- AI instructions for generating a deck.\n\nMy plan is to someday turn this into a pipeline for images, documents, slides, videos, and websites all based on the same underlying file. It already exports the slides as images, but I might include more options for making branded images based on a slide. As a document, the notes field would expand to become the text, and the slides would be selectively turned into images inside the document. To make a video I would need the app to record audio as it steps through the slides.\n\nI've just been building this for myself, but maybe this question is pointing me in the right direction.\n\n**Interface example**\n![](https://i.ibb.co/CpV8Brm9/chrome-og-ECHp9-LVy.png)\n\n**Slide example**\n![](https://i.ibb.co/LDhxwKtW/16-timeline.png)","tags":"_294words_","slug":"rhetorical-slides-1784772719954","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63293,"published_at":"2026-07-22T23:38:55.793Z","created_at":"2026-07-22T23:38:55.870Z","updated_at":"2026-07-22T23:38:56.554Z","title":"A few hundred words","content":"When you die, they sum up your life in a few hundred words at your eulogy.\n\nEvery little thing you're flustered over right now, the tiny mistakes you made and will make, the big fails you felt you could never recover from... will not be in those few hundred words.\n\nAfter that few hundred words, people might remember you for a generation or two. Fifty years. Hundred if you're lucky. Beyond that, nobody would know about your life, your existence. It'll be as if you never existed.\n\n*So what's really holding you back right now?*\n\nIt's nothing, when placed on the infinite scale of the universe and time.\n\nJust go fking do it.","tags":"_118words_","slug":"a-few-hundred-words-1784763535801","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63292,"published_at":"2026-07-22T20:27:39.210Z","created_at":"2026-07-22T20:27:39.287Z","updated_at":"2026-07-22T20:27:39.975Z","title":"Appt rescheduled","content":"

I was totally prepared for my appointment with the doctor today, and then his office manager notified us that he had to reschedule for Monday. I was disappointed, but I'd rather know in advance than show up and wait for hours. This will give me time to do some fine-tuning.

\n

Coming from the corporate world where the trains (mostly) run on time, I was surprised when so many people blow off appointments or ask to have them rescheduled multiple times in the course of working with my business. I'm a stickler for commitments because I believe they are important. I hold myself accountable to following through on what I say I will do, and that's what I ask of other people, especially in a professional context. I respect people more if they decide not to commit rather than commit and flake afterward.

\n

In one of Kevin Trudeau's trainings, he talks about breaking agreements and how that affects us. It creates a blockage and stops us from moving forward, and the effect compounds the more agreements you break. The answer is to address those previous agreements you broke using a mindfulness meditation with intention, and then work to keep your agreements going forward.

","tags":"_202words_","slug":"appt-rescheduled-1784752059217","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63291,"published_at":"2026-07-22T11:03:00.045Z","created_at":"2026-07-22T11:03:00.123Z","updated_at":"2026-07-22T11:03:00.809Z","title":"Family","content":"I grew up with a small extended family but a large immediate one. My parents’ lives had been shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression and the tragedy of World War II. Their own parents died young, and the branches of our family tree were scattered across distant parts of the world. By the time I was born, most of my grandparents had passed away, and the few aunts, uncles and cousins I had lived far from us. The gatherings and connections many people take for granted were largely absent from my childhood. Yet I never felt deprived. As one of five siblings, I belonged to a busy, lively household where there was always someone to play with, argue with, laugh with or learn from. Our home was full of energy, noise and adventure. Looking back, I treasure those years and the memories they created. There is little I would change about that upbringing.\n\nWhen the next generation arrived, my parents embraced their new role with enthusiasm. Between their five children came eighteen grandchildren, and they delighted in each one. It sometimes seemed they had raised five children simply to earn the reward of such a large family. My own children have enjoyed what I missed: grandparents who were present in their lives and cousins who became close companions. I remind them how fortunate they are to have such a rich extended family. But it also reminds me that family connections are gifts that grow stronger across generations.","tags":"_249words_","slug":"family-1784718180054","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63290,"published_at":"2026-07-21T21:39:32.678Z","created_at":"2026-07-21T21:39:32.754Z","updated_at":"2026-07-21T21:39:33.434Z","title":"Craftsmanship","content":"> Observing greatness can inspire us to be great ourselves. Noticing high-quality work can motivate us to improve our craft. What do you keep near you because it is beautiful? – [James Clear](https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/july-2-2026)\n\nI've always enjoyed watching someone good at their job.\n\nA street vendor mixing juice drinks with flair and flamboyance.\nA voice actor expressing the subtle nuances of voice to bring an anime character to live.\nA taxi driver who knows every road and every alleyway, and drives safely there.\nA cashier who checks you out fast and fuss-free, with a bright smile.\nA community worker who knows every client's story and pet peeves.\nA traditional *shokunin* (職人) artisan in Japan, sweating over details no one notices.\n\nThere's something reassuring about people like that, especially when you work with them. \n\nYou know you can count on them. \nYou know they know their stuff. \nYou know they can deliver.\n\nEven if you don't work with them, it's still reassuring nonetheless, that in this world of fast, shiny, empty things, in an era of AI slop, there are people who stick to the fundamentals, to the traditions, and do what is needed to bring that to life. That integrity, honor, and pride in one's work still matters. \n\nI love that.\nWant that.\n\nMore than ever.","tags":"_229words_","slug":"craftsmanship-1784669972685","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63289,"published_at":"2026-07-21T19:54:44.070Z","created_at":"2026-07-21T19:54:44.147Z","updated_at":"2026-07-21T19:54:44.969Z","title":"Undesirable difficulties","content":"*Q: What did your body actually need this week that you gave it — and what did it need that you skipped, on purpose or from drift?*\n\nI've been stressing my body a bit, in a good way but also in a bad way. I'm tackling some yard work I avoided recently because of the heat and the smoke. And laziness. It's tough on my body because I've been so sedentary, but it's ultimately beneficial to get outside, move my flabby muscles, and sweat. This is the kind of stress that builds capability.\n\nBut I've also fractured my sleep cycle. That's definitely bad stress. I've noticed when it gets hot I want to stay up later during the cool nights. And what is there to do at night? Sit in front of the computer. When I let comfort guide my actions, I get fractured sleep and that leads to all sorts of downstream problems. It destroys capability.\n\nIn learning circles they talk about desirable difficulties. Doing the yardwork in the heat is one of those desirable difficulties. Fractured sleep is an undesirable difficulty.","tags":"_190words_","slug":"undesirable-difficulties-1784663684078","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":214,"published_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.279Z","created_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.290Z","updated_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.302Z","title":"Better Health","description":"- Exercise more\n- Eat less","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63288,"published_at":"2026-07-21T12:30:12.982Z","created_at":"2026-07-21T12:30:13.061Z","updated_at":"2026-07-21T12:30:13.883Z","title":"Feast or famine","content":"

It's been nine months since I quit my full-time job and started working part-time as an independent contractor. One of the most notable adjustments I still haven't quite gotten used to is the stark difference between a regular salary cadence and irregular, delayed invoice payments.

\n

All my previous jobs had one thing in common — a steady paycheck structure. Whether it was twice a month or every two weeks, that check arrived via direct deposit without fail. If you get paid twice per month, that's 24 paychecks per year, but every two weeks is 26 paychecks. The latter leads to the mythical \"three-check-months\" that are supposed to offer a free bonus check to blow, but it somehow never works out that way. 

