Hey Reader,

Quick life update: I launched my personal website! After months of "sometime" (you know how that goes), it's finally live. Rather than chase perfection, I gave myself two 60-minute sprints to go from blank canvas to published site. I'll share the link at the bottom of this email.

Two years ago, I sat across from Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. Despite the opportunity, I was so focused on my Apprentice project that I never once mentioned ChatGPT during our thirty-minute call. Now, in 2025, I use AI daily for everything from writing to video editing, and it's transformed how I work.

Here's what I've learned:

1. AI isn't about replacing creativity; it's about transforming it. Just as photography didn't kill painting (it pushed artists to explore new styles like impressionism), AI is pushing us to rethink creation.
2. My daily workflow now involves:
   • Using ChatGPT for research and idea refinement
   • Editing my writings with Lex
   • Creating videos with Descript
   • Building rapid prototypes in Cursor and Lovable
3. The biggest surprise? The hard part isn't using the tools, but having a clear vision of what you want to create and prompting that vision into existence. While technical barriers have fallen away, the need for human creativity has only grown stronger.

We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible with AI-assisted creation. Do you use any of these tools? If so, how? Reply to this email; I’m happy to share how I use them too.

Check out my new personal site: gabel.is​

Until next Sunday,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

Two years ago, I created a newsletter and, in a moment of unintentional self-prophecy, named it "Sometime." The landing page sat there reflecting its name.

“Sometime” I’d start writing. “Sometime” I’d have something important enough to say. “Sometime” when I felt more ready, more skilled, more certain.

Then I made one simple change: I replaced "Sometime" with Sunday. One non-negotiable weekly deadline. Three months and twelve newsletters later, I've learned a lesson about turning intentions into action.

The Paralysis of Potential

The gap between intention and action is where dreams go to hibernate. For two years, my newsletter existed as a perfect idea, untouched by the messiness of actual creation. I wasn't avoiding writing; I was perpetually preparing to start.

This pattern revealed something about creative paralysis. By remaining passive, I preserved the seductive idea of perfection.

I've seen this pattern play out repeatedly in my life. Each time, the fear of imperfection prevents progress.

The Power of Constraints

The breakthrough came when I realized "Sometime" isn't going to happen. By giving myself infinite time, I had created the perfect conditions for perpetual postponement.

Converting "Sometime" to Sunday changed everything. A weekly deadline isn't just a constraint—it's a commitment to begin. It doesn't guarantee quality, but it motivates action. And that is where real learning happens.

I haven’t missed a week publishing in three months with a deadline. Not because I became a better writer, but because I finally started writing.

Beyond Sundays

This lesson extends beyond my newsletter. I see how many of my creative projects live in that comfortable "Sometime" space—ideas that remain perfect because they're untouched.

The solution isn't complex. It's about replacing vague intentions with specific commitments:

• "Sometime" becomes Sunday.
• "When I'm ready" becomes next week.
• "Once it's great" becomes good enough to release.

The goal isn't to create masterpieces. It's to break free from the paralysis of potential and move into actual creation.

What project are you saving for "sometime"? Maybe it's time to set a deadline.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

I sat outside the circle, feeling that familiar discomfort creep in. My body was tense, and my gaze scanned the room. The teacher had to invite me to join the group—a moment that highlighted a pattern I've lived with for years. Even when seeking connection, I position myself as an outsider.

Building Walls

The roots of this pattern run deep. In my final year of high school, I chose isolation in pursuit of academic excellence. When university rejections arrived, I retreated further, convinced that achievement would somehow bring the connection I craved.

The same pattern played out when I moved countries and even in my relationship. I'd arrive full of hope, construct invisible walls, then blame the place or circumstances for my loneliness, moving on.

The Bubble

My recent relationship revealed the cost of this pattern. Instead of truly connecting, we created a dream world in our bubble—another form of isolation masquerading as intimacy. When that bubble burst, I was confronted with the truth: my isolation isn't something that happens to me—it's something I actively create.

Alpine Solitude

During my quest to rediscover myself, I retreated to the Swiss Alps. Yet as days stretched into weeks, the familiar loneliness seeped in. In that silence, I saw my cycle clearly: seeking community, retreating into isolation, and repeating. That's when I decided to sign up for a dance class.

