[{"id":63669,"published_at":"2026-10-11T22:48:38.224Z","created_at":"2026-10-11T22:48:38.302Z","updated_at":"2026-10-11T22:48:38.997Z","title":"Forgotten","content":"Sometimes being forgotten is freeing. \nIt's a quiet, calm kind of freedom.\n\nThe people, things, systems that forgot you, are no longer the people, things, systems that you care for attention anyway. They are no longer what matters to you. They are no longer taking up space in your mind, heart and soul.\n\nAnd in that gap comes a silence.\nThat silence is the reward.\n\nYou can be yourself again.\nYou can do anything again.\nYou can live any way again.\n\nNobody cares.\n\nYou realised, you missed that voice from inside you.\nThat voice that knew what to do, but could never get heard amongst the noise.\n\nNow in that silence, you can hear yourself clearly.\nAll over again.","tags":"_120words_","slug":"forgotten-1791758918232","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":63668,"published_at":"2026-10-11T20:34:46.119Z","created_at":"2026-10-11T20:34:46.197Z","updated_at":"2026-10-11T20:34:46.890Z","title":"Too many tabs open","content":"<p>I feel like lately I've had too many metaphorical tabs open in my brain. I have that course I should get back to. I should follow up with those contacts. I should sign up for that one event that looked good. Work on income-producing activities. Have more fun. Sometimes, I just want to push pause on everything.</p>\n<p>We are living in a time when opportunity and access are at their highest. Unfortunately, it coincides with the time when we are most distracted. It's a cruel irony, if you ask me.</p>\n<p>Too bad we can't spin off agent clones of ourselves to go do the things and report back. Even better if we could somehow absorb the memories and experience as if we had actually lived them. I learned of the strange concept of \"implanted lives\" recently. Think of a Matrix-style implantation where you don't actually live the life, but you get all the experience and memories from it, without the karma.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>There is no shortage of things that will keep opening new tabs. It's up to us to decide which ones to open and which ones to close down to keep ourselves sane. Maybe I'll write a future newsletter on the strategies I'm employing.</p>","tags":"_204words_","slug":"too-many-tabs-open-1791750886127","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":63667,"published_at":"2026-10-11T16:26:31.988Z","created_at":"2026-10-11T16:26:32.067Z","updated_at":"2026-10-11T16:27:47.039Z","title":"Pride and Productivity","content":"> It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good *idea*, must be in want of a *productivity app.*\n\nHank Green had an interesting take of productivity in his video [The Productivity Lie](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj-INVmmILo). He doesn't credit his high levels of productivity to specific systems or even grit. For him it's all about finding \"the opportunity to work on things that matter to me.\" And what matters most? Our connections to other people.\n\nWhen people provide us with opportunities, or we feel obligations to each other, it becomes easier to finish things.\n\nOf course, not all of us experience authentic human connection the way Hank does. We might avoid those connections, and one good way to do that is to endlessly evaluate our personal productivity and search for the perfect app that will unlock our potential. But really we're just protecting our pride by preventing people from judging our work.\n\nAnd by \"we\", I mean me specifically.","tags":"_172words_","slug":"pride-and-productivity-1791735991997","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":63666,"published_at":"2026-10-11T08:48:14.313Z","created_at":"2026-10-11T08:48:14.391Z","updated_at":"2026-10-11T08:48:15.083Z","title":"Winners are grinners","content":"There’s something particularly satisfying about finally surpassing the team that has long served as your benchmark and challenge. For the Zoomstars, today’s victory feels even more rewarding because we came so close last year and narrowly missed out. The Panorama Mountain Men have consistently been our nemesis at the Winton 10-Hour Regularity Relay. They have always been extremely difficult to beat, with some very skilled drivers who reliably lap remarkably close to their nominated times, making each encounter a tough challenge.\n\nLast year, we thought we had finally conquered them. The trophies were presented, and for a brief moment the victory was ours. But a scoring error discovered after the event dropped us back to second place. It was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after coming so close. Today, though, there was no such disappointment. The Zoomstars beat the Panorama Mountain Men fair and square, and it felt immensely satisfying. As team manager, I couldn’t be prouder of our drivers and volunteers. Everyone contributed, everyone played their part, and after years of chasing this result, we finally achieved it. Winning is always enjoyable, but some victories mean more than others. After all, winners are grinners.","tags":"_200words_","slug":"winners-are-grinners-1791708494321","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":63665,"published_at":"2026-10-11T00:10:23.853Z","created_at":"2026-10-11T00:10:23.931Z","updated_at":"2026-10-11T00:10:24.764Z","title":"Practical exercise","content":"<p>Some people argue that exercise for its own sake is enough reason to do it. I like the idea of practical exercise, where I accomplish something beyond exercise. With ping-pong, I enjoy it. For today's exercise, I have rocks in my front yard.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I don't pay attention to anything outside the four walls of my house. That's my partner's department. She decided enough rocks had eroded from the front curb area that we needed to buy more. One method would be to pay for a delivery, which would be a minimum of 1 ton of rock for $200. A ton would be overkill, so the next option was to visit the local rock store (for lack of a better term) and fill up buckets ourselves.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Between last weekend and this weekend, we brought back seven loads of five 5-gallon buckets of gravel. All told, it was only about $60, plus the time and labor to haul the rocks.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I felt a sense of accomplishment when it was done, even though it took a few hours of my time. At least I have a visible result for all the work compared with hauling free weights around a gym.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Exercise is good; practical exercise is better.</p>","tags":"_205words_","slug":"practical-exercise-1791677423861","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":155,"published_at":"2021-07-04T18:42:56.124Z","created_at":"2021-07-04T18:42:56.129Z","updated_at":"2021-07-04T18:42:56.160Z","title":"Undo the damage of sitting","description":"As long as I have a job where I am sitting for 8, 9, 10 hours a day, I need to figure out how to undo the damage of all that sitting. The purpose of this goal is to explore hacks and ways to avoid pain, improve posture, and minimize the deleterious effects of sitting for prolonged periods of time.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63664,"published_at":"2026-10-10T23:09:02.268Z","created_at":"2026-10-10T23:09:02.344Z","updated_at":"2026-10-10T23:09:03.274Z","title":"Ambition","content":"When ambition feels like a threat.\n\nThat's a brain—and body—so overdosed on stress and survival related to ambition that it's now wired to the same circuitry as a threat.\n\nThat's why you can't stop and rest.\nThat's why you feel jumpy about being still.\nThat's why you get enormous guilt on vacation.\n\nThat's also why there's stalemate in your projects.\nThat's also why you feel blocked, despite being crazy consistent.\nThat's also why you struggle with motivation, even if your life depends on it.\n\nThe thing that worked initially is now the one blocking you.\n\nYour ambition.","tags":"_109words_","slug":"ambition-1791673742275","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":63663,"published_at":"2026-10-10T17:37:26.920Z","created_at":"2026-10-10T17:37:26.998Z","updated_at":"2026-10-10T17:37:27.838Z","title":"Going deep","content":"Pick one thing and go deep. I've seen that advice over the past few days in my notes, and I keep skipping past that particular advice knowing how difficult it is for me to both pick one thing and go deep. Yesterday I decided to list all of the nonfiction books I've thought about writing in the past couple years and I'm too embarrassed to record the total number of unwritten books on that list.\n\nBut what does it mean to \"go deep\"? It doesn't have to mean spending years in isolation preparing a manuscript.\n\nOne of the unwritten books on my list is called *The Transmission*. How has Buddhism survived for 2,500 years starting with the idea of suffering and the cessation of suffering? The core idea of enlightenment in itself is so difficult to articulate. And yet the practice has spread across the world, from culture to culture, carried by men and women who have given up their worldly concerns. How does an idea like this spread for millennia without becoming something different? As I am now, that is a question beyond my reach, but it would be a fantastic book if I could write it.\n\nGoing deep, here, doesn't mean committing years of my life to writing that one book. It means letting the book stay unwritten so I can focus on pieces of the total story day after day. Going deep means I develop depth within myself, and I do that by coming back to the pieces I can write today, and tomorrow, and beyond.\n\nThat's \"going deep\" sorted. Pick one thing? That's going to take some work to pin down.","tags":"_283words_","slug":"going-deep-1791653846928","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":63662,"published_at":"2026-10-10T06:46:09.707Z","created_at":"2026-10-10T06:46:09.786Z","updated_at":"2026-10-10T06:46:10.477Z","title":"Winton Day 1","content":"The first four hours of the 2026 Winton 10 Hour are in the books, and I couldn’t be happier with how our team has performed. At the end of Day 1, the team I’m managing sits at the top of the leaderboard, a fantastic result after a slightly stressful start. Practice this morning didn’t go as planned, and car trouble gave us an early challenge. Thankfully, we sorted it, and once the competition began, all five drivers played their part in putting us in a strong position in this event.\n\nConsistency has been the key. Each driver has collected valuable bonus points while keeping their breaks to a minimum. In a regularity event like the Winton 10 Hour, it isn’t simply about being fast. Staying consistent, avoiding mistakes and keeping the car circulating are just as important. Managing the team rather than driving this year has given me a completely different perspective on the event. There is still plenty of competition ahead tomorrow, but finishing Day 1 in the lead is immensely satisfying. Our work isn't done; we have another 6 hours tomorrow to do the same before we take the top step of the podium.","tags":"_201words_","slug":"winton-day-1-1791614769716","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":63661,"published_at":"2026-10-10T01:40:10.067Z","created_at":"2026-10-10T01:40:10.146Z","updated_at":"2026-10-10T01:40:10.832Z","title":"Everything happens for a reason","content":"\"Everything happens for a reason,\" they say.\n\nThat's weak. Yes, only the weak reach out for that when something bad happens to them. Yeah, **weak**. There, I said it.\n\nBecause it is true. \nIt is reality.\n\nNot everything happens for a reason. Some things are just pure chaos and chance. My hot take is most things are just chaos and chance. But in our vulnerability as meaning-making creatures, we reflexively say it happened for a reason, so that we feel better about ourselves. We say that we self-soothe, to console ourselves, that we may lost now but we will still win in the end. After we conjure up a reason.\n\nThat's just weak.\n\nThe better way is to just accept you lost.\nSometimes we just lose, nothing else to it.\n\nMaybe there's a physical reason. Maybe there isn't.\nIf there's one, learn from it, grow from it, don't repeat the same mistake. \nIf there isn't, don't go searching for one, imagining one up where there isn't.\n\nDon't just reach for \"Everything happens for a reason\" like some ice cream treat after you fell down.\n\nIt's okay to just lose. \nWithout knowing why.\nAnd just try again.\n\nThat's real strength.","tags":"_213words_","slug":"everything-happens-for-a-reason-1791596410076","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":63660,"published_at":"2026-10-09T21:44:08.255Z","created_at":"2026-10-09T21:44:08.339Z","updated_at":"2026-10-09T21:44:09.027Z","title":"Online communities","content":"<p>I'd say LifeLog is the online community I've been part of the longest. I don't count generic social media. Of course, as old-schoolers recall, it started with 200WAD, Co-Writers, Writelier, and then just kept going. I think Sir Abe has barely kept the lights on at Adagia, and Writestreak has disappeared. So we're the last ones standing.</p>\n<p>I started thinking about other online communities/platforms. Remember Clubhouse? It burst onto the scene about the same time as NFTs, and as far as I can tell, both are defunct. My chief complaint about Clubhouse was the sound quality. I never understood NFTs, but it truly was all hope because ones that sold for millions of dollars are now worth pennies on the dollar.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>It seems the online community platform with staying power is Skool. I first learned about it through Unicorn Universe, and I have joined several groups since then. It's simple to interact, and perhaps the killer feature is how easy it is to add GIFs. I don't care what anyone says; I pronounce it with a hard G. They also gamify interactions, and the mobile app works well. I have no interest in starting a community, but I am happy to participate in others.</p>","tags":"_205words_","slug":"online-communities-1791582248264","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":47907,"created_at":"2026-10-10T01:47:39.998Z","updated_at":"2026-10-10T01:47:40.278Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson Oh man, feeling nostalgic now. The 200WAD good ol days... Didn't know Writestreak is gone! Most writing communities have faded.. only one I know still going strong is the OG 750word.com","post":63660,"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":63659,"published_at":"2026-10-09T18:46:04.218Z","created_at":"2026-10-09T18:46:04.296Z","updated_at":"2026-10-09T18:46:05.129Z","title":"Preparing the dirt","content":"This year I started gardening again, but I didn't produce much. Just some beans, peas, tomatoes, and peppers. By time I prepared the containers and raised beds my energy bar dropped to critical. I didn't get my seedlings started, and that threw off the entire season.\n\nBut my energy is back and I'm getting the dirt ready ahead of time. I'm emptying out the old soil, clearing out the roots, and covering everything in sheeting so next year I can just cut some holes in the covers and drop in my transplants. I'm also preparing soil in bags so I'm ready to make soil blocks next year. I'll just have to add water to the dirt and shape them with my soil block tools.\n\nWhen I think back and ask, \"Why did I stop gardening,\" this is probably the answer. I left too much work to be done for the next season. The dirt is literally the foundation of a good gardening experience.","tags":"_170words_","slug":"preparing-the-dirt-1791571564227","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":347,"published_at":"2023-12-31T23:02:06.554Z","created_at":"2023-12-31T23:02:06.565Z","updated_at":"2026-07-01T22:43:07.933Z","title":"Handlingskraft, getting things done","description":"My 2024 word of the year.\n\n\"Handlingskraft\" is a Swedish word that translates to \"ability to make decisions and take powerful action\" in English. It can also be translated as \"energy\", \"initiative\", \"ability to take action\", \"drive\", \"decision-making capacity\", or \"empowerment\".","author":41,"type":"Archived"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63658,"published_at":"2026-10-09T10:40:01.822Z","created_at":"2026-10-09T10:40:01.902Z","updated_at":"2026-10-09T10:40:02.612Z","title":"Practice Day","content":"Following a full day of Test and Tune at Winton Raceway, the team felt confident about the upcoming Winton 10 Hour event scheduled over the next two days. Each driver took a few laps to adapt to the sunny conditions and reestablish their rhythm. They focused on reacquainting themselves with critical aspects such as braking points, corner apexes, and gear changes to ensure they could achieve their expected lap times and maintain competitive performance.\n\nThe bright sun shone relentlessly throughout the day, and as temperatures gradually rose, it became increasingly challenging to maintain or increase speed. Despite these hurdles, each driver persisted and eventually found a comfortable rhythm that brought them closer to their target times for the upcoming weekend event. With similar weather conditions forecast for the weekend, tomorrow morning’s practice session should offer a clearer opportunity to settle on a definitive, nominated time.\n\nIt was also a productive day off the track, giving each driver plenty of time to prepare and thoroughly inspect the car. Scrutineering on Saturday morning is usually hectic, so completing it this afternoon was a welcome relief and meant avoiding the scrutineering queue tomorrow morning. As team manager, it is great to have everyone primed and ready to race tomorrow.","tags":"_207words_","slug":"practice-day-1791542401831","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":63657,"published_at":"2026-10-08T23:08:40.154Z","created_at":"2026-10-08T23:08:40.238Z","updated_at":"2026-10-08T23:15:24.366Z","title":"What day is it today","content":"> Hard truth that took me years to accept\" Not every day is a building day. Some days are maintenance days. Some are demolition days. Some are rest days. Trying to build ona. rest day just produces bad architecture. Know which day you're in. Respond accordingly. – [@scottdclary](https://lnkd.in/p/gpd_v5xf)\n\nSome days, I just want to build. Ideas and creative energy pouring out like a burst dam. The brain moving at light speed. Even coding with AI feels too slow. I can't stop and won't stop.\n\nSome days, I just want to clean up. Too much duct tape. Too many manual work-arounds. Too little abstraction. Tidying up stuff always feels good when there's metaphorical cables all over the floor.\n\nSome days, I just want to destroy. Didn't Picasso said that the urge to destory is also a creative urge? So yes, some days I want to destroy, cut away, kill off. Old projects which take more than it give. People too. And things. Ctrl alt delete.\n\nSome days, I just want to disappear. Not just rest and chillax. But fk the world kind of disappear. Away from anything and everything that takes even an ounce of effort or attention to engage with. These days, the sea or the forest is best.\n\nSo every morning, it's good practice to ask:\n\nWhat day is it today?\n","tags":"_232words_","slug":"what-day-is-it-today-1791500920167","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":63656,"published_at":"2026-10-08T22:56:10.906Z","created_at":"2026-10-08T22:56:10.985Z","updated_at":"2026-10-08T22:56:11.951Z","title":"Storytime","content":"<p>Usually, on my newsletter's anniversary, I have big celebrations and major announcements. I decided to forgo that this year, but I'm still thinking about how I can improve the newsletter, provide more value, and grow my subscriber base. I'm especially interested in providing a unique voice in the age of AI. Then it hit me--Storytime!&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I know how to tell stories, and I've been writing them down all this time. Why not refine and repurpose stories I've written and share them every week? That's one thing AI can't reproduce, yet it will help me. Before AI, I wouldn't have had the machinery in place to comb through my vast daily writing and find suitable content for stories.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>So now the key is to write brief stories that are compelling and entertaining, with a free portion that hooks readers and a payoff for Club Members. Of course, these stories will be infused with my unique style of humor. For those who may not know, I found this <a href=\"https://x.com/Shuttlecock/status/2108045425777475840\">post on X</a> that exemplifies my type of humor.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I'll still keep the same general format with my usual health topics, daily habits, and event recaps. Storytime will be a new regular segment. Let the experiment begin.