\n

As a 1099 contractor, my pay structure is completely different. I submit an invoice twice per month, and the terms are \"net 30,\" which means the invoice is not due for 30 days. That's if the company pays on time, which hasn't been the case lately. Once the payment is issued, it takes 3-5 business days to hit my business bank account. It's usually sent on a Friday, which means I don't have the payment until deep into the following week. Then, there is another delay transferring the money from my business bank account to my personal bank account, which can be sped up for a fee, of course.

\n

On top of all this, there's no more paid time off. When I took the week off after July 4th, that's 20 hours I didn't invoice, which means the invoice for the first half of July will be about half the normal one. 

\n

I look forward to the days when cashola is rolling in on a more regular basis so that it's not feast or famine.

\n

 

","tags":"_296words_","slug":"feast-or-famine-1784637012991","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47719,"created_at":"2026-07-21T20:27:06.900Z","updated_at":"2026-07-21T20:27:07.175Z","content":"I can see you in the future, complaining, \"What do I do with all this money?\"","post":63288,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}},{"id":47720,"created_at":"2026-07-21T21:47:54.475Z","updated_at":"2026-07-21T21:47:59.617Z","content":"I'll take that!","post":63288,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47721,"created_at":"2026-07-23T00:57:26.799Z","updated_at":"2026-07-23T00:57:27.073Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson The lack of steady paycheck can definitely feel unnerving initially for sure. But the trade off is no more cap on how much you can earn. A worthwile trade-off I believe!","post":63288,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}},{"id":47722,"created_at":"2026-07-23T01:14:59.732Z","updated_at":"2026-07-23T01:15:00.008Z","content":"Is that what the kids refer to as \"no cap?\" 😂","post":63288,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}}]},{"id":63287,"published_at":"2026-07-21T09:57:16.717Z","created_at":"2026-07-21T09:57:16.796Z","updated_at":"2026-07-21T09:57:17.488Z","title":"A different Inbox","content":"I often feel distressed when I glance at the number of emails in my wife’s Inbox. It is not just the total count that catches my attention, but the large number marked unread. To me, an Inbox full of unread messages feels overwhelming. I immediately wonder whether an important email has been missed, whether action is required, or whether something urgent is buried beneath a mountain of digital clutter. Over the years, I have developed my own approach to email management. I like knowing what has been read, what still needs attention, and what can be safely archived. A tidy Inbox gives me a sense of calm and control, allowing me to focus on what matters without the nagging feeling that something has slipped through the cracks.\n\nBecause of this, I often want to help my wife manage her Inbox. In my mind, a few simple changes could make things easier and less stressful. If she asked for my help, I am confident I could show her a system that would reduce clutter and make important messages easier to find. But I have learned that not everyone sees email the same way. What feels chaotic to me feels perfectly manageable to my wife. She is comfortable with her approach and doesn’t share my concern. As much as I want to help, I have come to realise that a well-managed Inbox is not a universal goal; it is a personal preference, and hers is simply different from mine.","tags":"_250words_","slug":"a-different-inbox-1784627836726","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63286,"published_at":"2026-07-21T00:29:19.689Z","created_at":"2026-07-21T00:29:19.766Z","updated_at":"2026-07-21T00:29:20.719Z","title":"Potential big client this week","content":"

I had a meeting with Veronica, my business partner at LifeWave. I'm her sponsor for Vital Health, so we remain business partners, but she hasn't caught the fire I have with Vital Health yet. That may all change this week.

\n

Veronica made the introduction for an appointment with Dr. Jatta, who has been her doctor on and off. I've even had an appointment with him, so this is a warm connection. Dr. Jatta is a full-blown MD and naturopathic doctor, and he would be an amazing resource to have on the team. 

\n

Next up is to pull in my AI agent team to help create documentation. I've got some talking points for Veronica and me, and a separate high-level summary to leave with Dr. Jatta. I'm also having them create a retail sales profit margin guide with examples to show the revenue possibilities. I can pretty much guarantee that a 50-90% profit margin is going to blow away any margins he's getting on supplements he is selling at his location or through Fullscript.

\n

We are scheduled for 30 minutes, and we are going to make the most of this time. If we can get Dr. Jatta on board, he will be a major player on the team.