Finding Flow

The dance class taught me a crucial lesson: I feared to engage with the world. Each time I sat outside the circle, moved to a new country, or retreated to my safe space, I was choosing comfort over connection. While the class wasn't what I searched for—too technical, not enough flow—it showed me where to look.

The day after, I joined a group of entrepreneurs for a mental health discussion and sauna and cold plunge sessions. Joining the circle still felt uncomfortable, but I'm starting where I am.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

In the past two weeks, I’ve been the happiest I’ve been in a long time. My life has been simple: I wake up naturally without an alarm, go on walks, nourish my body, exercise, and dedicate most of my time to learning and creating. By following my curiosity and embracing this rhythm, I’ve found myself appreciating the present.

My Revelation

Here's the revelation behind my happiness: I've recognized the cost of deliberate suffering in pursuit of long-term goals. I stayed in a dysfunctional relationship for almost two years because I believed relationships require hard work. I pushed myself day after day to earn money without enjoyment. Even if I achieved these goals, what would the pursuit of happiness cost? Indefinite suffering with no guarantee of success.

Suffering Isn't Necessary

There's no universal law that says you must suffer to achieve meaningful goals. What if suffering is optional? Take relationships: nothing in nature mandates that building a thriving partnership requires misery. The key is creative problem-solving. Ask, 'How can I make this process enjoyable?' Pursuing long-term goals while having fun may not come naturally at first. It requires experimentation and continuous refinement, but when you enjoy yourself, the journey becomes rewarding.

My Experiment

I'll test this philosophy in the coming weeks. Earning money has always felt like obligatory suffering, but I genuinely enjoy learning, creating, and helping others. There are ways to align my passions with building wealth. My first experiment starts tomorrow: Can I make my first $100 online in ten days while having fun? I'll document my journey and share the experience in a video next month. Want to follow along? Subscribe to my YouTube channel now!

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

I've been dreaming of creating lasting value, but I've retreated from the world by moving to remote places in the Arctic and Madeira. I envisioned starting my own family and living a self-sufficient life. In my early twenties, I've been renouncing the world rather than engaging with it. Why do I choose solitude in remote places over vibrant cities?

Finding Stillness

Since arriving in Switzerland last Saturday, I've felt a growing sense of calmness. My mind isn't constantly pacing to some distant place as it used to. I'm enjoying the fresh mountain air, the sunny weather, and the beautiful scenery awakening to spring.

A New Vision

Instead of fantasizing about moving to California or New Zealand, I've found myself repeatedly visualizing life in Zurich. What's different is that I don't view it through the same romantic lens I applied to the Norwegian Arctic or Madeira before moving there. What appeals to me now is the realness of this scenario: a place that ticks many of my boxes and where I can easily move to.

The Search for Connection

My hopes of finding community through ambitious programs across the world haven't materialized yet. I've received one rejection from V10, been waitlisted by the residency, and am still waiting for responses from Edge Esmeralda and the Network School.

For now, I'm sitting longer with my ideas before making decisions. I've just begun exploring possibilities after shedding my old identity and vision from my ending relationship.

Understanding the Root

I realize now that I've been choosing remote places and isolation because of shame. I don't feel valuable, and I retreat due to fear of judgment and rejection. By doing so, I protect myself from potential pain, but also nourish the very narrative I'm trying to break. I've become hyper self-reliant because I fear I don't matter. Yet in isolation, I simply give my inner critic an unopposed platform to keep nagging and tearing me down, preventing me from seeing my own value.

The Path Forward

My mission now is to understand where this dynamic originates and then change my narrative toward a story that drives me forward rather than away.

Reflection: Where are you feeding your inner critic to be seen of value rather than actually being valuable?

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

When my relationship ended in January, I found myself at a crossroads. The move to Madeira had been part of a shared vision, but now I felt called to explore new horizons. After moving out at the end of January, I realized I needed emotional support more than the stress of rapid changes. I decided to park my car at a friend’s place and spend time with family in Germany, planning to return in mid-March to sell the vehicle.

A Lesson in Boundaries

During this transition period, I offered my ex the use of my car while she was visiting the island, with the understanding she would return it to my friend before he left for a trip. What followed became an unexpected lesson in boundaries and letting go.

Communication challenges arose when the car wasn’t returned as planned. While vacationing with my family in Denmark, I learned my ex was still using the car. For the next two weeks, despite my attempts to reach out, I didn’t get a response until minutes before boarding my flight.

