tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359819642024-03-15T18:09:57.490-07:00Outside the Rat RaceJames Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.comBlogger556125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-79971609354781172932024-02-24T14:08:00.000-08:002024-02-24T14:08:22.400-08:00How I'm Using AI In My Real Estate Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNA5BdTaEZ5tsaqU7yQ9v-OGC7HZUqqyNMzOcupwVjeGAe_PvycSOben0-Dymq-PJ0Oq6INwNRytV2ZY7ZqRVTkQEs73muM5xD9qD8mx7OtMsrNiZKNieNAT2Hs8e0HoE43hoJiyaAyuSCoEaQoaodIXZffmJvgWuCR_Y_LruR2ZvALb7psRH/s1792/UAn%20AI%20Computer%20in%20an%20Office%20Spot.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1792" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNA5BdTaEZ5tsaqU7yQ9v-OGC7HZUqqyNMzOcupwVjeGAe_PvycSOben0-Dymq-PJ0Oq6INwNRytV2ZY7ZqRVTkQEs73muM5xD9qD8mx7OtMsrNiZKNieNAT2Hs8e0HoE43hoJiyaAyuSCoEaQoaodIXZffmJvgWuCR_Y_LruR2ZvALb7psRH/w640-h366/UAn%20AI%20Computer%20in%20an%20Office%20Spot.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #0e101a;">Like many people, I'm playing around with different generative AI tools - investing time and money - to see how they can help my business. At the moment, it's helping around the edges, saving pockets of time, but it hasn't structurally changed how I do things yet. </span><span style="color: #0e101a;">Here are some of the tools I'm using:</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Otter.ai</strong></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://otter.ai/" target="_blank">Otter.ai</a> promises that you don't have to take meeting notes. It generates transcripts, meeting summaries, and action items. I wanted to try it for two reasons. First, I wanted it for myself so I wouldn't have to take as many notes. Second, I wanted to offer it as an added value to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/coaching?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">the people I coach</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> - they would have a record of our conversations for later reference.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's OK... I find that I don't have to keep as copious of notes - just the highlights - which is excellent. I like having it recorded, and searching for specific parts of the meeting is easy. The summaries are OK, but the action items are useless.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also found it helpful for group meetings when someone can't make it. I can send them the meeting notes, which include the summary and transcript. One feature that seems cool, but I have yet to really try, is using the built-in chatbot to ask questions about the meeting. It's like a fancy search engine, which seems like it could be helpful.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Descript</strong></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The idea behind <a href="https://www.descript.com" target="_blank">Descript</a> is that you can edit a video or podcast (</span><em style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*cough*</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/podcasts?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Furlo Capital Real Estate Podcast</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><em style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">*cough*</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">) as if it were a Word document. So, you add your raw video, it transcribes it, and then, as you edit the transcript, it edits the video.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The editing is cool, but I still prefer doing it in Final Cut Pro. I have a hunch that getting better at multi-track editing in Descript would be faster than FCP, but the learning curve is a little steep.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Where Descript has been SUPER helpful is on the text side. I'll edit a video and then import it to Descript. Once it's transcribed, I have it help me with a few items:</span></p><ol style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Output subtitles and a transcript. I used to use </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.rev.com/" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Rev</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for this.</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For shorts, subtitles can be added to the video. I used to do this by hand, and it was miserable.</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Write podcast and video descriptions. They're always written in 3rd person, and I haven't found a prompt that works to make it first-person (without ruining the overall description).</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Identify chapter markers. This is borderline perfect, though it usually gives more than I want, but it's easy to remove them.</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Suggest titles. I'll use these to make my own before analyzing it with a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://coschedule.com/headline-analyzer" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">headline analyzer.</span></a></li></ol><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">ChatGPT</strong></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are some big chat-style generative AIs to play with: Anthrop\c's Claude, Google's Gemini, and Microsoft's Copilot, to name a few. But something about the Wild West feel of <a href="https://openai.com" target="_blank">OpenAI's ChatGPT</a> attracts me. Sure, I want my AI to be careful and respectful, but I don't want it to be too cautious (I'm a "safety third" type of person).</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The free version is OK, but if you're going to integrate it into your life/business, the Plus version is noticeably better. I'm finding it useful for three general tasks:</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><ol style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Summaries</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: I can feed it a document, like a transcript, and ask for the key points. I haven't had to do this yet, but I could probably upload a rental agreement and ask questions about it (though, in general, I prefer to read the actual text).</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Idea generation</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: I've done the classic "Give me 10 fears that [target market, like data scientists] have about [doing something, like investing in real estate]," and it's excellent for that. I also like to give it a podcast transcript and a prompt like "What questions might someone have after listening/reading this?</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Transposing</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: I'm still new at this, but I've been playing around with creating podcast images from text prompts.</span></li></ol><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Arc Search</strong></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arc-search/id6472513080" target="_blank">iPhone app</a> is a new tool for me. Instead of searching and getting links, I can get multi-media summaries and answers. If I don't like the result, I can easily do an old-school search (Just think, someday, Google may call it Google Classic Search). I'm unsure if it's "better" or faster yet - because it takes time to learn a new workflow - but it's cool.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Where's the line of too much AI?</strong></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Part of this play is helping me discover the best uses. Sure, I can ask it to write this article. It would be bland (plus, I like writing because it helps me think), so it's not a real option. But someday, it'll be able to write in my voice after I give it an unorganized blob of ideas. Then what? Do I get credit for writing it?</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I use </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.grammarly.com/" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Grammarly</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for editing, and that seems to be OK. I take credit for doing data analysis, even though I use tools like Excel and R and not slide rulers. If I were a web developer, I'd use </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://github.com/features/copilot" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">GitHub Copilot</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to help write code. Is that OK? It's just a smarter version of autocomplete, right? Does anyone care as long as the output is high quality?</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">To me, the line seems fuzzy. As a business owner, I'm not super concerned about how it's done, as long as it's done well. Would I care if I had a theoretical employee who used these tools to do their work in half the time but still charged the full time? I'd care about having a lazy (dishonest?) employee, but I'm paying for results, not time spent. The issue is the person's character, not the tool's use. I pay MORE for contractors to go faster, so it's not always about saving money.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Again, does anyone care if I use a WYSIWYG editor like </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.squarespace.com/" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Squarespace</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> on a website instead of hand-coding it? No. Does anyone care if I use a pivot table in Excel to make a chart? Nope, it's considered an advanced skill. Does it matter if I wrote a helpful article using chatGPT for the first draft with some light editing? Well... No?</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In each of these examples, I devised the idea and validated the final result. What if I hired someone to do all the work for me? Doesn't anyone really care as long as it's helpful? This is what businesses do, right? CEOs of mid-to-large companies can't do everything.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Perhaps the rub is that it's an implied expectation that humans do certain things (like write and edit videos), and somehow, we feel lied to when we find out a human didn't do it. Or, maybe it's because we're in the uncanny valley of AI quality. If that's the case, this will be less and less of an issue as society changes its expectations and the output improves. Does anyone else miss DVD special features? I do, but streaming is so convenient!</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What's My Core Value?</strong></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A more helpful framework has been thinking about my core value. What do I bring to my business that's hard to replicate?</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Let's use </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/podcasts?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">my podcast</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> as an example. My core value is my experience, knowledge, and how I explain them. So, AI can help me think of topics, but I should be the one to choose the topic and talk about it. Then afterward, creating subtitles, descriptions, and chapter markers are all low-value tasks. So, I'm OK delegating those to AI (with my final approval).</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also think video editing is lower-value (for me), but AI isn't great at it yet, and my budget doesn't allow me to delegate it to someone every time. Basically, I'm OK with delegating everything (to humans or AI) around making the podcast, except for the on-screen part, because that's the highest value I bring.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Future Uses?</strong></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I do other lower-value tasks, and it's fun imagining a time when tools, AI or otherwise, can help with them.</span></p><ol style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Bookkeeping takes a while. I've started delegating that to a property manager. Hopefully, someday, she can use AI to help her go faster. For example, Quickbooks will suggest categories, and that'll get smarter over time.</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I don't write a lot of commercial rental contracts, but I could see it helping with that. Or reading a contact and advising me on things to look out for.</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So... email... I want an AI to analyze my previous emails to match my writing style for a one-click auto-responder. And not just a one-liner auto-responder, but a complete message. I've read about some pretty extreme solutions, but they're more hostile to senders than "solutions." (The best -and most expensive - option is hiring a virtual assistant to reply on your behalf.)</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I have an odd plumbing problem. I can't find a suitable solution on Google or ChatGPT. I'd rather not pay a plumber, but it's increasingly looking like I don't have a choice.</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Imagine this: I see a property listing. I call the seller to learn more and I take a tour. I want to feed the listing, the call transcript, and the tour photos into a system that analyzes the property. It'll output a P&L, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://repair.thumbtack.com/" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">repair estimates</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, and project KPIs into a spreadsheet. I can then take over from there. I think? We're flirting with my biggest value-add now.</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Or, I give it a current property in my portfolio and its P&L over time. The tool looks at the market and can suggest sell/hold and rent rates. I haven't tried this yet, but I bet it can already help make rental listings (though, I have a template that's easy to use). Or, auto-general some good-looking reports?</span></li></ol><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">All of these are still helping me to do what I'm already doing more efficiently. None of them fundamentally change how I'm already doing business. What would an AI-first real estate investor do?</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I suppose I'd want a tool that analyzes every property in the US for me and generates offers I can submit. It would auto-generate rental contracts and do the follow-up on rent payments and notices. It would listen to every conversation and suggest the next steps.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Or, maybe I never directly interact with people! Instead of writing emails, I write/speak my thoughts, and it writes and sends them. I never directly analyze a property, but I write/speak/send the stats, and it analyzes it for me. If I'm working with a potential seller, I might tell the AI to keep following up until I get a yes or a no. The AI knows the analysis and my criteria and can automatically do a back-and-forth with the seller, searching for a mutually acceptable deal by tweaking the price and terms based on the seller's response.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Maybe? That seems far off, and at least for now, it's a part of my core value in my business. Perhaps a reasonable next step is to get better at telling the AI my raw, unstructured thoughts and letting it draft a response.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-34745417206631440742024-01-03T07:30:00.000-08:002024-01-03T07:30:00.139-08:002024 Annual Letter - Life Is Good<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnPRweNfk7WZCZBA8V3wDeHlc4kx7pK0MhTj-bSY7OPiGSVphyp8Cg8mBhtKu1a1-TfsATId_R5VqOPDBKpZlnywFmRjmMnXqiwbkkPXwmR8w-wkPx7Z37PAiO74yHxsVs-dCd-_Zd1uzR65fcCadMcc4_hYcMwfa4sZzhyphenhyphenfJH36cDUnXF9Dg/s4032/Family%20Camping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnPRweNfk7WZCZBA8V3wDeHlc4kx7pK0MhTj-bSY7OPiGSVphyp8Cg8mBhtKu1a1-TfsATId_R5VqOPDBKpZlnywFmRjmMnXqiwbkkPXwmR8w-wkPx7Z37PAiO74yHxsVs-dCd-_Zd1uzR65fcCadMcc4_hYcMwfa4sZzhyphenhyphenfJH36cDUnXF9Dg/w640-h360/Family%20Camping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>I'm sitting on my living room couch while Jessi finishes </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://konmari.com/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Marie Kondo-ing</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> our shelves (I'm not allowed to help put things away), my kids are loudly doodling on random paper together, and my dog is quietly snoring while sound asleep beside me.</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Life is good.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Though... it's not exactly the best writing environment, but that's OK. :)</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Lord has blessed our family so much that sharing everything He is doing is impossible. So, in this annual letter, I'll highlight my business progress, some personal things, and our travels.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Real Estate Syndications</span></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I started the year pursuing a new-ish endeavor: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=2024_annual_letter" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">syndicating multifamily real estate</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. I say "new-ish" because it's continuing what we've been doing for 14 years, but now people can passively invest alongside us. Pooling funds together for larger deals is a win-win business model: it allows us to grow and invest in larger properties (which often have better economics vs single-family rentals), and folks who may not have the time or expertise can contribute funds and enjoy real estate's benefits.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Pursuing syndications involves two primary activities:</span></p><ol style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Underwriting deals for syndication, and</span></li><li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Attracting new passive investors.</span></li><li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Oh yeah, and managing my existing portfolio.</span></li></ol><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A New 15-Bedroom Rental</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In February, we bought a 15-bedroom co-living house. I wanted to syndicate it, but the financing didn't require it. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://youtu.be/eS78lMOVpLI" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's a video of it</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. It was also our first place to be managed by a property manager because hiring managers will allow our business to scale. We also transferred the storage facility to a property manager and plan to transition the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/portfolio?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=2024_annual_letter" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">rest of our portfolio</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> in the next year or two.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I almost syndicated a property in Astoria, Oregon at the end of the year, but the deal fell through. I'll eventually do a whole write-up for my investors (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/join?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=2024_annual_letter" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">join the club</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> ), but here's</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://youtu.be/8o3zKd2sxBI" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> the initial analysis video</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8o3zKd2sxBI?si=w4WvWi1x0_xgo2J-" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></span></center><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Going into 2024, I'll continue to underwrite deals and syndicate at least one. For intriguing deals, I'll create property analysis videos.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Attracting Investors</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Speaking of videos, I started making them. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/@furlo" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My channel is small</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, but I've enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experience. My thinking is to make videos that people find educational (and entertaining) to build trust and credibility. Some of those people will choose to join my investor club email list, and some of those people will decide to invest in a future deal.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm new enough that I don't know my funnel ratios yet (It might be, for example, 10,000 views -> 10 email subscribers -> 1 investor). </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unveiling-googles-7-11-4-rule-navigating-new-customer-greg-belanger/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Research by Google in 2012</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> suggests that reliably building trust requires people engaging with me for 7 hours, across 11 touch points, in 4 locations (like YouTube, email, Instagram, webinars, podcasts, phone calls, etc.). So, I'm making it easier for people to spend 7 hours with me in many different places by creating content (I only have 26 videos that last 4.2 hours, so I have a ways to go).</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Some of my most popular videos are </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0GLK8wJc3vz_CxwKid5wXTDbrYCijYHG" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">property analyses</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which is nice because they accomplish my two goals simultaneously: underwriting deals & attracting investors.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">DJI Drone - My Favorite Purchase of 2023</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Early in the year, I purchased a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.dji.com/mini-3-pro" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">drone</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. I didn't have an exact use for it, but it seemed like 4-8 times every year, there would be a situation where having a drone would be great.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, I bought one, and it's easily been my favorite purchase of the year.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Not only did I get pictures of each property, but I used it on multiple trips. What I like about it is that it lets me get otherwise-impossible photos. Though, I've noticed that videos are incredibly dull on their own. The videos work as b-roll, but when you're showing them to friends on your phone, it's boring. I also prefer looking at the photos on my big monitor because it lets me zoom in on all the little details. That is incredibly fun!</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My primary use for videos has been for roof inspections. I can fly around to capture all the parts of the roof, and then view it on my large monitor at home while taking notes and annotated screenshots.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIO3HaKshgsGXycmUFVCDgMRnhx11FWPpFRiTLN3srcjqN50T3uFs-mJArWO7jyFZNH5Dn_NBi2TGNIj-DWnte5vhSaljTFd_F_SlS5BXaWITB9zq3XzOEdtwOFKtejYy6_5N0jHfVoCTTx2Bny9V_jbU8uIZikXcIMJaUifV0IW91RQphfTs/s4032/DJI_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIO3HaKshgsGXycmUFVCDgMRnhx11FWPpFRiTLN3srcjqN50T3uFs-mJArWO7jyFZNH5Dn_NBi2TGNIj-DWnte5vhSaljTFd_F_SlS5BXaWITB9zq3XzOEdtwOFKtejYy6_5N0jHfVoCTTx2Bny9V_jbU8uIZikXcIMJaUifV0IW91RQphfTs/w640-h480/DJI_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In Personal News...</span></h1><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I Turned 40</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In some ways, it's just another candle on the cake, but in other ways, I feel older. For example, it takes longer to recover from a workout, and text is blurry first thing in the morning. But, along the way, the Lord has taught me a few things, so I </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2023/10/im-40-here-are-40-lessons-quotes-i-try.html" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">wrote a post</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> about 40 lessons and quotes I try to live by.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I Can Solve a Rubik's Cube</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">YouTube is fantastic for learning things. I found many videos showing the exact steps to solve a Rubik's cube. So, I learned it fairly quickly and practiced it for the rest of the year. My moment of heroism came while in India: we found a Rubik's cube on the side of the street in a random jungle village; I picked it up, solved it, and put it back. We went by that spot later, and it was gone. I like to think there's some kid whose mind was blown when they saw it.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This continues my quest to get semi-decent at mostly-useless skills to impress my kids, which also includes juggling and solving Sudoku puzzles. I think the next logical skill is to learn some card tricks.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My Favorite Books From Last Year</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I don't think I'm an entrepreneur who thinks I'll succeed because I read a bunch of books. I believe that success comes from taking action and deliberate practice. Instead, my hobby, or favorite pastime, is reading. So, I read about topics I'm interested in: business, self-improvement, and faith. So last year, I read a bunch (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2023/12/the-35-books-i-read-in-2023-and-my.html" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">here's my quick review of each one</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">), and here are my favorites:</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/412hXjV" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Deep Work</strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Cal Newport</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">High-quality work is a function of time spent with distraction-free focus on the work. Newport gives strategies for setting up your schedule and work environment to allow for significant blocks of distraction-free time. The advice is actionable and reasonable. I've implemented his idea and enjoy my times of deep focus.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3N1Fug1" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">James For You</strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Sam Allberry</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I love the "Bible For You" series because they go deeper than a sermon, but aren't as forensic as a commentary. The book of James is a sweet companion to the Sermon on the Mount. But James moves quickly, and it can feel scattered. Allberry explains how all the thoughts tie together and tackles passages that seem, on the surface, to contradict Paul's teaching. It's terrific.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3TDipVR" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Hidden Potential</strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Adam Grant</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This isn't a book on habits, ambition, or hard work. It's about unlocking... your potential. You do that by cultivating skills that maximize learning and setting up support systems to overcome roadblocks. The advice in the book is refreshing and highly actionable.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/I-Robot-Audiobook/B002V5BE1Q" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I, Robot</strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Isaac Asimov</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I was surprised by how different the book is from the movie. The book explores the differences between "machine logic" and "human logic" through a collection of short stories. In the book, robots act so similarly to humans that humans treat them as... human, which is OK 98% of the time.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But sometimes, robots do something seemingly illogical. And they call a robot psychologist to help determine the robot's logic. It's a bit of a mystery novel in that regard.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The movie, I think (?), takes place many years after the events in the book and explores what it looks like if robots are fully accepted by society (they aren't allowed on Earth in the book), but their machine logic is still slightly off, leading to... problems.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Honorable mention goes to:</span></p><ul style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/47aaDGc" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Best In Class</strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Kyle Mitchell and Gary Lipsky - How to manage a property manager and the asset.</span></li><li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3SUpRJZ" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Show Your Work!</strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Justin Kleon - Ideas for sharing creative work publicly.</span></li><li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3NEK2Ky" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">$100M Offers</strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Alex Hormozi - How to structure offers people want to buy.</span></li><li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Christmas-Carol-A-Signature-Performance-by-Tim-Curry-Audiobook/B002ZEEDAW" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A Christmas Carol</strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Charles Dickens - The original story, which is genuinely remarkable.</span></li></ul><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We Bought an Above-Ground Pool</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The kids kept asking to go swimming, and after pricing a pool pass, we decided to get a small pool for our backyard. We wanted it big enough that they could swim around, but not so big that we feared them drowning. It was a huge success and the kids' favorite activity in the summer. Plus, it attracted a few kids in the neighborhood.