","tags":"_207words_","slug":"potential-big-client-this-week-1784593759697","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63285,"published_at":"2026-07-20T22:45:24.303Z","created_at":"2026-07-20T22:45:24.381Z","updated_at":"2026-07-20T22:45:25.067Z","title":"Reminiscence effect","content":"It's exactly six months since I started [self drive lessons](https://golifelog.com/posts/self-drive-lessons-1768864097025). I drove every Sunday, with each time challenging myself to push it a bit further.\n\nBut the biggest leap in confidence and skill came after—surprise surprise—a three-week break from driving. After coming back from my vacation in Thailand, I thought I would feel like a beginner all over again. \n\nBut the opposite happened. \n\nMore steadiness, more confidence, and even skill felt more natural now, when it felt more intentional and forced just before I left. I started driving my family around, driving bigger cars, in tighter spaces. No issue whatsoever.\n\nThis is probably the *reminiscence effect*, usually used in sports and motor learning. It refers to an unexpected improvement in physical performance or skill execution following a period of rest, without any active practice taking place during that break. This happens because of neural consolidation - while the body rests, the brain continues to process, organize, and solidify the newly formed motor pathways.\n\nSo grind as you may.\n\nBut breaks are actually not just productive, but crucial for growth.","tags":"_190words_,driving","slug":"reminiscence-effect-1784587524312","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63284,"published_at":"2026-07-20T20:07:22.980Z","created_at":"2026-07-20T20:07:23.057Z","updated_at":"2026-07-20T20:07:23.884Z","title":"Stepping back to see the system","content":"*Q: \"What's one paragraph you wrote this week that surprised you when you reread it — and can you point at the specific move it made that you didn't plan going in?\"*\n\nI was discussing double-standards with Claude. Economists argue against UBI or sovereign wealth funds saying \"people won't want to work.\" But those same economists don't complain about nepo babies \"not wanting to work\". That's because poverty is built into the system. The economy needs unemployment. Full employment makes labor a scarce resource, which leads to widespread inflation. Thus a pool of unused labor is maintained in order to keep wages depressed. But nobody wants to say the system is rigged, so we characterize the poor as being lazy.\n\nUltimately, though, I surprised myself by taking a step back and applying systems thinking.\n\n> The meta-lesson I'm taking from this is that no system is perfect. But, since changes to a system are hard to predict, we stabilize and maintain the status quo despite its structural deficiencies.\n\nDystopias are built using the blueprints of utopia. The road to paradise sometimes veers into the graveyard. Being idealistic, I could be rushing headlong into disaster.\n\nBut the alternative might be hiding in a closet while disaster stalks me.\n\nI find this is a move I make more and more often. What are the systems that people are operating within? Rather than blame the individual -- both the underworked poor and the dismissive economist -- what systems have trapped them?","tags":"_252words_","slug":"stepping-back-to-see-the-system-1784578042988","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63283,"published_at":"2026-07-20T10:45:19.771Z","created_at":"2026-07-20T10:45:19.857Z","updated_at":"2026-07-20T10:45:20.539Z","title":"A new watch....maybe","content":"I think it might finally be time for a new watch; an Apple Watch, of course. Having to set the watch to low-power mode every morning is a sign the battery is wearing out and that it is time for a new one. When I looked back through my records, I realised my current watch was purchased in November 2021. In technology terms, that makes it almost a veteran. Over the years, it has faithfully tracked my walks, delivered notifications, monitored my health, and served as a convenient extension of my iPhone. It has certainly earned its keep. \n\nThat said, there is always the temptation of new technology. The latest Apple Watch offers improvements in performance, battery life, health monitoring and display quality. Every year, Apple introduces a few new features that make upgrading seem worthwhile. As someone who enjoys keeping up with technology, it is easy to be drawn to the idea of a shiny new device on my wrist. However, patience may be the smarter option. Apple traditionally announces new watch models later in the year, and with only a few months to wait, it makes sense to hold off for now. Waiting would give me the opportunity to compare the latest model with current offerings and decide whether the new features justify the expense. After nearly five years of service, my Apple Watch owes me nothing. ","tags":"_230words_","slug":"a-new-watchmaybe-1784544319785","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63282,"published_at":"2026-07-20T00:18:46.735Z","created_at":"2026-07-20T00:18:46.811Z","updated_at":"2026-07-20T00:18:47.758Z","title":"Knowledge metabolism","content":"It's been interesting how my projects build on each other. I'm learning how I want to interact with AI to build rigorous processes. Recently I've been working on a knowledge base. The project is an outgrowth of my [Lore Builder system.](https://golifelog.com/posts/lore-building-1783087068720) The idea is to draw cards to determine tasks that manage and maintain the knowledge base. The system draws a task and an element card (a verb and a noun), and acts based on the pair drawn.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/Wv7Lf05h/Knowledge-Metabolism-Slide-11.png)\n\n- Mine + Timeline: Search through sources for information related to dates, history, or chronological trends.\n- Refresh + Answer: Search for a stale old answer, and reverify. Is it still true? Are there any caveats to include?\n- Bridge + Map: Connect two indexes that are currently unconnected.\n\nI'm overcoming my instinct to collect knowledge and stack it like firewood. The deck enforces a metabolic process. Knowledge is ingested, processed, used to perform work, and at times, excreted. It sets limits by continuously linking ideas to projects, [using novelty to manage projects.](https://golifelog.com/posts/project-management-for-novelty-1758985111076).\n\n- **Ideas:** Ideas are assessed on novelty. Is this something new? Yes, then save it. These are saved as questions and answers. Example: \"How should knowledge particles be sized in a KMS?\"\n- **Interests:** Assed on improvement. Does an idea improve a feature I'm tracking? If so, link it to that feature. Example: \"Note Atomicity.\"\n- **Projects:** Assessed on viability. Can the idea live in a project I'm working on? If so, link it to that project. Example: \"Knowledge Management Deck.\"\n\nBy doing this I keep the knowledge I gather focused on the actual projects I'm working on, and inversely, keeps me working on projects where I show genuine interest. I've still got a ways to go to develop the deck, but once done I should be able to let Claude work through the deck itself and shape the knowledge base to support my goals--while I sleep.","tags":"_344words_","slug":"knowledge-metabolism-1784506726743","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":173,"published_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.282Z","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:45:02.299Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:04:27.227Z","title":"Writing, editing, and publishing novels","description":"- Write and publish a serialized story\n- Publish novels using the same material\n- Write spin-off stories in the same universe","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":215,"published_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.862Z","created_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.873Z","updated_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.888Z","title":"Clear my mind","description":"- Mindful use of media platforms\n- An uncluttered environment\n- Meditation","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63281,"published_at":"2026-07-19T23:08:45.409Z","created_at":"2026-07-19T23:08:45.497Z","updated_at":"2026-07-19T23:17:21.609Z","title":"Leap before you look","content":"A poem from W.H. Auden on courage and commitment:\n\n> \"The sense of danger must not disappear:\n> The way is certainly both short and steep,\n> However gradual it looks from here;\n> Look if you like, but you will have to leap.\"\n> – Source: “Leap Before You Look” (December 1940), via [James Clear](https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/july-2-2026)\n\nSometimes, no matter how prepared you are, there comes a time where you simply have to leap before you look.\n\nBecause for truly uncharted paths, there's no precedence, no trailblazers who went before you, zero friends who can truly understand what you're about to try. Gather all the data you want beforehand, but at some point the data becomes grand theory. Problem is, planning makes things look gradual and certain, but it could very well be just theatre. Nothing beats data you get from real action, from boots on the ground. \n\nThat's why the \"sense of danger must not disappear.\"\nThat's why \"look if you like, but you will have to leap\".\n\nNothing prepares you more than living it while preparing for it.\n\nLeap before you look.","tags":"_191words_","slug":"leap-before-you-look-1784502525417","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63280,"published_at":"2026-07-19T21:44:45.281Z","created_at":"2026-07-19T21:44:45.373Z","updated_at":"2026-07-19T21:44:46.329Z","title":"My AI agent team is growing","content":"

I continue to find use cases for growing my AI agent team. 

\n

\n

Hermes is the agent who runs it all. If I'm the CEO, he's basically the COO. I usually give everything to him, and then he decides whether to complete the task or hand off to another agent. The next two agents I hired specialize in marketing and sales. These are weak areas for me, so I wanted to get them started on strategies for each leg of my business. I also hired a Creative Director and Social Posting Manager to help on the creative front. Eventually, I'm going to hand the keys of social media to the Social Posting Manager when I'm comfortable. That is going to be amazing when I have social media posting/follow-up on autopilot.

\n

The newest members of the team are Dr. Nova and Dr. Resonance. Dr. Nova is a research assistant for supplements. He takes a load off me for deep research on ingredients and supplement interactions. I used him when someone asked about the ingredient guar gum in V-Daily. I had no idea, but now I know how to answer if anyone asks about it. Dr. Resonance is trained to interpret reports from the Vital Health Quantum Resonance scanner. I had a tough customer who was actually reading her report and asked pointed questions that no one has ever asked me. Dr. Resonance has really been helpful with responses to her.