Over the course of the following 24 hours I received various explanations about why the car couldn’t be returned yet. When I finally retrieved the car, I discovered accident damage that hadn’t been disclosed to me. My insurance notified me about an accident that had occurred while she had been using the car. Despite my efforts to resolve things amicably, I found myself alone in it, facing repair costs and unpaid debts exceeding €1000 that weren’t being addressed.

Finding Perspective

This experience brought up strong emotions – anger, sadness, and disappointment. I had genuinely tried to maintain goodwill despite the relationship ending. Looking back at our time together more objectively, I could appreciate the 70% that was beautiful while acknowledging the 30% that was extremely challenging.

The healing began when I took responsibility for my part in the situation. I recognized that lending the car, despite knowing the risks, was my decision. Rather than dwelling on what went wrong, I focused on what I could control: fixing the car and selling it.

The Five-Day Challenge

Selling proved difficult in Madeira’s unique market. After nearly two unsuccessful months, I set a five-day deadline to sell the car. To make it real, I booked a flight. Three days before my departure, my first potential buyer fell through. After a sleepless night full of worry, I reached a turning point during meditation – I considered giving the car away for free and felt an immediate sense of liberation.

A Final Push

However, something shifted during the early hours of my final day on the island. I woke with renewed determination to complete this chapter properly. I wasn’t ready to give up. Despite feeling vulnerable about posting yet another sales ad after multiple attempts, I pushed past my embarrassment and fear of judgment.

The response was overwhelming – dozens of messages with varying levels of seriousness. Through persistence and clear communication, I connected with a genuine buyer. Just two hours before the administrative offices closed, we completed the sale at a fair price, bringing closure to this chapter.

The Power of Acceptance

This experience taught me about resilience and persistence, but the most profound lesson came from mental liberation through acceptance. When I truly accepted the situation – both the interpersonal challenges and the market realities – I found a sense of peace that empowered me to move forward effectively.

We often become entangled in difficult narratives about our past, but choosing acceptance requires courage and offers freedom. It doesn’t mean condoning hurtful behavior or ignoring reality – rather, it means acknowledging what is, letting go of what we can’t control, and focusing our energy on constructive paths forward.

Your Turn to Reflect

What situation in your life are you resisting that might actually liberate you through acceptance? I invite you to identify just one area this week and notice how it feels to release that resistance. I’d love to hear about your experience.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

​

Hey Reader,

As someone who has lived a nomad life for 2.5 years, I've increasingly seen the opportunity costs of temporary living rise. The lack of stability and tight social connections that thrive on consistency has become painfully clear. This is my third attempt to settle in one place after Norway and Madeira—and this time, I'm determined to make a conscious decision.

The Hidden Cost of Sliding Through Life

Our environment greatly influences our life outcomes. It can make the difference between living a life fulfilled and in misery. Consider a young girl that dreams of becoming an astronaut. Her environment will largely determine whether her dream comes true.

As we grow up, our dreams are often crushed by societal expectations and disappointment. We lower our aspirations and day by day they dwindle. We slide into our decision to stay where we are, but a seed of dissatisfaction waits under the surface to germinate and grow.

The truth is simple: You have the agency to make an intentional decision at any time. You get to shape the environment for your success.

The Four Key Criteria for Choosing Where to Live

1. Personal Values & Goals

Deep Dive into Self-Discovery

Carve out time to thoroughly explore your personal values and goals. This is the foundation that will help you differentiate between a short-term fun place and a truly fulfilling long-term home.

Ask yourself these transformative questions:

1. What do I hide to fit in?
2. How would I spent my days if nobody knew about it and it would result in neither financial gain nor status?
3. Who do I want to be in ten years?

Working Backwards

1. What needs to be true in five years, one year, one month, and today to make this happen?
2. What is the minimum viable action in line with my values and toward my vision that I can take today?
3. And then do it!

Location-Specific Refinement

1. Who are the people I want to be surrounded with? What's the potential for finding like-minded people and communities?
2. What are the institutions that serve my goals? Where do I find them?
3. Which cultures align with my personal beliefs?