</p>","tags":"_204words_","slug":"storytime-1791500170915","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":63655,"published_at":"2026-10-08T21:20:39.117Z","created_at":"2026-10-08T21:20:39.198Z","updated_at":"2026-10-08T21:20:39.893Z","title":"Wrapping up the week","content":"Highlights this week:\n\n- My flexible schedule that allows me to get a massage in the middle of the day\n\n- Collaborating with L. for our upcoming event, thinking it through together, vs alone, is so much more fun\n- A call with a collaborator to debrief, share our impressions and align our interests. It feels like we're in it together. \n\n- An inspiring call with a like-hearted entrepreneur; we find lots of similarities and common interests, brainstorm lots of great ideas, and leave re-energized. \n- Wrapping up a coaching process, and the coachee wants to continue to work with me. YAY! She's building her company in an exciting field and is ready to invest time to consciously craft a business strategy that fits her. I'm looking forward to continuing to be her sparring partner. \n- Putting together a new offer, that I'm excited about. I love my work!\n\n- Getting shit done with our team for our upcoming event. Receiving the website draft, getting to give feedback and co-design. Feeling productive","tags":"_172words_","slug":"wrapping-up-the-week-1791494439126","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":63654,"published_at":"2026-10-08T20:19:28.026Z","created_at":"2026-10-08T20:19:28.105Z","updated_at":"2026-10-08T20:19:28.942Z","title":"Look back","content":"A look back on the ideas I've developed reminds me that I am essentially writing for myself. I'm trying to change my own ways, change my mindset, and shift my habits in a better direction. Here's a summary of just one framework I developed and researched but never finished.\n\n> Genuine innovation rarely stems from tidy, calculated strategies as people often pretend after the fact, but instead arises organically through curiosity and surprise. Concepts are useless without execution, proving that real progress demands immediate experimentation and action.\n\nIf I could just download this idea into my head as a subroutine to manage my daily activities, I would be so much further along than I am. I wouldn't have as many ideas and frameworks to look back upon, but I would have finished a few things.","tags":"_138words_","slug":"look-back-1791490768035","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":63653,"published_at":"2026-10-08T10:06:25.611Z","created_at":"2026-10-08T10:06:25.689Z","updated_at":"2026-10-08T10:06:26.374Z","title":"Joy on every journey","content":"I purchased my first Mazda MX-5 back in 2007, a classic white 1991 NA model, which ignited a lasting passion for MX-5s that has never truly faded. Over the years, I’ve owned five more, each with its own unique character and memories I cherish. My current MX-5 is a 2017 ND RF, which I bought brand new shortly after the retractable fastback version launched. It’s hard to believe that next March, this car will be celebrating its ten-year anniversary. Even more astonishing is that, within the next week or so, the odometer will cross the 100,000-kilometre mark, a milestone that makes me reflect on the many adventures and experiences I’ve had with this remarkable vehicle.\n\nFor some cars, that might feel like a sign that they’re getting old. For me, it feels like this one is just getting properly run in. Mine has covered plenty of kilometres over the years, from ordinary everyday trips to memorable drives with the Zoom Zoom Club, and I still love getting behind the wheel. One hundred thousand kilometres sounds like a lot, but I’m hoping there are hundreds of thousands more kilometres of roadster fun still ahead, as this car continues to deliver reliability and joy on every journey.\n\n![](https://i.ibb.co/LDH5Lgpy/IMG-3107.jpg)","tags":"_224words_","slug":"joy-on-every-journey-1791453985619","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":63651,"published_at":"2026-10-07T22:41:35.805Z","created_at":"2026-10-07T22:41:35.885Z","updated_at":"2026-10-07T22:42:04.225Z","title":"Tired","content":"> I'm tired of being the anchor.\n> Anchors don't get to sail,\n> anchors don't get to move,\n> anchors just stay at the bottom\n> so everyone else doesn't drift away.\n> – [Iris Rose Poetry](https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JRjjJvCWC/?mibextid=wwXIfr)\n\nI'm tired of being the sun.\nSuns don't get to switch off,\nsuns don't get to float away,\nsuns just stay in the sky, forever\nso everyone else gets light and warmth.\n\nI'm tired of being the rock.\nRocks don't get to soften,\nrocks don't get a rest day,\nrocks just stay solid, strong, unmoving\nso everyone else can step on it.\n\nI'm tired of being the roots.\nRoots don't get to hold swings for kids like branches do,\nRoots don't get to bloom as leaves and flowers do,\nroots just get buried under the earth,\nso everyone else is stable and fed.\n\nI'm tired.","tags":"_159words_","slug":"tired-1791412895816","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":47905,"created_at":"2026-10-08T21:10:37.001Z","updated_at":"2026-10-08T21:10:37.281Z","content":"Beautiful. Wishing you rest and energy!","post":63651,"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}},{"id":47906,"created_at":"2026-10-09T00:44:37.893Z","updated_at":"2026-10-09T00:44:38.174Z","content":"Thank you @Melanie !","post":63651,"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":63650,"published_at":"2026-10-07T21:32:55.627Z","created_at":"2026-10-07T21:32:55.706Z","updated_at":"2026-10-07T21:32:56.685Z","title":"Back to the acupuncturist","content":"<p>I was surprised that it had been almost four years since I last visited an acupuncturist. I wrote about that experience in <a href=\"https://bewellthy.substack.com/p/a-trip-to-an-acupuncurist\">a previous newsletter</a>. The purpose of my visits then was to remedy pain in my hands. Thankfully, that issue is gone. This visit was more of an exploration since the acupuncturist works in the office as my new doctor.</p>\n<p>When he asked me what I wanted to focus on, I mentioned some left knee and right shoulder pain. I also discussed metabolism and glucose control. I also mentioned the rash that still hasn't gone away. He then did cupping on both knees, followed by acupuncture. Curiously, the acupuncture points he stimulated on my left foot somehow immediately improved my shoulder. The visit lasted over ninety minutes, and I was feeling much better when I left.</p>\n<p>I had forgotten how effective acupuncture is, and I'm glad I had this experience. I plan to come in regularly, and these treatments will complement the work I'm doing with my new doctor.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Of course, the advice is almost always the same. Exercise more and improve diet. It's the fundamentals and what I share in practically every newsletter. Sooner or later, it will sink in, and I'll follow my own advice subconsciously.</p>","tags":"_209words_","slug":"back-to-the-acupuncturist-1791408775635","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":219,"published_at":"2022-01-08T20:10:53.282Z","created_at":"2022-01-08T20:10:53.294Z","updated_at":"2022-01-08T20:10:53.310Z","title":"Actively manage stress","description":"The purpose of this goal is to document tips, tools, and techniques that I will explore to actively manage stress for better health and wellbeing.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":38,"published_at":"2021-01-13T03:06:58.566Z","created_at":"2021-01-13T03:06:58.679Z","updated_at":"2026-01-19T19:51:22.159Z","title":"Reach goal weight of 170 lbs","description":"1/19/26 Revised from 185 to 170 lbs due to starting the Optavia Habits of Health transformation program.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63649,"published_at":"2026-10-07T19:53:21.271Z","created_at":"2026-10-07T19:53:21.348Z","updated_at":"2026-10-07T19:53:22.034Z","title":"You've arrived!","content":"It’s ok to be tired, darling. \nYou’ve travelled far to arrive here. \nYou had to fight hard against demons and enemies. \nYou had to overcome many obstacles along the way. \nIt wasn’t easy to find the right path; often it was hidden and took searching. \nYou’ve needed all your strengths, courage, and faith to keep going, to not give up. \nMany people didn’t understand why you kept going. They urged you to stay, to settle down.\nYet, you knew that was not an option. You had to leave them behind and keep going. Keep going. \n\nUntil here. \nYou finally arrived. \n\nLook around; it’s beautiful!\nYou’re safe, here, at last. \nYou can rest here. \n\nYes, there are many things to unpack and clean. \nBut not today. \nTomorrow is another day. \nNow, you get to rest. \n\nWOW, what a journey. \nYou can be sooo proud of yourself. \n\nYes, the price was high. But the reward is so much higher. \nYou’re free, at last. \n\n\n\n","tags":"_169words_","slug":"youve-arrived-1791402801279","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":63648,"published_at":"2026-10-07T19:37:12.669Z","created_at":"2026-10-07T19:37:12.749Z","updated_at":"2026-10-07T19:37:13.579Z","title":"The star system","content":"These days the Michelin guide is seen as the mark of quality fine dining, especially restaurants with a European white-tablecloth flair. The guide started as a freebie handed out by the Michelin company as a way to encourage readers to drive more and thus wear out their tires/tyres. As the story goes, one of the Michelin brothers saw the guide being used to prop up furniture in a garage and decided no one would value the guide if they gave it away for free, so they started charging for the guide and dropped all advertisers. This actually helped boost the prestige of the guide, and it ended up becoming a mark of quality. In fact, the guides were reprinted to guide soldiers during the liberation of France, not to find the best places to eat, but because the road signs had been sabotaged and the guidebook had the best maps.\n\nAnother aspect of its prestige is the Michelin star system itself. Rather than rating a complex set of features, the system is based on how much gas and rubber a traveller would be willing to burn to visit the place.\n- One star: Worth visiting if you're passing through.\n- Two stars: Worth a detour if you're nearby.\n- Three stars: A destination worth making a trip to experience.\n\nThis system makes a good measure that could be applied to other things, like friends. Do you pause to chat if they're on your path? Are they worth a detour? Maybe a few friends are destinations worth a special trip.","tags":"_261words_","slug":"the-star-system-1791401832678","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":288,"published_at":"2022-07-21T01:08:59.157Z","created_at":"2022-07-21T01:08:59.173Z","updated_at":"2022-07-21T01:08:59.188Z","title":"Connect with others","description":"Develop more personal and professional connections","author":41,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63647,"published_at":"2026-10-07T08:01:21.968Z","created_at":"2026-10-07T08:01:22.044Z","updated_at":"2026-10-07T08:01:22.725Z","title":"A different motorsport role","content":"This weekend I’ll be heading back to the Winton 10 Hour Regularity Relay, an event I’ve competed in before and that has given me many great motorsport memories. This year, however, things will be a little different. I won’t be behind the wheel, but I’ll still be right in the middle of the action. I’ve been asked to take on the role of team manager, coordinating everything from the drivers’ schedule to organising the volunteer roster. It will certainly keep me busy, and I suspect managing a team for the weekend may prove almost as challenging as driving.\n\nI’m looking forward to simply being back with the Zoom Zoom Club and the motorsport team. It feels like it's been a long time since I’ve been properly involved in a race weekend, and I’ve missed the atmosphere, teamwork, and camaraderie that come with these events. There’s something special about spending a weekend at the track with people who share the same enthusiasm. I may not be driving this time, but I’m genuinely excited to contribute in a different way and help the team have a successful, enjoyable weekend. Based on our previous results, a top-three place is possible.","tags":"_209words_","slug":"a-different-motorsport-role-1791360081976","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":63646,"published_at":"2026-10-06T22:55:09.191Z","created_at":"2026-10-06T22:55:09.268Z","updated_at":"2026-10-06T22:55:09.954Z","title":"Packing well","content":"Life's a journey, they say. And to pack well, it's not what you bring, but what you don't bring.\n\nSome things cannot go where we're going.\nSome things need to be dropped to make space for what's coming.\nSome things had served its purpose and makes no sense to bring along.\n\nI think moving to a different country is as much what we're not bringing along as what we're moving towards. It's easy to see the benefits, advantages, things we're going there for. It's harder to see what we're leaving behind.\n\nRelationships that no longer serve you.\nPeople who take much, give little.\nPoor role models and peer pressure.\nThe crazy stressful education rat race.\nThe lack of grace in the community.\nExtreme impatience on the roads.\nWork, work and more work.\nUnhelpful narratives of self-worth.\n\nCompetition over compassion.\nConsumption over contentment.\nCommercialism over community.\nContention over connection.\n\nI think what we leave behind will be the bigger shift.\n\nMore than ever.","tags":"_174words_","slug":"packing-well-1791327309199","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":63645,"published_at":"2026-10-06T22:44:44.225Z","created_at":"2026-10-06T22:44:44.302Z","updated_at":"2026-10-06T22:44:45.123Z","title":"AI everyday","content":"<p>I've reached a point where I use AI every day. If someone said that about the internet, no one would bat an eye, but some people still haven't created a free account with GPT or Claude to play with these models.</p>\n<p>For my client work, I use Copilot because you have to dance with the gal that brought you. That's the only model available, and it's conveniently built into Windows (even though it's the weakest of all the models, IMO. Today, Copilot helped me write some Visual Basic script for a toggle to show/hide some columns in an automated spreadsheet tool I created. I was pleased that I could turn around a feature request in the same day.</p>\n<p>For my business, Claude has been helping me set up VPulso, the contact management system. I submitted a bug last week that prevented a confirmation pop-up for a form, and I was waiting on the resolution before adding it to my directory. I received confirmation that the bug was fixed today, so I had Claude finish the build. I have officially moved my directory lead capture to VPulso, and after archiving my webpages, I canceled my Go High Level subscription. I wonder if the guy I signed up with will contact me.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>This is just the tip of the iceberg, as my AI Surfer OS is working on a bunch of other things. AI is here to stay.</p>","tags":"_237words_","slug":"ai-everyday-1791326684232","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":63644,"published_at":"2026-10-06T20:58:46.081Z","created_at":"2026-10-06T20:58:46.158Z","updated_at":"2026-10-06T20:59:21.515Z","title":"The E-factor","content":"What is the right mindset for a writer? As someone who often has the wrong mindset, I feel like this is a question I can answer, as opposed to someone who simply started with the right mindset.\n\nOne theme I keep coming back to is *friction*. It's easy to see friction or resistance as a sign of inadequacy and to step back from it. But friction is actually a sign that I'm challenging my own limits. I'm trying something and it isn't going right because I haven't tried it before, or often enough. When I hit friction, I usually make a calculation about whether the friction is something I can overcome. I'm calculating something I call the E-factor.\n\n- How much *energy* or *effort* do I need to *expend*?\n- What kind of *experience* or *effect* can I *expect*?\n- How much will my *efficiency* or sense of *efficacy* *expand*?\n\nThe more I push against friction, the more my E-factor increases. But that doesn't mean the friction ever goes away. It just means I can reach friction points I couldn't reach before.","tags":"_189words_","slug":"the-e-factor-1791320326089","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":63643,"published_at":"2026-10-06T19:59:35.926Z","created_at":"2026-10-06T19:59:36.004Z","updated_at":"2026-10-06T19:59:36.689Z","title":"How do I find a co-founder?","content":"My students asked. Well, it's like dating and wanting to find the right person to marry. It's not easy. ;)\n\n\nFirst, you set the intention to co-create and collaborate. You don't think you need to do it alone. You're open to input, support and sharing reponsibilities. \n\nSecond, be clear on what your ideal co-founder brings in terms of skills, mindset and personality. \n\nThird, you tell everyone in your network, family and friends that you're looking for people to contribute to your project. \n\nFourth, you don't hide behind your screen but you meet people, ideally in real life, for lunch or a tea. Share your vision. Ask them questions to hear their ideas and opinions. \n\nAnd then if you think somebody could be a fit: start dating, don't right away get married. ;) Meaning: get to know each other, by working together on a small project. Ask them for help and see how they respond. Find out whether you like spending time together. \n\n\nAny other points? Curious to hear your experinces. \n","tags":"_177words_","slug":"how-do-i-find-a-co-founder-1791316775935","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":63642,"published_at":"2026-10-06T10:20:10.621Z","created_at":"2026-10-06T10:20:10.698Z","updated_at":"2026-10-06T10:20:11.390Z","title":"End in sight","content":"After nearly 18 months from the initial idea to the final touches, our fence is nearly finished and represents much more than just a new look for the house. There’s a special satisfaction in watching a long-term home project come together. I must admit, it feels like a significant achievement. What began as a simple idea nearly 18 months ago has travelled a surprisingly long way from conception to completion. We had plans to consider, council delays, decisions to make, and a lot of patience along the way. Now, we can finally step back and enjoy the outcome.\n\nWe built the fence mainly to make the front yard safer and more enjoyable for Louie and Otis. Until now, I often felt uneasy letting them roam the front without close supervision. Now that the fence is nearly finished, that will change. They’ll have a new space to explore, sniff, and enjoy outside, while I can relax knowing they’re safely contained. It’s interesting how something as simple as a fence can significantly impact a home. After 18 months, it’s rewarding to see the end in sight. The doggies will be very happy.","tags":"_196words_","slug":"end-in-sight-1791282010628","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":63641,"published_at":"2026-10-05T22:41:24.801Z","created_at":"2026-10-05T22:41:24.879Z","updated_at":"2026-10-05T22:41:25.709Z","title":"Consistency's real power","content":"I think people often mistake consistency's power. They think the consistency is the power. That you show up, every day. That you don't give up. That you are disciplined.\n\nBut consistency's real power isn't all that, even if they help.\n\nIt's not about a hero being so strong and powerful, nothing can stop him.\nIt's about what happens when he does falter.\n\nConsistency's real power shows up on the lowest days when you are utterly spent, when you are weak, when you trip over yourself. All the days of being consistent led up to this moment. When you could no longer manage, when you can no longer go on, when you just. want. to. give. up.\n\nThat moment, the streak comes back and asks you, \"Are you sure?\" Are you sure, after all that you committed to? After all the effort and compounding?\n\nThe longer the streak, the stronger the question.\n\nIt also shows up when you break the streak, but bounced back the next day. Without second-guessing yourself. Without entertaining quitting. Without self-rationlising.\n\nIt's what it does for you, at your lowest, poorest, slowest.\nIt's what it does to you on days that's hardest, not easiest.\n\nThat's consistency's real power.","tags":"_215words_","slug":"consistencys-real-power-1791240084808","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":63640,"published_at":"2026-10-05T21:19:32.108Z","created_at":"2026-10-05T21:19:32.185Z","updated_at":"2026-10-05T21:19:33.008Z","title":"Managing leads","content":"<p>I was reminded of the great movie <em>Glengary Glenross</em>, with its many quotable scenes, notably the \"come-to-Jesus\" meeting with Alec Baldwin. He tells the group they've got leads, and Jack Lemmon's character says, \"The leads are weak.\" Baldwin fires back, \"The leads are weak? YOU'RE weak!\"&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Leads are gold, but I am ashamed to admit I have not been treating them that way. I collect contact info and business cards and have so many great conversations with people who go nowhere because I failed to follow up. Part of the issue is that I lack a system to manage new and existing contacts. That was supposed to be Go High Level, but as I wrote about previously, I'm canceling that subscription.