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One of my favorite things was to run (as best I could in water) around the side and create a whirlpool for the kids to float in. And, the kids are much more confident in water, which is fantastic.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Lots of Travel</span></h1><div style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Real Estate Conference in Louisville, Kentucky</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I started the year by attending a conference on raising capital for buying real estate. The speakers were great, and I made some excellent connections. I regularly referenced my notes throughout the year, so it was time and money well spent.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7zx45FlhxH0tPiova08ij3LI9hV7gcxmDwMcr7Iw3TpAk3Q-j0u8zAncTgvzTUD1hCQbRxppbXQ1FhTvn3SbPcjSFdZVlL418W6BSRjdZW37yIs6B5hzE8Ea1d-ZdT4xPvhBXEphChE9TMWNbMlJQ7RsrX8RxmrtUT83XzCgBmxEbpCCZ1DM/s4032/IMG_4206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7zx45FlhxH0tPiova08ij3LI9hV7gcxmDwMcr7Iw3TpAk3Q-j0u8zAncTgvzTUD1hCQbRxppbXQ1FhTvn3SbPcjSFdZVlL418W6BSRjdZW37yIs6B5hzE8Ea1d-ZdT4xPvhBXEphChE9TMWNbMlJQ7RsrX8RxmrtUT83XzCgBmxEbpCCZ1DM/w640-h360/IMG_4206.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sledding In The Snow</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I saw a report that snow levels were crazy high at my grandmother's cabin, so we took an impromptu trip (~10-hour drive) to the snow. The snow was still taller than the kids, and they loved it. I also got to take some fantastic drone photos.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvsclu7K9YbnPY0rnvIkmzTMZly-V2C-eH3JZvqRqPSthaeIAhE1OsBXDC59nnxsbSUfSeABuE-xGfnk9LHyMM3qecT6Uc4-M2YwMzZ66xpt85BH1KWGc70daKQXmGdMNwfAMIIllSuCTdjPRmcyWdaLizaD3xoXQUOvhkEbJtK2-r5TPbsBY/s3249/Snow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3249" data-original-width="3249" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvsclu7K9YbnPY0rnvIkmzTMZly-V2C-eH3JZvqRqPSthaeIAhE1OsBXDC59nnxsbSUfSeABuE-xGfnk9LHyMM3qecT6Uc4-M2YwMzZ66xpt85BH1KWGc70daKQXmGdMNwfAMIIllSuCTdjPRmcyWdaLizaD3xoXQUOvhkEbJtK2-r5TPbsBY/w640-h640/Snow.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">San Francisco For My Dad's 70th</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My dad turned 70, and we celebrated in The City. It's always great seeing family. Plus, we drove over the Golden Gate Bridge!</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX9JV4BZUSVGmLGnJUYy7H2ZVuW7ZYknfvFQOfzYEej73LR-h3nPXBNFbVV1WZbz2w1Ux8eRJTt1o4OIoKpfF5P2iB2iZSopQiNxEBjzWOdYavEls6Zaxh11Iavlmy_-6qLHUTMlVSCfSebXcdwqLljhnG-KW3a4eFFl0_9D9TlrbNe2EM5XK/s3208/SF%20Trip.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="3208" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX9JV4BZUSVGmLGnJUYy7H2ZVuW7ZYknfvFQOfzYEej73LR-h3nPXBNFbVV1WZbz2w1Ux8eRJTt1o4OIoKpfF5P2iB2iZSopQiNxEBjzWOdYavEls6Zaxh11Iavlmy_-6qLHUTMlVSCfSebXcdwqLljhnG-KW3a4eFFl0_9D9TlrbNe2EM5XK/w640-h640/SF%20Trip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">India Motorcycle Trip</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In July, Jessi and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary by riding motorcycles through the Himalayas in Northern India. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I wrote about it and shared lots of photos </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2023/07/riding-motorcycles-through-himalayas-in.html" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">here</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2OMr5E5H3SNuL8BBZNVOWpJo5CElmGxuOO2uTJYCw9LtevvPjV9shyZWnBuv-Rc6ggikqqPKyT1eSeLBBA-f7crN10oAiu1R3vhSfnKuC8eZaGK5J_2Ed_jDsIpR3mrdw2l7uQZMZ83xg7r26uvrMkowlasNdgV-b3udAOSaGdKo0va7JOGq/s3208/Motorcycles%20in%20India.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="3208" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2OMr5E5H3SNuL8BBZNVOWpJo5CElmGxuOO2uTJYCw9LtevvPjV9shyZWnBuv-Rc6ggikqqPKyT1eSeLBBA-f7crN10oAiu1R3vhSfnKuC8eZaGK5J_2Ed_jDsIpR3mrdw2l7uQZMZ83xg7r26uvrMkowlasNdgV-b3udAOSaGdKo0va7JOGq/w640-h640/Motorcycles%20in%20India.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Yurt Camping (Without a Yurt)</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In August, we went camping. I THOUGHT I had reserved a site with a yurt, but once we arrived, it became clear we didn't (we researched multiple campgrounds, and I got them mixed up). So... it was 8:30pm, and not only did we NOT have a tent, but we didn't have sleeping pads either. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.facebook.com/27503280/videos/271267685688013/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's a funny video</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> of everyone's reaction the next morning.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="429" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjamesfurlo%2Fvideos%2F271267685688013%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe></span></center><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">West India Trip</span></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In October, we headed back to India with some friends. We visited other friends who live there and hiked in the Himalayas. And we got to see Everest! The entire range is magnificent, and Everest blends in with the rest of them. So Everest isn't independently imposing, but it's still impressive. We also went through the jungles on which The Jungle Book is based and saw some fantastic jungle animals.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5kvrqjXMCMSZGHLtkLOjBU7KrS1z0bmUqlxCw52WhyphenhyphenFKkMkC9_KIfUnnHUny3TqFJ7NqH7o2wioLva5VZTwJnWJp-iTZQTbsuRYtDEisx73egsDMipJIomh2hVlCXQM6AHF5cXP9okoDfobyPCsPz_6Rqa8dKtKkiNjgZppwGm-tzKUG-Q4T/s3208/West%20India.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="3208" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5kvrqjXMCMSZGHLtkLOjBU7KrS1z0bmUqlxCw52WhyphenhyphenFKkMkC9_KIfUnnHUny3TqFJ7NqH7o2wioLva5VZTwJnWJp-iTZQTbsuRYtDEisx73egsDMipJIomh2hVlCXQM6AHF5cXP9okoDfobyPCsPz_6Rqa8dKtKkiNjgZppwGm-tzKUG-Q4T/w640-h640/West%20India.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Looking to 2024</span></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In many ways, 2024 seems like a natural continuation of 2023.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For example, my two business focuses are the same. I'll continue the same activities, though potentially doing more of them. And there's an 85% chance that Jessi and I start a real estate-focused podcast together.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We'll keep traveling, but we're not planning anything international. So far, we only have two plans: Elinor and I are going to a wedding in Louisiana and camping in California with my family. We want to visit Jessi's family, and I'd like to take the family on a backpacking trip, but they're not official plans yet.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jessi will continue working at our church, and I'll continue serving at </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.yourloveinc.org/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Love INC</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, the kids' school, and our church.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Part of the reason why 2024 feels like a continuation is that we both genuinely feel that we're living in God's will. It's not always easy, but it's good. So we'll keep on going! Thank you to all our friends for their support and the fun times in 2023.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEUQGTGmPxT7SVTdw3z_w079k5wk-SH0-sqa4YcBvYaCym6KqZGr83dsEnbLA7E4SU_yV1YJ-6wcsdPKmGK7Sfoaewis6TP_uva3I-Skc06MYKk6zMPvYYqjghtxL_uiCyG0xGeslgkpizjVCYkJCCX1n2izPq1Vlfzok_Ve9otpeVu_IKY43/s4032/Elinor%20Minion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-75742980332393478692023-12-28T11:14:00.000-08:002023-12-28T11:14:28.624-08:00The 35 Books I Read in 2023 And My Quick Opinion Of Each One<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oeNzwGc90GfJXfbzv-YGd2bfBXQpDsVW4KKUkmV_XJCX3U00x50K4ieh1j1J9iLzqyffUBXYcTs5G7bQ0kax5lRdX4dmqjxFvl_YDXlvOZyjOKXURpdUuzD0RSteEYkieFyE6O0In9SYhq8-dpiR5zgEfk7sxZ7HErbf1mh3VPenQoSvq7jd/s3584/pile%20of%20books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3584" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oeNzwGc90GfJXfbzv-YGd2bfBXQpDsVW4KKUkmV_XJCX3U00x50K4ieh1j1J9iLzqyffUBXYcTs5G7bQ0kax5lRdX4dmqjxFvl_YDXlvOZyjOKXURpdUuzD0RSteEYkieFyE6O0In9SYhq8-dpiR5zgEfk7sxZ7HErbf1mh3VPenQoSvq7jd/w640-h366/pile%20of%20books.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><p><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></p>Oh my. Another year and another pile of books. I honestly don't set out to read a ton of books. It's simply something I enjoy, and so it adds up. Below are my semi-brief reflections on them. Hopefully, one or two catch your interest.</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sales Books</span></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A year ago, </em><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2022/12/why-multifamilies-will-be-best.html" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><em style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I announced</em></a><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> that people can </em><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=2023_books" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><em style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">passively invest with me</em></a><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> through real estate syndications. But that required a new skill: raising funds, which I needed to learn about. </em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3EZc9j7" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Flip the Script</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Getting People to Think Your Idea Is Their Idea</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFes_fvOuDjFrbqMINKjPEtAVopihoF4WNY6c6WhJnpFFiLNw-pxXDheVokIPUZc9sj8_mIlElMEWQewbOw_stONlmpoDztd2tBaFXQqG5XxkRLbOOw-P1wiquiA16J7Snc9R16CxKM_Pdtd2G1IR6f6SNL29ATzsEDSU5wSX5I6yCaaXyYKA/s1500/710wec-P9LL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="994" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFes_fvOuDjFrbqMINKjPEtAVopihoF4WNY6c6WhJnpFFiLNw-pxXDheVokIPUZc9sj8_mIlElMEWQewbOw_stONlmpoDztd2tBaFXQqG5XxkRLbOOw-P1wiquiA16J7Snc9R16CxKM_Pdtd2G1IR6f6SNL29ATzsEDSU5wSX5I6yCaaXyYKA/w133-h200/710wec-P9LL._SL1500_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Oren Klaff</em><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />This is a follow-up to his first book, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/47gsw62" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Pitch Anything</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. His first book is about presentations, whereas this one focuses more on interactions around the presentation. The title is a little provocative. Instead, I'd describe it as a book that explains how to quickly build credibility. Klaff is a wonderful storyteller, and I enjoyed both books immensely.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/407f0iO" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The 3-Minute Rule</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Say Less to Get More from Any Pitch or Presentation</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Brant Pinvidic</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ysbe6VYowx1RFp2FCfW3xMFk5rnneZdomuaHyQ-eC15ibVKsf8b2bhsDv1Bhk36aDgavGVegcTzdFEtc46iJhbr5TXZa67a17SFTua9J_8erNihPYW_d6PGmSayaTHfCWpZtPrMelhiqDBGqdI4FUXzt5i9nL1EgcXMm0R2HjDz7acLPVWQU/s1500/71geO-aueJL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="993" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ysbe6VYowx1RFp2FCfW3xMFk5rnneZdomuaHyQ-eC15ibVKsf8b2bhsDv1Bhk36aDgavGVegcTzdFEtc46iJhbr5TXZa67a17SFTua9J_8erNihPYW_d6PGmSayaTHfCWpZtPrMelhiqDBGqdI4FUXzt5i9nL1EgcXMm0R2HjDz7acLPVWQU/w133-h200/71geO-aueJL._SL1500_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If Pitch Anything and Flip the Script are about the approach and psychology of presentations, Pinvidic focuses on exactly how to plan a presentation. His questions and prompts are great. I recommend reading Pitch Anything and The 3-Minute Rule if you make sales presentations.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3IM6pdq" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Networking with a Purpose</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: How I Built My Power Team, Raised $16 Million Dollars & Got On HGTV!</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Amy Mahjoory</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7Ci2tociP9yZ6bqo9ffwLkLcP-Y-oksnjkAMV-NBEZm9z6myqCQCigTRHHFfMCWl9jptGAuHv7V0tThmuNieQli-ahkYrowm50t3g9_SpYwh_XmLBomwHlIM7p6YViQ0C31rBag0HVvo-lSG8dDx_V-ZHxmUHt6zpLYWavdkc-tmQj_VkKNf/s1500/71ifVUX9msL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7Ci2tociP9yZ6bqo9ffwLkLcP-Y-oksnjkAMV-NBEZm9z6myqCQCigTRHHFfMCWl9jptGAuHv7V0tThmuNieQli-ahkYrowm50t3g9_SpYwh_XmLBomwHlIM7p6YViQ0C31rBag0HVvo-lSG8dDx_V-ZHxmUHt6zpLYWavdkc-tmQj_VkKNf/w125-h200/71ifVUX9msL._SL1500_.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Amy Mahjoory's approach reminds me of a late-night infomercial. Her strategy is solid, but her execution comes across as sales-y. And I can't help but wonder if her success is due to her massive energy and effort and not technique.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For example, she has a 4-second power pitch she uses when meeting someone new and they ask what she does: </span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"I show people how to earn double-digit returns backed by real estate." And then she immediately puts it back on them, "It's so great to meet you. What was it that you said that you do again?"</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">She's purposely dangling a carrot so that they want to ask her for more information. That leads her to give a 20-second power pitch that ends with, "If you happen to know anyone who is interested in getting double-digit returns backed by real estate, let me know."</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's just… not my style.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But having said that, she has some great ideas for building credibility and connecting with people on social media (where a quick "power pitch" intro works better).</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm naturally shy at larger events, so I added her 10 networking questions to a homemade cheat sheet I review before going to a group function. You can probably skip the book and just ask me for my cheat sheet. :)</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/48oZtil" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Copywriter's Handbook</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Copy That Sells</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Robert Bly</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP243eWFxuYuAGC1HbLLJW92EBx5aAQSOPrpz2Rps9FJoQyYTKBOEUrZH2e4DYXDjvQy-5FjXinMr1Yr2uw-JNJn6PHdkA-rAELXOWi1bnYA56vXfUf0xcV7xA1zT-yVsFvcm6joY7DhsYvXXkwj2w-AQO9ht5hHF_BsFd_rMTXq9MG6weW4cf/s1500/71rmzN9mJQL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="978" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP243eWFxuYuAGC1HbLLJW92EBx5aAQSOPrpz2Rps9FJoQyYTKBOEUrZH2e4DYXDjvQy-5FjXinMr1Yr2uw-JNJn6PHdkA-rAELXOWi1bnYA56vXfUf0xcV7xA1zT-yVsFvcm6joY7DhsYvXXkwj2w-AQO9ht5hHF_BsFd_rMTXq9MG6weW4cf/w131-h200/71rmzN9mJQL._SL1500_.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Bly titled this book well because it's more of a reference book than something you read cover-to-cover (though I did). I've created a few ads and used sections of his book to help me refine my message. One of his main points is that the goal isn't to entertain or write something people like, but to sell things - and sales numbers are the only metric you should care about (when writing sales copy). I'll probably keep returning to parts of it for refreshers.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Real Estate Books</span></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What can I say? I like real estate books.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3Zq27jg" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Structuring and Raising Debt & Equity For Real Estate</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Rob Beardsley</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja54xudEUwkCbnvDUpLL4fkFWAUZx4uEKbhpKKUHRqVkf_LsnW_l1PCYw0xRawN3Awe6ifHpQuP1foM2ChoFim0E10pDPrcA6zPwl3I6c7BIc1QQ4qqHnvcLd9qQcZ3CDS85YtOf8R6kPHTJil9D4swEK3kLSfQ-b3Z3ke4svWkdJuhyphenhyphen8y2bCw/s1500/61hmzInQiWL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="938" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja54xudEUwkCbnvDUpLL4fkFWAUZx4uEKbhpKKUHRqVkf_LsnW_l1PCYw0xRawN3Awe6ifHpQuP1foM2ChoFim0E10pDPrcA6zPwl3I6c7BIc1QQ4qqHnvcLd9qQcZ3CDS85YtOf8R6kPHTJil9D4swEK3kLSfQ-b3Z3ke4svWkdJuhyphenhyphen8y2bCw/w125-h200/61hmzInQiWL._SL1500_.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nerd alert. This isn't a book about talking to people; it's about spreadsheets and underwriting that inform future conversations. You'll like this one if you like more technical details on structuring capital stacks. I also like that it gets straight to the point. It's not a biography or narrative - no stories exist. He simply explains his investment thesis and the different ways to structure deals.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3NJj7Oa" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Hands-Off Investor</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: An Insider's Guide to Investing in Passive Real Estate Syndications</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Brian Burke</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOY0nTtajvWhQPAxVEz8oFEB9E9uHuuAzAhN60pmSNAo03-KlWYnNjJPz-JNSmcYd9FS1SyD3517eocuyav0nxCwGigRcT7MsrsERe3-SL-EYbDTXDPrCE6LV-d0iADGa-FOB23apPl9CEAxnUXYewFHTyA_6aUhmhzlqGc_b2qwiFdM92RPg/s1500/819PW7xDzbL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOY0nTtajvWhQPAxVEz8oFEB9E9uHuuAzAhN60pmSNAo03-KlWYnNjJPz-JNSmcYd9FS1SyD3517eocuyav0nxCwGigRcT7MsrsERe3-SL-EYbDTXDPrCE6LV-d0iADGa-FOB23apPl9CEAxnUXYewFHTyA_6aUhmhzlqGc_b2qwiFdM92RPg/w133-h200/819PW7xDzbL._SL1500_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There's some irony about writing a 367-page technically dense book titled "The Hands-off Investor". I get it, to passively invest wisely, there are terms and concepts you need to know. But it took me, someone who knows the information, a while to read this book. If you're interested in passive investing, I'd start with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/articles/42-questions-passive-investors-should-ask-when-analyzing-a-real-estate-deal?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=2023_books" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">these 42 questions</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> and only read the book if you want to dive deep into the details (or talk to me).</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/47aaDGc" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Best In Class</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: How to Manage Your Multifamily Asset, Avoid Mistakes, and Build Wealth Through Real Estate</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Kyle Mitchell and Gary Lipsky</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlNuvNo2oihN_Zlp2qUqCreXavcMu0j81PrxqAfvJxAV5VV0RmfgRW93WoD3yn_DNDWRFOo0OxTr1d7vbeg39LjrrEI892geHR6ynRb5GFJ31mZ-qRei1w82uKAyKJeSM1is5tK51prwzaAdzLd6iISl3ZxdO0v53vpgrg27jAlMZ6KYmfbrF/s1500/61QjHLp6giS._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlNuvNo2oihN_Zlp2qUqCreXavcMu0j81PrxqAfvJxAV5VV0RmfgRW93WoD3yn_DNDWRFOo0OxTr1d7vbeg39LjrrEI892geHR6ynRb5GFJ31mZ-qRei1w82uKAyKJeSM1is5tK51prwzaAdzLd6iISl3ZxdO0v53vpgrg27jAlMZ6KYmfbrF/w129-h200/61QjHLp6giS._SL1500_.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I learned about this book while talking with another investor. If you have a property manager (PM), I highly recommend reading this book (and giving it to your PM). Finding and funding a property is essential, but executing the business plan is potentially even more critical. They also suggest helpful metrics and best practices for working with your PM.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/48qVotp" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Real Estate Rookie</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: 90 Days to Your First Investment </strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Ashley Kehr</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOkc7Wc92cxNAzkHXUmsbUtaXBcCHtDNquM8eiQfUK73kC4pfByM1_IKugQtQHW_C8TK4ct7-M7Wp2ulWnMR8j3ok7hnY77UKHAsry3HFOp15_uQTsX0LccbAPZh7gTPF52bxKHfAFdMOAdssHbBLV1_pZcanncsxKJFubm1Ly8j6q0ZdxtlY/s1500/81bZYXBj26L._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOkc7Wc92cxNAzkHXUmsbUtaXBcCHtDNquM8eiQfUK73kC4pfByM1_IKugQtQHW_C8TK4ct7-M7Wp2ulWnMR8j3ok7hnY77UKHAsry3HFOp15_uQTsX0LccbAPZh7gTPF52bxKHfAFdMOAdssHbBLV1_pZcanncsxKJFubm1Ly8j6q0ZdxtlY/w133-h200/81bZYXBj26L._SL1500_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/coaching?utm_source=outsidetheratrace&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=2023_books" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">started coaching</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> and wanted to see how someone else would teach a newbie. It's good, but I would structure it differently. For example, I'd have someone jump right into property analysis. You're not looking to buy; you're learning about a market. I'd make them look at 20 places as a buy-and-hold and 20 places to fix-and-flip. Then, once they're taking action and have some context, I'd talk about investment strategies, underwriting, funding, etc. Then, I'd probably finish the book talking about goals and scaling.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I've also noticed that books published by BiggerPockets have an "I transcribed a stream of thought" vibe. It's good to have that breathing room and let ideas sync in if investing is new to you, but I find them a little meandering.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/42EdpBl" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Art of the Long View</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Planning for the Future in an Uncertain World</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Peter Schwartz</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9ni6khIn99TjMr9mRVoMsVHNz7K3n88jf3lyM_E0SKufR92UmRtRm0J0_LblDHS_tZRLXMudVkKiaSJq_gaKjlCKz-EDtfFP7KBG_64MOT4gk2equ6oSSPpZAN47eA3pmnMcLgNjBp7omFlYJvup2VlCgLOVAKxrrxSg61_8xiwH7QlKFfwI/s500/51HkbCo41cL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9ni6khIn99TjMr9mRVoMsVHNz7K3n88jf3lyM_E0SKufR92UmRtRm0J0_LblDHS_tZRLXMudVkKiaSJq_gaKjlCKz-EDtfFP7KBG_64MOT4gk2equ6oSSPpZAN47eA3pmnMcLgNjBp7omFlYJvup2VlCgLOVAKxrrxSg61_8xiwH7QlKFfwI/w129-h200/51HkbCo41cL.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Technically, this isn't a real estate-focused book, but I read it to create more robust/defendable underwriting scenarios. Though it was more qualitative than I expected… in hindsight, the title does have the word "art" in it.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Instead of talking about forecasting techniques (which was my hope), it's about crafting written narratives about the future. In Pitch Anything, he talks about starting a presentation by adding context, and this book helped me discover a more expressive way to share that context.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Business Books</span></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3EZbCh7" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Who Not How</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS3QIkFuPBHhQnaxGubxs9Pj-y-bZeVYWbiv_XNMAZNT83ky-_Kx5E3PSXrPb4dUXWZcM5U-2wg5C2WU83OMdQocMQcLy2R2N_Gv1C16UVkLgbgphU7outO7QT4DbIUZc0uqonyuUtmtJozhZ2-xJCsE2YncHpkFR_fKdoc11oy1sssj51vJH/s1500/71T2NxLVIgL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS3QIkFuPBHhQnaxGubxs9Pj-y-bZeVYWbiv_XNMAZNT83ky-_Kx5E3PSXrPb4dUXWZcM5U-2wg5C2WU83OMdQocMQcLy2R2N_Gv1C16UVkLgbgphU7outO7QT4DbIUZc0uqonyuUtmtJozhZ2-xJCsE2YncHpkFR_fKdoc11oy1sssj51vJH/w133-h200/71T2NxLVIgL._SL1500_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Some books can be summed up in a single sentence, and this is one of them. When faced with a new challenge or project, don't ask how to do it; ask who can do it. And to be honest, the book doesn't go much deeper. There's no business strategy, psychological insights, or quantified research. There's a little bit on how to get started, but not much.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Yet. For some books, that's OK because there's value in steeping yourself in a repeated concept. They could have shared the entirety of the idea in a social media thread, and I would have read it, liked it, and then moved out without changing a single thing. But, because it took me a couple of weeks to read it, I thought about it often and changed parts of my business because of the repeated concept.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, even though it's not a great book from a literary/quality perspective, the concept is excellent, and the repetition over 193 pages was needed for me.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/412hXjV" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Deep Work</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Cal Newport</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w1GTlVfGK5ARWFhaAUDtV9lQlGG9stWlIiY6Ezf8DE_SkHLFKKtnMUTS0_g3F77FLch9BuOlrh4Onp4OLOSGD5geWOaY7LnlqlSk4tlzBVyqqAwsOIf_EBU_pcKt0qkCtm3NLruPfOHTHmyzouBQay6cBBCVi2P8dAHpworfUpbzGiQutono/s1500/81q+X5N8A6L._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="994" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w1GTlVfGK5ARWFhaAUDtV9lQlGG9stWlIiY6Ezf8DE_SkHLFKKtnMUTS0_g3F77FLch9BuOlrh4Onp4OLOSGD5geWOaY7LnlqlSk4tlzBVyqqAwsOIf_EBU_pcKt0qkCtm3NLruPfOHTHmyzouBQay6cBBCVi2P8dAHpworfUpbzGiQutono/w133-h200/81q+X5N8A6L._SL1500_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I love this book and now listen to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.thedeeplife.com/listen/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Cal Newport's podcast</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Here's the idea: high-quality work is a function of time spent with distraction-free focus on the work. But how you do that is nuanced and varied. Newport dives into multiple work situations and addresses common barriers ("My boss constantly pings me for stuff").</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Plus, he recommends adopting certain behaviors when you're not working (like how to approach boredom) to make that focused time even more effective. This is another "steep yourself in the concept" book, and it's fantastic. Check out his podcast if you want a taste of his philosophy first.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3ZqYr0H" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Steal Like an Artist</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative<br /></strong><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3SUpRJZ" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Show Your Work!</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered<br /></strong><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3ZHvNIb" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Keep Going</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Justin Kleon</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3dYsn-IHFRIws5kSYZ34lnkQTkaTJyTL09ibMFJXxiDjdLDDxo3Bq-7BRZLOtjgfeRK2r9G9ncDONVL8AWli8_UtRiHX4PWkLn0WyHK90raUh8k6EjGVMGoEC6l3vccZMOYR51I0wNal2glIa5mKuomYR68TUp5l8NyX-C4uOSLinTC2P7G_/s1028/Aust.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="948" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3dYsn-IHFRIws5kSYZ34lnkQTkaTJyTL09ibMFJXxiDjdLDDxo3Bq-7BRZLOtjgfeRK2r9G9ncDONVL8AWli8_UtRiHX4PWkLn0WyHK90raUh8k6EjGVMGoEC6l3vccZMOYR51I0wNal2glIa5mKuomYR68TUp5l8NyX-C4uOSLinTC2P7G_/w184-h200/Aust.png" width="184" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Justin Kleon is an artist, and this trio of short-ish books gives highly practical advice for anyone doing creative work. He shared many ideas that were new to me and helped me with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/@furlo" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">my creative work</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. For example, copying the work of a single person is wrong. However, copying and combining the work of 10 people is not just good, but encouraged. He also suggests showing in-progress work and sharing my thoughts about why I created something. So, it's not only the final output, but also the story behind it that people connect to.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is a set of books I plan to revisit in the future. If you do any creative work, I highly recommend these.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3NEK2Ky" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">$100M Offers</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying No<br /></strong><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/48yP7Mt" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">$100M Leads</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: How to Get Strangers To Want To Buy Your Stuff</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Alex Hormozi</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2exfnB4jFXzS_lRr8_t8_KJLMSw2lai2oS9oa5WlJ-V4NdG7tVhwIXuZsOis_eWjHv_AKrByNL7p4ZgNwNbEf_IEg_132E0D3mTvASEKPpEnOVrGSOON6K9FSf0eYJpkbAWkc6afoVL39hQFSsZA3D4aI9Dcmh-fGskPTvtdg_emXkkUWLEUr/s852/horm.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="738" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2exfnB4jFXzS_lRr8_t8_KJLMSw2lai2oS9oa5WlJ-V4NdG7tVhwIXuZsOis_eWjHv_AKrByNL7p4ZgNwNbEf_IEg_132E0D3mTvASEKPpEnOVrGSOON6K9FSf0eYJpkbAWkc6afoVL39hQFSsZA3D4aI9Dcmh-fGskPTvtdg_emXkkUWLEUr/w173-h200/horm.png" width="173" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also love these books and now listen to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-w-alex-hormozi/id1254720112" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Alex Hormozi's podcast</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. One of Alex's gifts is reducing complicated business topics to their essence and creating timeless frameworks around them. He also grounds his thoughts on his direct - and impressive, $100M+ - experience.