2. Opportunities

Opportunities are specific to your unique situation. Narrow down your scope by identifying your non-negotiables:

1. What are my non-negotiable opportunities for success? E.g. I want to build a profitable business that allows me to work on whatever, whenever, wherever, and with whomever I want → I'm leveraging media and code in the company of inspiring likeminded people.
2. Which requirements do I need to fulfill my goals and values that aren't available everywhere? E.g. I want to homeschool my future children → I'm selecting from jurisdictions that tolerate this practice.

3. Practical Preferences

Practical preferences are the everyday realities of realizing your vision. The ease of doing business, tax rates, costs of living, infrastructure and accessibility, climate and environment, safety and security, and lifestyle compatibility. It's easy to get lost in the nitty gritty before tackling the more important questions above. Analyze:

1. Which preferences are most important to me and why? E.g. I want hospital facilities accessible within a 45-minute drive after experiencing a 3.5-hour emergency ride in the Arctic.
2. Which preferences am I willing to compromise on and why? E.g. I am willing to compromise on the quality of educational institutions since I prefer a curiosity-driven approach and am satisfied with digital offerings.

4. Ease of Relocation

This is the category that can crush your dreams—but only if you give away your agency.

Identify and Understand Constraints

1. What might constrain my move? E.g. economic factors, visa requirements, language barriers, etc.
2. Are these constraints worth tackling head-on?

Problem-Solving Approach

• Economic constraints? Solve the financial challenge first.
• Language barrier? Start learning the language.

The Decision-Making Process

1. Create a weighted scoring system for your criteria.
2. Research multiple potential locations.
3. Visit locations if possible.
4. Talk to locals and expats.
5. Consider a trial period or extended stay before committing.
6. Remain flexible and open to adjusting your plans.

Important Reminder: No location will perfectly match all of your criteria. Prioritize the most important factors and be prepared to compromise on less critical aspects.

The Ultimate Goal

In the end—whether you choose to relocate or not—it's about enjoying the place to the fullest. Some people intuitively find their ideal location, but for those feeling the itch to move, a careful evaluation is the first step to success.

From commitment arises freedom. Are you ready to be intentional about where you live?

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

When I arrived in Madeira one week ago, my mission was to sell my car. I wasn't sure how long I would stay—another pit stop in what has become a familiar pattern of temporary destinations. For days, I was physically present but mentally elsewhere.

This waiting mode isn't new to me. I lived in Berlin while planning to move abroad. I left Georgia for a two-month stay in Madeira while planning for America. I resided in Norway while imagining life in New Zealand. Even now, while surrounded by Madeira's lush nature, my mind wanders to opportunities in Medellin, Malaysia, and New Zealand.

The Belonging Paradox

There's a certain irony in how I've been living: seeking community and connection while constantly positioning myself as "just passing through." By fixating on destinations beyond reach, I've created the perfect excuse to avoid putting down roots.

I seek belonging, but search for it anywhere except where I am.

This mental escape creates an illusion of progress. Planning future moves feels productive—researching neighborhoods, calculating costs of living, envisioning a different life. Yet these activities, while seemingly purposeful, often serve as sophisticated distractions from the present.

Breaking the Pattern

Last week, I made a shift. I recognized my familiar excuses forming and decided to interrupt the cycle. Instead of postponing connection until some idealized future location, I committed to a simple experiment: attend two local events with no agenda beyond curiosity.

The first was a community lunch where, instead of holding back parts of myself as I typically might, I engaged fully with strangers. We exchanged stories, found mutual interests, and laughed together. The following day, stepping even further out of my comfort zone. I attended my first men's circle—a gathering I might have previously dismissed out of insecurity of sharing myself truly.

The Revelation

What surprised me wasn't that I enjoyed these gatherings, but how quickly authentic connections formed once I stopped withholding my presence. Community wasn't waiting for me in some future destination—it was available wherever I chose to show up completely.

The barrier to belonging wasn't geographic; it was my own hesitation to invest emotionally in the here and now.

Small Steps, Lasting Connections

Creating genuine belongings doesn't require grand gestures or perfect circumstances. It emerges from small, consistent actions: showing up, being curious about others, sharing authentically, and returning again and again.

Each conversation, each revealed story, each moment of vulnerability builds toward something greater than the sum of those interactions: a sense of being known, valued, and connected.