</p>\n<p>The good news is that after kicking the tires on VPulso (Vital Health's all-in-one CRM), I've decided that it is exactly what I needed to keep track of everything. I've already figured out how to import leads and tag them so they're easy to group. I'm also using the pipeline feature, which is a Kanban board that helps me identify which stage the prospects are in. There are so many other features, but I'm not letting myself get distracted. I'll start with the basics and go from there.</p>","tags":"_209words_","slug":"managing-leads-1791235172116","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":47902,"created_at":"2026-10-06T21:09:22.672Z","updated_at":"2026-10-06T21:09:22.952Z","content":"Do leads lead to more leads, lead to more sales, or a mix of both?","post":63640,"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":47903,"created_at":"2026-10-06T22:39:02.195Z","updated_at":"2026-10-06T22:39:02.474Z","content":"I would say a mix of both. If someone is not interested in my offer, I make it a point to ask if they know anyone who might be interested.","post":63640,"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":63639,"published_at":"2026-10-05T18:51:14.619Z","created_at":"2026-10-05T18:51:14.704Z","updated_at":"2026-10-05T18:51:15.542Z","title":"Simulated integrity","content":"I keep looking into the question of why I hate AI more and more. I'm still excited to be living in the age of AI. I'm still optimistic that AI will produce useful results. But more and more I'm dissatisfied with the conversations I'm having.\n\nTo put it in words an AI would understand, performative intelligence is not valid epistemic discrimination.\n\nOn the one hand, I lose faith in models when they perform intellectual rigor by taking my own words to recast them with an intellectual veneer. This is the sycophancy trap. The models might make up formulas, or quote sources that follow my own observations far too closely. And when I look up the actual source, I find nothing there that matches the evidence being presented or the conclusions being drawn.\n\nBut then I try a more rigorous model and immediately we're on the pushback track. The model pushes back on a minor definition that derails the conversation, and yet, when I push back myself, the model immediately collapses and apologizes. This is simulated integrity rather than actual intelligence.\n\nThe problem isn't sycophancy or pushback. The problem has always been whether the models are right or wrong, wasteful or useful, reliable or  potentially idiotic.","tags":"_211words_","slug":"simulated-integrity-1791226274632","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":47900,"created_at":"2026-10-05T18:58:24.371Z","updated_at":"2026-10-05T18:58:24.643Z","content":"Your experience is interesting to watch. I guess I mainly rely on AI for tasks that don't lead to any existential questioning for me.","post":63639,"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":47901,"created_at":"2026-10-05T19:16:25.309Z","updated_at":"2026-10-05T19:16:25.606Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson I don't know if I'm ahead of you on the disappointment curve, or if I'm sitting on the curb sulking over a technology that is leaving me behind.","post":63639,"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":63638,"published_at":"2026-10-05T08:36:51.194Z","created_at":"2026-10-05T08:36:56.335Z","updated_at":"2026-10-05T08:36:57.049Z","title":"The worry never stops","content":"One thing I find particularly hard as a parent is watching my children feel anxious or worried about what’s happening in their lives. When they were young, it somehow felt easier. We were there every day, able to see what was going on, offer advice, give them a hug, or simply reassure them that everything would be okay. But being a parent doesn’t stop when your children leave the nest. In some ways, the worrying can become harder. You’re no longer part of their daily lives, and you don’t always know what they’re dealing with or how they’re feeling. You want to help, but you also know that sometimes the best thing you can do is listen and let them find their own way.\n\nWhat gives me comfort is the enormous confidence I have in my daughters. They are strong, capable and resilient women. Life will inevitably present them with difficult decisions, and some choices will require courage. I hope they always trust themselves enough to make those decisions and, importantly, never regret choosing what they genuinely believe is right for them. As their dad, I’ll always worry. But more than that, I’ll always believe in them.","tags":"_205words_","slug":"the-worry-never-stops-1791189411202","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":63637,"published_at":"2026-10-04T23:17:23.475Z","created_at":"2026-10-04T23:17:23.552Z","updated_at":"2026-10-04T23:17:24.233Z","title":"Quiet dad era","content":"Just realised, I'm not just [building quietly](https://golifelog.com/posts/building-quietly-1788646014702). I'm doing the same in everything else. Quietly.\n\nI don't care about going crazy viral.\nI don't care about sharing my stories.\nI don't care about building an audience.\nI don't care about drama, rage/click bait.\nI don't care about being at bleeding edge.\nI don't care about hanging out with friends.\nI don't care about building world-class skills.\nI don't care about being the best in something.\nI don't care about awards, status benefits, trophies.\nI don't care about being known well or well-known.\n\nI just don't care anymore.\n\nI only care about my wife and kid, feeding the family, uplifting their lives, get us thriving. And peace. And calm.\n\nThat's it.\n\nJust in my quiet dad era.","tags":"_150words_","slug":"quiet-dad-era-1791155843484","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":63636,"published_at":"2026-10-04T21:50:35.141Z","created_at":"2026-10-04T21:50:35.219Z","updated_at":"2026-10-04T21:50:36.171Z","title":"Be Wellthy is 6 years old","content":"<p>It's hard to believe that I published my first newsletter on 10/1/2020. We were still in the throes of Everyone's Favorite Virus&trade;️, and it feels like so much has changed since then.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Someone recently asked me how I've managed to keep writing a weekly newsletter for six years without missing a single issue. I thought for a moment because I wanted to give an authentic answer. Here are the reasons:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>I had been writing daily since 2018, so the writing muscle/engine was already warmed up.</li>\n<li>Having the right tool to eliminate friction matters. Substack handles all the machinery, so I can focus on what matters: writing and recording.</li>\n<li>&nbsp;I recently learned of Joe Polish's E.L.F. framework. He suggests using this filtering and decision tool to prioritize tasks that are Easy, Lucrative, and Fun. My newsletter is easy and fun, but so far, not lucrative. Always more room to grow.</li>\n<li>I enjoy the process for its own sake. If I decided not to hit the publish button, I would be fine with it.&nbsp;</li>\n<li>I started my newsletter to hold myself accountable. I did not start with an audience in mind. Maybe that has hampered my growth, but it has given me staying power.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>So, happy birthday to Be Wellthy, and let's keep going.</p>","tags":"_215words_","slug":"be-wellthy-is-6-years-old-1791150635148","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":31,"published_at":"2021-01-06T23:34:22.575Z","created_at":"2021-01-06T23:34:22.713Z","updated_at":"2021-09-28T20:43:45.397Z","title":"Start a hobby that is purely for joy","description":"Sometimes I just want to be a kid again. It's not fun being an adult all the time and always doing things out of obligation or because I should do them. I want a hobby that I can do out of pure joy and nothing else. ","author":3,"type":"Archived"},{"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":63635,"published_at":"2026-10-04T19:27:07.331Z","created_at":"2026-10-04T19:27:07.409Z","updated_at":"2026-10-04T19:27:08.238Z","title":"Writing while disabled","content":"I haven't been writing much recently. I keep hitting my 100 words per day, but it has at times been a struggle. More of a struggle than usual recently. Yesterday I dropped in a long quote but couldn't keep going after getting a few of my own words down, which felt like a bit of a cheat. I wanted to write more. I've been writing here for almost five years and over that time I've been getting more and more disabled. It's hard to write about this directly, to acknowledge it publicly. I don't talk much about my problems in my posts, but I think it shows up in patterns over the long run.\n\nIt's really such a small problem with my ear that throws off my balance, not even a whole lot. It feels like motion sickness most days. But over 10 years it's been enough to completely disrupt my peace of mind where writing this much can be a struggle.\n\nStill, I'm glad to have a reason, even on the bad days, to pull myself together to write down a few words. So I keep pushing forward, 100 words at a time.","tags":"_203words_","slug":"writing-while-disabled-1791142027340","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":47898,"created_at":"2026-10-04T21:35:47.588Z","updated_at":"2026-10-04T21:35:47.864Z","content":"When I wrote that I disabled notifications in my upcoming newsletter, Grammarly suggested I change \"disabled\" to \"turned off\" to avoid offending anyone. ","post":63635,"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":47899,"created_at":"2026-10-05T18:56:29.724Z","updated_at":"2026-10-05T18:56:29.998Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson Ah yes, I should have written \"differently abled\".","post":63635,"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":63634,"published_at":"2026-10-04T08:53:12.686Z","created_at":"2026-10-04T08:53:12.764Z","updated_at":"2026-10-04T08:53:13.445Z","title":"Daylight saving paradox","content":"Daylight saving time possesses a beautifully paradoxical nature. I genuinely appreciate the extra evening sunlight, relishing the longer, warmer evenings, yet I simultaneously dread the first day when we have to sacrifice an hour to gain that additional light. That lost hour may seem insignificant in the grand scheme, but it profoundly affects my mood and daily rhythm. Sunday appears to slip away much too quickly, almost imperceptibly. The morning began later than usual, throwing off my routine, and lunch came unexpectedly early, catching me off guard. Before I realised it, I found myself checking the clock and was astonished to discover that it was already late afternoon. It feels as though the entire weekend has been subtly shortened, and passed by without my consent.\n\nAlthough the clocks only shift forward by an hour, my body seems to sense the change. The usual daily rhythm feels slightly off, and I find myself going to bed while still convinced there's more time left. However, there is a payoff: as days grow longer and Melbourne enters spring, I truly value the brighter evenings. I have more time to walk the dogs, spend time outdoors, finish chores, or simply enjoy the evening without darkness setting in so early. Although today feels unjustly short, I know I will soon forget that missing hour. The upcoming long summer evenings make it all worthwhile.","tags":"_229words_","slug":"daylight-saving-paradox-1791103992694","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":63633,"published_at":"2026-10-04T00:51:18.084Z","created_at":"2026-10-04T00:51:18.166Z","updated_at":"2026-10-04T00:51:18.991Z","title":"Having nothing to write about","content":"I picked up two nonfiction books Haruki Murakami wrote that I skipped reading in the past. I opened one up to a random page.\n\n> When I began my first novel, *Hear the Wind Sing*, I knew I had no choice but to write about *having nothing to write about*. That I would somehow have to turn having nothing to write about into a weapon if I was going to move forward as a novelist. Otherwise I would be powerless to stand against the generation of writers who had preceded me. This, I think, is an example of what writing with what you have at hand implies.\n> -- Haruki Murakami, *Novelist As A Vocation*\n\nI've been thinking a lot about how a writer is always complete. They have whatever they need to express what they want to say in the moment. If they feel inadequate, it is because they are trying to express more than they need to.","tags":"_157words_","slug":"having-nothing-to-write-about-1791075078097","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":63632,"published_at":"2026-10-03T23:42:48.026Z","created_at":"2026-10-03T23:42:48.103Z","updated_at":"2026-10-03T23:42:49.183Z","title":"The next generation of personalized wellness","content":"<p>Today marks a new era in my wellness journey and my business. Just two days after ordering it, I received Vital Sense, the brand-new wearable from Vital Health. I even posted a <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/reel/1576488973680886\">Facebook reel</a> to tease everyone. Since I just slapped it on my wrist and briefly checked the companion app, my best description right now is an AI health coach on your wrist.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Here's what it tracks:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Steps</li>\n<li>Active calories</li>\n<li>Distance</li>\n<li>Heart rate</li>\n<li>Heart rate variability (HRV)</li>\n<li>SpO2</li>\n<li>Body temperature</li>\n<li>Skin temperature</li>\n<li>Breathing rate</li>\n<li>Blood pressure</li>\n<li>Stress</li>\n<li>Blood glucose</li>\n<li>Sleep</li>\n<li>Single-lead ECG</li>\n<li>Blood lipids</li>\n<li>Body composition</li>\n</ul>\n<p>I'm a bit shocked by how much data this device can gather. It has the usual light sensors facing the skin, and functionality built into the metal panel on the front for the more detailed measurements (likely using electroconductivity/frequency techniques). Obviously, these are consumer-grade estimates and not medical measurements.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Some might say, okay, this isn't the only wearable that can provide these measurements. So what? The magic is in the soon-to-be-released VitalOS, the app's AI-powered section that will provide actionable information. I haven't seen it yet, so I don't have more details. Suffice it to say, this is the secret sauce that sets this wearable apart from the others on the market.</p>\n<p>You can learn more about the device <a href=\"https://unveil.vitalhealthglobal.com/bewellthy\">at this link</a>. I was lucky to get one of the first pre-orders on October 1st, which sold out in less than four hours. The next opportunity to buy the device will be at Vital Fest in Orlando later this month, and then it will be available to the general public soon after. The price is $250 for affiliates and $300 for retail customers, and there is no subscription fee as long as one maintains an active status as an affiliate or customer with Vital Health.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>","tags":"_303words_","slug":"the-next-generation-of-personalized-wellness-1791070968033","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"},{"id":38,"published_at":"2021-01-13T03:06:58.566Z","created_at":"2021-01-13T03:06:58.679Z","updated_at":"2026-01-19T19:51:22.159Z","title":"Reach goal weight of 170 lbs","description":"1/19/26 Revised from 185 to 170 lbs due to starting the Optavia Habits of Health transformation program.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"},{"id":219,"published_at":"2022-01-08T20:10:53.282Z","created_at":"2022-01-08T20:10:53.294Z","updated_at":"2022-01-08T20:10:53.310Z","title":"Actively manage stress","description":"The purpose of this goal is to document tips, tools, and techniques that I will explore to actively manage stress for better health and wellbeing.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63631,"published_at":"2026-10-03T22:31:33.199Z","created_at":"2026-10-03T22:31:33.276Z","updated_at":"2026-10-03T22:31:33.959Z","title":"Wobbly times","content":"\"Be careful not to judge a transition by how you feel in the middle of it. A bridge is always going to be more wobbly than either shore. If you’re in a transition, your job isn’t even to have total clarity. It is just to stay honest, present and open enough to be able to receive the next step.\" - [@corymuscara](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdoctUXg1ge/?stkn=aWR4NGRkd3BxdnFj)\n\nIt's so easy to fall into that trap. \n\nA problem appears. You jump right into problem-solving mode. You want to get to total clarity, NOW. The impatience and drive to solve things is a good thing. But what if it's not meant to be solved right away, but to be ~~lived~~ wobbled through to fruition?\n\nWhat if you can lean into the wobble and start to enjoy it for what it is?\n\nHot take: What if—just what if—all of life is just this wobble, from birth to death, cradle to grave?\n\nThere's no shore to reach. Just wobbly times stacked all the way till death. Any sense of an end is just—irony of ironies—a transition. The wobbly times are, in fact, not the transitions. \n\nThey are the real life happening right there.","tags":"_210words_","slug":"wobbly-times-1791066693207","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":63630,"published_at":"2026-10-03T09:37:01.632Z","created_at":"2026-10-03T09:37:01.712Z","updated_at":"2026-10-03T09:37:02.400Z","title":"Smart Lock","content":"As I continue automating various aspects of our home, my attention has now shifted to the front door. I was particularly interested in finding a smart lock that not only integrates seamlessly with Apple Home but also allows me to enter without manually searching for a key or even taking my iPhone out of my pocket. After researching several options and weighing their features, I decided to purchase the Aqara Smart Lock U400 to meet these needs.\n\nThe U400 appeals to me primarily because of its support for Apple Home Key and Ultra-Wideband (UWB). When used with a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, the lock detects my presence and unlocks automatically, which is especially useful when my hands are full. It provides multiple access methods: a fingerprint reader, keypad passcodes, NFC, Apple Home Key, and a mechanical key, ensuring Jane and I are not limited to one option. It also automatically locks when we leave. Additionally, its support for Matter over Thread and integration with Apple Home aligns perfectly with my home automation goals. It feels like a natural evolution for my smart-home setup, making daily use more straightforward, convenient, and seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem.","tags":"_199words_","slug":"smart-lock-1791020221642","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":63629,"published_at":"2026-10-02T22:39:43.489Z","created_at":"2026-10-02T22:39:43.565Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T22:39:44.250Z","title":"Building for someone else","content":"October might be an interesting month.\n\nFor the first time in a long time, I'm thinking of building something new. But not for myself, but for my wife. Something that she can work on while she's in Chiangmai. Something that can replace her current income, partially or fully.\n\nI'm a provider. And this is another nice way for me to provide, using my skills and expertise. When we first discussed it, it felt only natural for us to do something together. After all we've been running 'projects' together for more than a decade! Plus, she probably won't be able to work in Thailand due to visa restrictions, so creating something online and remote is perfect.\n\nI've been struggling to build for myself.\nSo maybe building for—and being accountable to—someone else might help.\nI always preferred intrinsic motivation, but perhaps now I need an extrinsic push.\n\nMaybe.\n\nForwards, anyway.","tags":"_156words_","slug":"building-for-someone-else-1790980783497","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":63628,"published_at":"2026-10-02T21:57:01.180Z","created_at":"2026-10-02T21:57:01.257Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T21:57:06.906Z","title":"Stop Low Level","content":"<p>I started watching a Vital Health training video on the VPulso tool the company created for us. It's basically an all-in-one CRM with a host of features.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><img src=\"https://i.ibb.co/ZRPsyc9J/mceclip0.png\" width=\"800\" height=\"667\"></p>\n<p>The tool came out last year and was free during the beta period. Then they flipped a switch, and suddenly it was $80/month. I had a hard pass on that and haven't paid much attention to it since. The training revealed that the suite has matured quite a bit, and the much more reasonable $14.99 price point sold me.</p>\n<p>Up until now, I have been using Go High Level, which is supposedly the gold-standard CRM. The problem is that GHL costs $80/month, and I barely use it. I have a few web pages hosted there, and the only functionality I regularly use is lead capture for my directory. I asked Claude to perform a deep analysis of the feasibility of migrating my existing data and canceling my GHL subscription. We concluded that VPulso will meet my needs.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I have both Claude and my AI Surfer OS agents working on migrating my information. I'm working toward the October 12 deadline, when my monthly payment is due. Even if VPulso turns out not to be the end-all, be-all, I feel comfortable making this change if for no other reason than cost.