Shootin’ my shot in 2008
We've all been there—a mysterious $30 service charge on a Comcast bill or a credit card statement that sends us straight to the phone, ready for battle. Navigating through a maze of menu options, we finally reach a human voice on the other end, armed and ready for our crusade for justice—and our $30. These skirmishes seldom wrap up in under an hour. Often they morph into long-drawn-out sagas, replete with multiple follow-up emails and calls. But, finally, you achieve victory! You've proven your point, slain the corporate dragon, and not only is your $30 back, but you've also scored a free month of HBO. Triumph, right? But let's pause and consider: Was it worth it? Do you feel genuinely victorious? What about the opportunity cost involved? In the throes of battle, it's easy to lose sight of what you're really sacrificing. Sure, you've reclaimed your $30 and a month of binging Game of Thrones, but at what expense? Those hours spent on hold, drafting emails, or reiterating your case could have been invested in something more rewarding—be it advancing your business goals or indulging in activities that genuinely enrich your life. Winning to Lose While the allure of "winning" against a faceless corporation may offer a momentary high, the overlooked opportunity costs in time and mental energy can be staggering. In the intricate dance of life, every step we take is guided by a force often hidden in the shadows—opportunity cost. This concept, though born from economics, reaches into every corner of our days. From career paths and relationships to how we spend our fleeting moments, opportunity cost serves as an unseen conductor orchestrating our life's journey. Imagine your life as a series of branching pathways. Even seemingly simple choices, like deciding to cut your own grass instead of hiring a professional (whose lines are straighter anyway?), carry their own opportunity costs. Sure, you might save a few bucks doing it yourself, but consider the time you could have spent elsewhere—perhaps taking your kids to the beach or finishing that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand for weeks (guilty). The currency at play isn't just monetary; it's the invaluable asset of time. You can always earn more money. However, once spent, time is gone forever. Taking calculated risks, like launching a business or buying an investment property, also carries its weight in opportunity costs. Playing it safe might seem like the prudent choice, but what experiences, growth, and potential happiness are you sacrificing by sticking to the status quo? Remember, a life led too cautiously is often dotted with "what ifs" and regrets, echoing the haunting words of missed opportunities. Hospice workers often report that people on their deathbed don’t regret the things they did; rather, it's the things they didn’t do or say that haunt them in the end. The silent drain of time isn't confined to our material world; it pervades our digital existence as well. The seductive vortex of social media is a prime example. Each scroll, each click, each moment spent in the digital maze is a tacit admission of forfeited opportunities. A year from now, is this what we will remember doing? Are we glad we did it? The cost of inaction can also be profoundly felt in our relationships. Consider the trepidation that comes with asking someone out on a date. The fear of rejection holds us back, but what about the cost of not knowing—of letting a potentially meaningful relationship slip through our fingers? I remember like it was yesterday, locking eyes with this dime piece at a political fundraiser back in 2008. Fresh out of high school, I was this wide-eyed goofball with no business approaching someone so far out of my league. But fate had other plans, and whatever I said must have struck a chord. Fast forward fifteen years, and I'm still in pursuit of that too-good-for-me woman. Only now, the chase often includes a 4-year-old on my shoulders, armed with a Nerf gun, as my wingman. Looking back, the opportunity cost of shooting my shot that day may well be the best gamble I've ever made. Risk and Reward If life is a calculated game of risks and choices, then understanding the role of opportunity cost is essential for playing it well. But risk and opportunity cost are two sides of the same coin. When we think about taking a 'risk,' what we're really contemplating is the potential opportunity cost of not taking an action. It’s about assessing what we stand to gain against what we could possibly lose. So, how do we traverse this complex landscape of choices and their unseen costs? By redefining what we consider to be true wealth. It's not just about financial assets; it's about a rich blend of experiences, wisely spent time, and meaningful relationships. It means optimizing your life so that you're not just efficient, but also deeply fulfilled. In the grand scheme of things, opportunity cost is not just an academic term but a lens through which we can examine the depth of our lives. Each choice we make carries an invisible price, often paid in the currency of irreplaceable time. Mastering the concept of opportunity cost allows us to live life to its fullest, a life where we not only count our blessings but make those blessings truly count. So let the pro cut the grass. Let "the man" keep that $30 service charge. And shoot your shot—because you never know where it'll lead. The opportunity cost of not taking that risk might just be the one you'll regret the most
Artificial Imagination I don't know why these thoughts occupy my mind, but I found myself wondering what Jerry Seinfeld's school picture would look like as a kid. Thankfully, MidJourney has answered that question for us. So here it is, ladies and gentlemen. In my best Seinfeld voice: "What's the deal with these blurry backgrounds? Seriously, are we trying to cut costs here? Did we blow the entire budget on floppy disks? Are they reserving the good backdrops for the teachers' Glamour Shots? This has to be Newman's doing!" Whomp, whomp…
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created on MidJourney
Vibe Challenge The Leap: Think about that one big decision you've been mulling over for ages—whether it's changing jobs, investing in a big project, or having that important but difficult conversation with someone. This week, take concrete steps to finally make that decision. Note how you feel before and after, and any changes in your life situation. Reflect on the results at the end of the week.