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you've read many business books, he doesn't say anything new but packages up all those ideas into easily digestible, yet non-diluted, actionable steps. If you want to start or improve a business, read these and do what he recommends. Check out his podcast or </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/@AlexHormozi" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">YouTube channel</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to get a feel for his straightforward, yet intense style.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Christian Books</span></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/41PhpiT" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A Spirituality of Fundraising</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Henri J.M. Nouwen </em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7K0TjuhWgSRZYoGM8z98yCIQZtO3cFG10zF6t_IOeW7SJugeEIt6uVOBrTBMxb27BYkXtMKTB-smEEjreUe8H8uu7Al5vnYUDGdPiR_dLqQJBt4HpUpCfAWSi6PyhlxIZAoQtBIIJFTaTjc7hAvbc3pEnHj4qxrfhkThHgo3wFPZvjn4p7IK/s1500/81qtR96HtKL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="939" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7K0TjuhWgSRZYoGM8z98yCIQZtO3cFG10zF6t_IOeW7SJugeEIt6uVOBrTBMxb27BYkXtMKTB-smEEjreUe8H8uu7Al5vnYUDGdPiR_dLqQJBt4HpUpCfAWSi6PyhlxIZAoQtBIIJFTaTjc7hAvbc3pEnHj4qxrfhkThHgo3wFPZvjn4p7IK/w125-h200/81qtR96HtKL._SL1500_.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We talk about fundraising on the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.yourloveinc.org/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Benton County Love INC board</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. And this brief 65-page book helps with any uncomfortable feelings you might have when asking people to donate money.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It aligns well with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3vdJ9C8" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Pitch Anything</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which talks about seeing yourself, not the person you're selling, as the prize. The idea is to have the mindset that your offer is valuable - I'm not asking for a favor or a handout. Instead, they'll be the ones to miss out if they don't take you up on the offer (instead of you being the one to miss out on them buying). </span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, when it comes to asking for ministry donations, </span>you're not asking for them to do you a favor by donating; you're offering them the opportunity to participate in a worthy mission (and it's their loss if they don't). It's a chance for people to exercise their faith and experience transformation through giving - which is genuinely valuable. When you think about it that way, asking for a donation becomes less daunting (and you're less attached to the outcome).</p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you ask for donations, it's good, but I recommend starting with the next book on my list.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3nms9WW" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Giver and the Gift</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Principles of Kingdom Fundraising</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Peter Greer and David Weekley</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfjpRSqmnKKoSHA9SJ24XRYkzgsd9NglZcR5HVR3f6PiW1FyEXKwd2jCbfOtQM0CzBRwV5uWQyB8VUCxLO6NdHtmIBIjJQX7C-qI4A5-ZjQEjzSR81dkHB2e-DP1oOkfL5YTybvom14RW4S9OpuVCS6y5uu4dA3atlv2rcfHuBjEgVHt6YAIt/s1500/81-oElxrtvL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1073" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfjpRSqmnKKoSHA9SJ24XRYkzgsd9NglZcR5HVR3f6PiW1FyEXKwd2jCbfOtQM0CzBRwV5uWQyB8VUCxLO6NdHtmIBIjJQX7C-qI4A5-ZjQEjzSR81dkHB2e-DP1oOkfL5YTybvom14RW4S9OpuVCS6y5uu4dA3atlv2rcfHuBjEgVHt6YAIt/w143-h200/81-oElxrtvL._SL1500_.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This book has a cool format, almost like it's two books combined. </span>It's a quick read at 112 pages, but it's profound.</p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The first section looks at giving from the fundraiser's perspective. What are effective ways to ask for donations? How do you have a mindset that the charity is valuable and you're not asking for handouts (similar to Spirituality of Fundraising)?</p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The second section is from a donor's perspective. He talks about his experience being asked to donate. He also shares his philosophy behind giving and the joy he experiences by giving. It's inspiring and makes me want to improve not out the amount that we give, but to do a better job of experiencing the joy for what we're already giving.</p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3CoHZnx" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Philippians For You</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Shine with joy as you live by faith </strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Steven Lawson</em></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3N1Fug1" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">James For You</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Showing you how real faith looks in real life</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Sam Allberry</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2GGtjSUF_b7XKjlv7BUPj0sjN9DfMRP3_i8ZtV0YWdT1u_3D0FDvh7gpQ_PxNqLBnboGlysOSuIE1Gla3gwV5_eUHY35JWeJrs-Gs2YbMBXDRRcJplgg4ar9qAC9iouX_nukm214vFV3aTcNEYrGmhbkEzFOLBZJt2VMuW3PK90miKUgdvId/s752/for%20you.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="574" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2GGtjSUF_b7XKjlv7BUPj0sjN9DfMRP3_i8ZtV0YWdT1u_3D0FDvh7gpQ_PxNqLBnboGlysOSuIE1Gla3gwV5_eUHY35JWeJrs-Gs2YbMBXDRRcJplgg4ar9qAC9iouX_nukm214vFV3aTcNEYrGmhbkEzFOLBZJt2VMuW3PK90miKUgdvId/w153-h200/for%20you.png" width="153" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I love the "Bible For You" series because it goes deeper than a sermon, but isn't as forensic as a commentary. The best way to read these books is with a Bible open next to them. I love the context they provide and the practical applications of how to live a Christ-centered life. This is also a fantastic companion if your church is preaching a series on a specific book. These also work great for Bible study and discipleship groups.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you have a book of the Bible you'd like to dive deeper into, I highly recommend this series.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3JtZWGa" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Plugged In</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Connecting Your Faith With What You Watch, Read, and Play</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Daniel Strange</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by George Sarris</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p0V7T8X-QisOBnhBrza5YbXWUlza5Zr4R3Plvab_4nV5nN81Qm0-Jwhig04rDHi2NpjblfoJfYfED8GZ9gR8xXoDa0tYslY_Fpj8yV18kfLHXMtT5_UqDdfQhbxqWnE0pChcbXEfsI90XnN4Ukx9hsiCvDdnZ0ZZZ_k_31XXk-0DlQtAFONi/s1500/71+lUwOx1NL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="977" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p0V7T8X-QisOBnhBrza5YbXWUlza5Zr4R3Plvab_4nV5nN81Qm0-Jwhig04rDHi2NpjblfoJfYfED8GZ9gR8xXoDa0tYslY_Fpj8yV18kfLHXMtT5_UqDdfQhbxqWnE0pChcbXEfsI90XnN4Ukx9hsiCvDdnZ0ZZZ_k_31XXk-0DlQtAFONi/w130-h200/71+lUwOx1NL._SL1500_.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I typically avoid audiobooks for non-fiction because I like taking notes. But I was traveling, it was free, and Tim Keller recommended it. It's a how-to-guide on engaging with media and culture. So, instead of not allowing my kids to watch something because its message is different than what I want them to learn, I can use it to explain what we believe. I might, for example, ask questions afterward like, what do you think the main character was looking for? How do you think they handled a situation? How do you think Jesus would have dealt with that situation?</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">After listening to it, I regretted not reading it and taking notes. I highly recommend it if you're a Christian who enjoys watching shows.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Bible</strong></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a_l61HNFpTXuR5Yv3_yzKO4G9rKfKEt6YNQRUMq7ce2TA0tIjL8n7kGvlo0x5s_LMp-1kMwXr3KibMOpHdX7M55qOZURGuhZWKGkzUkCq-nw6EJlNKLUZInwZQlL_TPIR82V3icsok4fdWlEpeYYEewse1hRGAFcJwqKBkZ6JSMMlOWUxQGi/s1500/bible.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1198" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8a_l61HNFpTXuR5Yv3_yzKO4G9rKfKEt6YNQRUMq7ce2TA0tIjL8n7kGvlo0x5s_LMp-1kMwXr3KibMOpHdX7M55qOZURGuhZWKGkzUkCq-nw6EJlNKLUZInwZQlL_TPIR82V3icsok4fdWlEpeYYEewse1hRGAFcJwqKBkZ6JSMMlOWUxQGi/w160-h200/bible.png" width="160" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I read it with a reading plan once a year, and God continues to reveal Himself to me. This year, I used a chronological reading plan. I liked seeing the Old Testament weaved together as a single narrative.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Parenting / Leading Books</span></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/4629st6" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">12 Huge Mistakes Parents Can Avoid</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Leading Your Kids to Succeed in Life</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Tim Elmore</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyq8yV3-Tvpj7Zxn-RWj_lld81DcVXcuxyLtH5C0fu6rJupZTIdD6n3tbZI64sJl-HGpx5fljmoZCMkMo7VX96WpnBdTsIhUjCqW0_OQwmFDjmfBN5QEEOjRWgBAvFIbeWRIgHnPJF2aGOsNIU22wv_f4Z1gJq5Phjb4Jmo56_kfxhMG8iNCI/s1500/81SBzt20h9L._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyq8yV3-Tvpj7Zxn-RWj_lld81DcVXcuxyLtH5C0fu6rJupZTIdD6n3tbZI64sJl-HGpx5fljmoZCMkMo7VX96WpnBdTsIhUjCqW0_OQwmFDjmfBN5QEEOjRWgBAvFIbeWRIgHnPJF2aGOsNIU22wv_f4Z1gJq5Phjb4Jmo56_kfxhMG8iNCI/w129-h200/81SBzt20h9L._SL1500_.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I took my time with this book. I read a couple of chapters, then read a different book, then read another couple of chapters, etc. That's because I wanted a slow drip of parenting reminders throughout the year instead of blasting through it in two weeks and forgetting.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I like that the book is backed by 20 years of experience working with families, so it's not just one man's personal opinion. The book is valuable for any aged kid, but it's most helpful if your kids are at least elementary or middle school-aged.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/48wkeYK" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Saving Our Sons</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: A New Path for Raising Healthy and Resilient Boys</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Dr. Michael Gurian</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgev26ziYBJre0jjgSqomMi3gthoqQFYpD1D-NwmJyJu87oJbx5IaBlQeOCSLUD2Hz8s3TxlNWrfqdyJ7RmwH5riMx-cNKHcY6qMORHuqC-LzqTD2O_tWHLRZUtSxcvG77mfbNu8l-jzOk58VwUWnv3ZAcM452mX9xA_BWTW4H0TjMC0mj5n9i/s1500/913p8+XtPmL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgev26ziYBJre0jjgSqomMi3gthoqQFYpD1D-NwmJyJu87oJbx5IaBlQeOCSLUD2Hz8s3TxlNWrfqdyJ7RmwH5riMx-cNKHcY6qMORHuqC-LzqTD2O_tWHLRZUtSxcvG77mfbNu8l-jzOk58VwUWnv3ZAcM452mX9xA_BWTW4H0TjMC0mj5n9i/w133-h200/913p8+XtPmL._SL1500_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you have, or work with boys, read this book. Gurian studied boys and their families for thirty years. In this book, he dives into the psychology and neuroscience of what makes boys tick.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Though, I'll admit that it's a stressful book to read because of its structure. The first half outlines the problems males face - and it's signficantly worse than I ever imagined. Gurian provides statistics and specific research studies to back up his claims.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It may seem like males are doing fine - look at CEOs and top leaders - but once you get past the top 10%, many males are struggling. He provides PAGES of statistics in all areas of life that show that the average male is doing worse than females. (if you don't believe me, get the book - you'll see)</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In the second half, Gurian gives guidance for raising males to parents, educators, and lawmakers. As a society, we have an uphill battle for our sons, but improving their situation is possible.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also got insights into myself, and it's helped explain, with cool neuroscience, why Jessi and I react differently in situations. It's also changing how we parent our son. For example, we don't force him to verbally express his feelings.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's not an easy, fun read, but it's worth it.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3TDipVR" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Hidden Potential</strong></a><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The Science of Achieving Greater Things</strong></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Adam Grant</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaU4qdPA1IKwnmpPBHD9WcwxbmCh3Kt3Ac4R8p_T0pTEfPBZE8EStJkXp87rgNpRgkWT1GYeUFE__a-f9of8sjNdknKqUePeJZX5BPU9aATImeBhFORbE7KTKJQDw0bZLOMKdH7DiUctz7RBvLC5t2O0fqBc9u3Ciwl1Fj9mLPgezvhgoSQNSg/s1500/71YzHhJbkxL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="993" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaU4qdPA1IKwnmpPBHD9WcwxbmCh3Kt3Ac4R8p_T0pTEfPBZE8EStJkXp87rgNpRgkWT1GYeUFE__a-f9of8sjNdknKqUePeJZX5BPU9aATImeBhFORbE7KTKJQDw0bZLOMKdH7DiUctz7RBvLC5t2O0fqBc9u3Ciwl1Fj9mLPgezvhgoSQNSg/w133-h200/71YzHhJbkxL._SL1500_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I rarely read recently published books from a new-to-me-author because I like to wait until other people I trust recommend it first (which takes time).</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But in this case, a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://seths.blog/2023/10/scaffolds-and-talent/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">recommendation on release day by Seth Godin</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> piqued my interest. So, I picked it up before heading out on a trip.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This isn't a book on habits, ambition, or hard work. It's about unlocking... well… your potential.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Part one gives practical advice on building specific character skills: how to seek discomfort, become a mental sponge, and become an imperfectionist.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Part two sets expectations for overcoming obstacles: practice needs to feel like play, progress isn't linear (and that's advantageous), and teaching others is the best way to learn.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Part three is about building systems of opportunity in schools, teams, and the job/college application process.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I took a bunch of notes from this book. Perhaps my favorite gem is to ask for advice, not feedback. Advice is forward-looking and focuses on improvement. So, when you want feedback, ask: "What's one thing I can do better next time?"</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/48tUZ9x" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Mentoring Manual</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Julie Starr</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWG4db17HWOD4iYLyqw8Hl9chEn2cZSXOj0fb4bli0GPKrAIqva-3K-fThnvJR5-H4yIYRsYGC_J_fGRF9uQ7DWfPh1cY-BgF-uZFqHKh3Z1Y6iDNbBVxGvucpLYrA6rwmFeEjxCV9dXgXREfN0UlCWyz9_URCsxu5TyyIvRdxqcTG2ZrWxXv/s1500/61uDdCXH5lL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="952" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWG4db17HWOD4iYLyqw8Hl9chEn2cZSXOj0fb4bli0GPKrAIqva-3K-fThnvJR5-H4yIYRsYGC_J_fGRF9uQ7DWfPh1cY-BgF-uZFqHKh3Z1Y6iDNbBVxGvucpLYrA6rwmFeEjxCV9dXgXREfN0UlCWyz9_URCsxu5TyyIvRdxqcTG2ZrWxXv/w127-h200/61uDdCXH5lL._SL1500_.jpg" width="127" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm helping to teach a class on mentoring/discipleship at my church next year, and I wanted to share more than my personal opinions. The book overviews the mentoring mindset well without getting too caught up in specifics.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My favorite part was explaining the difference between mentoring, coaching, training/teaching, and consulting. I think some people avoid mentoring because they fear getting asked questions they don't know the answer to, but that's teaching. Mentoring is about sharing your personal experience and asking the mentee questions to help them figure out the solution independently.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Classic Audiobooks</span></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I picked a theme for audiobooks this year: classics. One unintended perk is that almost all of these are free on </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Audible</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Count-of-Monte-Cristo-Audiobook/B005GFQ5WQ" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Count of Monte Cristo</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Alexandre Dumas</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by Bill Homewood</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGfE9uKjbOdXHbSHbtN20l-jyLfrx4TGuNg0YMg_xtLQLWOyrrsAMHeImQsT6eB9aADLMEuj6mGJAHxuAmSUdweF8x52ESSFpjhLIu8o-gnWJQpjZw5-WOw36YnMsV4RKFMiYg1remwsr499btComqWvspoNUQoaVUvgv6W-UJfOFvx1vIq-v/s500/611Eot7+zJL._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGfE9uKjbOdXHbSHbtN20l-jyLfrx4TGuNg0YMg_xtLQLWOyrrsAMHeImQsT6eB9aADLMEuj6mGJAHxuAmSUdweF8x52ESSFpjhLIu8o-gnWJQpjZw5-WOw36YnMsV4RKFMiYg1remwsr499btComqWvspoNUQoaVUvgv6W-UJfOFvx1vIq-v/w200-h200/611Eot7+zJL._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I watched the movie in 7th grade and loved it. Given all the deception in the story, it helped me keep all the characters straight. It's a long listen, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/20000-Leagues-Under-the-Sea-Audiobook/B076HSP1FT" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Jules Verne</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by David Linski</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjESG2Kzfo1T30UKv_HlhdgZT8ouw88D4KVkbXsZULhAs6NGddH02L1iRHE8w4VLN9pQ4RESeqZs9uZunKzRKtVsJ1NsP2QQaph_zEVWB2gF14GP0WTawOTEpg29PLKAZztWyCeSS5OdiqSrOydvViyP8gsgFbTxJNMxnI9XsCcs8bDM1f-tC/s500/51evwEA4ZrL._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjESG2Kzfo1T30UKv_HlhdgZT8ouw88D4KVkbXsZULhAs6NGddH02L1iRHE8w4VLN9pQ4RESeqZs9uZunKzRKtVsJ1NsP2QQaph_zEVWB2gF14GP0WTawOTEpg29PLKAZztWyCeSS5OdiqSrOydvViyP8gsgFbTxJNMxnI9XsCcs8bDM1f-tC/w200-h200/51evwEA4ZrL._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I bet this was a mind-blowing book in 1870. I felt a little like Doc Brown talking to Clara in "Back to the Future Part 3" (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvdzULfQZvY" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">here's the clip</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">) - she experienced the story in real-time, whereas Doc read it many years later. It's an easy read that I should do with my kids.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/1984-Audiobook/B002V19RO6" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1984</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by George Orwell</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by Simon Prebble</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9vhXhDdMhq2ElKQNZ69hLTWjUpyailp3TITzL15H6MLetcu7rTmp6x5Yim2wYzWxW09m5pLVZaabiXCs09ZoG8rtE1EUI8NuKVkUrplANhDt3uNmu-QEFy-Ssu7UdII27UJjKYV5wPRA583bKJeRETIoO4hjKwkcHzjgCqi308bVr884AcNC/s500/612oBD9OSjL._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9vhXhDdMhq2ElKQNZ69hLTWjUpyailp3TITzL15H6MLetcu7rTmp6x5Yim2wYzWxW09m5pLVZaabiXCs09ZoG8rtE1EUI8NuKVkUrplANhDt3uNmu-QEFy-Ssu7UdII27UJjKYV5wPRA583bKJeRETIoO4hjKwkcHzjgCqi308bVr884AcNC/w200-h200/612oBD9OSjL._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">After years of hearing it referenced (by folks claiming that we're living in it), I finally understand what they're saying. It's an incredibly sad book, and I see similarities to today's culture and leaders, but thankfully, we're not this bad. However, I also see we're trending in this direction in some areas, and this story helped me better articulate my concerns.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I think I kept that general enough not to anger either side... :)</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/I-Robot-Audiobook/B002V5BE1Q" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I, Robot</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Isaac Asimov</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by Scott Brick</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj73JYl20gWv7CTRWspFII_FeKkFdFVbqOuLLnnXcc7d6pzLcUL6X7Abp_h_W1w_oiACxHpzP6hc1W5O9prJwHd5mbmKkEjxJzklJuJhZ89yPHzcokchon9RnP28NOp_5nVA6FggCPx6-FMGNmw28ZZjMFYUZ8-r6UppPOfYp7FojM5t-sCMw/s500/419uCX4uDNL._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj73JYl20gWv7CTRWspFII_FeKkFdFVbqOuLLnnXcc7d6pzLcUL6X7Abp_h_W1w_oiACxHpzP6hc1W5O9prJwHd5mbmKkEjxJzklJuJhZ89yPHzcokchon9RnP28NOp_5nVA6FggCPx6-FMGNmw28ZZjMFYUZ8-r6UppPOfYp7FojM5t-sCMw/w200-h200/419uCX4uDNL._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Umm... The movie almost has nothing to do with the book. The general idea is the same - humans create AI Robots - but that's the end of the overlap. I found this book fascinating since we're in the early stages of generative AI.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's a collection of short stories where humans grapple with "machine logic." For example, a robot causes a problem by doing something illogical (according to humans), so scientists must figure out the robot's logic to solve the problem. So, in a way, it's also a mystery novel. It's surprisingly philosophical, and I loved it.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Moby-Dick-Audiobook/B0038GOF7C" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Moby Dick</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Herman Melville</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by William Hootkins</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28Ta30KF4f4Gw5XsqIMt0VAwpxPK4BFkGqfNbeuD2LQLoLGsARWbaO5BTYuaaZAvxDZzCWtdGuPCJ1IGsK7JUaCUkoOy8Gx4Y1a5fxXmMYPSxLsrDLXZ5y7PTwik8g2AELu4ztNaorkdMA_u94VeGxjjh-rtv85aS9k2ib9joV87GQdbhV3yu/s500/51j7zrSt+VL._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28Ta30KF4f4Gw5XsqIMt0VAwpxPK4BFkGqfNbeuD2LQLoLGsARWbaO5BTYuaaZAvxDZzCWtdGuPCJ1IGsK7JUaCUkoOy8Gx4Y1a5fxXmMYPSxLsrDLXZ5y7PTwik8g2AELu4ztNaorkdMA_u94VeGxjjh-rtv85aS9k2ib9joV87GQdbhV3yu/w200-h200/51j7zrSt+VL._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The first couple of hours were fantastic! And the last hour was great! But those middle 22 hours? It was a slog. It's a good thing I listen at 1.5x speed because I don't think I would have finished it. If the goal was to show that life on the sea is slow... and boring... and leads to drifting thoughts, it accomplished its mission. William Hootkins is a fantastic narrator, but I didn't connect with the story.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Hitchhikers-Guide-to-the-Galaxy-Audiobook/B002VA9SWS?eac_link=MQDJeb3SFk1S" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Douglas Adams</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by Stephen Fry</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Icr2BDuqLKr4yUUs_hO0NDUpjxZb0a0BB5lkojjdw2m4AA3QMbGofewqvMrx-18_Tx71sbY7LY_kqT9roJheUOY8tn3e51GLRb_Vek0x9nFmZt7Lh47ZmFK4lQAUJdufgK0BwfQMwnandHl6q3LCM_R41vNtVsMU7oWgoffe6Da2J5lLDD-i/s500/51b09NRSkiL._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Icr2BDuqLKr4yUUs_hO0NDUpjxZb0a0BB5lkojjdw2m4AA3QMbGofewqvMrx-18_Tx71sbY7LY_kqT9roJheUOY8tn3e51GLRb_Vek0x9nFmZt7Lh47ZmFK4lQAUJdufgK0BwfQMwnandHl6q3LCM_R41vNtVsMU7oWgoffe6Da2J5lLDD-i/w200-h200/51b09NRSkiL._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Talk about a weird story that regularly gets referenced. I enjoyed the romp around the galaxy and the whimsical creativity. There's also a movie that stays pretty true to the book, but I think the film would be wildly confusing unless you read the book first.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Dracula-Audible-Edition-Audiobook/B0078PA1OA" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Dracula</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Bram Stoker</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by 8 characters</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S8MGQXatGoJbs4LKj0uB2kLus8XD53HSpHnRjPtw0XzLJJITKCVVP62q9r7DgPv5eDQ7v4-0RiHqDtY_xoUbTAXtmgBaeF1U5Z-Rs2NetnzLsitK3mnN639TuJop8RvSQz8VEr4vPNccmWfAf6c6v12pIDf8j5m7O_0avR_AH9ApaGMwzIhN/s500/51ef+s6y42L._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S8MGQXatGoJbs4LKj0uB2kLus8XD53HSpHnRjPtw0XzLJJITKCVVP62q9r7DgPv5eDQ7v4-0RiHqDtY_xoUbTAXtmgBaeF1U5Z-Rs2NetnzLsitK3mnN639TuJop8RvSQz8VEr4vPNccmWfAf6c6v12pIDf8j5m7O_0avR_AH9ApaGMwzIhN/w200-h200/51ef+s6y42L._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is Jessi's favorite book. It's written as a collection of letters between friends. The cool part about the audiobook is that each character has a different narrator, which helps keep the letters straight. The story starts at a fast pace and then slows down a lot before getting intense again. At least, it's intense for 1897 standards (when the book was written). It's good, and I recommend listening to it.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Strange-Case-of-Dr-Jekyll-and-Mr-Hyde-Audiobook/B076FF3QGP" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Robert Louis Stevenson</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by Richard Armitage</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbxgrV7iP7jm68kIz3QP9Gl61E1fkWhO0qRx45OoZ51Er3qFxyXYelF4ucoApYo01l662_AcFyW0c2MNyEKOk1HBdXB5fBb4iMLLTSAFOlIdhZae5ZVaQ0JqKAAe4xR8dVElaEaN_3_ZklDFCQ403L6Dv-leJKWT-7ZMirxou-p0p3Jn6wzP0/s500/51NTweZY1fL._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbxgrV7iP7jm68kIz3QP9Gl61E1fkWhO0qRx45OoZ51Er3qFxyXYelF4ucoApYo01l662_AcFyW0c2MNyEKOk1HBdXB5fBb4iMLLTSAFOlIdhZae5ZVaQ0JqKAAe4xR8dVElaEaN_3_ZklDFCQ403L6Dv-leJKWT-7ZMirxou-p0p3Jn6wzP0/w200-h200/51NTweZY1fL._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It was written in 1886 at 141 pages, so it seemed straightforward relative to today's stories. It probably also didn't help that I knew the basic premise before listening to it, which probably ruined the surprise. So, it was OK. If you've never heard of the story, I recommend it as a fun weekend read.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Christmas-Carol-A-Signature-Performance-by-Tim-Curry-Audiobook/B002ZEEDAW" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A Christmas Carol</strong></a></h2><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Written by Charles Dickens</em></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Narrated by Tim Curry</em></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm_ApUuHzSbYBHt9Bo3m0CHjvwdQVyvbgPZn-nBzrQHAoP4-4gRDz9j6XO7mTQ6xt4DxjUqCsmaXcAo9e_EHZmzUiHfMGuhwHDurg8V4xgUpecgdgrgERadqzQb8blJqJZY_FAUHxtOW4bElpXTml9pxefA9OyNFIiTeWsDbMg6EM4P9QkkAb/s500/51tVYzkGA4L._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm_ApUuHzSbYBHt9Bo3m0CHjvwdQVyvbgPZn-nBzrQHAoP4-4gRDz9j6XO7mTQ6xt4DxjUqCsmaXcAo9e_EHZmzUiHfMGuhwHDurg8V4xgUpecgdgrgERadqzQb8blJqJZY_FAUHxtOW4bElpXTml9pxefA9OyNFIiTeWsDbMg6EM4P9QkkAb/w200-h200/51tVYzkGA4L._SL500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I finished the year with the classic of classics, and it's good. I'll also say that the Muppets nailed it in their movie of the story. You'd think the book would be boring because I know the story, but it wasn't. I think that's because Dickens, as the story's narrator, doesn't just tell the story straight - he shares opinions on the events, which adds to the charm.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Tim Curry does a fantastic job of narrating as well. The whole thing is excellent. Plus, it's not super long at 3.5 hours. I definitely recommend it as a book to read in December.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-34102859498756056812023-10-18T11:21:00.000-07:002023-10-18T11:21:20.108-07:00I'm 40. Here Are 40 Lessons & Quotes I Try To Live By<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GNOLxlK90PBf79-0fxt_aDYewRo7bjD2eP-RheNV_zW6kVnR8yNcBTWBdCUJgtXSjrqlU5SoiRy7rbVq2Ao8U4_t3j7_1L9K9eATZjvwYxmeGVSzdi9M9NVXRPh2fKIcc6a550_gnWCv1pSTNX6bzgSaSKfll4_76NHJNH1jHrr8qBDl7AcA/s4032/James%20and%20Samson%20at%20a%20Oregon%20State%20Football%20Game.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="James and Samson at our the Oregon State football game" border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GNOLxlK90PBf79-0fxt_aDYewRo7bjD2eP-RheNV_zW6kVnR8yNcBTWBdCUJgtXSjrqlU5SoiRy7rbVq2Ao8U4_t3j7_1L9K9eATZjvwYxmeGVSzdi9M9NVXRPh2fKIcc6a550_gnWCv1pSTNX6bzgSaSKfll4_76NHJNH1jHrr8qBDl7AcA/w640-h360/James%20and%20Samson%20at%20a%20Oregon%20State%20Football%20Game.JPG" title="For my birthday we went to our first Oregon State football game" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For my birthday, we went to our first Oregon State football game</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #0e101a;"></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></p>I'm 40 and feeling reflective. So, here are 40 lessons and quotes I try to live by. I want my kids to know these as they grow up.<p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>
<ol style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Bible is true and is the final authority on faith and life, so I
study it.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We were all created in the image of God, but I sin, and because of God's
perfect justice, I deserve a physical and spiritual death.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But God is also merciful, so he sent Jesus, who is both God and man, to
take on my punishment by dying on the cross. I think of it as someone
paying off a loan I don't deserve to have paid off.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Because Jesus is fully God, it's a perfect payment for my sins. Through
the spirit's prompting, I recognized that I'm a sinner and accepted
Jesus's payment.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I still commit sins and will experience a physical death as a natural
consequence of my sins, but I will not die spiritually and will spend an
eternity in Heaven. This is excellent news!</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When you sin, are wrong, or make a mistake, admit it without excuse.