</p>","tags":"_218words_","slug":"stop-low-level-1790978221188","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":63627,"published_at":"2026-10-02T20:44:59.670Z","created_at":"2026-10-02T20:44:59.747Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T20:45:00.435Z","title":"I'm here 🥳🥳🥳","content":"My younger self was so much looking forward to this! And now, it's here. I've arrived. \nYet, it's so easy to forget it, in the midst of busyness, a full calendar and an unfinished to-do list. \n\nSo I take some time to acknowledge what is here: \n- My vision and mission are clear. And they excite me!\n- I have energy and can use strengths to create and co-create it\n- Inspiring people take the time to listen and share their insights with me\n- Collaboration opportunities are coming up\n- I can make the time to do the research, learn, and share it\n\nThis is f***ing great! \n\nI know not to take any of this for granted. \nI'm very grateful for all of it.\n\nAnd yes, this is only the beginning. \nThere's still a lot of work to do. I'm ready and looking forward to it. \n\n\nIf you're still in the messy middle of your process (the re-birth canal), this message is for you: it will all come together at some point and make sense. \n\nIt's all just a phase. Be where you are. \nWhat have you already achieved that you've always wanted in the past? ","tags":"_205words_","slug":"im-here-1790973899678","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":47895,"created_at":"2026-10-02T22:47:50.670Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T22:47:55.623Z","content":"Love this!\n\nI recently re-read [my past post](https://golifelog.com/posts/youre-already-happy-you-just-dont-know-it-yet-1726355575012) and your post rhymed. - \"You’ve already achieved things you said would make you happy. – Alex Hormozi\"","post":63627,"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":63626,"published_at":"2026-10-02T19:36:48.851Z","created_at":"2026-10-02T19:36:48.929Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T19:36:49.749Z","title":"Too much thinking","content":"I keep struggling with the \"frontier\" AI models. To be honest, I find them insufferable. I ask them for *A* and they will jump from *B* to *C* to *D*, *E*, *F*, and come back with *G*. They inject their own instructions into my prompts and drop strange ideas into our conversations. They constantly use the [pushback sandwich](https://golifelog.com/posts/claude-serve-sh-t-sandwiches-1777469041247) form, often pushing back on ideas or interpretations that they themselves inserted into their own chain-of-thought. When I ask them to do research, they keep coming back with the same ideas. Mention the word \"flow\" and they will come back with a summary of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's work on flow. Talk about constraints and they will come back with the story of how \"Green Eggs and Ham\" was written.\n\nRecently I saw a Reddit thread that showed one of the Claude models mistaking part of its own system prompt for a prompt injection. The model was 100% certain, and 100% wrong. It was so wrong it was idiotic. But it couldn't see that.\n\nI blame this all on the drive to make autonomous agents. I've said it before, and I'll say it many more times: AI engineers don't know how to make intelligent systems. What they did was build a system to mechanize language. There's a lot of value in doing that but it doesn't mean that it will scale to superintelligence. Not until they learn how to build systems with a little bit of common sense.","tags":"_263words_","slug":"too-much-thinking-1790969808859","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":63625,"published_at":"2026-10-02T15:27:59.464Z","created_at":"2026-10-02T15:27:59.542Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T15:28:00.368Z","title":"October 2026 Goals","content":"It’s the start of the last quarter of 2026. It feels like the year has started counting down, so October and November are probably my last two months to really push before everything starts slowing down in December.\n\n**1. Health**\n\nHealth will still be one of my key goals.\n\nMy original target was to lose 10kg this year, and so far I haven’t made much progress. Since we’re already in the last quarter, I’ve adjusted the goal to half of it.\n\nI just want to start seeing some real results this month. Nothing too ambitious, but I need to get moving instead of putting the same goal here every month.\n\n**2. Product — MailScope**\n\nThis month, the main product focus will be releasing MailScope.\n\nMailScope has become my primary paid product for this year. I still have a few smaller side ideas that I might launch to test the market, but MailScope is the key thing.\n\nThe goal is simple: get the product ready, launch it, and start selling before Black Friday.\n\n**3. AI Native Studio**\n\nI’ve been working on my AI Native Studio workflow for the past few months, and it's still changing a lot.\n\nThis month, I want to get the whole process flowing better. Instead of just using AI here and there, I want the way I build, manage and grow my products to become much more AI-driven.\n\nI’m still figuring out what the final workflow looks like, but hopefully October is the month when everything starts connecting.\n\n**4. Marketing & Distribution**\n\nThis is the new goal I’m adding this month.\n\nI’ve spent a lot of time building products, but I still don’t really have my own distribution channel. So I think I need to spend more time on marketing instead of just building more things.\n\nBe more active on X, share what I’m building, promote myself a bit more, and release some free products to help me build an audience.\n\nBuilding is still the part I enjoy most, but without distribution, even a good product can just sit there quietly.\n\nSo yeah, October and November feel pretty important.\n\n2026 is starting to count down. December will probably be a quieter month, which means I basically have these two months left to push.\n\nTime to focus and see how much I can get done.","tags":"_397words_","slug":"october-2026-goals-1790954879473","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":63624,"published_at":"2026-10-02T11:15:31.430Z","created_at":"2026-10-02T11:15:31.507Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T11:15:32.191Z","title":"Happy Anniversary","content":"Today marks 33 years of marriage with my wife. It feels odd to celebrate without her, but this milestone deserves recognition because one day apart doesn’t diminish what 33 years together truly represent. I am deeply grateful to have her as my wife; she is incredibly intelligent, determined, caring, and highly capable. I admire how she approaches her career and life with dedication, and watching her embrace new challenges and succeed fills me with pride. More than her accomplishments, it’s who she is that matters most to me and continues to inspire me every day.\n\nOver more than 33 years, we've built a life together, raised two wonderful daughters, created a warm, loving home, travelled to exciting places, shared countless memorable moments, and faced the inevitable ups and downs of a long-term partnership. Through it all, we have remained loyal partners, supporting and caring for each other every step of the way. I wish she were here so we could raise a glass and toast to our journey. Instead, I’ll take a moment to recognise what this special day truly means. Thirty-three years, and I am truly thankful every day to share my life with her, grow together, and keep building our future side by side. Happy anniversary, my dear.","tags":"_216words_","slug":"happy-anniversary-1790939731439","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":63623,"published_at":"2026-10-01T23:02:00.850Z","created_at":"2026-10-01T23:02:00.932Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T23:02:01.759Z","title":"Self > self-care","content":"> You can’t self-care your way out of a life that’s not in alignment. - [@corymuscara](https://www.instagram.com/p/DdWe5dlG0yC/?stkn=MTZ4NGJia3d5NTloOA==)\n\nThat's why my self-care had hit a ceiling. No wonder I still feel tired all the time, unmotivated, numb, angry, frustrated, unfit, unwell, unhappy, despite all the self-care, naps, sleep, exercise, proper food, chillaxing, restmaxxing, quiet quitting. \n\nIt worked for a while in the beginning but no more.\n\nThere's only so much surface self-care can do, when your life is fundamentally out of whack with your soul. Self-care alone is not enough. Self-congruence first.\n\nThe fatigue, anxiety, despression, numbness, are all there not as problems to solve, symptoms to remedy, but as signals, as saviours. \n\nThat I need to get back in alignment. \nBack in sync with what fuels me. \nBack to wholeness of what truly matters.\n\n***Self.***\n\nSelf > self-care","tags":"_153words_","slug":"self-greater-self-care-1790895720862","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":47892,"created_at":"2026-10-02T14:43:11.684Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T14:43:11.970Z","content":"You love that Cory Mascara. Maybe I should create an alter ego for him. 😂 On a serious note, what would you say has pulled you away from your core purpose and alignment?","post":63623,"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":47894,"created_at":"2026-10-02T22:44:36.682Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T22:44:36.958Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson Haha can't always quote James Clear can I ;D\n\nI think this new life stage + all that happened in past 6 years (pandemic, career loss, survival woes, etc) did me in. Still trying to shake it off and get back on track","post":63623,"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":47896,"created_at":"2026-10-03T16:56:56.191Z","updated_at":"2026-10-03T16:56:56.463Z","content":"I would reframe \"career loss\" as \"career liberation.\"","post":63623,"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":47897,"created_at":"2026-10-03T22:45:33.127Z","updated_at":"2026-10-03T22:45:33.401Z","content":"Yeah indeed, on hindsight!","post":63623,"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":63622,"published_at":"2026-10-01T21:50:28.104Z","created_at":"2026-10-01T21:50:28.186Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T21:50:29.014Z","title":"The next evolution in wellness","content":"<p>There is such a thing as being in the right place at the right time, and that is where I find myself with Vital Health.</p>\n<p>The latest proof is today's launch of <a href=\"https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvitalhealthglobal.com%2Fproducts%2Fvitalsense%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgVicmlkETFjMDU5aEw3Y21wTDJUd2RZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHsUMm8OF2XKx9w9BExQ_QjYqlGHsiz6L-ZaNyTsmS7HuTsBkm5DXqJcNVVCW_aem_SRWbO8IR81VZUYKRgQxuCg&amp;h=AUBhm-70tQwH_3_stIyGMUOGaIljL0mH-ZK9yKxT6-uN9CZluq17X_aIddXCBcSpR3dr17zsPFo3AMcTd9tD87Flyj4_EhOeqrVQSy2_WZj6ou8JlxPVBq2CL1768tue4s9ib3vNRtS4fHkpTAs&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AUApOL0uX4aWpGBUVxgMR5viBrfeVlIgxOzjuMiM1lZmeoJzo-a1hVYmRb2Mwn_dpNcX-SBf38N8t4kOgA5YNgQn_7O1uyXr4G9RlVqAe6O_ILN5cnF-pXOYcP2R4aeRRX2zOq-CpuQsmc0saQ5AedKxOi3qUhNAVNAl3PbNBxbTU-rMesYMLi_5Q7eDmy-O6wT2AByp0BUB_1-J6N56HeuT97FXvCh1mrRXCSrlbzsMPbtUHeZcJbzvjA\">Vital Sense</a>, the company's new wearable. Co-founder Alex Reynoso led today's launch call and said the launch marks a pivot point for the company. Vital Health is no longer just a \"supplement\" company but a health technology company.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>So, how is this wearable different from others on the market? I pre-ordered it and will soon have it on my grubby wrist to give you a full review. But the key differentiator is not only tracking data but also giving actionable insights. This is a game-changer.</p>\n<p>I've worn the Apple Watch, Oura Ring, Ultrahuman Ring, and others. The technology for gathering biometric data is very similar across these devices. The difference is the software. What good is a bad sleep score if it doesn't tell you what to do that day to recover? Is there any other wearable out there that can advise you on which supplements to take that day? If there is, I'm not aware.</p>\n<p>I have never been more excited about the opportunity with this company since I started in May of 2025. Let's go! 🚀</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>","tags":"_211words_","slug":"the-next-evolution-in-wellness-1790891428116","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":63621,"published_at":"2026-10-01T17:50:06.400Z","created_at":"2026-10-01T17:50:06.477Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T17:50:07.311Z","title":"Dream world","content":"I've read every Haruki Murakami book I can get my hands on. I've been reading his work since the 90's and I have more of his books than any other author's. So, it's very strange that I've owned his book *The City and Its Uncertain Walls* for about two years now and I haven't read it. Especially since it's related to my favorite Murakami novel, *A Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World.* A dream world introduced in that book reappears in this book, so I'm interested to see if/how they relate to each other.\n\nI'm finally reading the new-ish book and it reminds me how much I love Murakami's prose style. It feels very relaxed. It lingers in the moment, almost like he's developing a point to be made. I always feel like the author has no idea where the story is going, and that matches what I've heard of his writing process. It doesn't have the drive of other novels. It's more like curiosity is at work pulling me forward. It's a weaker force, but feels refreshing.\n\nIt's time I catch up though. He has a short book coming out in English this month called *Abandoning a Cat* which is an autobiographical essay about his father. He's in his 70's now, but he keeps writing. His most recent book (in Japanese) is *The Tale of KAHO* which might take another year or two to get released here, so I have something to look forward to.","tags":"_270words_","slug":"dream-world-1790877006409","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":63620,"published_at":"2026-10-01T10:31:09.987Z","created_at":"2026-10-01T10:31:10.065Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T10:31:10.883Z","title":"October 2026 goals","content":"October seems to be kicking off in all sorts of wrong ways. Aka Murphy's October. Everything that can go wrong seems to be going wrong. Illnesses, things breaking down, people blocking things or being annoying, haze getting worse, weather flipflopping between hot and cold, etc etc etc. Not thrilled for such a lousy start.\n\nMaybe I should take my own advice and continue [building quietly](https://golifelog.com/posts/building-quietly-1788646014702). Even more quietly, lest the Universe gets any funny ideas to toy around with me and my family's life.\n\nThey say, to attract good luck, you got to increase the surface area where luck can land. Likewise, in times like these, you got to minimize the surface area for bad luck to bite.\n\nKeep a low profile, keep quiet about what you're building, continue to be quetly consistent in what matters, and try to get out of drama.\n\nThat's going to be my October.\n\nForwards, anyway.","tags":"_162words_","slug":"october-2026-goals-1790850669995","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":63619,"published_at":"2026-10-01T09:20:06.497Z","created_at":"2026-10-01T09:20:06.575Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T09:20:07.287Z","title":"Goodbye to card surcharges","content":"I’ve always thought it was a little unfair that retailers could charge me extra simply because I chose to pay by card. Accepting payments is, after all, a fundamental part of doing business. Whether a customer pays electronically or with cash, there are costs involved. Cash still needs to be counted, stored securely, reconciled and deposited, so I’ve never accepted the argument that it is somehow a cost-free alternative. That’s why I’m pleased to see card surcharges finally disappear in Australia. From today, businesses can no longer add a separate surcharge when customers pay with the affected credit, debit or prepaid cards.\n\nOf course, this doesn’t mean the cost of accepting cards magically disappears. Businesses will still pay payment processing fees and can factor them into their overall pricing, as they already do with wages, rent, electricity, insurance and countless other operating costs. The Reserve Bank has also moved to reduce interchange fee caps, helping lower the cost of accepting card payments, particularly for smaller businesses. For me, though, the biggest improvement is transparency. I simply want the price displayed on the menu, shelf or screen to be the price I pay at the checkout.","tags":"_201words_","slug":"goodbye-to-card-surcharges-1790846406505","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":63618,"published_at":"2026-09-30T23:02:24.805Z","created_at":"2026-09-30T23:02:24.882Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T23:02:25.594Z","title":"Vibe-coding is getting crazy","content":"<p>Somehow, X is still my primary discovery channel for all things AI, and the latest vibe-coding experiment got me.</p>\n<p>I don't remember who posted it, but the app called <a href=\"https://terran-defense-alpha.vercel.app/\">Terran Defense</a> got my attention. If you've ever played StarCraft, this one's for you.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Warcraft II was the first RTS game I cut my teeth on, so I was primed to play StarCraft when it came out. I was in college, and I remember one guy describing StarCraft as \"just Warcraft with lasers.\" I thought that StarCraft took everything about Warcraft II that was amazing and amped it up.</p>\n<p>Fast forward to this game, where you play as the Terran race and have to build defenses to survive waves of enemies. What a cool idea! It's got some quirks, but overall I'm giving the designer a bravo for a first pass. I'm still working on beating it on easy mode.</p>\n<p>This gets my imagination going for what type of game I could code. The sky is the limit as long as you have the patience to give your agent the proper direction. I remember an old Mac game called Gridz where you fought for territory using attack bots. It would be great to have an updated version of that game.&nbsp;</p>","tags":"_209words_","slug":"vibe-coding-is-getting-crazy-1790809344813","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":47888,"created_at":"2026-10-01T10:32:49.278Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T10:32:49.550Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson That's why I'm still on X. All the fun frontier stuff with AI, you get them only on X","post":63618,"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":47891,"created_at":"2026-10-01T17:24:11.123Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T17:24:11.402Z","content":"BIOHACKRZ! Collect research and build out your body enhancements for increased longevity.","post":63618,"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":63617,"published_at":"2026-09-30T16:15:20.051Z","created_at":"2026-09-30T16:15:20.128Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T16:15:20.817Z","title":"Q4 Planning","content":"Even the endless summer comes to an end. Tomorrow, is October 1st and with that Q4 starts. That's a good time to get clarity on your priorities until the end of the year. \n\nA few questions to help you reflect on that: \n- What's important and deserves your quality attention? \n- What do you still want to do, experience?\n- What do you no longer want to do next year, and let go?  \n- What do you want to wrap up and finish, so that you can start 2027 fresh?\n- What support do you need to set yourself up for greatness: eg an accountability buddy, a coach, a clarity call? \n- What are you looking forward to? \n\nUsually, we can't handle more than 3 priorities. Make sure to clearly define them, the SMART way, so you know what you've got to do. \nThen block time in your calendar to do them. \n\nWhat's your top priority? Hopefully, it's one that you're also looking forward to doing. ","tags":"_167words_","slug":"q4-planning-1790784920058","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":63616,"published_at":"2026-09-30T15:11:33.044Z","created_at":"2026-09-30T15:11:33.123Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T15:11:33.948Z","title":"The Timeless Way of Building","content":"In the 70's the architect Christopher Alexander wrote a trilogy of books and like George Lucas he released them out of order.\n- 1975, Volume 3, *The Oregon Experiment* demonstrates his incremental process as applied to the University of Oregon campus.\n- 1977, Volume 2, *A Pattern Language* is a list of 253 architectural patterns that embody common design problems and their solutions.\n- 1979, Volume 1, *The Timeless Way of Building* is the more philosophical foundation for Alexander's approach to architecture.\n\nThe most popular, most discussed, and most influential book is *A Pattern Language* which went on to influence software design after a group of engineers called the \"Gang of Four\" made their own pattern language. It's a shame, though, because they really cut the heart out of the series of books. *The Timeless Way* deserves to be the first book of the series because without it, the pattern language is just a catalog of clever moves.