My Weekly Vibe
Book: A couple years ago I stumbled upon a quick read called Happy Money. In the book, two experts delve into behavioral science to argue that yes, money can buy happiness—but only if spent wisely, especially by prioritizing experiences over material possessions. This insight isn't just for the individual spender; businesses aiming to elevate employee satisfaction and customer loyalty can also benefit immensely. Using research data and real-world examples, the book sets you on a path to maximizing your emotional return on investment. It's a worthy read that makes you think differently about your money.
Playlist: I've said it before—my music taste is all over the map. This week, I'm kickin’ it old school with some classic country. Think Tracy Lawrence, Keith Whitley, Conway Twitty, and, of course, George Jones. This is a fun throwback when you’re feeling a little Nashville. I mixed in a couple of modern hits, but there’s just something about fall weather, backroads and old country music.
Movie: If you're a fan of nuanced storytelling and layered characters, Guy Ritchie's The Covenant deserves a spot on your must-watch list. Jake Gyllenhaal and Dar Salim deliver captivating performances as a U.S. Army Sergeant and an Afghan interpreter bound by a life-saving act. When promises for safe passage to the U.S. are unfulfilled, it becomes a gut-wrenching race against the Taliban to settle this moral debt. This film isn't just an action-packed escapade; it probes the limits of loyalty and the complexities of promises made in wartime. Warning—there are some graphic scenes.
AI: Canva is a well-known graphic design platform that simplifies the creation of everything from business logos to wedding invitations. It just got a fresh boost with some AI magic. OpenAI's new Canva plugin for ChatGPT integrates seamlessly into the platform's interface. Once installed, users input their design specifications into the chat prompt, and the AI generates a variety of visual options that can be edited and downloaded straight from Canva. This streamlined approach benefits a wide range of users, from marketers to educators. For those looking for more advanced design capabilities, Adobe has also launched its own groundbreaking AI tools, offering another compelling option in the digital design arena.
Tracy Lawrence 90’s Vibes | Photo Cred: Paul Natkin
Weekly Muse "The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing." - Seth Godin
Real Estate Finding a good real estate deal in today's market feels like finding cell service in Sussex County. With low inventory and an army of 'investors' armed with YouTube tutorials, cutting through the noise is no easy task. But what if you could pay a little more to win that listing and still make a solid return? Enter Downtown Development Districts (DDDs), the unsung heroes quietly transforming our urban and small town landscapes. Investing in a Downtown Development District (DDD) offers a financial edge that's hard to ignore. State and often local grants reimburse a substantial chunk of your costs—sometimes more than 20%—allowing you to comfortably invest more in rehab projects or new builds. This built-in safety net makes DDDs a hotbed for financial gains, not just community revitalization. As these districts flourish, your investment stands to appreciate at a faster pace than in other areas. In short, DDDs provide a unique opportunity for savvy investors. With the advantage of grants and the promise of rising property values, you're not just contributing to community betterment; you're positioning yourself for a lucrative ROI. Each state and municipality is a little different, so make sure you do your research or consult with an investor-friendly agent to maximize these opportunities. You can make money in any market, you just have to look in the right places.
This exterior is cool, but it's what's inside that really seals the deal for me. With bathrooms to spare for the whole Brady Bunch—even Alice—it's the indoor basketball court and gym that has me ready to move. Think I could crowdfund the $10 mil? (courtesy of RLAH @properties)
Interesting Find No chance this doesn’t make you smile. In this video, two penguin clusters cross paths, pausing for a quick chat. As one penguin strays into the wrong crowd, a buddy chases after to guide him back. Even penguins handle awkward social situations better than I handle family reunions.
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created on MidJourney
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