Actionable Tips

I'm challenging myself to live as though I'm staying, even when the future remains uncertain. This means:

• Attending events as if I’d stay here forever
• Getting to know people without the mental footnote that these connections might be temporary
• Creating routines that root me in this place, this moment

Perhaps true belonging isn't about finding the perfect place, but about bringing our full selves to wherever we stand. The question isn't "Where will I finally belong?" but rather "How can I belong more fully right here?"

What waiting patterns do you recognize in your own life? Where might you be postponing connection or engagement because of uncertainty about the future? I'd love to hear your reflections—reply to this newsletter and share your thoughts.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

During the past two weeks, I've been confronted with adversity, culminating in a series of painful events. While it's too early for me to speak publicly about what happened, I've been exploring mental resilience and how to grow from adversity.

The Power of Response

We cannot control what happens to us, but we can respond to it. Growing from adversity is essentially responding within our locus of control instead of reacting to what life throws at us.

To respond well, we need to take three simple actions:

1. Identify What Happens

First, we must clearly see and acknowledge the reality of our situation. This means facing it directly, without denial or minimization.

2. Understand Why It Happens

Next, we need to gain perspective on the causes and context of our challenge. This understanding helps us separate what we can and cannot control.

3. Respond Fully to the Event

Finally, we must take deliberate action within our sphere of influence, focusing our efforts on what we can change rather than what we cannot.

Learning from Experience

When schools were closing due to the COVID pandemic, I was two months away from my final exams of my secondary education. I identified the uncertainty of when schools would reopen and when exams would be held. I understood that those decisions were in the hands of politicians—hence, out of my control. Despite the uncertainty, I committed to intense daily learning sessions from home. I showed up each day until the exams were held, completing them with great success.

These principles don't always need external events of the magnitude of pandemics. Maybe the bus is late, a friend doesn't answer a text, or we have an off day at work. To grow from adversity, we need to show up consistently: identify, understand, and respond fully.

Building Resilience Over Time

Maybe we miss one opportunity, but if we apply those three principles, we will get back on our feet. And over time, adversarial events shift from happening to us to happening for us: We grow.

Each challenge we face becomes a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. With practice, our mental resilience strengthens, making us better equipped to handle future difficulties.

Your Turn

I have one question for you: Where do you need to take responsibility in your life?

Pick one event this week, apply the three principles, and let me know how it goes.

Remember, it's not about avoiding adversity at all costs—it's about transforming it into an opportunity for growth.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

Sometimes day after day slowly slips away until some day we are suddenly struck by life's fleeting nature. We feel the shock of time's passage. An urgent need to drive change quickly overwhelms us. We feel behind, racing forward only to stumble because our strides lack balance. Yet the truth remains: lasting change starts small but thrives on consistency.

I experienced this revelation recently while visiting friends and family in Germany. Some I hadn't seen in well over a year. The passage of time was etched clearly on their faces—physical changes being the most visible marker. But beyond appearance, I noticed something else: a certain rigidity that often develops when day-after-day confronted with a monotonous routine. An exhaustion barely masked by the stress of constantly pushing forward and forward. For many, hedonistic weekends seemed to provide the only salvation from weekday dissatisfaction.

This pattern is understandable—I've been there too. Enduring Monday to Friday, head barely above water, sustained only by the weekend's promise glimmering at the end of the tunnel.

Yet not everyone I encountered showed these signs of wear. Some appeared to thrive despite similar routines, and interestingly, they didn't seem to have aged as rapidly.

What might be their secret?

If the present moment is truly all we have, why postpone satisfaction until our labor bears fruits? Why join an endless race where unhappiness is the qualifier for participation? What if instead we chose a journey that offers fulfillment with each step?

Perhaps the destination won't be what we expected, but at least we'll have enjoyed the path that led us there.

When we let go off the constant mental chatter, we open ourselves to a state of flow. We merge with our activities and surroundings, finding fulfillment in the experience itself.

Last week, when I allowed the restless monkey in my mind do it's monkey business, I discovered unexpected joy during a visit to a modern art museum with my family. Suddenly, I noticed everything: the thoughtful lighting of each room, the texture of materials, the gentle early-spring Scandi sunshine, the soft percussion of tiny waves on the pebble beach, the remarkable shapes and patterns surrounding us.

