Watching the November fog drift through our wooded property in the early morning, I'm reminded of life's beautiful paradox: how the quietest moments often speak the loudest truths. From my back porch, I watch the day's first light slowly paint the trees. These predawn hours have become sacred—a time when possibility feels infinite and the path toward progress is clearest.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the power of small choices compounding into profound change. This has been a year of steady progress—in business, health, relationships, and personal growth. My early morning workout sessions that once seemed impossible. The clarity that came from intermittent fasting, reshaping not just my relationship with food but with discipline itself. The choice to trade evening drinks for morning clarity, discovering that sobriety brings its own kind of euphoria. Walks through our property that have become moving meditations, clearing mental fog better than any productivity hack ever could.
What I've learned is that transformation doesn't always announce itself with fanfare. Sometimes it arrives in whispers—in the choice to rise before dawn, in the steady accumulation of better habits, in the constant pursuit of progress in all aspects of life. These small rituals, strung together day after day, become the foundation of everything meaningful.
Let me share what's moved the needle this year—both in gratitude and discoveries that might spark something in your own journey.
Mind-Expanding Listens
Joscha Bach on Lex Fridman - Warning: May cause existential recalibration. Bach's insights on consciousness and artificial minds will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about reality.
Rizwan Virk on JRE - The simulation hypothesis never made sense until this conversation. Now I can't unsee the glitches in the matrix.
John Mackey Founders Episode - Beyond business lessons, this is a masterclass in leading with principles while building something extraordinary.
Steve Jobs Founders Episodes - David Senra at his finest, breaking down the art of selling dreams and shipping reality.
The AI Revolution in Real Life
Claude 3.5 Sonnet - A quantum leap in AI assistants. Not just answering questions, but engaging in true thought partnership.
ChatGPT-4o1 - Each update feels like gaining a new superpower for creativity and analysis.
Perplexity - Finally, search that thinks like a human and cites its sources. A researcher's dream.
Snip'd - Transforming how I consume and retain podcast wisdom. The ability to capture and revisit key moments has been game-changing.
Midjourney - When you need visual inspiration or to make abstract ideas concrete. The quality is unreal.
What Filled My Gratitude Cup in 2024
Life's greatest gifts often come wrapped in the ordinary moments that we later realize were anything but. This year has been a testament to perseverance, growth, and the power of community.
The Foundation - Rachel, my partner in everything, continues to be the bedrock of our lives. She somehow makes running companies, raising kids, and building our dreams look like a graceful dance rather than the chaotic juggling act it often is. Her latest venture into writing isn't just another project—it's a testament to her relentless pursuit of growth and creativity. Watching her pour her thoughts onto paper reminds me daily how fortunate I am to build a life with someone who never stops evolving. She's the quiet strength behind every success, the calm in every storm, and the person who turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
The Future - Watching Avery and Ford flourish fills me with a kind of joy I never knew existed. Avery's natural leadership shines through in the smallest interactions—whether she's organizing a backyard adventure or helping her brother navigate a new challenge. Ford's endless curiosity about the world around him is a daily reminder of the wonder that exists in even the simplest things. His questions, though sometimes unanswerable, push me to see the world through fresh eyes. These are the real measures of success. Their kindness to others, their eagerness to learn, and their unfiltered enthusiasm for life remind me that while we're building businesses, we're also building humans. And that's the most important project of all.
The Teams - The Parker Group crew has shown incredible resilience through some of real estate's toughest years. Navigating market shifts, adapting to new technologies, and maintaining unwavering commitment to our clients—their grit and dedication continue to amaze me. Every challenge has been met with innovative solutions, every setback with renewed determination. And then there’s our Archie founding team and early investors—their belief in our vision and the momentum we're building together is nothing short of inspiring. Their innovative ideas and relentless pursuit of excellence are laying the groundwork for something truly special. We're just getting started, but what a start it's been. Together, we're not just weathering the storms; we're charting new territories with confidence and excitement.
The Community - This one runs deep in every way that matters. Our parents, the unsung heroes who somehow always know exactly when we need them, whether it's last-minute kid pickup or just a moment of wisdom. My extended family, who've championed every dream and cushioned every setback. Those lifelong friends who've become family, who know all your stories and stick around to help write new ones.
Then there's the newer parts of this circle—mentors who've become friends, business partners who've become confidants, and connections made this year that feel like they've always been there. My CrossFit family, pushing limits together before dawn, reminding me that growth happens at the edges of comfort. The incredible business coaches and fellow entrepreneurs who challenge my thinking and expand what I believe is possible.
And to you, reading The Vibe each week—your engagement and feedback have turned this newsletter into a conversation. What started as weekly musings has grown into a community of builders, thinkers, and doers. Your responses and insights often become the highlight of my week.
These relationships, both old and new, make every challenge more manageable and every victory more meaningful. We're all in this together, making each other stronger along the way.
Presence Over Presents
As Thanksgiving approaches, I aim to be fully present with family—probably breaking my fasting protocol for some extra pie—and remembering that sometimes the best productivity hack is simply stopping to appreciate how far we've come. Before I go, here's what I've learned about holidays with young kids: The magic isn't in the perfect execution—it's in the imperfect moments between plans. Start your mornings earlier than usual to soak in the quiet. Take walks between celebrations. And remember that presence beats presents every time.
I'll be taking next week off from The Vibe to immerse myself in these moments. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, growth, and the joy of being exactly where you are.
Stay present, stay grateful.
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