2025

Related to that: we start off looking for easy things we can do to make money. But really the best way to make money is to help people solve hard problems. And hard problems, by definition, are not easy to solve. You have to be really talented or become really skilled… or both.

I rarely comment online. Was tempted to point out a flaw in that veganism claim today on X but didn’t bother. Had a critical comment typed out about local SEO on LinkedIn but deleted it. Just seems pointless to argue with strangers online. Takes up my time and I’m unlikely to change any minds.

Trying to let go of this idea of feeling behind, like I need to catch up. Because it’s silly when you think about it: catch up to what? Some idealized version of myself that never gets tired, never procrastinates, never makes mistakes? That guy doesn’t exist and never will. Gotta stop comparing myself to him.

Thinking now that cold calling will be the key to growing this agency. It’s uncomfortable, but also the fastest way to talk to a bunch of business owners and see if they’re interested in the service. Reminds me of my old cold approach dating days. Lots of rejection back then, but also many fond memories.

Burned out from making all these YouTube videos, published the third for August today and not all that proud of it, but felt like I had to publish or else those 20 hours would be for nought. That’ll be my last video for a while though. Going to let things settle and see where I stand.

Been in this busy cafe a half hour and 80% of the people look very unhealthy, many overweight or obese. Ireland wasn’t like this when I was a kid. The change is shocking to me. It’s normal here now for people to be fat. And most folks don’t seem to think it’s a big deal.

My idea of hell is a day of doing nothing, letting it go to waste. Even when I’m feeling burned out, like I am today, I still want to do things, ideally non-thinking things. Put out the rubbish, tidy up the apartment, go for a walk, try to set myself up for a better tomorrow.

Lots of fancy cars in Andorra. In town for a bit today and saw a few Ferraris, Porches, and a Lambo. Not sure I’d buy a fancy car even if I was mega rich. Can’t imagine leaving something worth $100,000’s just sitting in a car park, hoping strangers don’t mess with it.

When Apollo 13 happened in 1970, the world was rooting for those American astronauts to make it home safe. The Pope led prayers for them, as did many mosques. TV stations around the world dropped regular programming to focus on the crisis. People were genuinely concerned. Doubt we’d have such a compassionate reaction today.

I aim for 60+ “deep work” hours each month, at 77 already for March. Been pushing hard to get the business back on track, energy levels high. But I took this afternoon off to hit the spa and suddenly felt burned out. I came out of the sauna like a zombie, couldn’t face the cold plunge.

Back when the commissions were flowing fast and easy, I regularly reminded myself not to take it for granted, to appreciate it while it lasted, because it wouldn’t last forever. Sure enough, it didn’t. Glad I appreciated it in the moment. But then there’s always something I can appreciate in the moment, because nothing lasts forever.

Went to that event the past two years. Loved it the first year, not so much the second. Costs $2000 and 4 days to attend again. Tickets sold out in three minutes, and I was happy not to get involved. Way better off investing that time and money connecting with my local community.