Ikigai—the Japanese concept of a life worth living—often emerges from small beginnings. Transformation doesn't require a new job, exotic travel, or a relationship to happen. Those who thrive have learned to let go and find joy in any moment, whether seemingly significant or small. This is how ordinary days become a practice of living well.

What small moments of joy did you notice today?

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

P.S. As you may have noticed, I made another change to the template, focusing on one weekly theme only. I believe it will allow me to maintain a sharper focus and consistently explore valuable ideas.

Hey Reader,

I want my newsletters to spark ideas. But I also want them to be easy to digest. From now on, I’ll be focusing on two things only:

1. a weekly theme interwoven with personal stories and overlooked ideas and
2. a thoughtful intention for the upcoming week to be taken up in the following week’s theme.

Reply to let me know how you like those changes.

Unscheduled Time

The one hour delay from Deutsche Bahn hardly surprised me when I traveled to Berlin. But the looming uncertainty of arriving at a different place kept me tense.

My body signaled me to act. In the past, I tended to react by making detailed plans. While rushing towards a sense of security might have alleviated the initial discomfort, it avoided understanding and responding to the underlying issue.

This time, I embraced the discomfort when I walked out of the busy train station into the sunny streets. I followed a rough direction along the river in the city I had left 2.5 years ago. Slowly my tension eased up and I felt present.

Letting go off expectations, I opened myself up to the immediate surroundings, discovering interesting forms and patterns.

Eventually, my long walk came to an end. Beyond adding a sense of discovery in my day-to-day life, I found enjoyment. Having had unscheduled time was well worth it.

Serendipity is tricky. You need to be willing to embrace it before you know what you get. But if you are willing to do so, you might find yourself enjoying the journey along the way.

Life is Fleeting

Recently, I've sensed a strong urgency. I feel life is fleeting. Each decision seems much more significant. How do I want to spend my time? This week I intend to cherish my family on a trip to Denmark.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

Should we fight social media? How do rules limit knowledge discovery? Let's dive right in.

One Personal Story

For years I was afraid of social media addiction. I raised barriers for accessing those networks: no apps on my phone, logging in and out every time, time-restricted access, or even complete abstinence.

It's understandable. I grew up in an environment where a social media moral panic was pervasive. This phenomenon is common with the introduction of new media, such as the radio in the 1930s.

However, why did I keep on returning to social media? No, it wasn't the evil companies hacking my brain. It was my interests.

Social media makes a broad range of interests easily accessible—which are difficult to satisfy otherwise. By reacting to my fear, I stifled my interests.

Sure, social media can be used to cover up one's underlying problems. But isn't that possible with any thing?

I internalized shame and let that guide me. With unrestricted access now, I leave my phone next to my bed when I sleep. I don't use it after my desired bed time because I understand that it conflicts with my priority of sleep.

Priorities and preferences change. Hence, I will most likely encounter conflicts around social media and other preferences in the future. But I will trust myself enough to maintain a healthy relationship through unmediated access.

One Overlooked Idea

Rules prescribe specific directives from authorities, but they limit freedom and knowledge discovery. They fail to account for the complexity and nuances of human life situations.

When an authority figure imposes a rule onto us, then we are deprived of the opportunity to understand why we should act that way. If we are permitted to eat what they regard as healthy only, then we lack the understanding of why we should eat that way. Knowledge cannot be forced. It needs to be acquired.

Let's imagine we are convinced the authority is right. If we were to self-impose a rule, then we would shut ourselves off from adjusting to nuanced life circumstances. Maybe we get invited to try a traditional meal in a foreign country. According to our rule that meal isn't healthy. Yet, according to the locals it is indeed.

When such opportunities arise, rules don't offer the flexibility to rearrange priorities and preferences. They restrain freedom, and hence knowledge discovery. It could well be that we prevent ourselves from learning about healthy eating through our rule.

We don't have to choose black or white. Principles offer guidance while allowing the flexibility and freedom to adjust as we go.

Two Thoughtful Intentions

Reflecting on the Intention from the Previous Week

Last week I set out to prioritize and finish a website design project. I did prioritize it and created a complete redesign which accomplishes the key targets much better. I feel more confident in my design choices after learning timeless design principles from the interface design course, Shift Nudge. It isn't finished yet, but I intend to go live at the beginning of next week!

