Where foundations are tested and futures are built—our $65k diamond in the rough, circa 2016.
We each have one chance at life—a fleeting window of opportunity glowing bright against the endless darkness. Yet rather than seize our extraordinary chance, most amble through ordinary days on autopilot, numbed into comfort by routine's lullaby. We trade dreams for safety, stifling that inner fire yearning to ignite purpose.
Embracing Life's Extraordinary Journey
Imagine if we awakened each morning gripped by the miracle of existence. Just opening our eyes offers a gift, the chance to steer life’s precious hours towards what we alone can achieve. Our calling remains buried within, awaiting excavation. But cultural conditioning teaches us to lower expectations, to value circumspection over vision. We absorb the unspoken rule that success means blending in, keeping our heads low to avoid standing out.
And so we hold back, afraid of failing and confirming our deepest doubts. We ignore the voice whispering, “What if?” We resist fully investing our talents, relying on others to blaze trails while we cling to the crowd’s safe middle. We may one day wake filled with regret for chances left un-seized.
Yet no matter where we are on life’s path, at 20 or 50 or 80, the opportunity for greatness still smolders within our reach. Few constraints are truly as fixed as we believe. At any point, we can reset perspective. At any point, we can choose the brave and remarkable zone of seizing the moment, unbuffered against heartbreak. At any point, we can choose to live all-in.
Betting on Ourselves
Reflecting on this, Rachel and I have lived these very truths. When we stepped away from our careers in teaching, the road was anything but clear. We were weighed down by student debt, had a newborn baby to care for, and felt the weight of bills that loomed larger than our means. Yet, in that moment of uncertainty, we saw not just obstacles but a canvas for our greatest venture. We sold our house, our cars, and moved in with my parents. With every possession sold and each debt paid off, we were shedding weight and gaining momentum.
When we found our next home, it was less than dreamy at a mere $65k. But it was more than a financial investment; it was a testament to our resolve. As we renovated each room, we were reconstructing our future as a family, and laying a firm foundation for our businesses. And with every risk, we were setting the stage for our future ability to impact our community.
Today, the risks feel different—larger, perhaps, because of the comfortable life we’ve created, the two wonderful children we raise, and the reputation we’ve built. Yet, the essence of our endeavor remains unchanged. I owe it to myself, to Rachel, and to our kids to keep striving for significant impact, to give more, to do more. Our community deserves it, and our colleagues rely on it. And if not us, then who?
In this spirit, I resonate deeply with Steve Jobs’ words that the greatest impacts are made by those who push all the chips to the table, holding nothing back. We each hold the power to envision a future distinct from the present and believe fully in our ability to manifest that vision. We need only decide to burn through whatever stands in the way.
When we push all the chips forward, betting fully on ourselves, life's ordinary moments glisten with extraordinary possibility. The comfort of routine no longer seduces us to waste precious days. Each moment overflows with inspiration, excitement pulsing through the mundane as we fix our sights on a brighter horizon.
Fear Not
The choice is ours. We can dwell timidly in society’s safe harbor of modest expectations, tranquilly admiring the daring few who ventured beyond fear. Or we can set sail with them on winds of self-trust—because sometimes the only way forward is straight into the storm. With courage, persistence and passion, we just might surprise ourselves by how far we can fly.
As Rachel and I navigate this journey, embracing the risks inherent in our choices, I acknowledge that we have and will continue to make mistakes along the way, perhaps even appearing foolish or risking much of what we’ve built. But already, this journey has taught us far more than any college degree could confer. Rachel and I have developed an unshakable resilience, a wealth beyond monetary measure. If things fall apart, we'll rebuild from scratch, always looking forward. I'm not usually one to gamble, but betting on us feels right. Her strength and my unwavering optimism for a better tomorrow have always guided us through. The only real mistake would be to start playing it safe now.
This is the one life we’re given and the unique person we’re born to be. No matter when we start, it’s never too late to take the true risk—of finally betting fully on ourselves to live without regret and meet our highest calling. Our greatness awaits activation. So let this day be different. Let this be the moment we choose to push all the chips forward and unleash who we’re truly meant to become.
Artificial Imagination
Santa's throne: a hot seat of holiday drama for any five-year-old. Here in this MidJourney-crafted ‘90s snapshot, one kid's cheer meets another's sheer panic. Mall Santas, the unwitting stars of our childhood trepidations, are remembered as much for their ho-ho-hos as for igniting those unforgettable oh-no’s. Ah, the holidays—equal parts joy and childhood terror!