","tags":"_239words_","slug":"my-ai-agent-team-is-growing-1784497485304","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47717,"created_at":"2026-07-19T23:00:07.479Z","updated_at":"2026-07-19T23:00:07.756Z","content":"I'm glad we're taking different paths with AI. Your experience might encourage me to try using agents.","post":63280,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}},{"id":47742,"created_at":"2026-08-01T15:05:02.103Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T15:05:02.374Z","content":"A bit late to drop in; same here, using Hermes!","post":63280,"author":{"id":13,"username":"knight","created_at":"2020-12-28T15:34:14.581Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:28:22.589Z","streak":null,"account":13}},{"id":47743,"created_at":"2026-08-01T18:10:35.633Z","updated_at":"2026-08-01T18:10:35.909Z","content":"@knight Isn't it great! I love the self-learning aspect, and this OS makes it easy without getting tangled up in the weeds.","post":63280,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}}]},{"id":63279,"published_at":"2026-07-19T09:44:36.518Z","created_at":"2026-07-19T09:44:36.591Z","updated_at":"2026-07-19T09:44:37.265Z","title":"A new motorsport journey","content":"I finally sold my track car today. It had been part of my life since 2013, carrying memories of early starts, long drives to circuits, and countless laps spent learning to drive a little better each time I climbed behind the wheel. Letting it go was never really about the car itself; it was about saying goodbye to a chapter that had given me so much enjoyment. \n\nThe sale came through the club community. A young guy spotted the car advertised on the club website and spoke with another member, who encouraged him to trust me and come have a look. That recommendation meant a lot. In car clubs, reputation matters, and it was reassuring to know someone was willing to vouch for both me and the car. When the prospective buyer arrived, we spent quite a while talking. We discussed the car’s history, the modifications I had made, the maintenance I had done, and the track days it had enjoyed. The more we talked, the more excited he became. He could see this was not a project requiring months of work, but a car he could take to the track with very little effort and enjoy immediately.\n\nBy the end of the conversation, his enthusiasm was clear. He left a deposit and was ready for it to be collected that week. I felt a mix of sadness and satisfaction. The car would be in good hands, and a new motorsport journey was just beginning for someone else.","tags":"_249words_","slug":"a-new-motorsport-journey-1784454276524","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63278,"published_at":"2026-07-18T23:12:23.659Z","created_at":"2026-07-18T23:12:23.737Z","updated_at":"2026-07-18T23:12:24.555Z","title":"The next level of health technology","content":"

I was on the weekly Vital Academy call this morning, which is always packed with useful information. Alex Reynoso, one of the co-founders of Vital Health, was scheduled to appear, which usually means some amazing announcements, and he delivered.

\n

The first big announcement was an incentive trip to Cancun in April next year. In general, incentive trips aren't a big thing for me. If I want to travel somewhere, I am fortunate to have the means to do so. Nevertheless, it is nice to have a goal to shoot for. I was surprised by how low the threshold is to qualify. It's basically adding a few sign-ups a month. 

\n

The second big announcement was that the Vital Health app has been updated to allow us to finally share the facial scanner that we have been testing. The facial wellness scan uses your phone's camera to provide personalized wellness insights — all for free. Here is a link to the page if you're interested in learning more.

\n

The last announcement was more of a teaser. He suggested that over the next 6-12 months, we will transform from a supplement company into a health technology platform. I have no idea what's in store, but I'm so grateful to have a seat on the rocket ship.

","tags":"_212words_","slug":"the-next-level-of-health-technology-1784416343668","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63277,"published_at":"2026-07-18T22:24:09.400Z","created_at":"2026-07-18T22:24:09.476Z","updated_at":"2026-07-18T22:24:10.160Z","title":"Cleanout","content":"I've been doing a lot of housekeeping lately. For things, subscriptions, people, media. E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.\n\nI think I've unsubscribed to almost all newsletters, other than Mr James Clear, and a few of my friends' ones. I've discarded most of my old work clothes. Stopped using many SaaS services altogether. Killed working on most projects. No longer accepting coffees and meetups. Unfollowing folks on social media. Not following up with DMs. Not giving a sh*t to most and many things I used to get tangled up in.\n\nIt's not intentional but instinctual.\n\nIt's like I'm cleaning out for something else to come in. Usually the bigger the cleanout, the bigger the upcoming change. And this cleanout's massive. And ongoing for months. And will only get progressively bigger, as we inch towards our relocation overseas.\n\nWe've got a BIG one.\n\nFirst, life stage.\nNext, world crisis.\nThen, career crisis. \nNow, overseas relocation.\n\nBut I feel these are just the outward manifestations. The tip of the iceberg. And the cleanout's just the beginning.\n\nThe real changes, are yet to be.","tags":"_195words_","slug":"cleanout-1784413449408","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47716,"created_at":"2026-07-19T21:54:09.611Z","updated_at":"2026-07-19T21:54:09.884Z","content":"Sounds like a cathartic experience. Cleaning out the old to make way for the new. I hope my newsletter made the cut.","post":63277,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47718,"created_at":"2026-07-20T00:51:38.358Z","updated_at":"2026-07-20T00:51:38.635Z","content":"Yes indeed it was. Yes haha, you and Winkletter's newsletters!","post":63277,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}}]},{"id":63276,"published_at":"2026-07-18T07:42:16.621Z","created_at":"2026-07-18T07:42:16.698Z","updated_at":"2026-07-18T07:42:17.380Z","title":"Ask Claude","content":"For the first time, I have been exploring Claude and linking it to Obsidian, and it feels like opening the door to an entirely new way of working with my notes. I have been using Evernote and Apple Notes for a long time, and I have found it difficult to interrogate my notes and find what I am looking for. Evernote has its AI features, but I haven’t found them very useful, and Siri is not yet up to the job. Obsidian has always been a powerful place to collect information, ideas, and