Verbalizing it is powerful.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A little structure and routine allow for creativity and spontaneity.
Having a plan reduces your mental load in the moment, so you're free to
think creatively within that space. Your subconscious also goes to work
because it knows you already prioritized the thing. And, every once in a
while, break the plan to shake things up and explore. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://medium.com/@John_M_Egan/how-do-you-deal-with-failures-one-word-good-cc4acbb962dd" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Discipline = freedom</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Action breeds clarity. So, what's a small step I can take to learn?
Reading and learning are good, but they don't count.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Drink 1 cup of water after waking up.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Try to do 30 minutes of something active every day. My favorite: walking
around the block while talking on the phone.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If I'm too tired to do anything but watch TV, I should go to bed
(from </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ramit Sethi</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">).</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Related, if I wouldn't wake up early to do something, I probably
shouldn't stay up late to do it (*cough* YouTube *cough*).</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On Sundays, I look ahead at my week and make a plan. In general, I have
more items on my list than time. I would rather have the heartache
choosing what to do on Sunday than in the moment during the week. Without
a plan, I tend to prefer the urgent things, not necessarily the important
ones.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ask </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3S0bZPT" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Gary Keller's question</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> on prioritization: "What's the ONE Thing I can do such that by
doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?"</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When deciding to take a risk, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://tim.blog/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Tim Ferriss</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> asks, "What are the worst things that could happen? Could I get
back here?" I find this incredibly helpful because it's usually not as bad
as I initially think.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Not all time in life is equal. Life serves up some moments that count
much more than other moments" - Jim Collins in </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3Q4qSy5" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Great By Choice</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Learn to recognize those moments and do things to elevate them more or
create insights. Read </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3M5PtRG" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Power of Moments</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to learn how to do it.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I agree with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://medium.com/@John_M_Egan/how-do-you-deal-with-failures-one-word-good-cc4acbb962dd" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jocko Willink</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> about embracing hard things. Focus on the good from setbacks,
failures, delays, defeats, and disasters. Focus on what you'll learn and
new opportunities. If you must, play the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StTqXEQ2l-Y" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Everything is AWESOME!!!</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> song.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A few years ago, I started photo/regular journaling (using </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://dayoneapp.com/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Day One</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">) every day. It's great for getting my struggles out of my head, and I
love seeing pictures from previous years.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_models_are_wrong" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">George E. P. Box</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, who has the same birthday, said, "All models are wrong, but some are
useful." So, look for the usefulness. Here comes some controversy: All the
climate change models are wrong, but some are useful for guiding our
decisions.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Dishes are lame, but they gotta get done.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Spend less than you earn. Experts suggest 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and
20% towards saving/investing (50/30/20). I recommend flipping the
allocation: 50% towards saving/investing, 30% on needs, and 20% towards
wants (30/20/50 if written the "expert" way). I've done this, and even
though cutting spending is hard, watching your account rapidly grow is
fun.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When deciding to purchase something, try asking </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Mr. Money Mustache's</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> question: what negativity does this remove? I find it can reveal
cheaper alternatives.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Keep an emergency fund. Even $1,000 is helpful, but ideally, it's 3-6
months of spending.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Invest in assets. I use </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/48VhipM" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Robert Kiyosaki's definition</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: an asset is something that puts money in your pocket. Stocks, bonds,
real estate, and businesses count. Your personal car and house don't (if
you don't believe me, look at your bank statement and see if your home is
earning or costing you money).</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jeff Bezos also has </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://world.hey.com/dhh/invest-in-things-that-don-t-change-6f7f19e1" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">investing advice</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "Invest in things that don't change." People will always want things to
be free, perfect, and now. So, invest in things that help get them closer
to that ideal.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Investing in yourself is probably one of the highest ROIs you can
achieve. Plus, the internet makes continued learning highly accessible.
Take at least one online course a year and read at least one book a
quarter. You don't need to invest 10,000 hours to become a master. You can
get "good enough," in less than 20 hours, in 30 days or less.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Automate saving/investing and tracking. However, with tracking, you must
review it at least once a month (automation lets you do less data
wrangling or more analysis).</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Experience is more important than money.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3M5TMww" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Cal Newport</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> & </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3Fl4Odx" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Tim Ferriss</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> recommend eliminating distractions because producing at a peak
level requires working for extended periods with full concentration on a
single task. To help, I only use one monitor, turn off most of my
notifications, and only check email a couple of times a day.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Be a person of value. Rather than asking, "what's in it for me?" Ask,
"what's in it for them?" - </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3M627A8" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Dan Sullivan</span></a>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.jimrohn.com/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jim Rohn</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> suggested you are the average of the five people you spend the most
time with. This is 100% true. So, I review who I hang out with once a
year. Authors and shows count. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3S50YwO" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another way</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to think about this is: "What you choose to pay attention to is the
stuff your life and work will be made of."</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Read the book </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/46WxipQ" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Grit by Angela Duckworth</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (especially if you're a parent). Here's a quote that changed how I
parent: "...abide by the Hard Thing Rule and, in addition, the Fun Thing
Rule. Ask your kids to do something that will teach them, through
experience, deliberate practice and resilience. But also make sure they're
doing things that they find interesting and enjoyable, even if it doesn't
seem that they could ever lead to anything more serious."</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm not a great small talker, but </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3PXBqip" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Debra Fine</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> gave some great advice that I regularly use: "One of the easiest
ways to start or keep a conversation going is to compliment another
person."</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When coaching/leading, don't try to solve the problem. Instead, ask
questions to help them solve the problem. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://m.signalvnoise.com/dont-solve-the-problem/" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here are questions</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> I use, and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3M5vwuv" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">here's a coaching book</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When reviewing a project/product/event, I use a three-question framework
called keep-stop-start: 1) What should we keep doing? 2) What should we
stop doing? 3) What should we start doing? (from my strategy professor,
Rob Wiltbank)</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you have a business idea, think small at first. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3Fnlh0E" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Seth Godin</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> recommends asking, "What's the minimum number of people you would
need to influence to make it worth the effort?" </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/48ZxjuL" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Daniel Priestly</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> reminds me that my job isn't to please everyone. My job is to find
people who can't live without me.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/4914tKo" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Practice tactical empathy</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> - which is hearing and understanding what someone is saying. I do
it by mirroring: I repeat the last three words, and then I'm silent. It
encourages people to open up and share deeper.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">People have a significant life change every six months (job, housing,
school schedule, family, etc). So, if someone said no to you, wait six
months and check in.</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Alex Hormizi finished </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3ZZqyF4" style="background: repeat; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">his book</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> with a quote: "Neil Strauss once said "Success comes down to doing
the obvious thing for an uncommonly long period of time without convincing
yourself you're smarter than you are." The right action in the wrong
amount still fails. Most people, myself included, stop too soon. We don't
do enough."</span>
</li>
<li style="background: repeat; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Give credit to others when it's due (like my quotes above). It's the
right thing to do, and people respect you for your integrity.</span>
</li>
</ol><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"><br /></span></span></div>
James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-20063915230783361202023-07-28T06:30:00.000-07:002023-07-28T06:30:00.149-07:00Announcing: Thumbtack Home Repair Estimates<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7d9az2G5jz9PBr4mT6oHRHPOhFAOG8PCiqe3AgCu6R8cclaFyFB3WAhIIVIoulxC8n33oPeFqnLZkHthn8JEYpUucFTttzbAsAFLIoHA9cGvl-_HVxxeJPawyURCscHJ4t_1SDvdVMjaN4GC782LSf0UitajADV1_1JRcPDaXIRizlVJ3g/s2574/Thumbtack%20Homepage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="2574" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7d9az2G5jz9PBr4mT6oHRHPOhFAOG8PCiqe3AgCu6R8cclaFyFB3WAhIIVIoulxC8n33oPeFqnLZkHthn8JEYpUucFTttzbAsAFLIoHA9cGvl-_HVxxeJPawyURCscHJ4t_1SDvdVMjaN4GC782LSf0UitajADV1_1JRcPDaXIRizlVJ3g/w640-h390/Thumbtack%20Homepage.png" width="640" /></a></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>I'm thrilled to share that Majordomo's Domoreport is becoming </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://repair.thumbtack.com/" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Thumbtack Home Repair Estimates</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span><p></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Six years ago, my co-founder and I set out to help homeowners take better care of their homes (hence the name "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majordomo" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Majordomo</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">," which is the chief steward of a large household). We road the typical start-up roller coaster with big wins, tough trials, plenty of pivots, and now, handing off this project to new owners.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: none; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Path To Providing Repair Estimates</span></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our first product evaluated the condition of a home. The idea was to help you create a maintenance and project plan. It had two problems: 1) creating the report is labor intensive, and 2) it left a "now what" feeling because it didn't include the next steps. Furthermore, people who already cared about the home's condition didn't learn anything. And people who didn't care about their home's condition... didn't care about this report.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, we focused on the one time when everyone cared about the condition: when buying a home. And great news! Someone else - the inspector - already did the hard work of evaluating the condition of the major and minor systems. Plus, to help answer the "now what" question, we included ZIP Code specific repair estimates.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We had a product that people found valuable. Yes!</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOMevyxipHN_zk2ItzOfuP0e8mUu3kHPcG3_ban0RFlM325CVEZWmgirfKfRCp0s_xAmqv9ODuNQqXWNlNpGdYebwLOsu5IIab29zKfmEiKDx4YISGOKmyxxcSrz_ABTrj_o86cD4rMCzruPuOAAmGMhPgZQj94BHbh6wfxkX4FdejbKuTw/s2104/Repair%20Summary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1664" data-original-width="2104" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOMevyxipHN_zk2ItzOfuP0e8mUu3kHPcG3_ban0RFlM325CVEZWmgirfKfRCp0s_xAmqv9ODuNQqXWNlNpGdYebwLOsu5IIab29zKfmEiKDx4YISGOKmyxxcSrz_ABTrj_o86cD4rMCzruPuOAAmGMhPgZQj94BHbh6wfxkX4FdejbKuTw/w640-h506/Repair%20Summary.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: none; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Implementing AI</span></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The first time a customer uploaded an inspection, it took us 6 hours(!) to create the report (we promised a 24-hour turnaround). We created tools that got it down to just under an hour on average. It was good, but it still wasn't scalable. The haunting question was, "If we experienced an avalanche of success tomorrow, could we handle it?" If we received 1,000 inspections, we'd be in trouble.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, we created an AI to read the reports, identify defects, and recommend repairs. People still reviewed the results, but the processing time dropped dramatically. And, this is cool, as new inspections were processed, we kept retraining the AI to get smarter and smarter, requiring fewer and fewer corrections. It's kind of amazing to watch an AI learn from the very beginning.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: none; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Remaining Question... But Who Can Help?</span></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">People loved their repair estimates, but it naturally led to the next question: who can help me do these repairs? This is kind of tricky to answer because, typically, when you receive your estimates (24 hours after getting the inspection report), you don't own the house yet. So, if you want repairs done, the seller does them. We created a slick tool to help buyers generate a repair addendum in minutes, it was helpful, but people still wanted contractors after closing.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Enter </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.thumbtack.com/" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Thumbtack</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which helps you find local professionals for any home project. I used them multiple times for a painting project, a new fence, a roof repair, and electrical work. It's fun to post a job and get multiple quotes.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We started talking with them about integrating with their API, which would allow us to suggest contractors within the report. And through those conversations, we got to know their team and our shared vision.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, instead of only doing the integration, they bought our technology and hired our people to do a much deeper integration in the future.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Plus, because of their business model, they can offer repair estimates for free!</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So now, you can upload your inspection at </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://repair.thumbtack.com/" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://repair.thumbtack.com</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for free, get prioritized repair estimates, and find locally-based professionals. How cool is that?!</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As I said, we're thrilled about taking this product to the next level with Thumbtack because we believe it'll help even more homeowners care for their homes.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4zDyqHzMTbASPQohvu0CmcGlXj7061BjIYCIAG3tQDsOe2Q6tMMXimFttPcseGie0VVci8hbeRzUAkL79_rDi0ZB3NghdJDwnCZrdLvkSCb52seKqjChbpqFaptGv4nKcjrAQmnZJIgmEJxl0JuH6lje-yg1-yTVC8OZIe-Lcq_pIpPnnQ/s2574/How%20Thumbtack%20Repairs%20Work.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2574" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4zDyqHzMTbASPQohvu0CmcGlXj7061BjIYCIAG3tQDsOe2Q6tMMXimFttPcseGie0VVci8hbeRzUAkL79_rDi0ZB3NghdJDwnCZrdLvkSCb52seKqjChbpqFaptGv4nKcjrAQmnZJIgmEJxl0JuH6lje-yg1-yTVC8OZIe-Lcq_pIpPnnQ/w640-h358/How%20Thumbtack%20Repairs%20Work.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: none; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My Next Adventure</span></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm continuing to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2022/12/why-multifamilies-will-be-best.html" style="background: none; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">focus on multifamily syndications</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Given the economic volatility, the lack of housing supply with increasing demand, and technological improvements in automation, there will be some incredible multifamily deals in the next couple of years.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Furthermore, I believe multifamilies are the best investment on the planet because of their consistent above-average returns (10%+), extraordinary tax benefits, inflation hedge, and creative financing. And it's providing something that everyone needs: housing.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My focus is two-fold:</span></p><ol style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Analyze multifamily properties in the $2M -$10M range that needs some TLC.</span></li><li style="background: none; list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Invite people to invest passively with us who want to diversify from the stock market but don't have the time or knowledge to do so.</span></li></ol><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="background: none; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Thank You</span></h2><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I want to say thank you to everyone who helped us with Majordomo: Lee, Matthew, Isaac, Graham, Zach, Lance, Daniel, Scott, Linda, Noah, Ken, Anthony, Ben, Josh P, Jenny, Kevin, Mike, Moshe, Josh A, Tony, Dan, and Corey. I learned a lot, had a ton of fun, and am excited to see where Thumbtack takes it.</span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: none; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: none; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-59375818630283925792023-07-17T16:59:00.004-07:002023-07-17T16:59:25.025-07:00Riding Motorcycles Through the Himalayas in Northern India<p><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Type 1 fun</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> applies to activities you enjoy in the moment, such as eating a delicious meal or walking on the beach. </span><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Type 2 fun</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> pursuits are challenging and may not be pleasant in the moment, but they become gratifying when you look back on them (like taking challenging classes or bouldering). </span><strong style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Type 3 fun</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> endeavors are unpleasant during and after the fact, but they can become a good story for some people (like an injury or accident).</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our 15th wedding anniversary vacation hit all three types of fun.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A little over a year ago, we learned how to ride motorcycles so we could ride motorcycles through the Himalayas in Northern India. We spent a day in New Delhi before heading north to Leh, Ladakh.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our guide, Trevor, lived in Corvallis before moving to India, and my friend, Greg, with whom I hang out weekly, joined us.