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created with MidJourney 🤯
Vibe Challenge 🎲
Dare to Leap: This week, I challenge you to embrace a risk—big or small. It could be pitching that bold idea to your team, signing up for a marathon, or maybe just trying a new workout class that's outside your comfort zone. Share your leap with me, and let's celebrate the audacity to jump!
My Weekly Vibe
Show: I didn’t expect much from Netflix’s Squid Game reality show, but it delivers the original’s tense competition! Just like the original thriller, real contestants compete in supersized schoolyard games with a twist – challenging their physical limits and mental grit for a $4.56 million prize as players are eliminated around them. From red light, green light to Battleship with a sinister catch, it’s a surprisingly gripping test of skill and nerves. Far better than I anticipated!
Gym Shoes: After just a couple workouts, the Nike Metcon 9s impress with their durability and comfort. The extended rubber wrap shows barely a scuff even attacking the ropes —where most shoes would be shredded. Light enough for cardio yet sturdy enough for heavy lifts without restrictiveness. Simply put: with major leaps over the Metcon 8’s fit and feel, the Metcon 9 could be Nike’s best all-around training shoe yet. My feet have never felt so shockingly fresh mile after mile or set after set. For any CrossFitter or exercise enthusiast, these are a game changer!
AI Tool: I finally got my hands on that buzzy new AI design tool Krea.ai creators are raving about, and it's mind blowing. Krea can instantly generate brand-quality visuals with insane artistic detail tailored to your unique needs - logos, mockups, digital art, you name it. It has a flavor of DALL-E or MidJourney but a little different and with real-time rendering and editing speeds that let you tweak designs in seconds. No more failed prompts or time-wasting iterations. There’s a waitlist for access so I recommend signing up now!
Playlist: I stumbled upon a magical Spotify playlist called Hip-Hop and R&B Jazz Covers, and let me tell you, it's gold. If you haven't heard 21 Questions or Gin and Juice with brass tones and a church organ, you're missing out. Plus, Rachel lets me play it in the car with the kids since the originals "aren't for kids." It's a fantastic way to enjoy the classics with a funky family-friendly twist.
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created with MidJourney 🤯
Weekly Muse
“I try to get rid of people who always confidently answer questions about which they don't have any real knowledge.” -Charlie Munger
Real Estate
In real estate investing, the importance of community revitalization is often overshadowed by more tangible metrics like rents and appreciation. However, those who have an eye for both profit and impact understand that revitalizing communities isn't just good karma; it's good business. We can't solely rely on governments and nonprofits to wave a magic wand over neglected neighborhoods. The real magic happens when investors and businesses step in, bringing their resources and vision to the table.
Governments do their part with both carrots and sticks—tax incentives here, regulatory mandates there. As previously discussed, opportunities like the Federal Historic Tax Credits or the LIHTC program for affordable housing are like financial nitrous boosts, propelling projects forward with up to 20% or 9% in credits, respectively. These aren't just deductions; they're dollar-for-dollar reductions in tax bills. And let's not forget the chance to play hero in turning around a community's story.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t charity. This is strategic investing. Revitalizing communities creates a ripple effect. Improved areas attract new businesses, increase property values, and enhance the quality of life. It’s a win-win: communities thrive, and your investment portfolio gets a healthy dose of growth steroids.
However, it's not just about throwing money at a problem. It's about smart, strategic investments. Investors need a clear understanding of the socio-economic fabric of the area, the potential for growth, and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
So, why should investors and businesses consider being part of this solution? First, there's the undeniable financial upside. Leveraging tax credits and incentives can significantly increase ROI, turning what might seem like altruistic endeavors into profitable ventures. Second, there's the aspect of legacy. By investing in community revitalization, you’re not just building wealth; you’re building a better world for future generations.
It's time for more investors and businesses to roll up their sleeves and be the change-makers our communities desperately need. After all, if we wait for someone else to do it, we might just be waiting forever. So, are you in?
For a cool $7-ish million, nab the keys to this Maryland stunner, where D.C. elite come to play house. This estate doesn’t just set the bar; it is the bar, with a yard you could eat off of. The pool? A liquid asset that appreciates with every splash. Here, the luxe life isn't an option; it's the default setting. A home for the mover, shaker, and occasional poolside merrymaker. (courtesy of TTR Sotheby's International Realty)
Interesting Find
Tim Ferriss, a man after my own heart with his zest for life hacking, entrepreneurship, fitness, and tech, has dropped his latest list of top picks for 2023 – a curated collection of 25 books, articles, gadgets, and more. Be warned, though: diving into this list might send you spiraling down a delightful rabbit hole of discovery. So, clear your schedule and prepare for an adventure in Ferriss-style exploration!
📸 cred: tim.blog
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