personal reflections, but the addition of Claude brings intelligence and conversation to that knowledge base. Instead of manually searching through hundreds of notes, I can ask questions in plain English and have Claude find connections between ideas I may have forgotten. It can summarise long notes, suggest links between related topics, and help organise information into meaningful structures. \n\nI hope the integration will also be useful for personal projects. Claude can draft documents, create action lists, and turn rough ideas into polished content, drawing on information already stored in Obsidian. It effectively becomes a personal research assistant that understands the context of my notes. What excites me most is the possibility of building a personal knowledge base or personal Wiki, a place where years of accumulated knowledge become searchable, connected, and genuinely useful. Rather than simply storing information, I now have a conversation with Claude and uncover insights I might otherwise miss.","tags":"_246words_","slug":"ask-claude-1784360536630","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47713,"created_at":"2026-07-18T22:00:29.068Z","updated_at":"2026-07-18T22:00:29.346Z","content":"Claude + Obsidian is a great combo. At this very moment Claude is reworking a dashboard app that connects to my Obsidian vault. That's another way it can interact: any local apps it creates can read and write data into a vault.","post":63276,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}},{"id":47714,"created_at":"2026-07-19T09:44:07.289Z","updated_at":"2026-07-19T09:44:07.561Z","content":"That's sound good, I will keep an eye out for it.","post":63276,"author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15}}]},{"id":63275,"published_at":"2026-07-18T05:29:15.478Z","created_at":"2026-07-18T05:29:15.557Z","updated_at":"2026-07-18T05:29:16.641Z","title":"The gamified life","content":"I did a lot yesterday with Claude Fable. I added new features to my Lifelog Dashboard (including a notifier), and put together a working app that combines a task manager with a sprite-based sim *ala* Stardew Valley.\n\n**Lifelog Dashboard**\nFirst of all, my Lifelog Dashboard now has notifications that trigger if I don't post to Lifelog before certain deadlines. That was a pain. I can see why Lifelog itself doesn't have notifications. The browser and OS try to kill any notifications, even if you explicitly accept them.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/N2JskXL1/chrome-A6-ISk-XQIUr.png)\n\nI also made a dashboard for my project workspace, and used a python script to split all my Lifelog posts into individual Markdown files. I fed it the downloaded CSV file, and it spat out 1700 files faster than I could depress the ENTER button.\n\n**Care Taker, Home Edition**\nI'm most proud of my gamified task manager. What if Trello and Harvest Moon had a baby?\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/1Y2JRcw5/chrome-d-Fdmserqy8.png)\n\nOn the main screen you define rooms, objects in those rooms, and tasks associated with the rooms or objects.\n\n> Bedroom -> Laundry Basket -> Wash Laundry.\n\nOver a specified time these tasks become due or overdue, and are either marked done or snoozed. At this point it's a basic to-do list that refreshes jobs to be done. I wrote about this part of the app [last week.](https://golifelog.com/posts/instant-prototypes-1783628794527)\n\nBut, now you can hit the Sim tab, and the app will render your task list as a series of pixel art rooms. At first the rooms are just walls, doors, and boxes representing the objects. The system renders them according to simple rules. But you can also edit the rooms, changing their shape and size and adding the objects to them to match your actual home layout. It becomes a mini version of your own life. (Or maybe your child's life.)\n\nThe objects are set up to have multiple stages. The fern wilts. The laundry basket fills up. The desk gets cluttered. So as the tasks get closer to their due date, it shows up in the environment. Once you mark the task done, either on the list, or in the game screen, that object returns to its original done state. The watered fern turns green and lush. The trash can lid closes shut again.\n\nIf you need a new icon for a tile or a room, there's an editor for that. You define a set of pixel art images for each object. But I've found Fable 5 can generate decent images on its own. My goal now is to map out my house, my yard, and garage little by little as I add tasks to the tracker.\n\nAnd even though I can just click done on the task list, I find it's more fun to navigate my avatar around the rooms to the object because I can see the mess go away. I've basically gamified my life. \n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/vxYcwCS7/chrome-ej-RRa-W8-C2q.png)\n","tags":"_525words_","slug":"the-gamified-life-1784352555486","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":214,"published_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.279Z","created_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.290Z","updated_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.302Z","title":"Better Health","description":"- Exercise more\n- Eat less","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":215,"published_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.862Z","created_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.873Z","updated_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.888Z","title":"Clear my mind","description":"- Mindful use of media platforms\n- An uncluttered environment\n- Meditation","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":356,"published_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.045Z","created_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.053Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:02:36.227Z","title":"Create apps for authors","description":"- Learn to program with and without AI\n- Make applications that are useful for authors\n- Use those apps for my own author brand","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47712,"created_at":"2026-07-18T14:56:38.409Z","updated_at":"2026-07-18T14:56:38.692Z","content":"Very cool. You reminded me to remember my anticipation for the Stardew follow-up, The Haunted Chocolatier.","post":63275,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47715,"created_at":"2026-07-19T18:03:28.887Z","updated_at":"2026-07-19T18:03:29.163Z","content":"My system is more like the Haunted Chore Chart. :D","post":63275,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63274,"published_at":"2026-07-18T02:22:08.514Z","created_at":"2026-07-18T02:22:08.592Z","updated_at":"2026-07-18T02:22:09.414Z","title":"What work looks like","content":"