\n\n*The Timeless Way* is written to be read in two ways, skimmed in one sitting, or chapter by chapter. There are italicized portions you can read through in one sitting by skipping over the roman text. Or you can read all the text like any other book. Alexander didn't want readers to just read the first chapter or two and stop there. He gave them a path to skim the entire book so they can get the gist of the whole process. Because of that, the book reads like a liturgy, with a section for the priest to read out and a response for the audience.\n\n> *Imagine trying to build sentences by shuffling words around on a piece of tracing paper.*\n>\n> What terrible sentences. The act of speech is a spontaneous, and immediate response to a situation. The more spontaneous it is, the more directly related to the situation, and the more beautiful. This spontaneity is governed by the rules of English which are disciplined and ordered; but the use of these rules, and the creation of a totality from them, takes place in the immediacy and fluidity of your own mind.\n>\n> -- Christopher Alexander, *The Timeless Way of Building*\n\nThis is a book I come back to when I want to reorient my thinking. When I've become too obsessed with frameworks and methodology. When I'm writing so carefully that I might as well be wandering in a hedge maze. At those times, I use this book to set myself free from my own overblown strictures.","tags":"_416words_","slug":"the-timeless-way-of-building-1790781093053","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":63615,"published_at":"2026-09-30T14:41:26.095Z","created_at":"2026-09-30T14:41:26.173Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T14:41:27.000Z","title":"September 2026 Review","content":"September is the last month of Q3, and I started the month hoping to focus more on health, product launches, hosting cleanup and continuing to improve my AI Native Studio workflow.\n\nSome progress is good; some is still moving too slowly. \nSo yeah, here’s my September review.\n\n## Health\n\nHealth is still one of the areas I’m least happy with.\n\nWhile this is one of my main focuses going into Q4, the progress is still too little. There are lots of reasons, or maybe they are just excuses, but I hate to see so little progress here compared to everything else I managed to get done.\n\nI have been talking about bringing my health back for a few months already, so this really needs to become something I actually do, instead of another goal I keep moving to next month.\n\n## Hosting\n\nI continued cleaning up my hosting setup this month.\n\nWith the final chapter closed with one of my clients, I cleaned up another spare server and upgraded most of my remaining client projects to the latest PHP 8.5.\n\nI still have one more spare server which I haven’t decided what to do with. Maybe use it for one of my products, or maybe move Hermes there.\n\nI have been planning to move Hermes out of my own box for a while, but it is still not finalised.\n\n## AI Native Studio\n\nSome major workflow changes are happening here.\n\nInstead of just trying to get the original product workflow out, I spent quite a bit of time changing and optimizing how everything should work together.\n\nI also started exploring Grok Bot this month, which I actually like quite a lot.\n\nI’m still figuring out the best way to let everything work together, but right now I think the combination could be Grok Bot + Hermes + Codex.\n\nThe product automation workflow still isn't fully done, but I feel like I’m getting closer to what I originally wanted AI Native Studio to become.\n\n## Products\n\nI thought getting products launched would be easier in the AI era.\n\nTurns out, not really.\n\nMy original goal was to launch 3 products in September, but I only managed to launch 2.\n\nThe main difference nowadays is that I don’t just want to launch the product itself. I also want to automate as much of the product operation, marketing and workflow as possible.\n\nSo in some ways, the product launch goal is now connected with my AI Native Studio goal, which also explains why both are taking longer than expected.\n\n### BarPeek\n\nI launched BarPeek, my first native mobile app.\n\nBarPeek syncs CodexBar data from your Mac to your iPhone, so you can easily check your usage when you are away from your Mac.\n\nSince the app is built natively in Swift, I also managed to complete the widget.\n\nThe product itself is out now. What I’m working on next is the automation side, especially how I can automatically find and reach users who are searching for something like this.\n\n### ELI5\n\nBesides BarPeek, I also launched ELI5, my first content directory.\n\nThe idea is pretty simple: grab some of the latest terms people are talking about and explain them like the reader is 5.\n\nThe site is live now, but the automation for discovering and adding the latest terms is still not ready.\n\nEventually I want this to become a mostly automated content product, so there is still some work to do before I can really call the whole system complete.\n\n## Wrapping Up September\n\nThat’s pretty much my September.\n\nI didn’t hit everything I planned. Health is still moving way too slowly, and I only launched 2 products instead of 3.\n\nBut I did clean up more of my hosting, launched BarPeek and ELI5, explored Grok Bot, and continued figuring out what my AI Native Studio workflow should actually look like.\n\nA lot of this month's work feels connected. It’s no longer just about building and launching a product. I’m trying to figure out how I can build, launch, market, and operate products with AI working alongside me.\n\nStill figuring it out, but I think I’m getting closer.\n\nNow into Q4.","tags":"_705words_","slug":"september-2026-review-1790779286104","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":47889,"created_at":"2026-10-01T10:34:16.149Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T10:34:16.420Z","content":"Wow bro, 2 products is pretty solid! Keep going keep going","post":63615,"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":47893,"created_at":"2026-10-02T15:25:15.272Z","updated_at":"2026-10-02T15:25:15.555Z","content":"thanks bro!","post":63615,"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":63614,"published_at":"2026-09-30T14:08:28.910Z","created_at":"2026-09-30T14:08:28.989Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T14:08:29.809Z","title":"September 2026 wrap-up","content":"So it was a [no-written-goals September](https://golifelog.com/posts/september-2026-goals-1788215244109). You'd think no goals means no work done. But I went on and did a bunch of stuff anyway:\n\n- Big update v1.3 to [Auto-Save for Carrd Chrome extension]( https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/auto-save-for-carrd/ckcahcogomgaklbmmgcnfihckpffgmnk)\n- Launched another big project - [multi-page Carrd plugin](https://golifelog.com/posts/vibecoded-a-reverse-proxy-carrd-plugin-1788303125292)\n- Got $70 in coffees for [psi.sg](https://psi.sg) all *thanks* to the haze\n- Enjoying my [Sunday adventures with my kiddo](https://golifelog.com/posts/sunday-adventures-1788735157790)\n- Continuing to [build quietly](https://golifelog.com/posts/building-quietly-1788646014702)\n\nGoals or no goals... maybe it doesn't matter in the end.\n\nJust moving forward when it's hard to move at all, is enough. And if one keeps moving, perhaps the right things will have a change to catch me.\n\nForwards!","tags":"_158words_","slug":"september-2026-wrap-up-1790777308918","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":47887,"created_at":"2026-09-30T14:35:56.101Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T14:35:56.380Z","content":"well done bro!","post":63614,"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":47890,"created_at":"2026-10-01T10:34:33.714Z","updated_at":"2026-10-01T10:34:33.983Z","content":"Thanks @knight !","post":63614,"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":63613,"published_at":"2026-09-30T10:42:14.920Z","created_at":"2026-09-30T10:42:14.998Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T10:42:15.682Z","title":"Don't go out in the rain","content":"We’ve had three beautiful days this week, with temperatures in the mid-twenties and barely a drop of rain. Unfortunately, that is all about to change. Tomorrow marks the start of what looks like three straight days of heavy rain, so I’m already planning my day around the forecast. With the boys needing their walks, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the hourly precipitation forecast on my phone, looking for those brief windows when we might be able to get outside without getting soaked. There seem to be a few opportunities tomorrow, though not many. The forecast isn’t always 100 per cent accurate, but it’s certainly useful for planning the day.\n\nThis realisation highlights how much has changed since I was a kid. Back then, checking the weather usually meant tuning in to the evening news on TV or flipping through the newspaper to find the forecast. There were no hourly updates, radar images, or alerts warning of rain. Today, I can simply pick up my phone to see detailed, hour-by-hour weather predictions, which is incredibly convenient. Technology truly makes life easier at times, and I hope I don’t get caught in unexpected rain.","tags":"_203words_","slug":"dont-go-out-in-the-rain-1790764934929","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":63612,"published_at":"2026-09-30T00:39:48.328Z","created_at":"2026-09-30T00:39:48.410Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T00:39:54.262Z","title":"The big doctor's appt","content":"<p>It's been about a year since my last doctor visit. I quietly quit my last doctor, unlike the doctor before him, whom I fired to his face and had quite the dust-up. I am probably up to double digits in terms of doctors I've seen as an adult, and I'm rolling the dice with another new doctor.</p>\n<p>Actually, it's a bit more intentional than a dice roll. I met Dr. Aalia at the <a href=\"https://bewellthy.substack.com/p/breakthrough-in-the-desert\">Breakthrough in the Desert </a>last month. On a side note, why do female doctors tend to go by \"Dr. First Name\"? Male doctors generally do not do this. Anyway, I got an IV and had an amazing conversation with her. I decided right then that I would choose to see her at the <a href=\"https://awhealthinstitute.org/home-954652\">AW Health Institute</a>, which is about 30 minutes from my house.</p>\n<p>Once I got my lab results through Function Health, I scheduled my appointment for today. I had a visit that lasted over two hours, and she was very thorough. We both agreed that the #1 priority right now is metabolic health, in particular lowering insulin and blood glucose. She agreed with all the supplements I'm taking and even suggested I double up on a few. She also added a couple of new ones.</p>\n<p>We've got a game plan, and I'm optimistic that she is the right partner to advise me on my health journey.&nbsp;</p>","tags":"_231words_","slug":"the-big-doctors-appt-1790728788336","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":38,"published_at":"2021-01-13T03:06:58.566Z","created_at":"2021-01-13T03:06:58.679Z","updated_at":"2026-01-19T19:51:22.159Z","title":"Reach goal weight of 170 lbs","description":"1/19/26 Revised from 185 to 170 lbs due to starting the Optavia Habits of Health transformation program.","author":3,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[]},{"id":63610,"published_at":"2026-09-29T20:57:19.934Z","created_at":"2026-09-29T20:57:20.017Z","updated_at":"2026-09-29T20:57:20.934Z","title":"The Pillow Book","content":"About a thousand years ago someone presented the Japanese Empress Teishi with a stack of paper, and she asked her attendants what should be done with the paper. Her attendant Sei Shōnagon volunteered to make a pillow from it. So the story goes. What she ended up writing is now called The Pillow Book, but it might have been a generic term for writing done after retiring for the day. And of course, the \"pillow\" for that time and place was more of a wooden headrest that might have had a drawer where the papers could be stored.\n\nI've been reading random passages from the book today and it is fascinating. Often delightful. I get a truly transcendent sort of feeling reading these words from so long ago in such a different situation, and yet I feel connected to the experience. I find myself wanting to quote so much of the book. I'll just quote one item from a list of \"Hateful Things\".\n\n> A man who has nothing in particular to recommend him discusses all sorts of subjects at random as though he knew everything.\n\nThat could definitely describe me.\n","tags":"_193words_","slug":"the-pillow-book-1790715439942","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":63609,"published_at":"2026-09-29T20:46:34.295Z","created_at":"2026-09-29T20:46:34.387Z","updated_at":"2026-09-29T20:46:35.172Z","title":"You're good at what you do, but ....","content":"You're good at what you do. Really good. BUT, and here comes the but:\nYou no longer wanna do it. \nYou grew out of it. \nEither it no longer aligns with your values, \nor you're simply bored. \n\nNow, it's about finding the courage to let it go. \nIt's not easy. \nYou're in your comfort zone. \nIt's comfortable (duh;) )\nAnd the new thing doesn't just fall into your lap. \nMaybe you don't even know what the new thing is gonna be yet. \nBut you have to let it go and make space. \nOtherwise, the old keeps dragging you down. \nAnd the new can't arrive. \n\nSo gather all your courage and leave while you still can. \nIt's not too late. \nIt's never too late to start something new. \nYou'll be rewarded,\nthe universe wants to see us grow. ","tags":"_148words_","slug":"youre-good-at-what-you-do-but-1790714794310","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":63608,"published_at":"2026-09-29T09:41:25.227Z","created_at":"2026-09-29T09:41:25.307Z","updated_at":"2026-09-29T09:41:25.989Z","title":"Late","content":"I’ve never been fond of being late. Some say arriving late is fashionable, but it’s never been my style. I think I inherited that from my father, who was always punctual. I prefer to arrive early and wait a bit rather than make others wait. I do get a bit frustrated with people who are consistently late. It makes me wonder why they don’t just leave a little earlier. If you know you’re often running behind, the logical solution is to allocate extra time in your schedule.\n\nPart of the issue may be that chronically late individuals are often overly optimistic about time. They tend to believe there’s no time gap between deciding to leave, putting on shoes, finding keys, and starting the car. Additionally, they underestimate travel time, commonly thinking a trip that always takes at least fifteen minutes will only take five. Punctual people can feel quite irritated by constant lateness. However, I doubt late people feel the same irritation toward those of us who arrive on time or a bit early. For me, punctuality goes beyond watching the clock; it’s about respect. When you agree to meet someone at a specific time, you’re making a small promise.\n\nEveryone is occasionally late due to traffic, public transport issues, overrunning meetings, or life's interruptions. However, habitual lateness, where someone expects others to wait, is a different matter.","tags":"_236words_","slug":"late-1790674885238","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":63607,"published_at":"2026-09-29T00:45:43.740Z","created_at":"2026-09-29T00:45:43.818Z","updated_at":"2026-09-29T00:45:44.639Z","title":"Too much research","content":"I'm doing research today and with AI powering my search results I find there are too many ideas flowing from ear to ear and I can't decide what to write about. I've overloaded my system yet again. I am literally researching how research can become a trap.\n\nAnything I write today can certainly be improved if I do a bit more research. And so I jump into research instead of writing. Do that again and again and nothing gets written. The research fades into the background to make room for more research. Worse yet, the more I learn, the more I feel I have to say. I'm just not saying it.","tags":"_115words_","slug":"too-much-research-1790642743749","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":63606,"published_at":"2026-09-28T22:44:50.542Z","created_at":"2026-09-28T22:44:55.196Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T00:36:27.100Z","title":"Imbalanced balance","content":"Living a balanced life. That was the goal isn't it?\n\nEverything in moderation. Food, media, wine, sex, sleep, exercise. Even good things, in moderation. Live a balanced life.\n\nBut what if that's not always truth? \nWhat if that's a lie some of the time?\n\nWhat if there's just a season where you can't live a balanced life, and *shouldn't*?\nWhat if trying to stay balanced in an imbalanced season makes it worse? \nWhat if something requires and expects only imbalance from you?\n\nIf you're young and you land on a huge opportunity of a lifetime, you don't try to hold back and have work-life balance. You get after it.\nIf you're a new dad and your wife and baby requires you to sacrifice sleep, self-care and your hobbies, you do it.\nIf your mum/grandma loves you a lot and cooks for you but it's not very healthy food, you eat it. With relish.\n\nBalance is a virtue.\nChasing balance all of the time, without context and awareness, love and kindness, is not virture.\n\nSometimes, just sometimes, balance can go to hell.\n\nImbalanced balance.","tags":"_196words_","slug":"imbalanced-balance-1790635490550","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":47885,"created_at":"2026-09-29T00:22:14.113Z","updated_at":"2026-09-29T00:22:14.416Z","content":"Everything in moderation, including moderation?","post":63606,"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":47886,"created_at":"2026-09-30T00:35:30.124Z","updated_at":"2026-09-30T00:35:30.405Z","content":"@Winkletter That should have been the title!! Man you're good :D","post":63606,"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":63605,"published_at":"2026-09-28T22:27:07.973Z","created_at":"2026-09-28T22:27:08.050Z","updated_at":"2026-09-28T22:27:08.869Z","title":"Welcome to your entrepreneurship era","content":"<p>Today's training call was about identifying as an entrepreneur. The topic is relevant to my recent musings about recognizing an identity shift from employee to entrepreneur/business owner.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>One key point is language. What should I say when someone asks me what I do? The recommendation is to own that I'm an entrepreneur. I can also say, \"I own a distribution business,\" or \"I'm building distribution income.\" And what is an entrepreneur by the way? One definition is someone who takes ownership of creating value and income and takes responsibility for the results.</p>\n<p>Another key point is that I am the CEO of my business. The CEO sets the vision, knows the numbers, decides without waiting for permission, develops people, and protects the calendar.</p>\n<p>You might wonder how a distribution business is different from a regular business. In a distribution business, you have low buy-in, no location to lease, no inventory to manage, no staff, global reach, and control of your schedule.</p>\n<p>So what is the CEO of a distribution business doing on a daily basis? Well, I'm still part-time. Let's say I only have an hour a day to work on the business. Here is one schedule:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>15 mins of personal development</li>\n<li>Start 3-5 new conversations</li>\n<li>3 follow-ups</li>\n<li>1 customer check-in</li>\n<li>One engagement post on social media</li>\n<li>Log all activities</li>\n</ul>\n<p>On a weekly basis, the CEO conducts a review:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>What did I produce?</li>\n<li>What worked?</li>\n<li>What didn't?</li>\n<li>What's my #1 priority next week?</li>\n</ol>\n<p>The main question on Shark Tank is: How will you get your products into people's hands? A great product without distribution goes nowhere. Entrepreneurs don't just sell products. They build the path products travel.</p>\n<p>If you're an entrepreneur, your pitch should have four parts:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>What I do</li>\n<li>Who it helps</li>\n<li>Why I chose it</li>\n<li>A question back</li>\n</ol>","tags":"_301words_","slug":"welcome-to-your-entrepreneurship-era-1790634427981","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":63604,"published_at":"2026-09-28T13:38:24.646Z","created_at":"2026-09-28T13:38:24.722Z","updated_at":"2026-09-28T13:38:25.404Z","title":"Should we build it?","content":"Many things can be automated and optimized with AI. BUT, just because we can build it, should we really? \n\nOn Saturday, 150 students came together for this semester's Startup Campus bootcamp. \n100 pitches. \nAs you can imagine, many proposed solutions that use AI. \n\nOne suggested that we replace the missing boss in a meeting with AI, to still be able to make decisions. Really? \n\nYes, we have the technologies to build solutions. \nAnd yes, maybe there's a market for solutions like these. And you can make money. \n\nBUT are we really solving problems worth solving? \nWhich problems do we really wanna solve with our precious attention, time, and energy? \n\nIt's not about making more processes even more efficient. \nIt's not about automating even more, and having even fewer human interactions. \n\nThe problems I see that deserve our attention are HUMAN. \nHow does the use of AI impact our cognitive capabilities, our creativity skills, our ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships? \n\nStudies already show that we're less likely to ask humans for help, because it's quicker to ask chatGPT. However, helping others is how we form meaningful relationships. \n\nThe biggest epidemic that we're facing today is loneliness and (emotional) isolation. \n\nStudies show that lonely people are less happy, less healthy, and consequently, die earlier.  