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxSw0yMf_bY5hu1gtFTV-93m2GYaKJ4vupfv6OZMvvqZRYix6dbENay3Axyukn35Dm7WDt9g0rwZzuxd1v7QUIBPWay271TaYfwv77ONOgxnERDqMFWj76mEkNEkqwJrTF2WFeq-Ka4BW992jo6_guvxC7HyIWgQQBMWvymCxsN7eQzBn6Rs0/s3216/India%20Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="3088" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxSw0yMf_bY5hu1gtFTV-93m2GYaKJ4vupfv6OZMvvqZRYix6dbENay3Axyukn35Dm7WDt9g0rwZzuxd1v7QUIBPWay271TaYfwv77ONOgxnERDqMFWj76mEkNEkqwJrTF2WFeq-Ka4BW992jo6_guvxC7HyIWgQQBMWvymCxsN7eQzBn6Rs0/w614-h640/India%20Map.jpg" width="614" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">New Delhi & Leh Ladakh</strong></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We spent the day in a part of the city called Old Delhi, which was hot and humid.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qHPxnIk1SUdQz9qLUXrX5X_ukARK2XzZtnecmhMDgTObFnxhkC8mkYSQRB03fyvPmEV7FJjmOzMePsZiVmshJo5SkC_vl14cH187BaJAxNJaQWL-4lmnC8jhCeIiw4sVveefd_Ba5GBbg3GoLxK_qKxYbw26Kegn4jw6j-gfMI_iCeWGWYIh/s3452/exploring%20Old%20Delhi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3452" data-original-width="2166" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qHPxnIk1SUdQz9qLUXrX5X_ukARK2XzZtnecmhMDgTObFnxhkC8mkYSQRB03fyvPmEV7FJjmOzMePsZiVmshJo5SkC_vl14cH187BaJAxNJaQWL-4lmnC8jhCeIiw4sVveefd_Ba5GBbg3GoLxK_qKxYbw26Kegn4jw6j-gfMI_iCeWGWYIh/w402-h640/exploring%20Old%20Delhi.jpg" width="402" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And then we flew to Leh in Ladakh, which is at 11,500 ft. I instantly felt the high elevation when the plane doors opened, but Jessi felt totally normal. You must relax for a day to let your blood oxygen levels catch up, so we did. Here's what it looked like from the plane:</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y0fpr5OlS_TzqzM1UdbL-VqiWS6F6pShMWjNSGeSLYf66w9g_2Qh8fHs6flBNRZ-5nsFyVxFDLM1BUWjLi3nY4EU94Dx872Kuoz8coT8tegnbCJ-xibJczoearRLzjh9Nl7IBxxPmeRb0VSHYKVhFd1YM_WFMvR-S6wqAc9duEQ9rKt_igIT/s4032/IMG_4973.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_y0fpr5OlS_TzqzM1UdbL-VqiWS6F6pShMWjNSGeSLYf66w9g_2Qh8fHs6flBNRZ-5nsFyVxFDLM1BUWjLi3nY4EU94Dx872Kuoz8coT8tegnbCJ-xibJczoearRLzjh9Nl7IBxxPmeRb0VSHYKVhFd1YM_WFMvR-S6wqAc9duEQ9rKt_igIT/w640-h360/IMG_4973.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Breathing is a little like when you have a semi-stuffed nose which restricts your breathing, so every 4th or 5th breath, you have to open your mouth to "catch up." It was like that almost the entire time.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I was fine when sitting still, but I felt sluggish with ANY movement, including walking up the three floors to our hotel room. My watch tracks my heart rate, which jumped up 20% at high altitude!</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3epHAkuiHlWCub-ahoVaDqNSRGldHrNRK8HdyVsBbSGGTEaYhLDwhRNkSutMADdoCJVELLcDZNoTCq2IvHLgbcPP2bqA7g0dkUhF1uBzMrXh6PShGVzAiu1csrfE_eXjNSp6YzzsnvgCyY2-9GVVluU8f3ARArCM2NzPXpS0ElezqeAJ4to-/s1611/IMG_4897.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1611" data-original-width="1179" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3epHAkuiHlWCub-ahoVaDqNSRGldHrNRK8HdyVsBbSGGTEaYhLDwhRNkSutMADdoCJVELLcDZNoTCq2IvHLgbcPP2bqA7g0dkUhF1uBzMrXh6PShGVzAiu1csrfE_eXjNSp6YzzsnvgCyY2-9GVVluU8f3ARArCM2NzPXpS0ElezqeAJ4to-/w468-h640/IMG_4897.PNG" width="468" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The view from our hotel.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3CGzChWlx3w3vLsnPeHdfq5ixK9An0jK4MdJTv99i1bMBtmqkTsluBKA6lcju22oOPZcdEXZwkmlFmYxX_vvFI_Ai9j4A8FPrDR8nnLlhp6lr93zDXvfyv8PWL0ZEAypaBhqHDXkDCNa5BCUpcYbt6YhM5q_W1LLQD791t8ZOw6tYV09Xq27/s4032/IMG_4828.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3CGzChWlx3w3vLsnPeHdfq5ixK9An0jK4MdJTv99i1bMBtmqkTsluBKA6lcju22oOPZcdEXZwkmlFmYxX_vvFI_Ai9j4A8FPrDR8nnLlhp6lr93zDXvfyv8PWL0ZEAypaBhqHDXkDCNa5BCUpcYbt6YhM5q_W1LLQD791t8ZOw6tYV09Xq27/w640-h360/IMG_4828.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Every time we had a break, we ate food and drank chai tea. We drank so much chai tea... up to 5 cups a day. It was so much tea!</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW37TBibC1UT27DhmsqqHEcd00X7W3JKqb3fyFkPymcD-fIsX1gazB6373VUxZ6QHw-a2H-sne-GQs9dolCTI8DdsiV7LWqdXAfUv6x8Gcnz4e4Y2ZXz8REQFk4_q7ZdKFDeCSEvoXWucI3s_M-YvNOQfoh6aRQtRZzMRDev89Kyo-_eitlxV5/s4032/IMG_4830.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW37TBibC1UT27DhmsqqHEcd00X7W3JKqb3fyFkPymcD-fIsX1gazB6373VUxZ6QHw-a2H-sne-GQs9dolCTI8DdsiV7LWqdXAfUv6x8Gcnz4e4Y2ZXz8REQFk4_q7ZdKFDeCSEvoXWucI3s_M-YvNOQfoh6aRQtRZzMRDev89Kyo-_eitlxV5/w640-h360/IMG_4830.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Let's Ride</strong></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We got our motorcycles and headed for our first destination. Jessi decided it would be best for her to ride on the back of the bike or in the support vehicle instead of riding her own bike. It turned out to be a wise decision when we hit bad weather, and it allowed her to enjoy all the fantastic views.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here we are, all clean and ready.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyX9BI4WlL1oQRecISsW6rd7QucrLONrBhxcxoJkJaUeExCrFupUsiaDfyeIrhgzdrejW50y1ZurK8ua_lbzYAeY6WN1lJXrHSpaGm5O4CyXh_bb1cmq6tfjAbY46FokZIkD4Vkmta0FUFcTTQSOlG7V0GQmoFqjKT_P8-ItVpWnZe13vEzCs/s2554/PXL_20230707_050110703.MP~2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2256" data-original-width="2554" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyX9BI4WlL1oQRecISsW6rd7QucrLONrBhxcxoJkJaUeExCrFupUsiaDfyeIrhgzdrejW50y1ZurK8ua_lbzYAeY6WN1lJXrHSpaGm5O4CyXh_bb1cmq6tfjAbY46FokZIkD4Vkmta0FUFcTTQSOlG7V0GQmoFqjKT_P8-ItVpWnZe13vEzCs/w640-h566/PXL_20230707_050110703.MP~2_Original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And we found a cool bridge.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQTKpljH8KS3CGdW5pCG74HBq1Y6pyKZJ3A9IkvXYRy21TllMS3ZdO-JVIA338itu8UJW9G0EXfardy9jUTE4hmEFCc9fByt5aMFcX8hy1zeVUOF7Lkd0e-Ff-MKoYKaNhbhUghChg0sPAjG3i4_wtfBD0BLwsfH1Fd63V0QRze1SID-fz87n/s4032/IMG_4841.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQTKpljH8KS3CGdW5pCG74HBq1Y6pyKZJ3A9IkvXYRy21TllMS3ZdO-JVIA338itu8UJW9G0EXfardy9jUTE4hmEFCc9fByt5aMFcX8hy1zeVUOF7Lkd0e-Ff-MKoYKaNhbhUghChg0sPAjG3i4_wtfBD0BLwsfH1Fd63V0QRze1SID-fz87n/w640-h360/IMG_4841.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The hotel was right on a river and super fancy.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pf5tlaAPJGGJTWsJw3G2Cpeao7ZJYdx5qeFki8MnT-RLttNW3QgC2Gj3Ydnsp_IBi1SHdRbrrBNWXjegRxl2fZaJKEkIWX7O7b6651J7H5BjKuSYQCG7PoiPAwlSDRuef1ktMAUQy9GqVD72WXV11GtnfxByW-EB7eZMIPVrCMWA5Z9yPPCY/s4032/DJI_0151.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pf5tlaAPJGGJTWsJw3G2Cpeao7ZJYdx5qeFki8MnT-RLttNW3QgC2Gj3Ydnsp_IBi1SHdRbrrBNWXjegRxl2fZaJKEkIWX7O7b6651J7H5BjKuSYQCG7PoiPAwlSDRuef1ktMAUQy9GqVD72WXV11GtnfxByW-EB7eZMIPVrCMWA5Z9yPPCY/w640-h360/DJI_0151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A Proper Adventure</strong></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We headed over two tall passes (15K & 17K feet). Along the way, we saw some epic views.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB00-72JLPzRU3c2j22NqByer2an_zseNrYD2eRDfCJLalmjqT1IWHnlh6ObN9N7W9EcAs9JrfcEEdRaflrCVdleEp_bu6vovLTqk41VM5lG7cOZy46vCYcF2dBpu9bbX4xnZ_4Qnl2vgEI8Ig9334lzEiZbxqfgr9kLgPlBHNnfVmmqTaHfU/s3962/PXL_20230708_045809913.MP~2_Original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3962" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB00-72JLPzRU3c2j22NqByer2an_zseNrYD2eRDfCJLalmjqT1IWHnlh6ObN9N7W9EcAs9JrfcEEdRaflrCVdleEp_bu6vovLTqk41VM5lG7cOZy46vCYcF2dBpu9bbX4xnZ_4Qnl2vgEI8Ig9334lzEiZbxqfgr9kLgPlBHNnfVmmqTaHfU/w640-h496/PXL_20230708_045809913.MP~2_Original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsS1ozZ0qqijg3RUd_UMZsl6TUKzzY9PVX6VoqHZ_7Tny8kMeD7m6dkdeNhe16P0Kdim6PzdFAFaumiS1MgbxCF2dMhzKAIOkC_qYrcz7GSB6qQ-ou1WruylT4p_y1SWk0LyPcdh3uvmK6YYnMbq1BvgAOQHWsbmAQYE6TXAFYE2m38pjsUkr/s4080/PXL_20230708_064704725~2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="2837" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsS1ozZ0qqijg3RUd_UMZsl6TUKzzY9PVX6VoqHZ_7Tny8kMeD7m6dkdeNhe16P0Kdim6PzdFAFaumiS1MgbxCF2dMhzKAIOkC_qYrcz7GSB6qQ-ou1WruylT4p_y1SWk0LyPcdh3uvmK6YYnMbq1BvgAOQHWsbmAQYE6TXAFYE2m38pjsUkr/w446-h640/PXL_20230708_064704725~2_Original.JPG" width="446" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And then the weather turned... It started raining, which turned to snow as we approached 17K feet. My helmet's mask totally froze over as we hit the top of the pass.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZIJOT_2v3ZBsh4QT1wLbWx80Xqidq0ZvJ0rzLMwXZfJqDXuR_4uiPmkJdPRxXCJFB4z2-aIbAbsDUY6sD3xwcH6SLOlUlHMbeRZ2R5U3IEf0xxxXYCUxR4My5xcaIHMzXZg3IdVF-1GmUvjoPN4EPjqI3BtI5VgBvKndDE5jd_47as-FSJ-h/s1920/PXL_20230708_095107862_exported_10337~2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZIJOT_2v3ZBsh4QT1wLbWx80Xqidq0ZvJ0rzLMwXZfJqDXuR_4uiPmkJdPRxXCJFB4z2-aIbAbsDUY6sD3xwcH6SLOlUlHMbeRZ2R5U3IEf0xxxXYCUxR4My5xcaIHMzXZg3IdVF-1GmUvjoPN4EPjqI3BtI5VgBvKndDE5jd_47as-FSJ-h/w360-h640/PXL_20230708_095107862_exported_10337~2_Original.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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gyroscope; picture-in-picture;
web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HraZ3MwvxmQ" title="YouTube video player" width="360"></iframe>
</span></center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Eventually, I entered mild (stage 1) hypothermia and took a break from riding. I captured the moment after I got some feeling back in my hands:</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span></p><center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media;
gyroscope; picture-in-picture;
web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rPmcaVQA7Mw" title="YouTube video player" width="360"></iframe>
</span></span></center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">That night we huddled around the stove at a family's home during the few hours they had electricity. The heat felt great, and there were only a few water leaks. We drank butter tea (it's tea with... butter) and ate warm soup. </span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CIyKYJal1vasbKP5Q9Rf4EL5zF0ryGijuh6cB9XiZd284MQuxLimPhB0xnO1E-zuU1psw16jRs26kU-ZwdITc03hsGUdSsuhxZvAf8MFdiLq1Q-72JE9qNdCUPr-t26SJSG9XD9URmAAquWbCh5sYYcOJ6_tfxKyD9dtZjdBksmsXxB-nYDP/s3648/PXL_20230708_144919257.MP~2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CIyKYJal1vasbKP5Q9Rf4EL5zF0ryGijuh6cB9XiZd284MQuxLimPhB0xnO1E-zuU1psw16jRs26kU-ZwdITc03hsGUdSsuhxZvAf8MFdiLq1Q-72JE9qNdCUPr-t26SJSG9XD9URmAAquWbCh5sYYcOJ6_tfxKyD9dtZjdBksmsXxB-nYDP/w640-h480/PXL_20230708_144919257.MP~2_Original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The next day we geared up to keep going. In our attempts to stay dry, we put bags over our hands. We looked goofy, and the host family wanted a picture of our ridiculousness.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupi2AZKikP8frskylZJ3G3FK0yWfKACXaRfa2USM8r9E9nXNZX3mZZQCtDLk-Z_WealLcXiwuoUgmcbrkLT9L2NA3kNLx0RQhGXxNKzWlSE9Y3O7SBiW2V221Ni8sn6XYrzVM5ZSYccGxXseV6jvhhyYaA7CgVUwL8lvMtXrpI6LRB2117kb8/s4032/IMG_4858.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupi2AZKikP8frskylZJ3G3FK0yWfKACXaRfa2USM8r9E9nXNZX3mZZQCtDLk-Z_WealLcXiwuoUgmcbrkLT9L2NA3kNLx0RQhGXxNKzWlSE9Y3O7SBiW2V221Ni8sn6XYrzVM5ZSYccGxXseV6jvhhyYaA7CgVUwL8lvMtXrpI6LRB2117kb8/w640-h360/IMG_4858.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But shortly after we left, we encountered a block in the road - rocks falling from the storm. When that happens, we need to clear it. But while doing that, we saw a small (but life-threatening) rock slide.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span></p><center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iQxJ19dg1go" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe></span></center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And so we decided it was too dangerous to continue. We headed back to the family's house to wait out the storm. But it gave me a chance during a moment of sunshine to get a drone shot of the village.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxVy03hzzqCrQWDaMAFDTo4vd7OHlFU5eRDnG416sl8xCQWL4v9mG6HnB4vVgOiQHpNiPPTDf08NX10XapImlOlM576WrwkYMLwPW3vVRImia0ad11lDE0VX0sjZVp5nBy1ChZqwwOHKLIwTFPcWDWx-GfBnshVjITPi192BO9gMvagAAXkVx/s4032/DJI_0161.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxVy03hzzqCrQWDaMAFDTo4vd7OHlFU5eRDnG416sl8xCQWL4v9mG6HnB4vVgOiQHpNiPPTDf08NX10XapImlOlM576WrwkYMLwPW3vVRImia0ad11lDE0VX0sjZVp5nBy1ChZqwwOHKLIwTFPcWDWx-GfBnshVjITPi192BO9gMvagAAXkVx/w640-h360/DJI_0161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And we tried to chase down a group of yaks. Those guys can move! Here's as close as we got.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span></p><center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media;
gyroscope; picture-in-picture;
web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TJ_VEwbzjPM" title="YouTube video player" width="360"></iframe>
</span></span></center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The next day, we headed back out, but this time came across a considerable road problem:</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span></p><center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media;
gyroscope; picture-in-picture;
web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fkOKiIrVH7Y" title="YouTube video player" width="360"></iframe>
</center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And since that's the only road into the next village - with a repair timeline of 3 to 7 days - we decided to re-tackle the two previous passes and ride in the opposite direction. It was still snowy, but at least we were dry.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's what riding in slushy snow looks like.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span></p><center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media;
gyroscope; picture-in-picture;
web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ciFS6aoj1qU" title="YouTube video player" width="360"></iframe>
</span></center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And there were sections of big mud puddles.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span></p><center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZNoqBsvPM-M" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe></span></center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It was unbelievably tiring keeping the bike upright in the snow, on dirt, doing tight switchbacks, and at high altitudes. Classic type-2 fun. Also, the views were amazing.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk2ThoxYjwJPROiUgi8Q--5eQYuA6rP7KYaZbpPkTE1XQe8ewqBtFHlOtS5a1nx8DjcC6EyRbhtYR_anqfO4NttBurv9gz96ESUB2FhqsnaL_i3KwlLL18Fg-ph7Iq_4snn9UBGqlCu79VsVADGHAOX-D81YKCdLNERyCIoIzlujyWFhq4GgX/s4080/PXL_20230710_085021454~2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2984" data-original-width="4080" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNk2ThoxYjwJPROiUgi8Q--5eQYuA6rP7KYaZbpPkTE1XQe8ewqBtFHlOtS5a1nx8DjcC6EyRbhtYR_anqfO4NttBurv9gz96ESUB2FhqsnaL_i3KwlLL18Fg-ph7Iq_4snn9UBGqlCu79VsVADGHAOX-D81YKCdLNERyCIoIzlujyWFhq4GgX/w640-h468/PXL_20230710_085021454~2_Original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadYoMUyd9-xYqMMzfdtbGpPOCfI4HSk8YPNHMq8cdlU5htetJHJ3uXz1FuAH0yiAaYdKX5Td4BAXnk39UAJwmyYTP_lKsLmkJ4_lF1Mu17ia3LY5Bsr_4jOt2qViUWzhY3NdYm5NZ6pChSbUMV1pPjiJnob2CmeeygHIxes8nlzfwno0LOoi8/s3813/PXL_20230710_085216534~2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="3813" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadYoMUyd9-xYqMMzfdtbGpPOCfI4HSk8YPNHMq8cdlU5htetJHJ3uXz1FuAH0yiAaYdKX5Td4BAXnk39UAJwmyYTP_lKsLmkJ4_lF1Mu17ia3LY5Bsr_4jOt2qViUWzhY3NdYm5NZ6pChSbUMV1pPjiJnob2CmeeygHIxes8nlzfwno0LOoi8/w640-h516/PXL_20230710_085216534~2_Original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdV2ZSapkNC1mBqU8Giv8gv2QYQG3o9vmvMLPP5al8ue9Tpdb9l0hii5IwbCE7FoN8Bpwuq85XRsFvZTacHRG303LdoBPJaQ8unMy_Gvzohi_l_0SSJaJxaxjh-T8to1RXMdIVKitE5FLmZ-O1xlJ5ZlsVQn7ZfzBCUYvZsZe7PuMw6TWIUPys/s3997/PXL_20230710_095821488_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3997" data-original-width="2865" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdV2ZSapkNC1mBqU8Giv8gv2QYQG3o9vmvMLPP5al8ue9Tpdb9l0hii5IwbCE7FoN8Bpwuq85XRsFvZTacHRG303LdoBPJaQ8unMy_Gvzohi_l_0SSJaJxaxjh-T8to1RXMdIVKitE5FLmZ-O1xlJ5ZlsVQn7ZfzBCUYvZsZe7PuMw6TWIUPys/w458-h640/PXL_20230710_095821488_Original.JPG" width="458" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And we saw more yaks.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy6uhcARNYPrYh27SuKSmIGhCa_afu8T15u6KWBkrpB0HovKSHrXMxhFE6d5mwae2nhFlp6fvgOIC2n6BqX5uP2DXFqD2zfpCOnqE-Hbw86VPRsT44zIo2jjOj8x7mPQi0rP2CmWjJUQKBE2z4NYCrDOaXHwVJCjzvG6qwnRU1jGcyMpUIHZ3/s4080/PXL_20230710_103155819~2_Original.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3026" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy6uhcARNYPrYh27SuKSmIGhCa_afu8T15u6KWBkrpB0HovKSHrXMxhFE6d5mwae2nhFlp6fvgOIC2n6BqX5uP2DXFqD2zfpCOnqE-Hbw86VPRsT44zIo2jjOj8x7mPQi0rP2CmWjJUQKBE2z4NYCrDOaXHwVJCjzvG6qwnRU1jGcyMpUIHZ3/w474-h640/PXL_20230710_103155819~2_Original.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here was the whole crew.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XD5dN6rGEHppNzQb68tZuLKXnmfj9gxKFabjnveTK6c86FRfuyTsGtQO4yfq5XqVjrJ83_VXo1Ps4Ii4xWUfueScoj5LK0kWXpTzyE8kGdoVxQQR2b0vEsQ0Pv_SYfDr1YP3ub-VGi4r5soo4KpydNfItj38M5Kze5yhM1NrwK6Vr6b0wOvR/s4032/IMG_4922.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XD5dN6rGEHppNzQb68tZuLKXnmfj9gxKFabjnveTK6c86FRfuyTsGtQO4yfq5XqVjrJ83_VXo1Ps4Ii4xWUfueScoj5LK0kWXpTzyE8kGdoVxQQR2b0vEsQ0Pv_SYfDr1YP3ub-VGi4r5soo4KpydNfItj38M5Kze5yhM1NrwK6Vr6b0wOvR/w640-h360/IMG_4922.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I dropped the bike multiple times while riding and was grateful for everyone's support. I ended the trip sore, but I should be able to recover from all my injuries.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Buddhist Monasteries</strong></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We also visited multiple Buddhist monasteries. One allowed us to take pictures, so here's what they look like inside.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoyWDVC0wL9b_abkoUzL1auKbMwV95JXq_N2pMCFl2NuoAXyMgnNfUWpYjHI32x4jdPM9J32pFffoiNAsZQ8M2UPHQxteu2DfXNkbCIJhPsw2YlTRhITIN4lSNX2htmX5I8ICII9SaTgu5xedu1ZWICnoE8dE8GBan2Tf7jTroLR4kIr_2YzN/s4032/IMG_4903.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoyWDVC0wL9b_abkoUzL1auKbMwV95JXq_N2pMCFl2NuoAXyMgnNfUWpYjHI32x4jdPM9J32pFffoiNAsZQ8M2UPHQxteu2DfXNkbCIJhPsw2YlTRhITIN4lSNX2htmX5I8ICII9SaTgu5xedu1ZWICnoE8dE8GBan2Tf7jTroLR4kIr_2YzN/w640-h360/IMG_4903.jpeg" width="640" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoyWDVC0wL9b_abkoUzL1auKbMwV95JXq_N2pMCFl2NuoAXyMgnNfUWpYjHI32x4jdPM9J32pFffoiNAsZQ8M2UPHQxteu2DfXNkbCIJhPsw2YlTRhITIN4lSNX2htmX5I8ICII9SaTgu5xedu1ZWICnoE8dE8GBan2Tf7jTroLR4kIr_2YzN/s4032/IMG_4903.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oX-ilP2PgipfEDsPJwWkWvr0WJxyTcZNKSmVcZes6dBNzMtCZpIUfFZBeLv54tF_xChkyRkQZREZYbn9yc3Jt87ioKbvElbktRWNv_2CoLfT6wNYObpGoYM7SH3-pvn7NFh2P5RnHX0SJoW_IOqwnV7LG5LlkKK0lr8Qqy2atoZcIk-7_bng/s4032/IMG_4906.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oX-ilP2PgipfEDsPJwWkWvr0WJxyTcZNKSmVcZes6dBNzMtCZpIUfFZBeLv54tF_xChkyRkQZREZYbn9yc3Jt87ioKbvElbktRWNv_2CoLfT6wNYObpGoYM7SH3-pvn7NFh2P5RnHX0SJoW_IOqwnV7LG5LlkKK0lr8Qqy2atoZcIk-7_bng/w640-h360/IMG_4906.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc5k88DbGyOPeA5lWfD8uDT1WEaE_yUtlmMdBCvV9nHXa1Ztry5t-yiCNvCfalOE4Hvi8fSRJHMr1zRUjswEzPLXQEudUw491vyeNmLAqtdWs3Tv7YW6vTXZnTM6Zspq1TVJt1GkqcCHtP0dvMpjqriXxwEbnQtrAzUFfdMlr309BbDqzmKfs/s4032/IMG_4904.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc5k88DbGyOPeA5lWfD8uDT1WEaE_yUtlmMdBCvV9nHXa1Ztry5t-yiCNvCfalOE4Hvi8fSRJHMr1zRUjswEzPLXQEudUw491vyeNmLAqtdWs3Tv7YW6vTXZnTM6Zspq1TVJt1GkqcCHtP0dvMpjqriXxwEbnQtrAzUFfdMlr309BbDqzmKfs/w640-h360/IMG_4904.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPqLzxAPr6wq3y3Y-N3G8QT7EUpGEchds5iUoIL7hD0brH5ECJwDPzXIMKL13S8HNSkvGN-KnVtAz1ZNrUONIer-wJHjTY8LRNmH4YrndQp0WXeC4SWqHTCZ_X8BjHCwIsSQpEODg5u_MLgJRc5r6DPIvaUVuLrPDIq2aDebXfR61mCxpVeDD/s4032/IMG_4908.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPqLzxAPr6wq3y3Y-N3G8QT7EUpGEchds5iUoIL7hD0brH5ECJwDPzXIMKL13S8HNSkvGN-KnVtAz1ZNrUONIer-wJHjTY8LRNmH4YrndQp0WXeC4SWqHTCZ_X8BjHCwIsSQpEODg5u_MLgJRc5r6DPIvaUVuLrPDIq2aDebXfR61mCxpVeDD/w360-h640/IMG_4908.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We had some good spiritual conversations, and I learned much more about - and experienced - the spiritual climate there.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And back in New Delhi, we experienced a hood-to-coast-like experience. But in this case, relay teams carry water ~150 miles as part of a spiritual ritual. And when they weren't running, they chilled on a big truck blasting music. There were hundreds of trucks! It was quite the sight!</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span></p><center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C160AyGbeDg" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe></span></center><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