I've gone through phases of what work looks like. For most of my career, it was a commute to an office, sitting in cubicles and meeting rooms all day. Then I had the radical shift of working from home, where I traded a cubicle for a home office. Different venue, but I was still sitting at the computer. 

\n

Last November, I quit my full-time job and finally got a taste of working on my own terms. There is still plenty of sitting at a computer. This time it's on Zoom calls, or communicating using any number of platforms, or playing with AI. Sometimes, I attend big and small events or meet people 1-1. It's the unpredictability that is the hallmark of my work now. As someone used to routine, it's a big adjustment.

\n

So, what will work look like in the future? Will I even refer to it as work? Will I just be living life in a groove where I've built up teams and systems, revenue rolling in, and I get to live the dream of 90% automation, and 10% is what I truly love doing? If you believe you can have, be, or do anything you want, then why not?

\n

 

","tags":"_202words_","slug":"what-work-looks-like-1784341328523","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":339,"published_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.109Z","created_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.112Z","updated_at":"2023-12-03T00:18:37.121Z","title":"Quit my job and turn biohacking into a career","description":"I plan to quit my job and leave a career of over twenty years in the health insurance industry. I am going to follow my passion for biohacking and use my talents and skills to earn a living by sharing my knowledge and helping people take control of their health to improve their lives.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63273,"published_at":"2026-07-17T23:19:10.999Z","created_at":"2026-07-17T23:19:11.076Z","updated_at":"2026-07-17T23:19:11.759Z","title":"Exhausterwelmulated","content":"New word of the day:\n\n> [Exhausterwelmulated](https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1MULMm7B9c/?mibextid=wwXIfr). The feeling of being exhausted, overwhelmed and overstimulated, all at the same time. \n\nExhausted from working 4 jobs, 14h days, Mondays to Fridays, all year.\nExhausted from the stress and anxiety of keeping survival at bay.\nExhausted from juggling multiple roles all the time.\n\nOverwhelmed from too much concrete, too little green.\nOverwhelmed from too much grind, not enough meaning.\nOverwhelmed from consumption consumption consumption.\n\nOverstimulated from too much city noise.\nOverstimulated from too much screens.\nOverstimulated from too many people.\n\nExhausterwelmulated.\n\nBUT.\n\nBut what a privilege it is to be exhausterwelmulated by a life I once prayed for.","tags":"_114words_","slug":"exhausterwelmulated-1784330351007","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63272,"published_at":"2026-07-17T14:43:09.545Z","created_at":"2026-07-17T14:43:09.624Z","updated_at":"2026-07-17T14:43:10.440Z","title":"Smoke in the air","content":"It looks like I'm spending the day inside. There's a haze in the air from Canadian wildfires. I went to bring in the trash cans this morning and just that short trip has me clearing my throat and coughing.\n\nTo help clear my lungs I use a vibrating massage vest. I try to remember to use it occasionally even if I'm not wheezy since it helps me breathe a bit better from shaking things loose. I end up using it a lot in the winter. The movement out into the cold and back into the heat causes blood vessels in the airways to dilate which leads to swelling and constriction.\n\nIt would also help if I exercised a bit more. When moving around the lungs get a workout just as much as the muscles. When we \"burn\" fat there is heat generated, but the fat also has to be physically and chemically processed. It is broken down into carbon and water -- 16% of that fat is converted to water and the other 84% is exhaled through the lungs.\n\nSo I'm staying inside to protect my lungs as best I can.","tags":"_194words_","slug":"smoke-in-the-air-1784299389555","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":214,"published_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.279Z","created_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.290Z","updated_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.302Z","title":"Better Health","description":"- Exercise more\n- Eat less","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47709,"created_at":"2026-07-17T15:19:41.170Z","updated_at":"2026-07-17T15:19:41.468Z","content":"Any chance that vibrating massage vest has an optional pelvis attachment? 🤣","post":63272,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47710,"created_at":"2026-07-17T19:25:44.939Z","updated_at":"2026-07-17T22:18:56.541Z","content":"What would be the health benefits of ... oh, I see. ","post":63272,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63271,"published_at":"2026-07-17T11:19:44.445Z","created_at":"2026-07-17T11:19:44.522Z","updated_at":"2026-07-17T11:19:45.206Z","title":"I am remarkable","content":"For so long, I thought I had to be better than others, to be remarkable. \n\nI thought I had to:\nbe the best at something,\nwork hard for it, \ndo things the right way, \nplease others, \nprove myself,\nearn respect.\n\nHowever, I could never really figure out what my thing, the thing that I could become the best at, could be. And I kept looking for it. \n\nAnd while doing so, I was comparing whether I did better than others. \nInevitably, I'd fall short every time. \n\nOf course, there's always somebody better at the thing that I'm merely good at. \n(Except maybe if you're Roger Federer ;-) )\n\nAll this searching, working hard, and comparing myself drove me crazy and exhausted me. \n\nNow, I know I am remarkable simply because I am the way I am.\nThe combination of my strengths and talents is unique. \nAnd my essence is different and makes me special. \n\nI am different and special. \nAnd I don't need to prove it.\n\nAnd you don't need to prove it either. \nYou're different and special, too. \nWe're all different and special. \n\nWe're all remarkable, just the way we are. \n\nLet's remind ourselves of that. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","tags":"_205words_","slug":"i-am-remarkable-1784287184453","author":{"id":24,"username":"Melanie","created_at":"2021-01-12T10:37:46.108Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:34:49.457Z","streak":null,"account":24},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47711,"created_at":"2026-07-17T23:21:24.883Z","updated_at":"2026-07-17T23:21:25.155Z","content":"@Melanie Welcome back!! YES. We all are. It's a constant practice to remind myself of this!","post":63271,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}}]},{"id":63270,"published_at":"2026-07-17T10:05:43.162Z","created_at":"2026-07-17T10:05:43.239Z","updated_at":"2026-07-17T10:05:43.914Z","title":"Wood to gas to electricity","content":"When I was a kid, staying with my nanna in the country meant starting the day with a simple chore: lighting the wood stove. Before breakfast could be cooked or a kettle boiled for tea, the stove had to be coaxed into life. Once lit, it would burn steadily all day, providing warmth, hot water, and a place to cook. Living beyond the reach of town gas, my nanna relied entirely on wood to keep her household running. Over time, natural gas transformed the way Australians lived. Gas stoves, heaters and hot water systems replaced wood-fired appliances in countless homes. In Victoria, where cheap gas from Bass Strait became widely available from the 1970s, gas quickly became the preferred option for heating and cooking.\n\nNow, however, the story is changing again. Research has highlighted the environmental and health impacts of natural gas, including methane emissions that persist even when appliances are switched off. Those tiny leaks may seem insignificant, but across millions of homes they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the Victorian Government is proposing a future in which gas appliances are gradually phased out. With a reverse-cycle air conditioner already installed, I’ve taken the first step towards an all-electric home. The biggest remaining hurdle is replacing the gas hot water with a heat pump. It feels like another chapter in a long story of changing technology, from wood to gas and now to electricity.","tags":"_242words_","slug":"wood-to-gas-to-electricity-1784282743171","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63269,"published_at":"2026-07-16T23:10:29.982Z","created_at":"2026-07-16T23:10:30.063Z","updated_at":"2026-07-16T23:10:30.746Z","title":"You're not sad","content":"You're not sad.\nYou just need more money.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need more MRR.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need a profitable SaaS.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need more sleep.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need more time.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need magnesium.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need to have fun.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need another trip to Japan.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need to move to Chiangmai.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need to meditate more.\n\nYou're not sad.\nYou just need to let it be.","tags":"_107words_","slug":"youre-not-sad-1784243429994","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63268,"published_at":"2026-07-16T20:14:28.777Z","created_at":"2026-07-16T20:14:28.855Z","updated_at":"2026-07-16T20:14:34.106Z","title":"Smell test","content":"I've begun to realize how unreliable Gemini's deep research has become. Or perhaps it always was. This is especially noticeable for questions that don't have simple answers that aren't easy to source. The results seem impressive, but compared to Claude's research reports, Gemini is basically pulling data out of a hat.\n- It restates a lot of my own observations as if it found supporting evidence. Sometimes it confabulates what I said, adding details I never said to make the ideas more concrete.\n- Citations don't always support what was said. Some citations are given more weight than they deserve. It makes up equations not found in any of its citations. And it doesn't distinguish between trustworthy sources and marketing.\n- Reports will be padded with extra material that I never asked for, seemingly to hit a length target.\n- It's overconfident. Citations are overused. And it gives too much credibility to sources that are pure speculation.\n\nThis is why it helps to have humans in the loop. As a human user of AI, I have to keep performing the basic smell test.\n\nAnd then I can pass the output off to another AI and ask, \"Does this smell right to you?\"","tags":"_206words_","slug":"smell-test-1784232868786","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":215,"published_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.862Z","created_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.873Z","updated_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.888Z","title":"Clear my mind","description":"- Mindful use of media platforms\n- An uncluttered environment\n- Meditation","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63267,"published_at":"2026-07-16T16:52:10.605Z","created_at":"2026-07-16T16:52:10.685Z","updated_at":"2026-07-16T16:52:15.912Z","title":"The power of agents","content":"

According to my AI Surfer OS dashboard, I've already saved 14.1 hours since I installed it on Tuesday afternoon. This morning, I gave Hermes, my agent, a list of 600 cold contacts and asked for suggestions for an email campaign. We landed on a pilot of 75 emails with the following verbiage:

\n

Quick health thought for you.

\n

A lot of people are walking around tired, stressed, foggy, not sleeping great, or just feeling \"off\"...
And most of the time, they treat each thing like it's random.
More coffee for the energy.
Something for sleep.
Something else for stress.
Maybe a supplement someone recommended.
I get it. We've all done some version of that.

\n

But one thing I've been learning through Vital Health is that the body usually isn't random. It gives signals. The hard part is knowing what those signals might be pointing to.

\n

That's the part I'm interested in helping people think through.

\n

Not a diagnosis. Not a magic pill. Just a more thoughtful way to look at what your body may need instead of guessing.

\n

Would you be open to me sending over a simple way to start looking at those signals?
If not, totally fine. Just thought it might be useful.

\n

Brandon

\n

PS If you'd rather I not reach out again, just reply \"no thanks\" and I won't.

\n

Hermes loaded all the contacts into GoHighLevel and generated and sent the emails at my direction. He will monitor any replies and notify me in the dashboard. What if I'm away from my computer? I used something called BotFather in Telegram to create a BOT that is connected to my AI Surfer OS, allowing me to communicate with it on the go. There is a cron job that runs every fifteen minutes to check for replies. It will send me a message in Telegram if there is anything for me to decide or take action on.

\n

I am a kid in a candy store.