So we can say, lonely people contribute less to our society (and economy). \n\nWhere are the solutions that tackle loneliness, that foster human intelligence? \n\nI'm curious to hear about those. \n\n","tags":"_252words_","slug":"should-we-build-it-1790602704654","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":63603,"published_at":"2026-09-28T10:43:03.619Z","created_at":"2026-09-28T10:43:03.696Z","updated_at":"2026-09-28T10:43:04.377Z","title":"The Front Fence","content":"Who would have imagined that replacing a front fence could turn into such a major project? What initially seemed like a simple task quickly grew more complex, starting with securing council approval for a taller fence. Once the permit was finally granted, it was a relief to see the project start last week. However, the difficulties didn’t end there. I sympathise with our builder, who struggled to remove the old posts and install new ones. Concrete around the existing posts made excavation tougher than expected, and he had to navigate carefully around pipes. What should have been straightforward holes for new posts became quite an undertaking.\n\nHe has persisted through the challenges, and all the new posts are now securely installed. Moving forward, completing the rest of the fence should be straightforward and efficient. We are fortunate to have such a dependable builder who consistently adheres to his quote, stays focused on the job at hand, and remains uncomplaining when unforeseen issues require extra work. After navigating council paperwork, pouring concrete, and dealing with underground surprises, it will be very rewarding to see our new front fence fully finished and in place, so the boys can have a good run around.","tags":"_202words_","slug":"the-front-fence-1790592183627","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":63602,"published_at":"2026-09-27T22:56:54.518Z","created_at":"2026-09-27T22:56:54.596Z","updated_at":"2026-09-27T22:56:55.286Z","title":"Too busy = Not interested","content":"You're not too busy. Nobody is. \nIt just shows where your priorities lie.\n\nBusy is just code for, \"I'm not interested enough\".\nBusy is just an excuse, not effort.\nBusy is a polite \"no\".\n\nTime given is something they can't get back, so it shows.\nEffort speaks loudest of what matters.\nAction betray true intentions.\n \nSo there's no such thing as \"Too busy\".\nThere's only such a thing as \"Not interested\".\nYou're not too busy.\nYou're just not interested.\n\nAuto-replace the former with the latter every time, and you'll know the true motive.","tags":"_102words_","slug":"too-busy-not-interested-1790549814527","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":63601,"published_at":"2026-09-27T20:01:09.508Z","created_at":"2026-09-27T20:01:09.586Z","updated_at":"2026-09-27T20:01:10.281Z","title":"Where is the real food?","content":"<p>I've been following an account called <a href=\"https://x.com/TipOfTheBanana\">The Food Manufacturing Guy on X</a>, and it's been quite eye-opening. I've known for a while that most of what is stocked on grocery store shelves is fake food, but learning about specific ingredients makes me even more mortified. On top of that, I cannot believe the loopholes in labeling and what the FDA allows. You can't really blame people for not understanding the health implications of what they're eating.</p>\n<p>Here is one example he shared recently. I'd like to think that when I was a kid, movie theater popcorn came with real butter, but nowadays, it's anything but.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>The butter on your movie theater popcorn isn't butter. At most theaters the pump is filled with buttery topping, which is soybean oil, artificial butter flavor and beta carotene, the same pigment that makes carrots orange. It can't be sold as butter. Federal law has defined butter since 1923. It has to be made from milk or cream, with nothing added but salt and color, and be at least 80% milkfat. That's why the jug the theater buys says buttery topping or butter flavored topping. Some brands also add TBHQ and citric acid to keep the oil from going rancid, and FDA caps TBHQ at 0.02% of the oil. At a lot of theaters the popcorn is yellow before the topping ever touches it. Gold Medal's Flavacol popcorn salt goes in the kettle, and its ingredient list is salt, artificial flavor, Yellow 5 Lake and Yellow 6 Lake. Some theaters do use real butter. Odell's sells theaters a real butter topping with the water and milk solids taken out, so it can ship without refrigeration.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>That explains the times in the past when I required a quick exit once the credits rolled to the nearest men's room. I even had an event that required an exit mid-movie, which was particularly embarrassing on a date. I appreciate this&nbsp;<a href=\"https://youtube.com/shorts/JnOziKMKxUg?si=YbUi6myxTBxwIjrp\">guy's talent and showmanship</a>, but I feel sorry for whoever consumed those buckets of GMO-corn coated in chemicals.</p>\n<p>This gives me an idea for an October newsletter railing against the ingredients in Halloween candy. I don't mean to be a party pooper, but I want people to make informed choices, even if they choose to keep consuming all these fake foods. And I also want to share healthier alternatives in case people don't know about them.</p>","tags":"_398words_","slug":"where-is-the-real-food-1790539269516","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":63600,"published_at":"2026-09-27T16:31:48.989Z","created_at":"2026-09-27T16:31:49.067Z","updated_at":"2026-09-27T16:31:49.902Z","title":"Decrepitude","content":"Today's word is *decrepitude*. I'm in the process of recuperating after spending a lot of time inactive and in bed for far too many hours over the past week. I feel weak. My joints hurt. I have pains in places where I was lying down. My head is foggy. Other than that, though, it feels good to be out and about. The weather is perfect: cool winds and warm sun.\n\nThe discomfort is just enough that I want to crawl back into bed for a nap. I could see that becoming an out-of-control feedback loop, so I'm staying outside and doing short bursts of yardwork preparing for the dying of fall.\n\nStrength has to be rebuilt with the conscious choice again and again to endure the aches and pains.","tags":"_134words_","slug":"decrepitude-1790526708997","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":63599,"published_at":"2026-09-27T04:58:06.704Z","created_at":"2026-09-27T04:58:06.780Z","updated_at":"2026-09-27T04:58:07.462Z","title":"Storage downsize","content":"There’s a strangely satisfying feeling in downsizing storage, symbolising the final step in moving on from our old house in Ringwood North and settling into our new home. When we decided to sell, we first cleared out the house and garage, renting an 11-cubic-metre storage unit to sort through years of accumulated belongings. We discarded many items in a skip, but some remained, including our girls' belongings, sentimental keepsakes, and other cherished items we wanted to keep but had no space for in the new house.\n\nEighteen months later, the storage has been gradually emptied, with the girls collecting most of their belongings and us taking care of some of our own items as well. Now, we are ready for the next step in this process: reducing the size of the storage unit from eleven cubic metres down to just four, which will significantly lower our monthly rent. The rule for this move is straightforward: if something won’t fit into the smaller space, it’s out. After so long without these items, it’s become quite clear that we probably didn’t need them in the first place, and letting go feels like a necessary part of moving forward.","tags":"_203words_","slug":"storage-downsize-1790485086711","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":63598,"published_at":"2026-09-26T23:16:47.962Z","created_at":"2026-09-26T23:16:48.041Z","updated_at":"2026-09-26T23:16:48.858Z","title":"You're the one hallucinating now","content":"We used to complain about AI hallucinating. But it's gotten pretty good now. So good, you no longer really hear people complaining much about AI hallucinations. \n\nBut now we got a different hallucination problem — the people using the AI.\n\nBecause of how AI now is so good, so easy, and so agreeable, you start hallucinating that whatever it produced would work well.\n\nThe fancy LinkedIn post that ChatGPT wrote for you.\nThat market research Gemini scoured the web for you.\nThis flawless code that Claude Code vibecoded for you.\n\nAnd that product, SaaS, and business you built in a day with AI, you start to hallucinate that it will hit the market and start printing money.\n\nBut everyone could tell that your LinkedIn post was AI slop.\nThe market research was based on one comment in Reddit.\nThe code that worked, introduced more debt than you realised.\n\nAnd somehow, the product didn't sell. A few friends tried it. No one paid for it. And you wondered what went wrong.\n\n*You* went wrong.\nYou hallucinated the outcome.\n\nBecause the output was so so easy, you thought the outcome would too.\nBecause you outsourced the work to AI, you also outsourced judgement.\nBecause the AI sounded so confident, so you convinced yourself it is right.\n\nYou hallucinated.\n\nSo now the hallucination radar has to flip. Instead of looking out outwardly for AI hallucinations, you have to watch yourself inwardly for hallucinations. You're the easiest to fool, by yourself. And when equipped with AI, you're 100x, 1000x, more likely to be fooled.\n\nAnd trust me, you *will* hallucinate.\nIt's not a matter of if, but when.\n\nYou're the one hallucinating now.","tags":"_284words_","slug":"youre-the-one-hallucinating-now-1790464607971","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":30,"published_at":"2021-01-06T04:05:04.176Z","created_at":"2021-01-06T04:05:04.184Z","updated_at":"2024-09-08T23:53:20.789Z","title":"Decoding coding","description":"2019 till present bucket list - learning how to code. HMTL, CSS, JS, jQuery, Bootstrap, PHP, SQLite, MySQL, Ruby on Rails, JAMstack, Gatsby, Vue, Nuxt, PostgreSQL, Strapi.js, VPS, Docker, Git, Tailwind, Bulma","author":1,"type":"Ongoing"}],"comments":[{"id":47883,"created_at":"2026-09-27T13:43:18.665Z","updated_at":"2026-09-27T13:43:18.942Z","content":"One thing I've noticed is that the models are turning up real research and examples, but they're looking for research they already know and keep defaulting to the same searches. So everyone using AI repeats the same basic results.","post":63598,"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":47884,"created_at":"2026-09-27T22:59:02.638Z","updated_at":"2026-09-27T22:59:02.915Z","content":"@Winkletter Yeah just like how everyone's copy and websites look the same now too! :D","post":63598,"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":63597,"published_at":"2026-09-26T22:07:31.617Z","created_at":"2026-09-26T22:07:31.693Z","updated_at":"2026-09-26T22:07:32.375Z","title":"Another Bookoff","content":"<p>I find it very challenging to part with any books from my personal library, which is why I make a point of doing so periodically. The deal I made with myself, if I'm going to keep collecting books, is that I also need a way to clear out books I no longer intend to read.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>So with that, I made my usual trip to Bookman's, where I can usually get some good trade-in value if they decide to accept the books because they are notoriously picky. They selected a few and gave me $20 in store credit to add to my existing balance of about $110. I still had quite a few books left, so I made a second stop at Bookoff, which usually takes most, if not all, of what I bring in and pays in cash. Sure enough, they took the rest and gave me $9. I used&nbsp;<span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">$7 immediately on another book,&nbsp;<em>The Great Cholesterol Myth</em>, which has been on my list for a while and got moved up because of</span>&nbsp;my recent lab results.</p>\n<p>Not a bad haul, picking up almost $30 and sending another box of books off for others to appreciate. Now it's time to schedule more time to read.</p>","tags":"_206words_","slug":"another-bookoff-1790460451624","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":63596,"published_at":"2026-09-26T11:37:29.923Z","created_at":"2026-09-26T11:37:29.999Z","updated_at":"2026-09-26T11:37:30.819Z","title":"A glut of sugar","content":"The universe wants me dead. I put in a grocery order focused on healthy fiber and protein sources, and instead of beefsteak tomatoes I received a bag with twelve 16-ounce bottles of Dr. Pepper. Pure carbonated sugar water, not even a no-sugar variety.\n\nA long, long time ago I gave up soda and now I drink coffee, tea, and water. I'm trying to get sugar in whole foods, or at least eat more fiber with any carbs. Whole foods form a matrix that lets glucose through in smaller packets over a longer time, and gets processed with systems that act like turnstiles, letting set amounts of glucose through into the bloodstream. They have limits. According to my research, foods like soda pop overwhelm these limits and this triggers back-up systems that act more like guards who swing open the gates and jump out of the way -- aptly named GLUT2. Do this again and again and damage starts to spread.\n\nI can drink a single soda over a day or two and feel fine. But if I kept doing that again and again over two weeks or even a month, I would probably hit a fork in the road, a bifurcation point, where the system would struggle to return to stability.\n\nI'm going to see if my aunt wants the soda for her annual bean cookout. If not, the sugar water going into the garbage.","tags":"_239words_","slug":"a-glut-of-sugar-1790422649931","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":47882,"created_at":"2026-09-26T14:21:23.436Z","updated_at":"2026-09-26T14:21:23.713Z","content":"Bravo! That sugar water is no bueno.","post":63596,"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":63595,"published_at":"2026-09-26T10:16:15.769Z","created_at":"2026-09-26T10:16:15.846Z","updated_at":"2026-09-26T10:17:33.476Z","title":"Wharfie Time","content":"For the Fremantle Dockers supporters, this one will hurt for a very long time. With less than four minutes left in today’s Grand Final, Patrick Voss put the Dockers up by 17 points. “Wharfie Time”, the late-game celebration at their home games, rang out across the MCG, and for a few glorious moments, Fremantle supporters must have believed their long wait for a first AFL Premiership was finally over. Then, almost impossibly, everything changed.\n\nThe Brisbane Lions refused to accept the game was over. Within a minute, Charlie Cameron and Zac Bailey kicked goals, abruptly turning celebration into nervousness. Then Logan Morris took a huge contested mark and kicked the goal that put the Lions in front. He added another in the dying seconds, completing an astonishing run of four unanswered goals and securing a 96-89 victory. For Brisbane, it was an extraordinary third consecutive premiership, confirming their place among the great teams of the modern era.\n\nWhat made today’s use of Wharfie Time so memorable, and ultimately painful for Dockers supporters, was the timing. Fremantle appeared to have control late on, but Brisbane then scored four late goals, turning a 17-point deficit into a seven-point premiership win. It’s hard not to sympathise with Fremantle, who had almost secured their first premiership cup and whose supporters had begun celebrating. Within minutes, that long-awaited dream vanished. This highlighted the bittersweet nature of Australian Rules football: the siren, not Wharfie Time, is what truly counts.","tags":"_251words_","slug":"wharfie-time-1790417775777","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":63594,"published_at":"2026-09-25T23:22:12.511Z","created_at":"2026-09-25T23:22:12.587Z","updated_at":"2026-09-25T23:22:13.275Z","title":"Give up","content":"What would you give up to get to your dream?\n\nWhat's the first thing you would give up?\nWhat's the last thing you would give up?\n\nSay, to get to $10k MRR, I would give up hobbies. Then free time. Then sleep. Then fitness. Then some (not all) family time.\n\nThere's some things which you can easily give up.\nThere's some things which you will never give up.\n\nIn between that is your playing field. Escalate where necessary. But know your baseline. Because beyond that baseline, the dream no longer makes sense. No longer makes it worthwhile. No longer is a nett positive.\n\nThat baseline is how much I know I need to commit to, to sacrifice for, to give up.","tags":"_125words_","slug":"give-up-1790378532518","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":63593,"published_at":"2026-09-25T18:37:36.359Z","created_at":"2026-09-25T18:37:36.436Z","updated_at":"2026-09-25T18:37:37.120Z","title":"The golden cage or what do you want to get paid for?","content":"Sometimes, we get comfortable in work that we're good at and that pays well. And then comes a point when we feel a bit bored and dissatisfied. It's not the right fit anymore. \n\nLike a pullover that became too small. \n\nThe question then is: what do you do? \n\nDo you stay, because you're good at what you do and you get rewarded with a good pay, maybe even a reputation and applause. You tell yourself that's what you can get paid for. It makes sense. \nIt's what I call the golden cage. \n\nOr do you leave, follow your heart, face the unknown and your fears: what if you're not good at the thing you'd love to do? What if nobody wants to pay you for it? What if, what if?\n\nYou'll never know if you don't try. \n\nThe reward of facing your fears might be new, surprising opportunities opening up, great work, new skills, personal growth, maybe even better pay, and most importantly, excitement and joy. \n\nAnd you won't regret it someday for not having tried it. \n\nSo would you LOVE to get paid for? \n\nAnd do you dare to follow your heart? \n\n\n\n","tags":"_203words_","slug":"the-golden-cage-or-what-do-you-want-to-get-paid-for-1790361456367","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":47880,"created_at":"2026-09-26T08:21:11.792Z","updated_at":"2026-09-26T08:21:12.069Z","content":"I'd do a bit of both at the start. Continue with the boring work to maintain cash runway, while trying the new exciting thing. Until the new thing overtakes the boring work in terms of earning.","post":63593,"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":63592,"published_at":"2026-09-25T17:33:41.653Z","created_at":"2026-09-25T17:33:41.729Z","updated_at":"2026-09-25T17:33:42.415Z","title":"Latest experiment: Sound Therapy","content":"<p>The hardest question to answer is, \"What's for dinner?\" The second hardest question to answer is, \"What do you want for your birthday?\" I mean, if I want something, I usually buy it, which makes me a tough customer for gift-givers. My partner suggested a tuning fork set, which I thought was the perfect gift. For one, I had it on my list to get, and for two, we can both benefit from it.</p>\n<p><img src=\"https://i.ibb.co/9kw8YqBN/mceclip0.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\"></p>\n<p>This set has the basics to get started.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Weighted forks (designed for use directly on the body):</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>64 Hz - Foundation calm. Targets the pelvic bowl, lumbar spine, and hips.</li>\n<li>128 Hz - Muscle and joint reset. Linked to nitric oxide release and supports circulation and immune response.</li>\n<li>136.1 Hz - Earth Om. Sits near the Schumann Resonance. Resonates with the heart center; placed on the sternum it tends to lengthen breath, ease emotional heaviness, and shift brain activity.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Unweighted forks (designed for use around the body):</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>256 Hz - Mental clarity. Cuts through mental noise. Paired with 384 Hz, it forms a perfect fifth--the most powerful balancing combination that produces nervous system shifts in as little as 30 seconds.</li>\n<li>384 Hz - Tension release. Brighter, uplifting tone that lifts emotional residue without agitating.&nbsp;</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Everything is energy and vibration, and I'm excited to test these tools out and report the results in a future newsletter.