</span><p></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The City of Leh</strong></h1><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We ended in Leh and explored the city. Not only was the market fun, but the views were amazing.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuXLmadW9EnsrOrjeBgx3TH4e9cZtLEijn18_97mmM1fqN5VVqmqPrzW5IbSW-ZGBG5lej7X7Q6ffRYBXztGxqNQAf0G4vs0SPktS71VEm4Sk5vLid30ehbv7PjWzadsmuOkrx7sMcYS61x3tjnxuPXnIAcDzKeO96hD9ISnNm2hdqVYz_Ihf/s4032/IMG_4954.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuXLmadW9EnsrOrjeBgx3TH4e9cZtLEijn18_97mmM1fqN5VVqmqPrzW5IbSW-ZGBG5lej7X7Q6ffRYBXztGxqNQAf0G4vs0SPktS71VEm4Sk5vLid30ehbv7PjWzadsmuOkrx7sMcYS61x3tjnxuPXnIAcDzKeO96hD9ISnNm2hdqVYz_Ihf/w640-h360/IMG_4954.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs9LCCJoFDdNU_-p0uXc8FjB40YI5ZVu-00Rlz4C2aAzdqm0hyg55iqdHhA0QFn7Ik7dlkW_svcVqKQ7bOur5DejxvXQ-MG1ADED7516izF51QZ72IjD7_SjUH6kb-He1jdh9emIiZFIytgA5GXD2LNC9fNozOcCi4tmdGEGcUY5LLRaBereQ/s4032/IMG_4967.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs9LCCJoFDdNU_-p0uXc8FjB40YI5ZVu-00Rlz4C2aAzdqm0hyg55iqdHhA0QFn7Ik7dlkW_svcVqKQ7bOur5DejxvXQ-MG1ADED7516izF51QZ72IjD7_SjUH6kb-He1jdh9emIiZFIytgA5GXD2LNC9fNozOcCi4tmdGEGcUY5LLRaBereQ/w640-h360/IMG_4967.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRpNQnkB_nbzQa9XcmXfXJOXfwyqqfAvzA3oYZFTnP4wkCCOjtrkOebwP6uOmqgyg28qoYMZYr4CO2jaDQZwR-c2AXwSzNC1OElKlPOb-KbvGmfzqPc753ZCvoo6PgWTfQ1jy7rVvxtLseuksU2yQFaSRRjSYyQWjWttd8xQg9VXWvTle0cTa/s3946/original_6fb4fc6f-398f-4ba3-8784-4aaa5cc13b43_PXL_20230713_094910475~2_Original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2963" data-original-width="3946" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRpNQnkB_nbzQa9XcmXfXJOXfwyqqfAvzA3oYZFTnP4wkCCOjtrkOebwP6uOmqgyg28qoYMZYr4CO2jaDQZwR-c2AXwSzNC1OElKlPOb-KbvGmfzqPc753ZCvoo6PgWTfQ1jy7rVvxtLseuksU2yQFaSRRjSYyQWjWttd8xQg9VXWvTle0cTa/w640-h480/original_6fb4fc6f-398f-4ba3-8784-4aaa5cc13b43_PXL_20230713_094910475~2_Original.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczysL_hSBSTSodPyiYSFjHZx19gjKM0kK1yy6q1KV_k96mzC2DAd2JAtQ5s67XXX1BGxwjZXL4v24KuNtstPJEbFNUzfxbq6SBflH89GkYSZXhdCvOAo5xXJ4BFklpbZ24gNqpuY4LU2DmMOCmucRisTBeOyxhIvQdy19opP2sQ5h3B1gCo3F/s3920/PXL_20230713_094538604~3_Original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3920" data-original-width="2917" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczysL_hSBSTSodPyiYSFjHZx19gjKM0kK1yy6q1KV_k96mzC2DAd2JAtQ5s67XXX1BGxwjZXL4v24KuNtstPJEbFNUzfxbq6SBflH89GkYSZXhdCvOAo5xXJ4BFklpbZ24gNqpuY4LU2DmMOCmucRisTBeOyxhIvQdy19opP2sQ5h3B1gCo3F/w476-h640/PXL_20230713_094538604~3_Original.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje47Mk3hUoDTmxDx-eNL0v1EXZyTDo_xkXp1XN-wSbur3f6SeiPmwlADIZBQOm2VXO-2CwOcYuuUmM5KkhklRd71QdjSGKOCg96dTNSihpNbG2hK6qjlRwx9omKZPElOxFnQb0l1l6prdVt070wNVr4IwY7kRFpx-hzMheOCvortqDDKiwd6Lm/s3967/PXL_20230713_130006960~2_Original.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3967" data-original-width="2987" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje47Mk3hUoDTmxDx-eNL0v1EXZyTDo_xkXp1XN-wSbur3f6SeiPmwlADIZBQOm2VXO-2CwOcYuuUmM5KkhklRd71QdjSGKOCg96dTNSihpNbG2hK6qjlRwx9omKZPElOxFnQb0l1l6prdVt070wNVr4IwY7kRFpx-hzMheOCvortqDDKiwd6Lm/w482-h640/PXL_20230713_130006960~2_Original.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We met up with Trevor's family on the final night in New Delhi for dinner. Watching a family reconnect after a couple of weeks of adventuring was so encouraging.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background: repeat; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Thanks for letting me share our proper adventure.</span></p><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptTAV4u7mgxSasv6VYza-Q_2v-_oybTGXnpSCLRlUkEB_fgwD01o7RupE2QtIMFRCzHXlRFgrCMQp2bRdIiS_86Ob-72sN-ZSG6xgXMDMr1L4MXzXysEDovcvy-doVTGNoICwHrh5k_cBHYE-hyVSf2gqnYrVyDgy4M6yqew5d0-uDumy2rWS/s2682/exited%20survived.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2682" data-original-width="2160" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptTAV4u7mgxSasv6VYza-Q_2v-_oybTGXnpSCLRlUkEB_fgwD01o7RupE2QtIMFRCzHXlRFgrCMQp2bRdIiS_86Ob-72sN-ZSG6xgXMDMr1L4MXzXysEDovcvy-doVTGNoICwHrh5k_cBHYE-hyVSf2gqnYrVyDgy4M6yqew5d0-uDumy2rWS/w516-h640/exited%20survived.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: repeat; color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-86011048803031999672023-05-17T15:56:00.005-07:002023-05-17T16:04:09.647-07:00A 172-Mile Motorcycle Ride Mid-Week Date<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc5zUjBf3AZi_OL9daFXpCK007RBw1nA6dijkW1v7aYwJo_EGeeZ7nRM3sxye8_QsZXshf42oQgqPnUMq5P79GUPMY0YWrtU5-LgJUCo7YkWWblsjsKhuRwO6XLvywU2qJZ2eMqIpWcIBu9JQ1H6c_sdvi69OERzvGhnYK5fls-uVhGqjIA/s4032/Our%20Motorcycle%20Ride%20Date.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc5zUjBf3AZi_OL9daFXpCK007RBw1nA6dijkW1v7aYwJo_EGeeZ7nRM3sxye8_QsZXshf42oQgqPnUMq5P79GUPMY0YWrtU5-LgJUCo7YkWWblsjsKhuRwO6XLvywU2qJZ2eMqIpWcIBu9JQ1H6c_sdvi69OERzvGhnYK5fls-uVhGqjIA/w640-h360/Our%20Motorcycle%20Ride%20Date.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Jessi had a mid-week day off, the kids were in school, and the weather was perfect. So, Jessi and I enjoyed a 172-mile motorcycle ride date.</p><p>It was as epic as you'd want it to be.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJttGxAyPaYRZZbIKyqhPg4o_7bg6Vl1CAgNBhpCP9AZIaEnv1ZZI0VbZiOLluhe3erOy3ztW7Ohj5ArUnmCrNBLGgzfMfWC6LojYajZUCYgq9M0yQ7yNNPeaWbc3JNwPyrgRhSprxlEkwPRmVk6eQaBn034Fbiy4Dxgpoj9ZSlC4jKsBThw/s3030/Map%20of%20Our%20Motorcycle%20Ride.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Map of our motorcycle ride" border="0" data-original-height="2490" data-original-width="3030" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJttGxAyPaYRZZbIKyqhPg4o_7bg6Vl1CAgNBhpCP9AZIaEnv1ZZI0VbZiOLluhe3erOy3ztW7Ohj5ArUnmCrNBLGgzfMfWC6LojYajZUCYgq9M0yQ7yNNPeaWbc3JNwPyrgRhSprxlEkwPRmVk6eQaBn034Fbiy4Dxgpoj9ZSlC4jKsBThw/w640-h526/Map%20of%20Our%20Motorcycle%20Ride.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We started off taking a bunch of curvy roads Southwest out to the cost.</li><li>We then saw a Farmers market in Waldorf and visited all the vendors.</li><li>Riding along the coast and seeing waves break is blast!</li><li>Around halfway along the coast, in Newport, we stopped for clam chowder and salt water taffy. Delicious! We ate with a view of bay and watched the seals swim.</li><li>After the coast, we made our way back on another remote curvy road. 229 between Kernville and Siletz is spectacular. I highly recommend it.</li><li>411 from Siltez to Blodgett is also pretty, plus there's a mile section of dirt road - a pleasant surprise.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Overall, it was a great adventure. I'm thankful for days like that when we can unplug and have fun together.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaSyA9fEPSM6GbgJs7iDAA3b0cHji-YdO87YpWPn5ztBBxf3IDFFo9CLxh1-pTTwVRlyX0tLAhwzFXfwXX4NjxrMUB_rB92-GxqoibO0-0HWjmckk-ca1EMjxrj5Y7w5JOu6S-IPfSUYkXWMh6Y30Oj9tBI2nXvb8hqOEzC8eRa3PT_pITA/s4032/Lunch%20with%20a%20view.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaSyA9fEPSM6GbgJs7iDAA3b0cHji-YdO87YpWPn5ztBBxf3IDFFo9CLxh1-pTTwVRlyX0tLAhwzFXfwXX4NjxrMUB_rB92-GxqoibO0-0HWjmckk-ca1EMjxrj5Y7w5JOu6S-IPfSUYkXWMh6Y30Oj9tBI2nXvb8hqOEzC8eRa3PT_pITA/w640-h360/Lunch%20with%20a%20view.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-45398069455995005562023-03-08T10:42:00.002-08:002023-03-08T10:42:37.286-08:00The Illusion of Progress: Striking an AI Balance in the Age of Automation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYLbxXLx_DCczUgVVJ_Wpu_Xd0fXQT7aoEQsRtmPbpTBF200wlC0J4OkUrUspNRqbugCufRRQimkYaVIaaiD9bGcBk590sv4X9fFv_-t74m1DdI3M7MvgtsRPuqMEtDSTy0nu7HJ4oCrpUk3Mh1VfOExiHESgsa-UDA0XoWESI-zcGiZHRg/s2560/A%20real%20chat%20bot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="2560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYLbxXLx_DCczUgVVJ_Wpu_Xd0fXQT7aoEQsRtmPbpTBF200wlC0J4OkUrUspNRqbugCufRRQimkYaVIaaiD9bGcBk590sv4X9fFv_-t74m1DdI3M7MvgtsRPuqMEtDSTy0nu7HJ4oCrpUk3Mh1VfOExiHESgsa-UDA0XoWESI-zcGiZHRg/w640-h640/A%20real%20chat%20bot.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My prompt: "Anthropomorphic AI chatbot, perfect composition, beautiful detailed intricate insanely detailed octane render trending on artstation, 8 k artistic photography, photorealistic concept art, soft natural volumetric cinematic perfect light, chiaroscuro, award-winning photograph, masterpiece, oil on canvas"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Does there come the point where "everything" becomes AI-driven, and so it loses its value?<br /><br />It feels like AI has exploded on the scene in the same way the blockchain did a few years ago. At least once a week, I receive an email where a company breathlessly exclaims their excitement for a new AI-driven feature.<br /><br />It'll automate my business!<br /><br />My customers will love the life-like responses!<br /><br />Yes! Yes! Yes!<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Do you need ideas for your social media posts? Use our AI copy editor!</li><li>Do you need to schedule meetings? Use our AI assistant!</li><li>Do you want to provide 24/7 chat support? Use our AI chatbot!</li><li>Want to set rent rates intelligently? Use our AI leasing agent!</li><li>Need to create legal documents? Use our AI paralegal!</li><li>Want to add automations to spreadsheets and databases? Use our AI analyst!</li></ul>OK. OK. I get it. Computer science turned the corner to make AI models easier to implement.<br /><br />To be clear, each of these are super cool from a tech standpoint. (Also, I have a company that <a href="https://majordomo.com/">uses AI to analyze home inspections</a>. So this is a little bit of the pot calling the kettle black... 😬 )<br /><br />I understand companies wanting to capitalize on the trend. When I bought a small storage facility, I figured out how to onboard new customers 100% remotely. I did it because I didn't want to drive 30 minutes to sign lease agreements, and I certainly didn't want to pay someone to be on-site!<br /><br />But you better believe that when COVID hit, I touted our "contactless solution" as much as possible.<br /><br />This feels the same. Of course companies are working on ways to automate tools. That's the name of the game, which <a href="https://amzn.to/3T30ndu">The Innovator's Dilemma</a> mentions. But, let's be honest, it's not quite as good as a non-automated version. Like my "contactless solution," these new AI tools aren't as good as having someone in an office (yet?). It's good enough, but not the best possible solution.<br /><br />Is there where we're headed? Good enough?<br /><br /><div>Are we headed into a world of blah? Blah social posts. Blah customer service. Even more blah customer service lines.<br /><br />The real problem is that we're still in the AI <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/what-is-the-uncanny-valley">uncanny valley</a>. It's the unsettling feeling we experience from a not-quite-human AI result. It's close... but something doesn't feel right. How long do we need to slog through this period until we can't tell? Do we even want that?<br /><br />The customer in me doesn't. But the business person in me does! Mainly because it means I can automate low-value activities and focus on delivering an exceptional, genuinely personalized (bespoke!) experience on high-value services. Or maybe I'm thinking too hard. If I continue writing articles and social media posts myself, that'll set me apart from all the AI-created content.<br /><br />Maybe? Let's see how I do against an AI. Here's my chatGPT prompt:<br /><br /><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: courier;">Act as an expert business coach that speaks and writes fluent English. Write a 300-500 word educational article about the problems of turning all services into AI-driven services. Provide 3 examples of how an AI-driven world isn't as good. Use a thought-provoking tone of voice to communicate the message. The goal is to convince people that AI is good, but shouldn't be the ultimate goal. Make sure to avoid generic advice.</span><br /><br /></div><blockquote><div>As an expert business coach, I have witnessed the growing trend of businesses turning all their services into AI-driven services. While there are undeniable benefits to this technology, such as increased efficiency and cost savings, relying solely on AI can cause significant problems. In this article, I want to explore some of the downsides of an AI-driven world and provide three examples of how it can fall short.<br /><br />Firstly, one of the most significant problems with an AI-driven world is the potential for dehumanization. While AI can automate many tasks, it cannot replace the human touch. Services that require empathy, compassion, and creativity may suffer in an AI-driven world. For example, a chatbot may provide quick answers to frequently asked questions, but it cannot replace the personal touch of a human customer service representative who can listen to a customer's concerns and offer personalized solutions.<br /><br /></div><div>Secondly, AI-driven services are only as good as the data they are trained on. In other words, if the data used to train the AI is biased or incomplete, the AI will make biased or incomplete decisions. This can have far-reaching consequences, such as perpetuating discrimination or making inaccurate medical diagnoses. For example, a healthcare provider that relies solely on AI-driven diagnostic tools may miss vital information that a human doctor could pick up.<br /><br />Thirdly, an over-reliance on AI can lead to a loss of jobs and skills. As more services become automated, there is a risk that humans will be left with fewer job opportunities. Additionally, there is a risk that skills required to perform tasks that are now automated will be lost over time. This can have significant economic and social consequences, such as increased unemployment and a lack of diversity in the job market.<br /><br />In conclusion, while AI has many benefits, it should not be the ultimate goal for businesses. An AI-driven world can lead to dehumanization, biased decision-making, and a loss of jobs and skills. Instead, businesses should strive to find a balance between AI and human-led services, where AI is used to augment human decision-making rather than replace it. This approach can ensure that businesses continue to deliver high-quality services that meet the needs of their customers while also protecting the interests of their employees and society as a whole.</div></blockquote><div><br />We're in trouble.</div><div><br /></div><div>In my honest opinion, the content is fantastic, but the delivery is predictable and boring. I hope that companies focus on using AI as a starting point and not the final product. I know they won't - its too cost-effective to automate everything - but a customer and hope.<br /></div><br />BTW, I also used AI to come up with 10 "very click-enticing" titles. Here are the results:<br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Is AI Taking Over the World? The Dark Side of AI-Driven Services</li><li>The Real Cost of Convenience: Why AI-Driven Services Aren't Always the Answer</li><li>Are You Ready for an AI-Only Future? The Risks and Rewards of Automated Services</li><li>The Perils of Dehumanization: Why AI Can't Replace the Human Touch</li><li>The Biased AI Trap: How AI-Driven Services Can Perpetuate Discrimination</li><li>The Job Apocalypse: Will AI-Driven Services Take Over Your Job?</li><li>The Human Advantage: Why AI Needs Humans to Succeed</li><li>AI vs. Humanity: Striking a Balance in the Age of Automation</li><li>The Illusion of Progress: The Hidden Dangers of Over-Reliance on AI</li><li>A Wake-Up Call for Businesses: Why AI Shouldn't Be the Ultimate Goal.</li></ol><div>These are indeed click-enticing. In fact, these are good enough that I combined a couple to create my title. And you clicked, right?</div><div><br /></div>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-124674885711639542023-01-03T07:30:00.001-08:002023-01-03T07:30:00.215-08:002023 Annual Letter: Exciting!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpCASc0aVERDVOGn4WFFFWBK6f1AwwTeCBmWdGusElHVJoWzrkwChFTxDVX97yHClISCS9afImdRcsi89N4eFjsgt6FwbJiXYIEMQS4_3H0XBrOYffUyVADvp_r5n5zyoJdM1ANVgZZKzlrSwTTCmWXW0QVH84mygkC--mSu0Dbk47g8HtA/s1544/2023%20Annual%20Letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2023 Annual Letter" border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1544" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpCASc0aVERDVOGn4WFFFWBK6f1AwwTeCBmWdGusElHVJoWzrkwChFTxDVX97yHClISCS9afImdRcsi89N4eFjsgt6FwbJiXYIEMQS4_3H0XBrOYffUyVADvp_r5n5zyoJdM1ANVgZZKzlrSwTTCmWXW0QVH84mygkC--mSu0Dbk47g8HtA/w640-h480/2023%20Annual%20Letter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>2022 was a good year for us. Jessi felt more comfortable in her job, and both kids are in school (Elinor is in second grade, and Samson is in kindergarten). And I reduced my business' biggest bottleneck from 4-6 hours a month to 30 minutes. So, if 2021 was all about significant change, 2022 was about learning to thrive in our new normal.<p></p><p>It was also a year of experimenting, learning, and traveling.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Experimenting and Learning</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Going into the year, I felt like I needed a new challenge. Life was great, but I also felt like I was coasting. So, I set out to find that challenge. I couldn't articulate it so clearly at the beginning of the year, but that's what was happening.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It reminds me of the advice from Angela Duckworth in her book </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3VGfusL" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Grit</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "interests are not discovered through introspection. Instead, interests are triggered by interactions with the outside world. The process of interest discovery can be messy, serendipitous, and inefficient." (Grit, p. 104). With that in mind, in addition to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">reading 25 books</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, I tried some new things.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Love INC Board Member</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.yourloveinc.org/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Love INC</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> mobilizes local churches to transform lives and communities in the name of Christ. It's a wonderful non-profit, so I started volunteering there twice a month at reception. And then, I was invited to join the board of directors. Now THAT'S been a learning experience! It's teaching me to slow down, look at decisions from all angles, and much more. I'm working with intelligent, dedicated, and faithful servants.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">MyBodyTutor Health Coach</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Going into 2022, I weighed 25 lbs more than my ideal weight. And more disturbingly, I would extreme diet for a few weeks and then yo-yo back to a higher weight! I wasn't obese, but I was not too fond of the trend. I had a classic "dad bod" and felt myself starting to struggle physically to do things I knew should be effortless.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, I hired a health coach at </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.mybodytutor.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">MyBodyTutor</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. I log my meals, water, exercise, and daily thoughts. It's all about sustainability, which is what I needed to learn. Interestingly, I was told not to change my eating habits during my first week. My coach got a baseline and then suggested one small change: pay attention to my hunger level. When I hit a 3 (out of 5) stop. Then, a couple of weeks later, he suggested eating a salad with dinner. And so on. The talks transitioned to body composition (i.e., getting stronger) as I got closer to my goal weight. There was nothing extreme, which is what makes it sustainable.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As the company's name suggests, it's about teaching me how to eat well and change my relationship with food. It's been more successful than I imagined. And yes, like a normal person, my weight went up after all the travel (see below) and the holiday season. But, unlike previous times, it wasn't nearly as much, and I have a doable plan to get back and a coach to encourage and redirect me each day.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And now, when my kids see me eating a treat, they sometimes harass me: "Are you going to tell your coach about that one?" Yes. I will. You little stinkers.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSosWlrxCFWTPo4GoJFPlyREpHQu1nkkPzBwk6MbDCOWvwkBrll6ukOwUZSerzcQRTtiUE1X5qRwMl6nyttcZ4lDQodvJbk4IzPfULoputoDcwPXSaLgOo4Obyv_RxmnhmJvPLXCV2Je6oEJc-cJouvcMd2RTS81aNQ5cxlUtvxhwx6pEAoQ/s2870/Weight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2870" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSosWlrxCFWTPo4GoJFPlyREpHQu1nkkPzBwk6MbDCOWvwkBrll6ukOwUZSerzcQRTtiUE1X5qRwMl6nyttcZ4lDQodvJbk4IzPfULoputoDcwPXSaLgOo4Obyv_RxmnhmJvPLXCV2Je6oEJc-cJouvcMd2RTS81aNQ5cxlUtvxhwx6pEAoQ/w640-h304/Weight.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's also made me a believer in coaching again. I forgot how powerful it is to have someone encouraging and holding you accountable to a higher standard. I also l like having someone who's been there and can answer my specific questions. It isn't cheap, but it works. I'm grateful to be in a place where I can afford to get expert help to achieve my goals.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">React Web Development</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">At the end of 2021, I was frustrated with my accounting software. So, I designed my own and started coding it with my brother. Then, about midway through the year, I discovered </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.doorloop.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">DoorLoop</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which had 85% of the features I wanted - close enough. So, I put my project on the self and switched to DoorLoop. My time spent on accounting dropped from 4-6 hours a month to 30 minutes. Woohoo!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I suppose I could feel upset about "wasting" 6 months on coding, but I figured out exactly what features I wanted, and I learned a new skill - </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://reactjs.org/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">React</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> - in the process. I'm not hirable, but I learned enough to update my </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">furlo.com</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> website. It's built using </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://nextjs.org/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Next.js</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://tailwindcss.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Tailwind CSS</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for styling, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.sanity.io/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sanity</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for the CMS, and it's hosted on </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.netlify.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Netlify</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://github.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">GitHub</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> managing all the files).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHM19ExGxREq_Hp28sl87BKd0MFtjwU5YT5qLbu3iwAoKd4g7qOyFG4bF11EF9ldUD93mfvt6wl9gYDEplEQDppo9F3i8HKTBK1j93u5C1pkkjE0WDyqNPoz-dXzSnWGR7L8SvlGuzN_YpBnbluAIYvK4jpj-wwp5oAFr_WanqWgQ4dKFjA/s2972/Furlo%20Capital%20Website.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="furlo.com homepage" border="0" data-original-height="1810" data-original-width="2972" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHM19ExGxREq_Hp28sl87BKd0MFtjwU5YT5qLbu3iwAoKd4g7qOyFG4bF11EF9ldUD93mfvt6wl9gYDEplEQDppo9F3i8HKTBK1j93u5C1pkkjE0WDyqNPoz-dXzSnWGR7L8SvlGuzN_YpBnbluAIYvK4jpj-wwp5oAFr_WanqWgQ4dKFjA/w640-h390/Furlo%20Capital%20Website.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">With this challenge winding down, I moved on.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Welding</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are two types of learning: just-in-time and just-in-case. Just-in-time is when you have a specific reason for learning something. For example, I learned React because I needed it to make a website. Just-in-case is when you don't have a particular need... yet. It's incredible how often I learn a skill "just because" and then quickly find I "need" it later. I like to think that happens because I now have the willingness to tackle new types of problems because, in the back of my head, I know I have the skills.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Welding is a just-in-case skill. I bought the equipment, learned the basics, and made a couple of items, like a stand for my chair (pictured below). It's fun. Time-consuming! But fun. I wouldn't be surprised if I find myself needing to fix something metal in the future. Or, maybe I'll make a bench for the front yard. 🤷♂️</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SMlRkXQGN8WTsNxGlGJVXgtoDoff7d0Kr3TLiUFodJsg2pOUKqYMTNnXQjCbuPnUDUtYImm_3vnt3zpRsyvwlPCIVpe9r6_WoaOyQCkfsW-ccOatZBxSoF2FiDz5-nIUGSS_B4yzW9200EOJeiRY0RqU5wDIxP8fwOwDV25Jhlpt2NeH3w/s4032/IMG_2543.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Welded chair stand" border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SMlRkXQGN8WTsNxGlGJVXgtoDoff7d0Kr3TLiUFodJsg2pOUKqYMTNnXQjCbuPnUDUtYImm_3vnt3zpRsyvwlPCIVpe9r6_WoaOyQCkfsW-ccOatZBxSoF2FiDz5-nIUGSS_B4yzW9200EOJeiRY0RqU5wDIxP8fwOwDV25Jhlpt2NeH3w/w640-h360/IMG_2543.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Two other just-in-case skills on my wishlist list that also sound like fun:</p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3D CAD design/printing. Then I'd be able to work with wood, metal, and plastic. Who knows what crazy projects I could take on!</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The other skill is drone flying. I don't own or require a drone, but that seems like a good skill to have... just in case...