Some reflections and course corrections I’m making this month in life and business, with questions that you’ll probably find useful.

Business

• Pursue obsession, usefully
• Be unique in the what, copy the how (avoid the reverse)

A lot has happened in a month.

Startup 1 died but its legacy remains with these compact reminders:

• Focus & frugality
• Crusade & craft
• Plot, then pounce
• Educate evangelists

I've grown and startup 2 has a lower hurdle. I'm bullish. But it'll probably be a multi-month play.

I also changed my LinkedIn approach:

• Proactive > reactive
• Avoid most people

The LinkedIn game wasn't enjoyable. So I quit.

Coming to terms with not replying everyone was tough.
I'm an inbox 0 type of guy.
(Even if it takes a while.)

But I asked myself: which game do I want to play?

It wasn't this one.

Many connect without message or follow-up.
Why?

"To have you in my feed."
What does that mean when you never engage?

Most are algorithm players and shoot with a shotgun.

I'm a sniper.

Research an individual and ask: would I work with him/her for life?
If no, skip.
If yes, offer an opportunity.

Then back to work.

Opportunity is perception and timing.
No hard feelings about non-response.
Just work and offer more.

Many on LinkedIn go back-and-forth.
Their point, their ask and/or their offer are unclear.

My writing can still be more inspiring, relatable or curiosity-inducing.
But at least my ask & offer is clear.
I get straight to the point.

Unclear writing takes time and weighs on the mind.
Waiting for clarification induces negative emotions.

So I left the game.

I now do proactive work the entire day.
Journal what I'd like to remember and pass on.
And only then, in the evening, do I spend 30 minutes on emails and LinkedIn.
(And some days I skip it.)

I'm happier.

Life

• What do I control vs what do others control? Which position do I want to be in?

I've unsubscribed from nearly all newsletters. I don't read news. No Netflix or TV. Once the NBA Finals end, no more YouTube (unless needed).

Every week I remove an activity.
Some small, some large.

Externally I'm more boring - temporarily.
Internally I'm more peaceful.

The longer I work solo, the less I believe in time management or productivity hacks.

Instead, I believe more in elimination, improving judgment, protecting your environment, and unashamedly pursuing an obsession.

At first, focused people are boring.
Until they reach the top of their craft.
Then they're most interesting.

In life, how many people can we truly know? 50?
How many can we stay in touch with? 500?

I now ask myself: is this person one of them?
(Works for new and old relationships.)

I'm on a crusade.

The journey excites me.
But one day it'll end.
I don't know when.

I cannot change others.
They can only change themselves.
They can join the crusade when they're ready.
I'll pave the path but I won't help them - at least not directly.
I'd rather spend whatever time I have left with equally ambitious, proactive, inspiring, aiming-for-the-mountaintop, kindred spirits - who are ready now.

I'll create to help the talkers.
But I'll build with the doers.

Takeaway: Act over react. Upgrade environment. Safeguard time.

Ask: "How can I be most impactful?"

Closing thought

Tension is who you think you should be.
Relaxation is who you are.
(Buddhist saying.)

Day 43 (almost) finished. 497 to go.

Love,

Jim