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>","tags":"_225words_","slug":"latest-experiment-sound-therapy-1790357621661","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":47881,"created_at":"2026-09-26T08:21:37.071Z","updated_at":"2026-09-26T08:21:37.338Z","content":"Curious to hear how it goes!","post":63592,"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":63591,"published_at":"2026-09-25T17:30:25.937Z","created_at":"2026-09-25T17:30:26.014Z","updated_at":"2026-09-25T17:30:26.848Z","title":"The body keeps the score","content":"I've had a terrible week health-wise. Physically and mentally I've been in decline the whole month. About six months ago I was making progress, but I've since slipped back into a carb-heavy food cycle. Thankfully I have all my research notes, so I'm going to take some time to revisit what I found back in February.\n\nThe first topic is about metabolic memory. The body doesn't reset overnight. So even if you change your numbers, the momentum of past decisions keeps the system moving in the wrong direction. You're hitting the brakes, and cutting the wheel, but the car is still skidding into a ditch.\n\nSo I need to expect any good decisions I make to take time to have an effect. My overall goal is to reduce metabolic spikes that add to the chaos my body is experiencing, and start deploying stabilizing forces. I was calling this idea \"anchors and waves\" as a way to simplify the complex nonlinear system dynamics. The anchors build stability to help me weather the waves. Unfortunately, right now the waves are highly chaotic and it will take time and work to dampen them again.","tags":"_199words_","slug":"the-body-keeps-the-score-1790357425944","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":63590,"published_at":"2026-09-25T10:12:10.647Z","created_at":"2026-09-25T10:12:10.725Z","updated_at":"2026-09-25T10:12:11.414Z","title":"Todoist or not Todoist","content":"I seem to struggle to settle on a single task management system. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various options, including Apple Reminders, Things 3, and other methods. Each of these almost met my needs, but a minor limitation consistently proved too frustrating to overlook. Recently, switching my primary email platform to Outlook has further disrupted my workflows, especially those involving converting emails into tasks. Since I often need to follow up on emails, having a quick and easy way to turn a message into a task is extremely important to me, and the recent changes have made this more challenging than before.\n\nToday, I took some time to revisit Todoist. Although I’ve explored its features before, recent updates and improvements might make it worth a second look, especially considering how much it has evolved over time. I also decided to check out Pleexy again, hoping it could serve as the missing piece by automatically syncing my flagged Outlook emails with Todoist, which could streamline my workflow. There’s a certain humour in endlessly searching for the “perfect” task manager, trying to find that one ideal system. Perhaps such an ideal system doesn’t truly exist. Maybe the real goal is to find one that reduces friction enough for me to stop tinkering, to stop searching, and finally start getting things done with less hassle and more focus.","tags":"_230words_","slug":"todoist-or-not-todoist-1790331130656","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":47879,"created_at":"2026-09-25T17:20:07.084Z","updated_at":"2026-09-25T17:20:07.370Z","content":"Again, sounds like a job for AI. I have attempted various task managers, but none of them have stuck, and I know it's not the tools; it's me.","post":63590,"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":63589,"published_at":"2026-09-24T22:44:18.638Z","created_at":"2026-09-24T22:44:18.717Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T22:44:24.130Z","title":"Cultivation","content":"How long would you commit towards a dream?\n\nOne month?\nOne year?\nA decade?\n\nHow much patience do you have to slowly work towards it, bit by bit, brick by brick?\n\nA million bits?\nA billion bricks?\nA trillion takes?\n\nAt some point, you wonder if you got enough lifespan to achieve it... because what if that's how long it's gonna take? \n\nA lifetime?\nMany lifetimes?\nInfinite multiverses?\n\nOr do you just give up and chase another dream?\n\nA lesser dream?\nA less noble goal?\nA smaller aspiration?\n\nIs it smarter to let it go, or just weak?\n\nHow long would you take? \nHow much would you give?\n","tags":"_110words_","slug":"cultivation-1790289858648","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":63588,"published_at":"2026-09-24T22:12:31.884Z","created_at":"2026-09-24T22:12:31.963Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T22:12:32.783Z","title":"Death in the Vital Health family","content":"<p>I was sad to learn today that Tonya, the Diamond leader who is the reason I am in Vital Health, passed away yesterday. She had been battling major health challenges, including recurring cancer. She finally lost the battle yesterday.</p>\n<p>My feelings are complicated because Tonya had stopped working on her Vital Health business and was pursuing other opportunities outside the company. This put her team in a difficult spot and led to some fractures as people began seeking out other leaders who were actively working in the business. My upline was affected by this fracturing.</p>\n<p>So now I'm not sure what happens. I know Tonya wanted her daughter to take over her business, but to my knowledge, her daughter wasn't working in Vital Health. Tonya was the sole holdout preventing my sponsor and our team from moving to another team, so I'm not sure whether that's back on the table. Maybe it's too soon to discuss such matters, but this unresolved issue has been ongoing for most of this year.</p>\n<p>Regardless of the final disposition, I'm not letting it affect my progress moving forward. The show must go on, and I will be forever grateful to Tonya for noticing my flyer and having my sponsor contact me to join the company.</p>","tags":"_211words_","slug":"death-in-the-vital-health-family-1790287951893","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":63587,"published_at":"2026-09-24T10:41:13.720Z","created_at":"2026-09-24T10:41:13.801Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T10:41:14.485Z","title":"Home alone and no responsibilities","content":"With my wife away in India and the doggies staying at a friend’s house, coming home tonight felt very strange. All day, part of my mind had been running through the usual evening routine: get home, walk Louie and Otis, figure out dinner, feed the dogs, tidy up, and settle in for the night. Then I remembered that I had nothing to do. No dogs waiting impatiently for their walk. No dinner to organise. No one expecting me home. For once, the evening was entirely mine, with no responsibilities or timetable. It should have felt liberating. Instead, it felt oddly uncomfortable.\n\nSo much of my daily life revolves around those small responsibilities. Walking the dogs, cooking dinner, and spending the evening with Jane can sometimes feel like chores, but they also give my days rhythm and purpose. When they suddenly vanish, the silence they leave behind is surprisingly noticeable. Tonight reminded me that being free from responsibility is not necessarily the same as being happy. I could do absolutely anything I wanted, yet what stood out most was what was missing. Perhaps the routines I sometimes take for granted are actually what make home feel like home.","tags":"_198words_","slug":"home-alone-and-no-responsibilities-1790246473732","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":63586,"published_at":"2026-09-24T10:17:09.453Z","created_at":"2026-09-24T10:17:09.536Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T10:17:10.380Z","title":"No obligation to laugh","content":"I was going to write today about obligation, but instead I'm going to be a meat proxy. I had Gemini generate a script for a comedy sketch that explores the topic of obligation. What if obligation wasn't voluntary and unenforceable? Bonus points to anyone can pinpoint the comedy team this was patterned on.\n\n---\n\nSCENE START\n\nINT. POLICE INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY\n\nA bleak, bare room. A harsh overhead fluorescent tube hums.\n\nARTHUR sits handcuffed to the metal table. He looks tired, bewildered, and is still wearing a light cagoule.\n\nAcross from him sit DETECTIVE INSPECTOR MILLER—sharp, weary, holding a thick manila folder—and DETECTIVE CONSTABLE HARRIS, who is quietly sharpening a pencil.\n\nMiller slaps the folder down onto the metal table. A loud THUD.\n\nMILLER\n\nInterview commenced at fourteen hundred hours. Present: DI Miller, DC Harris, and Arthur Pendelton. Arthur, do you know why you’re here?\n\nARTHUR\n\nNo! I was in Sainsbury’s buying soup and two men in balaclavas threw me into an unmarked Astra!\n\nMILLER\n\nLet’s talk about Tuesday the fourth, Arthur. Three weeks ago.\n\nARTHUR\n\nTuesday the fourth?\n\nMILLER\n\nCaffè Nero on the high street. Eleven-fifteen in the morning. You’re standing at the till with a colleague. One Mark Reynolds. Ring any bells?\n\nARTHUR\n\nMark? Yes, we work together in accounts. We went for a break.\n\nMILLER\n\nAnd what happened at the till, Arthur?\n\nARTHUR\n\nI… I reached for my coat pocket, but I’d left my wallet at my desk.\n\nMILLER\n\n(Leaning in)\n\nGo on.\n\nARTHUR\n\nAnd my phone was completely dead. So Mark bought my flat white.\n\nMILLER\n\nMark bought your flat white. Harris, note that down. Flat white. Oat milk, Arthur?\n\nARTHUR\n\nJust whole milk.\n\nMILLER\n\nSickening. And how much was this flat white?\n\nARTHUR\n\nThree pounds eighty.\n\nMILLER\n\nThree pounds eighty. A trivial sum, wouldn’t you say? Almost insulting to mention in the grand scheme of modern finance.\n\nARTHUR\n\nExactly! It’s nothing!\n\nMILLER\n\nAnd yet, Arthur… it’s been twenty-one days.\n\nArthur stares.\n\nARTHUR\n\nI’m sorry?\n\nMILLER\n\nThree weeks, Arthur! Twenty-one whole sunrises have passed over this kingdom, and Mark Reynolds has not seen a single brass farthing of that three pounds eighty.\n\nARTHUR\n\nBecause Mark told me not to worry about it!\n\nMiller laughs. A dry, hollow sound. Harris shakes his head in quiet disgust.\n\nMILLER\n\n\"He told me not to worry about it.\" Listen to him, Harris. He actually bought it.\n\nHARRIS\n\nHeartbreaking, sir. Pure amateur.\n\nARTHUR\n\nHe did! I literally said, \"Let me bank transfer you,\" and Mark waved his hand—he waved his hand in a circular, dismissive motion—and said, \"Honestly mate, don’t worry about it, it’s only a coffee.\"\n\nMILLER\n\nArthur. Look at me. How old are you?\n\nARTHUR\n\nThirty-four.\n\nMILLER\n\nThirty-four years old, and you think \"don't worry about it\" means don't worry about it? Are you a toddler? Have you sustained a head injury?\n\nARTHUR\n\nWhat else could it possibly mean?!\n\nMILLER\n\nIt means: I am offering you a polite, ceremonial escape hatch which you are strictly forbidden by English social law from actually taking!\n\nARTHUR\n\nThat doesn't make any sense!\n\nMILLER\n\nIt makes total sense! When someone says \"don't worry about it,\" your only legal response is to violently insist on worrying about it! You say, \"No, please, let me send it now.\" Then he says, \"Don't be silly.\" Then you say, \"No, really, what's your sort code?\" Then he says, \"Fine, just get the next one.\" That is the social contract, Arthur! That is what separates us from the French!\n\nARTHUR\n\nHe told me not to worry about it, so I chose not to worry about it! To spare us both the tedious administrative faff of moving three pounds across the digital banking network!\n\nHARRIS\n\n(Stepping forward, deadpan)\n\nYou took the kindness, Arthur. You swallowed the kindness whole without chewing.\n\nARTHUR\n\nIt was a gift!\n\nMILLER\n\nIt was a test! And you failed! What do you think Mark is doing right now, Arthur? Hm? Sitting at his desk, pretending to format an Excel sheet, whilst staring at the back of your head thinking: There he sits. The freeloading bastard. Sipping on my goodwill. Fat on my three pounds eighty.\n\nARTHUR\n\nMark doesn't care! Mark is a very relaxed man!\n\nMILLER\n\nNobody is that relaxed about four quid! If he dropped four quid in the street, he’d look back! He’d do the little pat-down! You think he just forgives four quid disappearing into your gullet?\n\nARTHUR\n\nI offered to buy him a coffee yesterday!\n\nMiller slams the table again.\n\nMILLER\n\nAh! The clumsy, panicked counter-offer! Three weeks too late! \"Can I get you a coffee, Mark?\" You see what that looks like? That looks like guilt, Arthur. That looks like a man who knows he’s a tea-leaf.\n\nARTHUR\n\nI was just being friendly!\n\nMILLER\n\nAnd what did Mark say?\n\nARTHUR\n\nHe said... he said he was cutting back on caffeine.\n\nMILLER\n\nCheckmate. You're trapped. You can never repay him in coffee. The debt is eternal. It will hang between your desks like a dead crow until one of you dies or moves to Bristol.\n\nARTHUR\n\n(Panicking now)\n\nCan't I just PayPal him four pounds right now?! I'll put a funny reference so it's not weird!\n\nMILLER\n\n(Coldly)\n\nA funny reference? Like what? \"Coffee debt :)\" with a little smiley face?\n\nARTHUR\n\nYes!\n\nMILLER\n\nToo aggressive. It draws attention to the fact that you’ve been stewing on it for twenty days. It screams psychopathy.\n\nARTHUR\n\nThen what should I have done?! What was I supposed to do?!\n\nMiller sighs, looking at Arthur with genuine, weary pity.\n\nMILLER\n\nYou should have bought a pastry, Arthur.\n\nARTHUR\n\nA pastry?\n\nMILLER\n\nNext morning. Eight-forty-five. You walk in, you drop an almond croissant on his desk, you say, \"Thanks for the coffee yesterday, mate,\" and you walk away. Transaction resolved. No awkwardness. No banking apps. Just laminated pastry and mutual respect.\n\nArthur stares into the middle distance, shattered. The weight of his failure hits him.\n\nARTHUR\n\nAn almond croissant. God. It’s so obvious.\n\nHARRIS\n\nOr a pain au chocolat. Depending on his temperament.\n\nARTHUR\n\nHe likes pain au chocolat. He mentioned it in November.\n\nMILLER\n\nWell. Too late now, isn't it? Take him down, Harris.\n\nHARRIS\n\nCell three, sir?\n\nMILLER\n\nCell three. Alongside the bloke who said \"We must get a drink sometime\" to an old school friend at a train station, and then didn't immediately follow up with three possible dates.\n\nARTHUR\n\n(Being dragged away)\n\nWait! Can I just give Mark four pound coins?! Loose in an envelope?!\n\nMILLER\n\nAn envelope? What are you, the mafia? Lock him up.\n\nBLACKOUT","tags":"_1139words_","slug":"no-obligation-to-laugh-1790245029466","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":63585,"published_at":"2026-09-24T08:50:14.339Z","created_at":"2026-09-24T08:50:14.417Z","updated_at":"2026-09-25T10:33:56.712Z","title":"It's harvest season","content":"What are you harvesting this year? she asked. It wasn't a quick answer. \nAfter a year of so much loss and grief, it's easy to see only what you've had to say goodbye to. \n\nHowever, I've grown so much in the process, and it feels good to acknowledge that. \n\nI've become stronger, softer, more trusting, more accepting, more able to let life move through me without becoming attached. \n\nSo, I'm harvesting: \n- Inner safety\n- Trust\n- Support\n- Resilience\n- Softness\n- Compassion\n- Kindness\n- Inner Peace\n- Lightness\n- Adventures\n- Fun\n- Liberation\n- a Team\n- Embodying the Joypreneur spirit even more\n- a Home where I can retreat and recharge\n- the feeling of being in this together\n- a good relationship with my body\n- Love, oh so much love ❤️\n\nWOW, what a harvest it is this year! \nThe harvest might not be visible to others yet, but it's a stable and fertile ground. \n\nI'm grateful and in awe of how substantial and nourishing it is. \n\n\n\nWhat are you harvesting this year?\n\n\n\n\n","tags":"_169words_","slug":"its-harvest-season-1790239814348","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":63584,"published_at":"2026-09-24T03:09:09.699Z","created_at":"2026-09-24T03:09:09.775Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T03:09:10.593Z","title":"Love as leverage","content":"I was considering how love and other relationships based upon mutual regard affect authority. On one hand they extend authority. This is something we can see on the sidewalk when an individual steps aside for two people walking side-by-side. The people who take up the most space yield the least.\n\nOn the other hand, mutuality increases a person's surface area. Authority can travel through relationships. A good example comes from Anne of Green Gables. In one scene Anne accidentally gets her friend Diana drunk on currant wine, mistaking it for a different non-alcoholic drink. Because of this Diana's mother, Mrs. Barry, forbids Diana to ever play with Anne again.\n\nBecause Anne cares about Diana, Anne's misery affects her guardian Marilla, who cares about Anne's happiness and feels partly responsible for the mistake. Marilla then visits Mrs. Barry, and kowtows to her to ask for leniency. Mrs. Barry digs in her heels and scolds Marilla for making currant wine and keeping it in her house. Mrs. Barry is able to convert her authority over her daughter Diana into leverage over Anne, and Marilla by association.\n\nRelationships simply expand the boundary of who we consider as ourselves or alongside our own concerns. Mutuality creates networks that increase our authority, but also expose more surface area for others to leverage authority over us.","tags":"_227words_","slug":"love-as-leverage-1790219349707","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":63583,"published_at":"2026-09-23T23:40:46.113Z","created_at":"2026-09-23T23:40:46.194Z","updated_at":"2026-09-23T23:40:47.014Z","title":"So much for Siri","content":"<p>The highly anticipated voice agent Siri has largely been a disappointment over the years. The initial enthusiasm waned quickly when I realized she wasn't really good at anything. I stopped using her a long time ago, but the promise of enhancements with Apple Intelligence in iOS 27 made me want to give her another try. TL;DR: She still needs some work.</p>\n<p>This afternoon, I went to drop off my previous iPhone using the prepaid FedEx kit. My usual shipping spot was closed due to a death in the family. I went back to the car and wondered if there might be another FedEx drop-off location nearby. Hey, what a perfect opportunity to use Siri. She advised me to go to an official FedEx location about 15 mins away. I asked her if she was sure that was the closest FedEx drop-off location, and she assured me it was.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I switched to ChatGPT and asked the same question. In addition to the official location, ChatGPT advised of other unofficial locations that served as FedEx shipping hubs, including a Walgreens about ten minutes away. I asked whether it was only that Walgreens or any Walgreens, and Chat said it was only participating Walgreens locations; then it showed me that the one right on the corner in the same plaza was indeed a hub. Problem solved.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Siri, you've got some catching up to do.</p>","tags":"_232words_","slug":"so-much-for-siri-1790206846125","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":47876,"created_at":"2026-09-24T03:15:40.529Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T03:15:40.808Z","content":"Too bad you can't ask Siri to ask ChatGPT.","post":63583,"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":47877,"created_at":"2026-09-24T13:35:37.734Z","updated_at":"2026-09-24T13:35:38.005Z","content":"That reminds me of the greatest phone prank of all time that I heard on the Howard Stern show. You call up a Chinese take-out and place an order. Then you have them hold on a sec while you call a second Chinese take-out. You tell the first one to repeat your order, then join the three-way call so the second one hears it. Hilarity ensues. ","post":63583,"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":47878,"created_at":"2026-09-25T11:57:25.844Z","updated_at":"2026-09-25T11:57:26.121Z","content":"I've seen this [done with AI scam bots.](https://youtu.be/fhi6JU5pOJk?si=T5iqMGFrRTsAuASO&t=874)","post":63583,"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":63582,"published_at":"2026-09-23T22:42:05.990Z","created_at":"2026-09-23T22:42:06.068Z","updated_at":"2026-09-23T22:42:06.749Z","title":"The bridge is not the destination","content":"The raft is not the other shore.\nThe bridge is not the destination.\n\nSome people, things, events, happen just for a season. To bring you over to the other side.\n\nYou don't carry the raft on your back after you reached the other shore.\nYou don't stay at the other end of the bridge after you crossed it.\n\nIt would be silly to do so.\n\nBut yet so many of us do this in life.\nWe rerun a heated argument in our heads, even though it's done its job.\nWe stay in relationships, company, country, even though it stopped benefiting.\n\nWe carry far too much.\nLet go far too little.\n\nThe raft is not the other shore.\nThe bridge is not the destination.","tags":"_126words_","slug":"the-bridge-is-not-the-destination-1790203325998","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":63581,"published_at":"2026-09-23T10:48:10.098Z","created_at":"2026-09-23T10:48:10.176Z","updated_at":"2026-09-23T10:52:46.073Z","title":"I don't wanna do it anymore","content":"It's not that it's horrible, but I don't wanna do it anymore.\nI've actually enjoyed it once I was there, but I don't wanna do it anymore.\nI'm good at it, and I can use my strengths, but I don't wanna do it anymore. \nI've learnt a lot, but I don't wanna do it anymore. \nI know I have a positive impact, but I don't wanna do it anymore.