</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Video Making</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Being a YouTube Star sounds cool. Maybe I could become one? Plus, I like the idea of </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2022/09/invest-in-what-you-love.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">building a digital asset</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. So, I took an </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://courses.smartpassiveincome.com/p/youtube-from-scratch" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">online course</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, set up a simple studio in my garage, and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJL39Z8oPJI5AWJMol3SyQg" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">made some videos</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Here's the before and after of my studio.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc7nFvVeRpWvQ8JHfSwMQD7wP-kPhU-ZK2XPxpr8OcrN0MObb7zReH8BBo7Bct8vuqr29D7SixTr5I7GK4KjiHtDVkOtmArEfFkM-8vNUbz_OgYZEiiZSvZNyj8PDXOp2KO90VlL2O_w6hoLkcK8PAj8GJNzxwlK4XbZhJxVR2hfSJIbsMw/s2188/Home%20Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New studio compared to old" border="0" data-original-height="2188" data-original-width="2020" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc7nFvVeRpWvQ8JHfSwMQD7wP-kPhU-ZK2XPxpr8OcrN0MObb7zReH8BBo7Bct8vuqr29D7SixTr5I7GK4KjiHtDVkOtmArEfFkM-8vNUbz_OgYZEiiZSvZNyj8PDXOp2KO90VlL2O_w6hoLkcK8PAj8GJNzxwlK4XbZhJxVR2hfSJIbsMw/w590-h640/Home%20Studio.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Pretty cool, right? It's much better, but I still need to work on my color grading.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I want to keep making videos, but I don't see myself getting into the weekly content-creation game. In the class, I learned about the importance of titles + thumbnails. I also learned about creating hooks and holding attention. Oh yeah. And I learned it takes around ~100 videos of practice to get good at it. So... if you want to get good at it fast, publish as many videos as possible.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also learned most (not all, but most) weekly creators don't edit their own videos, which frees them up to focus on the content. For me, a 5-ish minute video takes an hour of brainstorming/outlining. Then, an hour to set up, practice, and record the video. Then 2.5 hours to edit it and 30 minutes to create the thumbnail.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's the business case: It would cost me ~$100 to pay someone to edit that 5-minute video (though, to be honest, they can do it better and faster than I can, but we'll roll with the number for now). Plus, I want to make at least $100 per video myself. At first, I wouldn't make anything because Youtube has minimum requirements to join their </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72851?hl=en" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Partner Program</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, but once I qualify, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mint.intuit.com/blog/relationships/how-much-do-youtubers-make/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">it's estimated I'd make $3-$5 per 1,000 video views</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Assuming it's $3, the breakeven point is 67K views per video. That's a lot, but not impossible. I made a video about a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://youtu.be/UTNJTJp1C3A" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">garden fence</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (of all things) that has 232K views. That would be a $700 video if I was in the Partner Program.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMythicalMorning" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Good Mythical Morning</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> averages 1M views per video. That's $3,000-$5,000 per video. And they seem to upload ~15 videos a month. That's $45K-$75K a month and doesn't include sponsorships, subscriptions, or store sales. No wonder they can afford a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Mythical_Morning" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">team of 28 people</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It seems like every kid wants to become a YouTube or TikTok star, and I get it, given the potential revenue. Not only does the distribution channel - via the algorithm - already exist, but the logistics of product fulfillment and creation are much easier than a traditional product. Plus, being "famous" sounds attractive - at least, according to the curated/edited version of life we see online. In a culture where being genuinely known is harder - no thanks to said platforms - I get the misguided attraction. I don't love the trajectory of a society where most young people pursue a career on TikTok instead of math or science, but I get the logic.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Yikes! That went dark fast. Let's pull back to the business of finding monetary success on Youtube.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So... how many videos do you need to make to start breaking even (assuming it's a normal niche topic)? The rule of thumb is still 100 videos. It's mainly for practice and finding your voice/style/niche, but Youtube also values fresh content. So if you're regularly uploading new videos, Youtube's algorithm rewards that.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But wait! You say. Making 100 videos that cost $100 each is $10,000, plus my own time! Yep. That's why most people suggest you start from a place of passion and edit your own videos first. See if you'll stick to it and see if you can reach the minimum Partner Program requirements. Then hire someone.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another objection is that you don't have 100 video ideas on a single topic. Me neither. But here's what I've learned: start with the ideas you do have and commit to a schedule. You'll find that you'll start viewing your ordinary everyday experiences through a creator's lens and develop more content ideas than you can create. For example, when someone else only sees a beautiful flower, you also see a metaphor for making your rental ad listing stand out in a crowded market.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Oh, man! I'm getting </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">myself</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> excited to make another video!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Syndications</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">After experimenting with web development, welding, and video making, I returned to my first love: real estate. I thought about pursuing the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) but ultimately landed on syndications. It fits my skills and interests, plus I think it'll be the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2022/12/why-multifamilies-will-be-best.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">best investment on the planet in 2023</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, this year, I'll bring together a group of people to pool our resources to purchase apartment buildings that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for any of us to buy on our own. My team will find the property, secure financing, and manage the property. The other investors will provide the cash and receive an equity share along with cash flow distributions and profits in returns for their investment.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Like my health, I hired a coach to help me learn the ins and outs of syndications. I learned about finding deals, raising capital, the legal side of private placement memorandums, and managing larger projects. It's what I love doing at a higher level. It's great!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It reminds me of another finding in Grit: "novelty for the beginner comes in one form, and novelty for the expert in another. For the beginner, novelty is anything that hasn't been encountered before. For the expert, novelty is nuance." (Grit, p. 114). </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One new skill I'm learning is raising capital. I used my own money on all my previous projects, so I never had the need. But, again, larger multifamilies require much more capital. And I want to buy 200 additional units, which is a little over $24M worth of real estate (using Oregon values). Assuming I finance 70% of each purchase, that's still $7.3M for down payments!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, I'm learning how to structure the purchase so that it's attractive for other people to invest with me. And I'm learning how to ask people to join me. I'm enjoying the process and am attending a conference in Kentucky later in January to learn even more.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is my main focus in 2023. It feels right. And I get to do other fun things, like making videos and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">building a React website</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> in the process. </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Additional Learning in 2023</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Compared to last year, this might sound non-ambitious, but I want to learn how to solve a Rubik's Cube. When other Cubers (I just learned the term "Cuber") solve one, it looks like magic, and I want to be part of that magical club. Combine this with juggling and Sudoku, and who knows what I can accomplish! I don't have a specific completion time, but under a minute feels possible.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5e-WBYXM4tKXn2CQ0guGqzCA5G8nNtXqrFMl6FUSHX_IfRcFMUPT0OacjcPajhFkCd7KMXu8u9g19DOR5Oc9-zcAxqgI5oGJXR5-6BH0wTzNPJ1qnJI-OAF-Nt7h-24rHTFhSm8IVbU8-6PJlcFBk1Ri-YAuNNrn6F0H-7da6IjMet58Rg/s4032/Rubiks%20Cube.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5e-WBYXM4tKXn2CQ0guGqzCA5G8nNtXqrFMl6FUSHX_IfRcFMUPT0OacjcPajhFkCd7KMXu8u9g19DOR5Oc9-zcAxqgI5oGJXR5-6BH0wTzNPJ1qnJI-OAF-Nt7h-24rHTFhSm8IVbU8-6PJlcFBk1Ri-YAuNNrn6F0H-7da6IjMet58Rg/w640-h360/Rubiks%20Cube.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Three other fun skills on my future wishlist are:</p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Improving my chess game. I know the basic rules but know zero strategies.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Taking better photos. Specifically, I want to improve my composition & editing skills.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I want to learn a </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">handful</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> of close-up magic tricks (see what I did there? 😂).</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I know it sounds goofy, but each of them sounds like so much fun!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But seriously, I spent 2022 experimenting, which was what I needed to do. This year feels like a year of effortful, deliberate practice to raise capital and syndicate multifamily properties. This comes from another piece of advice from Grit:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"First, they set a stretch goal, zeroing in on just one narrow aspect of their overall performance. Rather than focus on what they already do well, experts strive to improve specific weaknesses. They intentionally seek out challenges they can't yet meet." (Grit, p. 121)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Then, with undivided attention and great effort, experts strive to reach their stretch goal. Interestingly, many choose to do so while nobody's watching." (Grit, p. 121)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"As soon as possible, experts hungrily seek feedback on how they did. Necessarily, much of that feedback is negative. This means that experts are more interested in what they did </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">wrong</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">—so they can fix it—than what they did </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">right</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">." (Grit, p. 122)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"And after feedback, then what? Then experts do it all over again, and again, and again. Until they have finally mastered what they set out to do. Until what was a struggle before is now fluent and flawless. Until conscious incompetence becomes unconscious competence." (Grit, p. 123)</span></p></blockquote><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2022 Travel</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In 2021 we canceled all our travel while Jessi started her new job. It feels like we made up for it this year.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">St Thomas</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We planned to go somewhere in January but canceled at the last minute (2 hours before going to the airport). Since we already had childcare and work covered, we decided to get away with a couple of friends. So, that same morning we booked a flight to St Thomas, which was warm and beautiful. We swam, snorkeled, paddle-boarded, and drove on the "wrong" side of the street. It was great getting away.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVhKEL0JmTEtq2y0BUA1BATzL3nyuA9TFWvy09lfQ_8XSdx1qWhSg7Qk2BJJfhlvdf85QMfvqwFL2gD4rBM3H5yUYjKKnig5Q4avlo7wmLPe6uVOiEtKRnzZnAPcR-i27SBBokbasxcPii20MukGq5M8NKchFlCTHZV9oTWX3zFtP5-d6PA/s4032/IMG_0671.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVhKEL0JmTEtq2y0BUA1BATzL3nyuA9TFWvy09lfQ_8XSdx1qWhSg7Qk2BJJfhlvdf85QMfvqwFL2gD4rBM3H5yUYjKKnig5Q4avlo7wmLPe6uVOiEtKRnzZnAPcR-i27SBBokbasxcPii20MukGq5M8NKchFlCTHZV9oTWX3zFtP5-d6PA/w640-h360/IMG_0671.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Train Ride To Portland</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For my birthday, we rode the train to Portland, spent the night, and rode the train back. Trains are super fun, and the kids loved it. We mostly hung out in the dome car, watching the world go by. Two hours of travel seemed about right for the kids. Trains still don't run on time, but that's part of the experience.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVktuE39L6spLBP1bxwfj6LyQAm5GXHVm4cyptAjrQ2Q_5jyllmoz4C-cNXU5POL1wcCky7aKOOn8d4aEYgPrXucZX96DRq4ktnfBeaZn6zIMv6eaLIoVojyG9T-wHrY95ZXFwWIrVuX_pSWW66MMbOBhuJDtXfUr19JED0-UATn3V8V8Ng/s4032/IMG_2885.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVktuE39L6spLBP1bxwfj6LyQAm5GXHVm4cyptAjrQ2Q_5jyllmoz4C-cNXU5POL1wcCky7aKOOn8d4aEYgPrXucZX96DRq4ktnfBeaZn6zIMv6eaLIoVojyG9T-wHrY95ZXFwWIrVuX_pSWW66MMbOBhuJDtXfUr19JED0-UATn3V8V8Ng/w640-h360/IMG_2885.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Walt Disney World</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">After pushing this trip out a few times, we made it to the Happiest Place On Earth (TM) </span><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">in November</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> with my extended family - 13 in all. Our kids were the perfect age, and I couldn't have imagined it going better. Also, it turns out that Elinor is my rollercoaster buddy - she loved Space Mountain and Everest. Samson loved Hollywood Studios, especially the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYozbphJtgfucdW77hRO-Osm7B-Jp9GE4uGbk8Xufhk45jQUSKOFBg5Xcy98Yo_4WXYcmVZJ56cmk1k57UdLgn3cA5txhURMNoUve9jXwCetEFRWGolmWa2cbsflFdjaGCJae04TIUJlavlTG_k0klgFeNnV0q5P9Bw1wIaU7lrA5KRWTC2Q/s4032/WDW%20-%20Splash%20Mountain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYozbphJtgfucdW77hRO-Osm7B-Jp9GE4uGbk8Xufhk45jQUSKOFBg5Xcy98Yo_4WXYcmVZJ56cmk1k57UdLgn3cA5txhURMNoUve9jXwCetEFRWGolmWa2cbsflFdjaGCJae04TIUJlavlTG_k0klgFeNnV0q5P9Bw1wIaU7lrA5KRWTC2Q/w640-h360/WDW%20-%20Splash%20Mountain.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfU1aboOHtOskvtEF4eRt_OwzD75HIWGuJis8sfEm9pQ7KQoMpbte9BtA_3Vjf_QQUa6j1bkNoD1Wy6IX6QFyUjUxB9uOF7omp6RhYl5O-maX7J-ghbPIGARFz0h4_JniU9lt1WI_oI_c9XzlDyR5jl8dZPpJ_QNTkOpIdA-C0dq3jhdFNw/s3520/WDW%20-%20Fishing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfU1aboOHtOskvtEF4eRt_OwzD75HIWGuJis8sfEm9pQ7KQoMpbte9BtA_3Vjf_QQUa6j1bkNoD1Wy6IX6QFyUjUxB9uOF7omp6RhYl5O-maX7J-ghbPIGARFz0h4_JniU9lt1WI_oI_c9XzlDyR5jl8dZPpJ_QNTkOpIdA-C0dq3jhdFNw/w640-h360/WDW%20-%20Fishing.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpoem-3szIRuzNcD_FOAWPn9r_dEhyZyqiCkaJ9oha7Or_I3My_T---lfmCQtg_KFsjdoZYka-FCuEM1mu_DpK9FnviYMgW13n-7REfQ9mwMJ4c1yH7G-2WRzHnG1j5dHMhFGcH2dnuP3bGp0pyYQyetkpqMBTg9M70qvRd_C1bxII0Wv5A/s4032/WDW%20-%20Blue%20Milk.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpoem-3szIRuzNcD_FOAWPn9r_dEhyZyqiCkaJ9oha7Or_I3My_T---lfmCQtg_KFsjdoZYka-FCuEM1mu_DpK9FnviYMgW13n-7REfQ9mwMJ4c1yH7G-2WRzHnG1j5dHMhFGcH2dnuP3bGp0pyYQyetkpqMBTg9M70qvRd_C1bxII0Wv5A/w640-h360/WDW%20-%20Blue%20Milk.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_9iXuFD5V_QiO5CMbtw3EWFJ9B3QMzn-u143Ii-J8pDtmp4m-OTl1UZLOq1USQ8euOQzBEa7e6I0Ah3eEyYslhdN9SiWssoxE31jxh8SEMrLPQvlYMVTta5AxJS9tegooYsAqZmWuxAMOedSaSsOEsPFvCU118KDnO62Pro1jb4MBj1Nog/s4032/WDW%20-%20Epcot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_9iXuFD5V_QiO5CMbtw3EWFJ9B3QMzn-u143Ii-J8pDtmp4m-OTl1UZLOq1USQ8euOQzBEa7e6I0Ah3eEyYslhdN9SiWssoxE31jxh8SEMrLPQvlYMVTta5AxJS9tegooYsAqZmWuxAMOedSaSsOEsPFvCU118KDnO62Pro1jb4MBj1Nog/w360-h640/WDW%20-%20Epcot.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtzmNJX1sLbcLSy2viJkSBJmc3xU33o0Q2Qh5Y6jdJmvqiLtPGbQO8pCO4hpY0pwKV81dprGjaFXkx7qktWkxaphK9Ad7_1H6qr6FeR6GEwATz4qI8hvndmi5jzyC1u6GG0hZtuZgvdRzem_hQvi-zOJkYRJQ0vqmCU4OFvHEuOMy_1Qu9Q/s2305/WDW%20-%20FURLO.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2305" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtzmNJX1sLbcLSy2viJkSBJmc3xU33o0Q2Qh5Y6jdJmvqiLtPGbQO8pCO4hpY0pwKV81dprGjaFXkx7qktWkxaphK9Ad7_1H6qr6FeR6GEwATz4qI8hvndmi5jzyC1u6GG0hZtuZgvdRzem_hQvi-zOJkYRJQ0vqmCU4OFvHEuOMy_1Qu9Q/w640-h426/WDW%20-%20FURLO.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Saudi Arabia</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jessi and I ditched the kids and visited Saudi with a couple of friends </span><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">in November</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (yeah, you read that right: two big trips in November. We're crazy, I know). We had a couple of safety concerns at first, but they quickly faded. In fact, we felt safer walking around in Riyadh than we did in Portland! Saudi's goal is to create a new trade income to reduce its dependence on oil (which is smart). So, they're getting into tourism, which means making it more comfortable for tourists, like us, to visit. It was hot, dry, and oh-so-nice. I highly recommend visiting.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZVp1nP-DjNhiSyUu-DdMiQNQWX832fMVtnBp90eCrOg17Ox-nyoG8xJv5GamUn3d95QOzFSiFXs-tYb7_C5LLE-6DXUSPI-qgPXUyfD8__-1gN1aJrDu2YrSQaNf2II4nMciWVBvEQ0EV57RRR9hXOAjmwEBSQnTQv8adRJkvCRql0h9lw/s4032/Saudi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZVp1nP-DjNhiSyUu-DdMiQNQWX832fMVtnBp90eCrOg17Ox-nyoG8xJv5GamUn3d95QOzFSiFXs-tYb7_C5LLE-6DXUSPI-qgPXUyfD8__-1gN1aJrDu2YrSQaNf2II4nMciWVBvEQ0EV57RRR9hXOAjmwEBSQnTQv8adRJkvCRql0h9lw/w640-h360/Saudi.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HP9JH-ljSNGNYaJCXIAqsZ9NHyR3py4qtArJVsz8XxgEwJavDKGZVLs1NeSGTPdRAQNiF1AStTgmWyYK3OvE2BL_qBULTOkboWu7vJ168yBXwjwj-tqC9HsdDFYdeR_xeoAuXCILBrIbPO2IAqMc07_fQz6qCb8-r9uryaJDeqMW_AjkKw/s4032/Saudi%20-%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HP9JH-ljSNGNYaJCXIAqsZ9NHyR3py4qtArJVsz8XxgEwJavDKGZVLs1NeSGTPdRAQNiF1AStTgmWyYK3OvE2BL_qBULTOkboWu7vJ168yBXwjwj-tqC9HsdDFYdeR_xeoAuXCILBrIbPO2IAqMc07_fQz6qCb8-r9uryaJDeqMW_AjkKw/w640-h480/Saudi%20-%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Family Christmas Party</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">To round out a year of travel, I drove the kids down to California for a family Christmas party. It was great seeing my mom's extended family.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJ0C3FMagm1gqnPzviiVBBQPkv2IS01sl52tJSQ_8N8l-yLf1_M4YoUujfuaPtxUA25WDau_Ebr26v-MBANKMoqTkZbp9c9RJfIrjNPTg7-8NRGQ7ehCqa0wMhmUZpZTBuWRvrKw2gXlw_ex5il9QLpC4IfixZrkeJL1I2vZn2SszyS6vWA/s4032/Family%20Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJ0C3FMagm1gqnPzviiVBBQPkv2IS01sl52tJSQ_8N8l-yLf1_M4YoUujfuaPtxUA25WDau_Ebr26v-MBANKMoqTkZbp9c9RJfIrjNPTg7-8NRGQ7ehCqa0wMhmUZpZTBuWRvrKw2gXlw_ex5il9QLpC4IfixZrkeJL1I2vZn2SszyS6vWA/w640-h480/Family%20Christmas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Motorcycle Training</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Next year Jessi and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. For some reason, Jessi keeps agreeing to my crazy travel ideas, like </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2018/05/the-great-wall-marathon-adventure_23.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">running a marathon on the Great Wall</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. To prepare for our 15-year trip, we're learning how to ride motorcycles. It's been a lot of fun so far, and we'll kick off the year practicing longer off-road riding. I like trips that </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2018/05/behind-glitz-of-dream-marathon-race.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">require preparation</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> because it helps me get excited about them, and this fits perfectly. I'll share more as our plans come together.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5cK-nLdkwKfg224S0XEDTH1j9XcDEziBOHRTgIrJHCif9Z_8k3RpSvMN8Hs3tV4x58yFJO6Xot4m6D0gkUOZeEn6oLXU3laCbg-ignFJKYLC0VrApVlKIL6EOkroLebl4Mc0RxTOz1iV8FJ0E_T4dS7C0C-etDOc5KaDld1FkxTHhIwMNw/s4032/Motorcycles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5cK-nLdkwKfg224S0XEDTH1j9XcDEziBOHRTgIrJHCif9Z_8k3RpSvMN8Hs3tV4x58yFJO6Xot4m6D0gkUOZeEn6oLXU3laCbg-ignFJKYLC0VrApVlKIL6EOkroLebl4Mc0RxTOz1iV8FJ0E_T4dS7C0C-etDOc5KaDld1FkxTHhIwMNw/w640-h480/Motorcycles.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Looking Ahead to 2023</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One of my favorite questions from Tim Ferriss' book </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3i8OZi0" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The 4-Hour Workweek</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is, "The question you should be asking isn't, "What do I want?" or "What are my goals?" but "What would excite me?" There's a lot I'm excited about. I'm excited to continue developing as a board member, improve my body composition, become a Cuber, and syndicate an apartment building. It's going to be a wild ride.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also want to share more of what I'm doing and learning. I purposely shared less online last few years. But a book I read last year called </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3vxXt5j" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Oversubscribed</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> challenged me:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Maybe you don't think of yourself as a media or technology business with a daily focus on content creation, media distribution, software, data and automation. However, that's a foolish position to take these days. No matter what your business is, you are also a media and technology business." (Oversubscribed p. 171)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Plus, I listened to a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session347/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">podcast episode about writing a book</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> that suggested writing (or making videos/podcasts/art/etc.) was a way to share myself with future generations. Man. That got me. To think that there's a chance my kids, or grandkids, will read this someday... That's pretty cool. That's worth taking the time to write or record a video. And if it also helps me grow my business, that's a bonus.