Setting an Intention for the Upcoming Week

I have a tendency to make detailed plans. While this allows me to accomplish what I set out to do, it also limits serendipitous opportunities. For my trip two day trip to Berlin next week, I will leave some unscheduled time and see what happens.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hallo Reader,

Creating pressure, attracting opportunities, and managing overwhelm can be easily handed over to the unconscious mind. But what happens when we take agency?

One Personal Story

After my breakup, I wanted to leave Madeira. I told myself that I would leave when the car was sold. Not having an accommodation on Monday, I tried to find a buyer fast. I put a lot of pressure onto myself to close a deal. This created a strong dependency on that outcome. I felt restless.

Later that day I decided to sell the car remotely and flew to Germany the following one. My decision enabled me to address both sides of my problem: taking responsibility for my car and seeing my family in Germany.

Problems are solvable. But they require creativity.

One Overlooked Idea

When I reflected on lessons from my first committed relationship, I recognized two choices we can make to attract opportunities:

1. being open, and
2. being proactive.

To maximize our luck surface, it’s smart to do both.

If I hadn’t agreed to take my ex-partner on a ride when we crossed paths at the grocery store, I probably wouldn’t have gotten to meet her. If I hadn’t suggested to do something together and shared my number at the end of that drive, I probably wouldn’t have gotten to get to know her.

One minute interactions can turn into life partnerships, successful businesses, and trips to Mars. They simply require being open and proactive.

In a few days, I will share all of my lessons from that relationship in an essay.

Two Thoughtful Intentions

Reflecting on the Intention from the Previous Week

Last week I set out to choose a community. I chose two:

1. ​Edge Esmeralda—a month-long popup village in California at the end of May. It fosters multidisciplinary creation around technologies and societies of the future in a healthy-by-default and multigenerational environment.
2. ​The Network School—a startup society that bootstraps other societies near Singapore. It offers daily workouts, healthy meals, coworking, lectures, and a likeminded community.

I will apply to both until the end of the month, and look forward to joining them!

Setting an Intention for the Upcoming Week

I am full of ideas and interests again. Discerning what to prioritize has been a challenge for me. In the following week, I will finish a website design for a project I have been working on and off for the past 8 months.

One More Thing

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what I share. Get in touch by simply replying to this email.

Thanks for reading and until next week,

Jesse

Hey Reader,

Welcome to my newsletter where I share three things each week:

1. One Personal Story—A window into my life
2. One Overlooked Idea—An idea that keeps me up at night
3. Two Thoughtful Intentions—An intention for the upcoming week and a reflection on the previous week’s intention

Don’t hesitate to hit reply! I would love to hear back from you.

One Personal Story

For the past 23 months, I was living and breathing my first committed relationship. In January that period came to an end.

I sacrificed myself to make a relationship work that wasn't working. Recognizing that I needed to end the relationship felt painful. Yet, it opened up new opportunities. Currently, I am rethinking my life's choices: What do I want to spend my time on? Whom do I want to surround myself with? Where do I want to be?

From suffering emerges liberation.

One Overlooked Idea

Last Summer I discovered a norm-breaking parenting philosophy, Taking Children Seriously, in conversations with Aaron Stupple on Airchat. When I saw his new book on X, I immediately pressed buy.

Taking Children Seriously avoids the common questions of where parents should set limits and how they should enforce them. Instead, it focuses on fostering understanding through providing freedom and security for a child's creativity to discover how the world works. The implications: Eating what they want, sleeping when they want, and using screens without limits. Won't they develop damaging habits?

On the contrary! Rules prevent understanding, and thus, a healthy relationship with food, sleep, screens, etc. Find out how in his provocative book, downloadable for free on his website!

Two Thoughtful Intentions

Reflecting on the Intention from the Previous Week

Last week I set out to host the first Agora Intellectual Dinner after months of tinkering with the initial form of the idea. We had a fun discussion on "Don't die. Should We Live Forever?" in an intimate group of six people at a restaurant. Sign up for similar events across the globe here!

Setting an Intention for the Upcoming Week

One thing I've neglected since venturing out into the world four years ago is community. In the upcoming week, I want to select a community centered around technology, entrepreneurship, optimism, health, and longevity, with the intention of participating for a few months. Here is a thread on the ones I've found. Please share any community that might be a good fit!

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Thanks for reading. Get in touch with me by simply replying to this email!

Until next week,

Jesse