\n

 

","tags":"_325words_","slug":"the-power-of-agents-1784220730612","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63266,"published_at":"2026-07-16T09:31:33.723Z","created_at":"2026-07-16T09:31:33.800Z","updated_at":"2026-07-16T09:31:34.486Z","title":"When cheap gets expensive","content":"By the end of today, I was feeling more than a little exasperated. What should have been a simple purchase had somehow become a much bigger exercise in time, effort and cost. The supply of asset tag labels was running dangerously low, so I obtained a quote from a professional printer for 5,000 labels and submitted it for approval. The process seemed straightforward enough. However, instead of approving the quote, my boss decided we could save money by buying our own label printer and printing the labels ourselves.\n\nThere was no consultation or consideration of whether I had time to print labels. The printer arrived this week, bringing a whole new project I hadn’t planned for. I spent hours installing software, troubleshooting drivers, configuring templates, and working out how the label-printing system worked. Just when I thought I was getting somewhere, I discovered a small but important detail: he hadn’t ordered any labels.\n\nThat sent me searching for suppliers and comparing options. The irony became obvious very quickly. By the time we purchase a suitable stock of labels, the total cost will be three or four times the original quote I submitted. Sometimes the cheapest option on paper ends up being the most expensive solution of all. I shut the lid on my laptop and went home.","tags":"_221words_","slug":"when-cheap-gets-expensive-1784194293731","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[{"id":47707,"created_at":"2026-07-16T17:33:44.132Z","updated_at":"2026-07-16T17:33:44.409Z","content":"Ha what a waste. One simple query to AI would have saved him this headache.","post":63266,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47708,"created_at":"2026-07-17T10:04:55.706Z","updated_at":"2026-07-17T10:04:55.985Z","content":"Exactly!","post":63266,"author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15}}]},{"id":63265,"published_at":"2026-07-16T02:19:22.123Z","created_at":"2026-07-16T02:19:22.200Z","updated_at":"2026-07-16T02:19:23.013Z","title":"Topping the charts","content":"I did a bit of work on my [slide deck](https://golifelog.com/posts/thai-language-and-custom-slides-1781421281873) application. I'm shaping it little by little, more and more. Today I added a few simple chart types and made the deck structure editable. It has slide types for simple data charts:\n- Venn diagrams\n- pie charts\n- line charts\n- bar charts\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/ZRxVfFWf/chrome-c-OFh8-Ef-LHd.png)\n\nTo add a chart I simply input the data into the form. No need to place anything. It just gets saved as data in the deck and the editor manages the layout.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/jkLLsDXS/chrome-R6rlz-RNEh-J.png)\n\nThe data is simple structured data. The program knows what kind of chart it is, so there's no need for me to use an image editing program to make the diagram. The format is based on the slide type.\n\n```\ntype: venn\nsection: 1\ntitle: How Many Slide Decks Have Venn Diagrams?\nleft: Venn Diagrams\noverlap: \"15\"\nsource: Made Up Data\nright: Slide Decks\n```\n\nI also realized I was being overly restrictive with the structure of the deck, which is now editable. I think my next goal for this project is to figure out how to make videos with this system. Right now I can export PNGs and drop them into something like Google Vids, but I should be able to make my own video editor (with some AI assistance.)","tags":"_244words_","slug":"topping-the-charts-1784168362131","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":356,"published_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.045Z","created_at":"2024-02-29T20:49:42.053Z","updated_at":"2024-09-20T19:02:36.227Z","title":"Create apps for authors","description":"- Learn to program with and without AI\n- Make applications that are useful for authors\n- Use those apps for my own author brand","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63264,"published_at":"2026-07-15T23:03:09.933Z","created_at":"2026-07-15T23:03:10.010Z","updated_at":"2026-07-15T23:03:10.832Z","title":"No effort, no results","content":"> Everyone wants better results.\n> Skill precedes results.\n> Practice precedes skill.\n> Attitude precedes practice.\n> It's the willingness to try (and keep trying) that leads to ability.\n> – [James Clear](https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/july-9-2026)\n\nThat stung a bit.\n\nBecause...\n\nI want the results of a $10k per month product.\nBut I don't ship, I don't practice. So no skill.\nI'm not trying, so no right attitude.\n\nTherefore, by the same logic, I should stop expecting the results. Because without any change in behaviour, can we really expect any results?\n\nThe same goes for any goal.\n\nNo attitude, no trying, no effort, no skill, no results. \n\nSo simple, yet so difficult to accept.","tags":"_118words_","slug":"no-effort-no-results-1784156589940","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":24,"published_at":"2021-01-04T13:19:44.046Z","created_at":"2021-01-04T13:19:44.156Z","updated_at":"2023-09-07T22:46:49.916Z","title":"$10k/m revenue","description":"Hit $10,000 per month total revenue from all my products by 31 Dec 2024","author":1,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63263,"published_at":"2026-07-15T20:09:23.189Z","created_at":"2026-07-15T20:09:23.264Z","updated_at":"2026-07-15T20:09:24.092Z","title":"The sky's the limit...except for tokens","content":"

When it comes to AI, it seems like you are only limited by your imagination AND the usage limits associated with your plan. I have quickly learned that the $20 ChatGPT is fine for standard usage, but I am quickly reaching my weekly limit with the AI Surfer OS. 

\n

I realize there are other options. You can run an open-source model locally and not have to deal with any limits at all. I'm not techie enough to dive into all that. I'm still beaming with pride that I was able to follow all the instructions to get my VPS up and running and to install the AI Surfer OS. 

\n

Speaking of the AI Surfer OS, I already started connecting tools and pulling information from ChatGPT and Claude. They provided a prompt designed to extract all the relevant information these tools know about me since I have been interacting with them. I uploaded the information to the \"brain\" of the OS so that all the agents have my background.

\n

I established my North Star, which appears at the very top of the dashboard and drives everything else in the OS

\n

\"I help people take back control of their health through technology, holistic wellness, and the body's natural ability to heal.\"

\n

I've already got my agents working on my goal of reaching Emerald rank by October 15 and redesigning my personal website. Fun times ahead!

","tags":"_233words_","slug":"the-skys-the-limitexcept-for-tokens-1784146163196","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47703,"created_at":"2026-07-15T23:05:32.314Z","updated_at":"2026-07-15T23:05:32.593Z","content":"You got a VPS now!!! Woohooo!","post":63263,"author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1}},{"id":47704,"created_at":"2026-07-16T00:56:03.539Z","updated_at":"2026-07-16T00:56:03.815Z","content":"Oh yah! I was under the hood and everything. But now I'm just having fun playing in the AI Surfer OS.","post":63263,"author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3}},{"id":47706,"created_at":"2026-07-16T02:32:58.149Z","updated_at":"2026-07-16T02:32:58.418Z","content":"It eats more tokens than a Chuck E. Cheese arcade.","post":63263,"author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41}}]},{"id":63262,"published_at":"2026-07-15T10:15:35.927Z","created_at":"2026-07-15T10:15:36.004Z","updated_at":"2026-07-15T10:15:36.693Z","title":"Not an own goal after all","content":"Last week, I was convinced I’d scored an own goal. Just two days after installing the new ratgdo garage door controller, the garage door stopped working properly. As someone who enjoys tinkering with technology and home automation, I found it hard not to assume I’d broken something. The timing seemed too convenient. New gadget installed, garage door fails; case closed.\n\nBut today I had the garage door repaired, and it told a different story. The technician quickly identified the real problem. The springs on the garage door lacked sufficient tension, so the motor was carrying far more of the load than it was designed to. Rather than lifting a properly balanced door, the motor was essentially trying to haul dead weight every time it opened. Eventually, it reached the point where it could no longer do the job reliably.\n\nThere was a strange sense of relief on hearing the diagnosis. The fault wasn’t with the controller, my wiring, or any configuration setting. It was an underlying mechanical issue that had likely been developing for some time and had only become obvious now. It was a timely reminder that not every problem has a technological cause. Sometimes, even in an increasingly smart home, the culprit is something as old-fashioned as a spring needing adjustment. The ratgdo remains innocent, and my supposed own goal has been overturned by the video review.","tags":"_233words_","slug":"not-an-own-goal-after-all-1784110535935","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]},{"id":63261,"published_at":"2026-07-15T00:19:45.366Z","created_at":"2026-07-15T00:19:45.444Z","updated_at":"2026-07-15T00:19:46.274Z","title":"Tech Wipeouts","content":"

This afternoon was the first session of the AI Surfer Cohort. The chief aim of this first session was to walk through how to get started, culminating in installing the AI Surfer OS. Perhaps that was too lofty a goal for this particular group of people. I completed the steps successfully, but many people became frustrated and had tech wipeouts. I would say this procedure was a bit more advanced than your average setup.