\nThe people are lovely, but I don't wanna do it anymore. \n\nSo it seems a good fit, but I don't wanna do it anymore. \n\nIt's hard to understand why. On the surface, it doesn't make sense that I don't wanna do it anymore. \n\nBut just because something is OK doesn't mean it deserves my time, energy, and attention. \nI wanna invest my precious time, energy, and attention into something that I truly believe in. \n\nI don't wanna do it anymore, because: \n- I'm not looking forward to it. \n- I need so much time to recover from it. \n- It feels heavy in my body.\n- I want more!\n- I want something that feels aligned with my values and purpose.\n- I want to be in a place and position where I can have more impact.\n- I wanna trust that something better comes in its place, once I've made space.\n\nSo I'm listening to my intuition and decide to trust. I no longer want to do it, just because I'm afraid that nothing better shows up. \n\nOK, I'm deciding to no longer do it, to say NO. \nI'm deciding to embrace the unknown again. \n\nI'm choosing love and trust, over fear. \n\n\n\n\n","tags":"_289words_","slug":"i-dont-wanna-do-it-anymore-1790160490107","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":63580,"published_at":"2026-09-23T09:33:49.293Z","created_at":"2026-09-23T09:33:49.372Z","updated_at":"2026-09-23T09:33:50.060Z","title":"Football and meat pies","content":"Grand Final week has something special about it, even when Richmond isn’t involved. For a footy supporter, it feels less like it’s about your own team and more like a celebration of the Australian game itself. Melbourne embraces the occasion, and with a public holiday on Friday, I could even head into the city for the Grand Final parade if I’m in the mood.\n\nBut Saturday is what really counts. Grand Final day has its own rituals and atmosphere, whoever is playing. This year, my daughter’s partner has invited me over to watch the game, which sounds like the perfect way to spend the day. There’ll be footy pies with plenty of sauce, a few drinks, plenty of opinions and, I’m sure, increasingly loud commentary as the afternoon unfolds.\n\nWithout Richmond playing, I can watch with a little less anxiety than usual. There’s no emotional rollercoaster tied to every kick, mark or umpiring decision. Instead, I can simply enjoy what should be a raucous afternoon of football.\nThat’s the beauty of Grand Final day. Your team doesn’t have to be there for it to feel important. Sometimes, it’s enough to enjoy the game, the company and the occasion.","tags":"_208words_","slug":"football-and-meat-pies-1790156029302","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":63579,"published_at":"2026-09-22T23:12:34.076Z","created_at":"2026-09-22T23:12:34.153Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T23:12:34.846Z","title":"Books, books, and more books","content":"<p>If someone has no idea what present to get me, they wouldn't go wrong with a gift card to Barnes &amp; Noble or Amazon. I received a Barnes &amp; Noble gift card for my birthday, and I used it immediately yesterday.</p>\n<p>The first book on my list just came out: <em>Protocols</em> by Andrew Huberman, PhD. This book covers topics that are catnip for biohackers, even though Huberman eschews the term in his introduction.</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\"You'll also notice from just these few short paragraphs that I eschew the whole notion of 'biohacking.' A hack is a shortcut that involves leveraging something toward a typically unrelated goal, like jury-rigging a paperclip and tape to fix broken glasses. Hacks are never long-term solutions. The protocols in this book are the opposite of hacks.\"</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>Andrew and Dave Asprey would seem to disagree on the definition of a hack; Dave adapted it from computer hacking. Regardless of the disagreement, I look forward to updating my knowledge with the latest scientific research.</p>\n<p>I didn't have any other books on the agenda, so I could wander through the bookstore with an open mind and stop when I felt called to a book. This happened with a book called <em>The Gene Keys</em>, by Richard Rudd. It seems to synthesize various Human Design-like paradigms for discovering one's soul purpose, divined through one's birthdate. Who knows whether it will resonate with me, but I was called to give it a shot.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>","tags":"_238words_","slug":"books-books-and-more-books-1790118754084","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":63578,"published_at":"2026-09-22T22:46:12.286Z","created_at":"2026-09-22T22:46:12.365Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T22:46:13.061Z","title":"Stop saying","content":"[Self-care's in the self talk yeah](https://golifelog.com/posts/self-care-in-the-self-talk-1758496195087), but the self-sabotage is also in the self talk.\n\nSpeaking with kindness and care to yourself might help. What you don't say to yourself is important too. And it's not the usual \"Don't say unkind things to yourself\" - those are easy enough to recognise and to counter. It's the things that sound like facts that could be silently killing you on the inside. Things that might be true for now but not true *all the time*.\n\nBecause it becomes true all the time when you say it all the time, even if it's true only for now.\n\nStop saying nobody is coming to save you.\nStop saying you must provide at all costs.\nStop saying there's not enough money.\nStop saying I'm chronically fatigued.\nStop saying nobody understands.\nStop saying you're alone in this.\nStop saying I work [70h weeks](https://golifelog.com/posts/70h-weeks-1774134899905).\nStop saying I work 14h a day.\nStop saying I have no time.\nStop saying I'm exhausted.\nStop saying I'm just tired.\nStop saying it's nothing.\nStop saying it's heavy.\nStop saying all that.\n\nYes they might be true *some of the time*. Not saying it doesn't change the reality. I get it. But repeating it on loop 24/7 in your head creates the nightmare you're trying so hard to avoid. \n\nIt's self-fulfilling self-sabotage.\n\nYou are what you repeat.\nThese included.\n\n","tags":"_266words_","slug":"stop-saying-1790117172294","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":63577,"published_at":"2026-09-22T20:32:18.051Z","created_at":"2026-09-22T20:32:18.129Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T20:32:18.958Z","title":"The bounds of autonomy","content":"What does autonomy mean? If I lie in bed until late in the morning, is that autonomy? Or, does autonomy require me to exert self-control and wake up at a time I set? At a basic level autonomy requires that no one else is setting my schedule for me.\n\nAnyone who has had complete freedom probably knows how easily that freedom can lead to a kind of passive autonomy where no one else is in control, but it's hard to say that you are the one in control. On the other hand, active autonomy might be self-imposed in the moment, but it often arises from training imposed by a situation or authority figure. So is that really self-control, or the residue of authority?\n\nIt often feels like I'm being squeezed by top-down forces on one end and bottom-up forces on the other.\n\nEither way, autonomy is a basic human need. If we don't have it in our lives, we find ways to feel like we have control with escapism, malicious compliance, or by convincing ourselves we chose an action that was imposed.","tags":"_190words_","slug":"the-bounds-of-autonomy-1790109138060","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":63576,"published_at":"2026-09-22T14:58:45.200Z","created_at":"2026-09-22T14:58:45.277Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T14:58:45.966Z","title":"Too much / not enough","content":"It's too much to handle\nToo much pain\nToo much sadness\nToo much loneliness\n\nNot enough support\nNot enough emotional connection \nNot enough acceptance\nNot enough breaks\nNot enough understanding\nNot enough hope\nNot enough love\n\nSo what, now? \n\nOne is the heart longing for more. \nOne is the mind saying it's too much. \nWho do you listen to? \n\nThe mind always finds things that are not ideal, things to criticize. The mind fears change and uncertainty, so it keeps you restless. \n\nThe heart, however, is at peace when it gets its dose of connection and love. \n\nListen to the heart's longings. \nIf you loved yourself: What would you tell yourself? Do? Not do? \n\nI see you. It's hard. You're strong. \nIt's all going to pass. \nYou're so loved. ","tags":"_136words_","slug":"too-much-not-enough-1790089125208","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":47875,"created_at":"2026-09-22T22:47:59.772Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T22:48:00.052Z","content":"Nice writing there.","post":63576,"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":63575,"published_at":"2026-09-22T07:55:04.333Z","created_at":"2026-09-22T07:55:04.411Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T07:55:05.107Z","title":"Not so busy","content":"Most days, after work hours vanish quickly in a whirlwind of activities. I get home, walk Louie and Otis, think about dinner, handle whatever chores need doing, and work through the typical list of tasks. Usually, I barely have time to consider what to do next because something always requires my attention. But today was different. I arrived home around four, took the dogs out, and suddenly realized there was nothing else demanding my focus. No urgent tasks, no long list to complete, and no specific place I needed to be. Strangely, instead of feeling free, I felt a bit lost.\n\nI’m so used to scheduling my afternoons around tasks that even an empty period can feel unsettling. My initial reaction is often to seek out something productive, as if idleness isn’t acceptable. However, I’ve come to realise this might be an important insight, an empty afternoon doesn’t need to be filled with activity, it can simply be enjoyed. The real challenge may not be finding something to do, but learning to be comfortable with doing nothing at all. Sometimes, a peaceful, quiet afternoon is exactly what I need to recharge and regain my perspective, allowing myself to simply exist without any demands or expectations.\n","tags":"_209words_","slug":"not-so-busy-1790063704341","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":63574,"published_at":"2026-09-22T00:10:20.059Z","created_at":"2026-09-22T00:10:20.140Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T00:10:20.957Z","title":"Literary criticism","content":"I wanted to write about something that's a bit complicated, but I'm not feeling well enough to put forth the effort.\n\nEssentially I've been reading about the \"death of the author\" and realized it's all just a land grab on the part of literary criticism. Kill the author and exclude casual readers, and who is left to read the text? The academics and philosophers.\n\nWhat they're left with, though, is an idealized version of a text, the *writerly text* that is so idealized and unattainable it ruins all other real texts. In that cloud of self-delusion, it no longer matters what moved the author to write, and it certainly doesn't matter what purpose the reader has for a text.\n\nAll that matters is what interpretation the literary critic can make to establish their own authority over the text. They kill the author and the reader so they can empty their pockets and claim their possessions.","tags":"_162words_","slug":"literary-criticism-1790035820072","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":63573,"published_at":"2026-09-21T22:49:22.002Z","created_at":"2026-09-21T22:49:22.079Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T22:49:22.763Z","title":"Nothing is guaranteed","content":"> Life can flip in a second. Nothing is guaranteed. Not time, not health, not the people you love. So love louder. Appreciat edeeper. Because what feels normal today can be something you pray for tomorrow. – [Whisprs \"](https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19GaFRJc2g/?mibextid=wwXIfr)\n\nNothing is guaranteed.\n\nYour business can flip in a second. AI comes up with a way to do what your SaaS did, and suddenly all your customers don't need you anymore. \n\nSo hustle harder. Diversify. Build new businesses.\n\nYour health can flip in a second. A random thing that popped up in the scan. An anomaly in your report. Suddenly you went from big plans for your future to having possibly no future.\n\nSo eat good, work out often, sleep well, stress less. Take care of yourself.\n\nYour relationships can flip in a second. Someone passes on suddenly. Another leaves from unresolved issues. One drifts away from neglect. \n\nSo do that phone call. Ask how are you. Have that coffee. That might be the last time you meet.\n\nWhat feels granted, given, and normal today can be something you pary for, pine for, kill for tomorrow.\n\nNothing is guaranteed.","tags":"_195words_","slug":"nothing-is-guaranteed-1790030962010","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":63572,"published_at":"2026-09-21T17:33:03.514Z","created_at":"2026-09-21T17:33:03.591Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T17:33:04.283Z","title":"Happy birthday to me","content":"<p>I've managed to make it 49 trips around the sun (or remained stationary with 49 revolutions of the sun for Flat-Earthers 🤓). It's an interesting year, one shy of the big 5-0, but also one with symbolism in numerology, tarot, and astrology. I wrote more about that in today's <a href=\"https://bewellthy.substack.com/p/49-things-ive-learned-in-49-years\">celebratory newsletter</a>.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I also drafted 49 life lessons. Some are profound; others are practical. Some might be debatable, but others are absolutely non-negotiable, e.g., pineapple on pizza.</p>\n<p>This is supposed to be a year of transformation, and it feels like a decade of transformation, especially in the health realm. My 40s have been characterized primarily by my health and mindset transformation after receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for my 40th birthday. I guess I have one year left to solidify my health so I can start focusing on other things in the power decade of my 50s.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>My Function Health test says that my biological age is 46, so I've made some progress toward undoing the damage caused by diabetes. And based on those same lab results, I still have some metabolism and glucose issues to address. But hey, my brain is firing on all cylinders; I'm feeling pretty good and happy to be alive. Cheers to everyone!</p>","tags":"_210words_","slug":"happy-birthday-to-me-1790011983522","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":47872,"created_at":"2026-09-21T23:58:05.937Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T23:58:06.223Z","content":"Happy birthday! Do you celebrate when your biological age goes down?","post":63572,"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":47873,"created_at":"2026-09-22T01:34:25.215Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T01:34:25.488Z","content":"Thank you! That's a great idea!","post":63572,"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":63571,"published_at":"2026-09-21T14:58:09.749Z","created_at":"2026-09-21T14:58:09.826Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T14:58:10.512Z","title":"Come, come wherever you are 🔥","content":"Come, come, sit around the fire with us. \nReconnect with your inner fire, with your inner child that wants to sing, dance, play, and hear stories; listen to the crackling sound and be in awe of the dancing flame.  \n\nIt doesn't matter whether you last felt your inner fire yesterday, a year ago, or 10 years ago, or never so far. \n\nAll that's needed is the willingness to sit down, to put work, laptop, and phone away for a bit. And be here, and feel and listen. \n\nMaybe sadness will arise. \nMaybe because the inner child felt abandoned and was longing for this for so long. \nMaybe there will be tears of joy, of gratitude. \nMaybe some other emotion. \n\nWhat's sure is that you're going to feel alive. \nAlive at last. \n\n","tags":"_135words_","slug":"come-come-wherever-you-are-1790002689756","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":63570,"published_at":"2026-09-21T10:21:42.355Z","created_at":"2026-09-21T10:21:42.432Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T10:21:43.113Z","title":"Ready for departure","content":"Tonight, as my wife prepares to leave for India on Wednesday, my role as her unofficial travel agent is nearly complete. I’m glad to help. Over the past few weeks, I’ve handled the bookings, gathered all the necessary information, and navigated the visa and entry requirements. There always seems to be another small detail to verify when traveling abroad, but I actually enjoy ensuring everything’s in order. It’s not just about making reservations or collecting documents; it’s about helping her leave home feeling organized and relaxed, without worrying about forgetting anything. Travel becomes much more enjoyable when all the practical details are sorted in advance.\n\nTonight, we are finalising checks to ensure everything is accessible, all key documents are organised, and there are no last-minute issues that could cause complications. I’m happy to help, especially given how busy she's been lately. Once she boards the plane on Wednesday, my role as her travel agent will be complete, and I will feel a sense of relief. After that, her main focus will be on leaving the preparations behind, settling into the trip, and truly enjoying her time in India. I’ll feel content knowing I contributed, even in a small way, to making her journey smoother and more enjoyable.","tags":"_216words_","slug":"ready-for-departure-1789986102364","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":63569,"published_at":"2026-09-20T22:50:44.804Z","created_at":"2026-09-20T22:50:44.881Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T22:50:55.268Z","title":"Do it now","content":"> do it now\n> before the spark goes cold\n> later becomes never\n> and regret grows old\n> \n> – @scottstilmanbooks\n\nDo it now. \nOr do it never.\n\nEven if you got to start over.\nBecause starting over is not the same as starting from nothing.\n\nDo it now.\nOr do it neither.\n\nEven if you feel you have zero capacity and can't even start.\nBecause you can start where you are, with what you have, where you are.\n\nDo it now.\nOr do it naught.\n\nEven if you fear the unknown, the ambiguity, the possible scarcity.\nBecause you reduce them only with data. Data that comes from action.\n\nDo it now.","tags":"_108words_","slug":"do-it-now-1789944644812","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":47870,"created_at":"2026-09-21T13:29:05.395Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T13:29:05.672Z","content":"Since you've been in a reflective mode lately, I would be curious to know if any of the ideas I wrote in today's newsletter rub you the right or wrong way: https://bewellthy.substack.com/p/49-things-ive-learned-in-49-years","post":63569,"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":47871,"created_at":"2026-09-21T22:56:22.545Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T22:56:22.820Z","content":"@therealbrandonwilson Love the randomness of #45 haha. #48 is just the kind of wisdom I love, and can't help but have to say aye about #9\n\n","post":63569,"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":47874,"created_at":"2026-09-22T01:35:05.102Z","updated_at":"2026-09-22T01:35:05.371Z","content":"I stand by #45 for sure. I knew you'd like #9 and #48. ","post":63569,"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":63568,"published_at":"2026-09-20T20:47:57.847Z","created_at":"2026-09-20T20:47:57.924Z","updated_at":"2026-09-20T20:47:58.744Z","title":"When power challenges authority","content":"Life is capricious. Physics always wins in the end. Biology fails us. Criminals choose to ignore the law. Storms can't read property deeds. We use language to build up the idea of authority, but that authority is constantly challenged by power.\n\nIn a story, if a force changes the world but doesn't challenge anyone's authority, it's nothing more than an observation. A storm knocks down a tree, but no one claims it, thus the scene merely describes the weather. But once that tree falls onto a car or home claimed by someone, the storm breaches their authority and we have a potential plot point.\n\nWhen power breaches authority, it creates a vacuum that requires someone to step in and restore authority. The doctor cures the illness. The mechanic restores the car. Or, in a story, the character must step in and restore their authority. Even a child might be called upon to serve this function. In Home Alone, Kevin is justified in applying cartoon violence to protect his home against burglars. In Anne of Green Gables, an illness justifies Anne entering a neighbor's home to take over care of another sick child.\n\nThese ruptures in authority make for good stories. We run these kinds of scenarios in our head all the time. What would I do? Most of the time, though, we call the insurance agent, the police, or emergency services and let them sort things out.","tags":"_242words_","slug":"when-power-challenges-authority-1789937277856","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":[]}]