\n

The first step was to create an account with Xcloud and start a new server. In order to use the Agentic feature with Hermes, a paid plan is required. There is an introductory $9.95 plan that rises to $20/month, but I opted for the year to save money. I'm in it for the long haul. We then connected the Open AI Codex - ChatGPT OAuth as the LLM model that underlies the OS. This was the first of several back-and-forth token handoffs. The server took about 10 minutes to spin up.

\n

The next step was to use the terminal to execute an install command with the license key. This step immediately installed and activated the AI Surfer OS. This all sounded straightforward, and I was able to follow along, but there was a lot of grumbling from the group. I think instead of going through the whole shebang, they should have broken the onboarding process to keep things simpler for folks.

\n

Once I had the OS installed, the first thing I did was set up an account with Composio, a free tool that connects to all sorts of applications. I started with connecting my Gmail account, and I already have my main agent helping me clean up my inbox. 

\n

The next step, which will take some time, is establishing my 90/10 North Star. This will be the driving factor for how all my agents help me move forward on my goals. 

\n

This is Day 1 of a new way of life with my new AI partner. 

\n

 

\n

 

\n

 

\n

 

","tags":"_330words_","slug":"tech-wipeouts-1784074785375","author":{"id":3,"username":"therealbrandonwilson","created_at":"2020-12-27T15:48:05.013Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:23:18.638Z","streak":null,"account":3},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":1128,"published_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.296Z","created_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.372Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T22:42:44.783Z","title":"Use AI tools to automate tasks in my business and personal life.","description":"By joining the AI Surfer Cohort and installing the AI Surfer OS with super agents, I intend to automate my life at 90% AI and 10% me. I will learn, iterate, and fully commit to using AI as not just a tool but a partner.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63260,"published_at":"2026-07-14T22:56:42.747Z","created_at":"2026-07-14T22:56:42.823Z","updated_at":"2026-07-14T22:56:43.646Z","title":"Discipline & self","content":"> People think discipline is punishment. It's actually self-compassion extended through time. You're taking care of a future version of yourself you've never met. – [@justinskycak](https://x.com/justinskycak/status/2076164900338942358?s=20)\n\nLove that. \n\nDiscipline is self-love. Because you're loving yourself in the present, doing what's right, what's needed, what's important, for yourself, by yourself.\n\nDiscipline is self-growth. Because you made a promise to your future self, that you will achieve something important to both of you, and you will fulfil your promise.\n\nDiscipline is self-acceptance. Because you witnessed the stupid mistakes that your past self did, and you accept them, forgave, so that the burden does not weigh you down.\n\nDiscipline is actualising past, present, future self, all in one.","tags":"_132words_","slug":"discipline-and-self-1784069802754","author":{"id":1,"username":"jasonleow","created_at":"2020-11-21T04:03:23.281Z","updated_at":"2021-07-09T06:21:28.081Z","streak":null,"account":1},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":25,"published_at":"2021-01-04T13:21:19.498Z","created_at":"2021-01-04T13:21:19.516Z","updated_at":"2021-06-18T00:57:35.239Z","title":"1% compounding","description":"Look for 1% improvement every week. Just 1%, 1 thing, 1 task, 1 idea.","author":1,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63259,"published_at":"2026-07-14T16:46:01.833Z","created_at":"2026-07-14T16:46:01.910Z","updated_at":"2026-07-14T16:46:02.889Z","title":"Hidden goals, implicit motivation","content":"I threw out two grocery items yesterday. They'd been left out and got warm. They probably would have been fine, but I realized I was defending a few dollars worth of food like it was a travesty of justice if I tossed them in the bin.\n\nThere are so many hidden goals and implicit motivations we overlook because they are ubiquitous. They're also useful, which is why they've been conserved in our genes and culture.\n- Reduce cost\n- Don't waste energy\n- Seek pleasure\n- Avoid pain\n- Look cool\n- Don't look foolish\n\nWe don't add them to our list of goals, but they're always there pushing against our stated goals. They're not always bad, but they do go unexamined. And because they're unexamined they seem unassailable. So I'm adding three goals to my file-based Lifelog dashboard to track them.\n- **Resource Management:** Saving time, energy, and money at the expense of health, active living, and peace of mind.\n- **Threat & Discomfort Avoidance:** Seeking safety, certainty and ease in the short term while avoiding long-term growth.\n- **Social Position:** Protecting status, sense of belonging, and approval while not valuing personal boundaries, and intrinsic worth.\n\nAgain, these aren't always bad. But they can conflict with the very goals that might help me attain them. How often do I get convinced to buy a limited-time bargain that turns out to be a total waste of money?\n\n*Are there any hidden goals I left off my list?*","tags":"_251words_","slug":"hidden-goals-implicit-motivation-1784047561840","author":{"id":41,"username":"Winkletter","created_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:17.954Z","updated_at":"2021-11-20T18:26:18.717Z","streak":null,"account":41},"SEO":null,"goals":[{"id":214,"published_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.279Z","created_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.290Z","updated_at":"2021-12-23T23:39:17.302Z","title":"Better Health","description":"- Exercise more\n- Eat less","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":215,"published_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.862Z","created_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.873Z","updated_at":"2021-12-25T03:32:29.888Z","title":"Clear my mind","description":"- Mindful use of media platforms\n- An uncluttered environment\n- Meditation","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63258,"published_at":"2026-07-14T12:11:08.999Z","created_at":"2026-07-14T12:11:09.079Z","updated_at":"2026-07-14T12:11:09.789Z","title":"A long day","content":"It is unusual for me to still be awake at this hour. Normally, by now the day has wound down and I am asleep, but today was anything but ordinary. I was up by 5:00 am and on the road travelling to one of the regional offices by 7:00 am. The day was filled with meetings, conversations, problem-solving and the kind of work that only seems to multiply as the hours roll on. After returning, there was still work waiting back at the office. Emails needed attention, outstanding tasks needed to be completed, and there was a sense that finishing a few more things tonight would make tomorrow easier. One task led to another, and suddenly it was 10:00 pm before I finally shut everything down.\n\nDays like this can be rewarding because they remind me of the importance of my work, but they also carry a cost. Long hours leave little room for rest, reflection, or the simple routines that help keep life balanced. Tomorrow might be a day to take things a little easier. Perhaps start with a slower morning, enjoy a quiet coffee, and see if I can work from home. The work will still be there, but after a fifteen-hour day, giving myself permission to recharge is a necessity. Sometimes the most productive thing I can do is pause, catch my breath, and begin the next day with renewed energy.","tags":"_239words_","slug":"a-long-day-1784031069010","author":{"id":15,"username":"peterdannock","created_at":"2020-12-29T09:41:02.635Z","updated_at":"2024-04-12T23:33:14.916Z","streak":null,"account":15},"SEO":null,"goals":[],"comments":[]}]