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I wish you an exciting year!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKUs3kDX8MA7kEa1lwS0-lfTPYAqWkIUn0vFhFaJ0RES-kL14ktqOnpZpZuiNm_Js-gnjJcF1uSKdUqiqGmriS5LARLfIIDPZqNhtkLyyca5fwuVqNid7q8z4-Z8DXr4v5KHYYchsfgf9z7iuRsM_iH0g9py4j0fkk_VjoogFwSiBVC2SLw/s915/imagejpeg_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="686" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKUs3kDX8MA7kEa1lwS0-lfTPYAqWkIUn0vFhFaJ0RES-kL14ktqOnpZpZuiNm_Js-gnjJcF1uSKdUqiqGmriS5LARLfIIDPZqNhtkLyyca5fwuVqNid7q8z4-Z8DXr4v5KHYYchsfgf9z7iuRsM_iH0g9py4j0fkk_VjoogFwSiBVC2SLw/w480-h640/imagejpeg_1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYsWMJAuBWn9dXOQwOqwi7ltpK-d0crqX12Mou-nPeEEA2mPNVZCqg-eUGzhQnVFNMLCXrSnXPzJXnM214_EYNd58rj1Hc3DjZGN64Cs56fB1QDQTOxq1EP-SYTOs-qfy2yEucgxiT1cx46FG24t0Epab_1d1ZXDGHgbFt50AUW66d5CI1w/s4032/IMG_0405.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYsWMJAuBWn9dXOQwOqwi7ltpK-d0crqX12Mou-nPeEEA2mPNVZCqg-eUGzhQnVFNMLCXrSnXPzJXnM214_EYNd58rj1Hc3DjZGN64Cs56fB1QDQTOxq1EP-SYTOs-qfy2yEucgxiT1cx46FG24t0Epab_1d1ZXDGHgbFt50AUW66d5CI1w/w640-h360/IMG_0405.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjl9q6nEsAg6puxi8rx6dwwZorn0frxpJQh29MV7-qOIkCbgsmPUeJcfGSPqYZrGaMwabEFzpAD7tl7hz6SXIRdj9o3nmXsGk5fE1d71qStQ9xt1K6Yft7vn41JdzUF-vDPCyjjCCYLk_cGWdzQ0ZuY_jTPq_PCzOYeSPrfBEM2bbsgRkQw/s3088/IMG_0424.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEPRhFMErqpyKBVeDF9B0ufODDgqOJ9P-OqsyJrl_3JLHOxHvYbo0Ofcg2P18OedvUdfMIt3I911fU-jOFQ-1CB17EsT_p2ToVAjqG93GNr2D3c4-gG8OEv2AG6tWlkM7_n4eDfev_98vfNBpbex9d82YMDIbDQxbzeU3WPnAr0Dom5bt6g/s4032/IMG_3778.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEPRhFMErqpyKBVeDF9B0ufODDgqOJ9P-OqsyJrl_3JLHOxHvYbo0Ofcg2P18OedvUdfMIt3I911fU-jOFQ-1CB17EsT_p2ToVAjqG93GNr2D3c4-gG8OEv2AG6tWlkM7_n4eDfev_98vfNBpbex9d82YMDIbDQxbzeU3WPnAr0Dom5bt6g/w640-h480/IMG_3778.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs_yX8qlKpDtvFkvAE-ZQx05uLEHjsPSuYwMFtC3H6KlbKjUuo-lu9uTLzOPrX4kvn6WmguwXDOdKBE_nXLHUncrgTw7lqkrja3FbWfK6ZzkCpsvV8SzlKDA7nPY_Oxdv3C-pjyL67xbTc9fHAMEhL3U-TNzxBnD-oIwmdIxrNLc5pjGq8A/s4032/IMG_4443.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs_yX8qlKpDtvFkvAE-ZQx05uLEHjsPSuYwMFtC3H6KlbKjUuo-lu9uTLzOPrX4kvn6WmguwXDOdKBE_nXLHUncrgTw7lqkrja3FbWfK6ZzkCpsvV8SzlKDA7nPY_Oxdv3C-pjyL67xbTc9fHAMEhL3U-TNzxBnD-oIwmdIxrNLc5pjGq8A/w640-h480/IMG_4443.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-64480347602195423592022-12-26T07:30:00.079-08:002022-12-26T07:30:00.184-08:00My Rapid Fire Review of 25 Non-Fiction Books I Read In 2022<h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UeVkifP4RRdnjie5TELrc0qnc0LGKpjbsfG_ekAqZgj_V-0fTSlUvOoyG-noYhSbdf8pGYYBEp01hTIsWLJlYMNE4Izf0Ou-aOdzaEpHHDPWukrmV4W9l688YEQ46A_Nu9Frwk5oIjH-JlH3z5ynN-UOcB6GidsEThr5bljS7NsXU9SDzQ/s4032/Reading%20on%20a%20Kindle.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UeVkifP4RRdnjie5TELrc0qnc0LGKpjbsfG_ekAqZgj_V-0fTSlUvOoyG-noYhSbdf8pGYYBEp01hTIsWLJlYMNE4Izf0Ou-aOdzaEpHHDPWukrmV4W9l688YEQ46A_Nu9Frwk5oIjH-JlH3z5ynN-UOcB6GidsEThr5bljS7NsXU9SDzQ/w640-h360/Reading%20on%20a%20Kindle.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></h1><div><span style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">It's taken me a while, but I'm finally admitting that one of my "hobbies" is reading. I suppose part of the reason it feels weird to admit that is because, except for two comic book subscriptions, I didn't read a single fiction book. It feels more like learning/studying for my business, not a pastime.</span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26); color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26); color: #0e101a;">And, if I'm being honest, "reading" sounds like an unexciting cop-out hobby. So be it. I enjoy reading non-fiction books and am embracing that it's my hobby.</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26); color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26); color: #0e101a;">So, here's everything I read last year: 25 books, 2 comics, and 1 magazine. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26); color: #0e101a;">Perhaps one of them will pique your interest.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Readwise</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj0VKS9KndqQx2HX21OZkW-1AN4ZQXn9HDJ6B65eB6bqT6iNhsiTWAyklZel_eCIlWtxBPtNk-Uj8-dvEGPUVzZSgx5SvaTzZv_-NKppZIrJQUimcckMoHbkdr-_Mh5PwP4lVL0T4Re92QI8O2z1PZWfNUsN4gvkPOPiElKm7NOw3tPea8w/s248/Rewise%20logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="248" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj0VKS9KndqQx2HX21OZkW-1AN4ZQXn9HDJ6B65eB6bqT6iNhsiTWAyklZel_eCIlWtxBPtNk-Uj8-dvEGPUVzZSgx5SvaTzZv_-NKppZIrJQUimcckMoHbkdr-_Mh5PwP4lVL0T4Re92QI8O2z1PZWfNUsN4gvkPOPiElKm7NOw3tPea8w/w200-h200/Rewise%20logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Before I get to the books I read this year, I wanted to share a new tool I discovered. It's called <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://readwise.io/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Readwise</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, and it emails you highlights from books you've read to help you remember key ideas. I typically read on a Kindle, and Readwise syncs all my Kindle highlights. When I listen to an audiobook, I manually add it, and Readwise sends popular highlights (it's not as thorough as I'd like, but it's still helpful).</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are many features, but I like getting their daily emails with 10 highlights. Sometimes it's a simple reminder, an inspirational nudge, or I scratch my head, wondering why I highlighted that part. :)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's not free, but it helps me get more from the time I invest in reading a book. If you read a bunch of books, I recommend trying it out.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">OK. On to the books!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Christian Books</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3WDkW0v" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Muslims, Christians, and Jesus</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Understanding the World of Islam and Overcoming the Fears That Divide Us</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Carl Medearis</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvM4ZKAhQMClDTjUkoKw1eK8GJlRNCjoFiSS7818wMHKJjvc0Iul2qLstlXPV2N9_SDeGMwD1Ex7K7S2LRJGwiK6-cLNIlhORHFMtzMTbDiBU5T8VAtMEgcP7zRCYi__b4FTd5W2_RVEZwLXnvef6aBB9VW2kpSzR-87sX_ETdkf12B8tlw/s500/51BYm45DIBL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvM4ZKAhQMClDTjUkoKw1eK8GJlRNCjoFiSS7818wMHKJjvc0Iul2qLstlXPV2N9_SDeGMwD1Ex7K7S2LRJGwiK6-cLNIlhORHFMtzMTbDiBU5T8VAtMEgcP7zRCYi__b4FTd5W2_RVEZwLXnvef6aBB9VW2kpSzR-87sX_ETdkf12B8tlw/w129-h200/51BYm45DIBL.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><br />I cannot say enough good things about this book. If you're friends with a Muslim and wondering how to converse with them, this book is for you. Medearis' main point is simple: there's a lot in common between Muslims and Christians; focus on that. For example, we both believe there is one God; he's the sole creator of the universe and us. Start your conversation on common ground and go from there. Which, honestly, is good to do with anyone you're talking to. The book has many practical examples, which I found helpful.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3WJkwpx" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Simple Money, Rich Life</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Bob Lotich</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShIHMFW9fW-6zAVhOiPOJSmFxx-AMMnWHH_u4x_sl3JqZNrycuUGSZY_CzEBoMkYXqmA0ZEXrFxu7I_SLOg5vrOeN13oa1ROY7-Nsvp9MM5QKa1QXVfBcEpQDEQ3WgiBPmtoQyhkWK_hU_wwmsVQLgwdnKtYh723DIVEYnMdymIfFY5BePw/s500/41KFJCRDaIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShIHMFW9fW-6zAVhOiPOJSmFxx-AMMnWHH_u4x_sl3JqZNrycuUGSZY_CzEBoMkYXqmA0ZEXrFxu7I_SLOg5vrOeN13oa1ROY7-Nsvp9MM5QKa1QXVfBcEpQDEQ3WgiBPmtoQyhkWK_hU_wwmsVQLgwdnKtYh723DIVEYnMdymIfFY5BePw/w133-h200/41KFJCRDaIL.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />Published this year, Lotich weaves Christian principles with personal finance. I particularly liked his section on giving and our heart towards it.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"The world tells us it's in financial independence, having a couple million in your Roth IRA or 401(k), having a vacation house, or retiring at 40. And while there isn't anything wrong with those goals, if we're actually eternal beings who are on the earth only for a breath of time, it seems far smarter to store up eternal wealth in heaven than to focus all our efforts storing up as much wealth as possible on earth. And if that's the case, then we should stop defining financial success the way the world does: by how much we accumulate. As Christians, we should measure financial success not by what we accumulate but by what we give." (Bob Lotich, Simple Money, Rich Life)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's not as practical as you might want, but my experience is that personal finance success is all about mindset, not how-tos. In that sense, this book does a fantastic job of helping align your thinking with the Lord's.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3jlV0bn" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Prayer</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (re-read)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">by Timothy Keller</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxNuTRbuwO3p5272obKa6LuYVvASjM0bR8YPsvWZMUkxjOt_iAofBfxHMyToFFlgDpxRt97xdaUa8w-nQfMSS2rFr8BlhJs3hqNpG0LM4xuBs01eauu8kzXa0BZZVPa1cozh31QDOKduA7vfyd7H_kh-SdjCaJSWbbASFHWvl2RFU8YTnKA/s2400/81Flyco2MsL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1538" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxNuTRbuwO3p5272obKa6LuYVvASjM0bR8YPsvWZMUkxjOt_iAofBfxHMyToFFlgDpxRt97xdaUa8w-nQfMSS2rFr8BlhJs3hqNpG0LM4xuBs01eauu8kzXa0BZZVPa1cozh31QDOKduA7vfyd7H_kh-SdjCaJSWbbASFHWvl2RFU8YTnKA/w128-h200/81Flyco2MsL.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><br />I continue to love this book and encourage every Christian to read it. It's a beautiful blend of theology and application. Prayer is similar to personal finance in that it's easy to do but also easy to forget. Or, we wait until we feel "moved" to pray. Instead, focus on making prayer a habit.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Prayer should be done regularly, persistently, resolutely, and tenaciously at least daily, whether we feel like it or not... We should pray even if we are not getting anything out of it. Imagine that you are rooming with someone and he or she virtually doesn't speak to you. All she does is leave messages. When you mention it, she says, "Well, I don't get much out of talking to you. I find it boring and my mind flitting everywhere, so I just don't try." What will you conclude? Regardless of how scintillating a conversationalist you are, it's rude for her not to talk to you." (Timothy Keller, Prayer)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3VihFm9" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Mandarinfish</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> - The Splendor of the Diverse Church</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Ron King</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GepnBnvdAgPlCh7UhSAO3GaMG_xRWJIYZJf2NiXBQSRhGL1aD726xfYH8LsjFcmH_3XVLYq3VOiI1v9QiJBG3yJ6rOjtgwiujNMgTQtZvNKPZiMFzcKt652oLQLvOcRhcGUr8cOUP0BdOkFjgZuDtfIiJh7jjCKl8IupCYxo1X_9x8hThg/s393/41avlOdoIXL._SX248_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GepnBnvdAgPlCh7UhSAO3GaMG_xRWJIYZJf2NiXBQSRhGL1aD726xfYH8LsjFcmH_3XVLYq3VOiI1v9QiJBG3yJ6rOjtgwiujNMgTQtZvNKPZiMFzcKt652oLQLvOcRhcGUr8cOUP0BdOkFjgZuDtfIiJh7jjCKl8IupCYxo1X_9x8hThg/w127-h200/41avlOdoIXL._SX248_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="127" /></a></div><br />Ron is a new pastor at my church, and he graciously shared his book with me. If I had to sum up this book in a phrase, it would be: cultivate a diverse church to see all the different ways - through ethnicities, socio-economic status, language, etc. - God is glorified. I found his thoughts on multi-language services interesting. Don't create two churches that happen to share the same building. Instead, keep it as one big church, even if the services are in different languages. Then, create opportunities for everyone to interact as one body. It reminds me of <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://my.bible.com/bible/59/ROM.12.4-5" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Romans 12:4-5</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">:</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.bible.com/" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Bible</span></strong></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (re-read)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTD-_Z-VxVWdCn8IfEv9CiY5S6BJsq8OjICjfgvpqB8ICi3NIdOpheiDmWy1_VRkPRGDjGYCgImoBlaODsE6RHiGEZ8C4unOD_NhX3CHpJPTX2ue_FH-Z_3xN0VBTX_oG2L9fQSNDEtFCnDHG1qLRO7YeTEy6epGww1DxvzJ7hRcVhB6GbA/s2054/ESV%20Bible.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2054" data-original-width="1188" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTD-_Z-VxVWdCn8IfEv9CiY5S6BJsq8OjICjfgvpqB8ICi3NIdOpheiDmWy1_VRkPRGDjGYCgImoBlaODsE6RHiGEZ8C4unOD_NhX3CHpJPTX2ue_FH-Z_3xN0VBTX_oG2L9fQSNDEtFCnDHG1qLRO7YeTEy6epGww1DxvzJ7hRcVhB6GbA/w116-h200/ESV%20Bible.jpg" width="116" /></a></div><br />I created a Chronological reading plan that did both the Old and New Testaments in parallel. But in September, my church started an all-church read-the-Bible-in-a-year plan. So, I put my plan on the shelf and joined the church. When the church finishes in September of 2023, I'll take my plan off the shelf and finish the year in Chronological order.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3hRImAz" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: A Practical Guide to Walking with Low-Income People</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Steve Corbett & Briain Fikkert</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu9JKoCeqOPdh8X_EDi_uNPVjgntNQbMRKkEbkkRS_9t2CfNdHip0eZw8OFb2qejqB9N-1cqGQ7JVVlvSlmJHYhagzICKUMo95HXLLj0pjA1yG_0neEL11Oo77KpkXnMyKum9zZPqWUgh_on-jdSfMiVU1Qb5HsZW6tBNh85uy7ApGO80OQ/s2560/81xWv57CCFL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1670" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu9JKoCeqOPdh8X_EDi_uNPVjgntNQbMRKkEbkkRS_9t2CfNdHip0eZw8OFb2qejqB9N-1cqGQ7JVVlvSlmJHYhagzICKUMo95HXLLj0pjA1yG_0neEL11Oo77KpkXnMyKum9zZPqWUgh_on-jdSfMiVU1Qb5HsZW6tBNh85uy7ApGO80OQ/w131-h200/81xWv57CCFL.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><br />This year I joined the board of directors at <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.yourloveinc.org/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Love INC of Benton County</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which is a non-profit that mobilizes local churches to transform lives and communities in the name of Christ. But how do you help in a way that... actually helps?</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"[T]he reality is that truly helping materially poor people typically requires a much greater commitment of time, resources, and energy than the common method of simply giving them handouts." (Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert, Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It starts with a recognition that we are all broken.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Poverty is extremely complex, and so is poverty alleviation. At its core, poverty alleviation is the process of broken people in a broken world being restored to the hope and dignity God intends for human beings as His image-bearers. And the people who are broken—the people who need this restoration—are both the low-income people and those who are seeking to help them. Both parties are broken, and both need to be transformed."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The rest of the book goes into practical steps to assess how your church can help while keeping the right mindset. It helped me understand how Love INC operates so that I could be a better board member.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Business Books</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3PMH0nf" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Hooked</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: How to Build Habit-Forming Products</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Nir Eyal</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg187PZA3zPUf5n2OUQWTUJyMsTWIVkru_iza91EKt4XlLukrJaa5fAFUD8WBBgQty9sMf2oRlvEVJVSuGY2FMn-6WEJAgig2sqVb3N7r353-l2PuKl95V3ND1dWcWNs0Xbpj-Aj7I1BgDeZ4_LAht_BXQeETlJTumAZbs051VYWPwafJ5r-w/s500/41q7gZyFigL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg187PZA3zPUf5n2OUQWTUJyMsTWIVkru_iza91EKt4XlLukrJaa5fAFUD8WBBgQty9sMf2oRlvEVJVSuGY2FMn-6WEJAgig2sqVb3N7r353-l2PuKl95V3ND1dWcWNs0Xbpj-Aj7I1BgDeZ4_LAht_BXQeETlJTumAZbs051VYWPwafJ5r-w/w133-h200/41q7gZyFigL.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />Earlier in the year, I designed a website and read a trio of books to help my thinking: <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3FJcNAQ" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Don't Make Me Think</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, Hooked, and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3VmZwDZ" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Forms That Work</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Don't Make Me Think and Forms That Work focus on usability. Hooked applies psychology to website design to explain how successful products create unprompted user engagement - aka habits - where users visit a website repeatedly on their own. I wrote a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2022/03/hooked-book-review-and-summary.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">more extensive summary</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> that goes into more detail about the Hooked Model.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3VmZwDZ" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Forms that Work</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Designing Web Forms for Usability </strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Caroline Jarrett & Gerry Gaffney</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy7EtdasatMg8esuz4dmLTXGnFnldoRfPpar26ibwwIzMgKlNvsuT_wqvwIiEKhGjYxTa5E4I4c6gU24F0OLfrqSHoF-ESiNLa44Fi5KKVH6IDQlkG7fEHjPMG56lj7G5eJ6H2eRkVj-Es2zOJ7DmdFDwvDNlkcb1W9jETZzQvOhS2sXLfA/s500/51iMUCK9X2L.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="406" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy7EtdasatMg8esuz4dmLTXGnFnldoRfPpar26ibwwIzMgKlNvsuT_wqvwIiEKhGjYxTa5E4I4c6gU24F0OLfrqSHoF-ESiNLa44Fi5KKVH6IDQlkG7fEHjPMG56lj7G5eJ6H2eRkVj-Es2zOJ7DmdFDwvDNlkcb1W9jETZzQvOhS2sXLfA/w163-h200/51iMUCK9X2L.jpg" width="163" /></a></div><br />If you create forms for your job/business (digital or paper), you should read this book. It's a textbook that focuses on practical instructions with plenty of examples. I found it helpful for organizing and adding clarity to my forms. Similar to <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3FJcNAQ" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Don't Make Me Think</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, a big takeaway is never to assume something is "obvious." Be explicit with instructions and sometimes repeat yourself.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One of the things I like about the book is that it focuses on the relationship between the user and the organization.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"When your form asks your user a question, you want an answer—a piece of information that the user has and you do not. This represents an investment, even if it is only a tiny one, by the user in the relationship with your organization." (Caroline Jarrett, Gerry Gaffney, Forms That Work)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Once you think about forms as a social exchange, it helps you think through what you're actually asking people to do. One downside is that you'll start to "see" bad forms and be able to articulate why they're bad and how easily they could be better.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3YOLvlp" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Power of Moments</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Chip and Dan Heath</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRTjlzWF29hLrqJwyy8N0RBeo0N20ZgU_gleMtfmKwFuFpyajLW9kEdUs2rY2mK63F6ZrFE68B7r5O0zye_YMRw8xJ76t-bCiy8Gr1xpEK2Xe4X-4rKn4N7n_ZIFG46-Jz05fabTSB2mCstXtarN5mgJkNjQklU40J2OV9DuvdbIWEVqytQ/s346/515uJEkAu-L._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="226" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRTjlzWF29hLrqJwyy8N0RBeo0N20ZgU_gleMtfmKwFuFpyajLW9kEdUs2rY2mK63F6ZrFE68B7r5O0zye_YMRw8xJ76t-bCiy8Gr1xpEK2Xe4X-4rKn4N7n_ZIFG46-Jz05fabTSB2mCstXtarN5mgJkNjQklU40J2OV9DuvdbIWEVqytQ/w131-h200/515uJEkAu-L._SY346_.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><br />A defining moment is a short experience that is both memorable and meaningful. Three naturally occurring defining moments are transitions, milestones, and pits. Moments can also be created. This book teaches you how to make the most of those moments. It's a fantastic book that every leader should read.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Are you hiring someone? That's a transition.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Did you meet a growth goal? That's a milestone.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Lose a customer? That's a pit.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Is it a customer's first/only/last visit?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Are you revamping your company's strategy?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Is it the end of the year? A birthday? 5 years of service?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Was there a death of a loved one?</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are many moments we let pass by. For some, you may consider going all-out. For others, with a little bit of effort, you can significantly increase the power of the moment (because nobody else does).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For example, when a new tenant moves in, I provide soap and towels at the sinks, a fresh roll of TP, and a mini-notebook and pen to take move-in notes. And for a while, I also gave a gift certificate to take'n bake pizza. I stopped doing that during the pandemic, but I am starting it again because it's an easy way to elevate the moment for my new tenant.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One warning: it's a little too dense to read like a typical book. Instead, read it with a group where you slow down, discuss the concepts, and create concrete plans for your organization. I wouldn't mind re-reading it if you're looking for someone to read it with. :)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3BUavgX" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Primalbranding</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Create Belief Systems that Attract Communities</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Patrick Hanlon</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf26kDD4w_Nu4rut6yksRMlRAhaTTnxZuvXTp0qh2-fB2rmSbkO86E4C8ngaSoextSCJPpqCMrskk_r5tADC1yO1hC4mf_sxZMj_5SYgEpFUovUGOYd7tepGfCfVO_Ua6V12Hn-kjiTfw6B1BpDo1mdbC-UVTstu9jb3xkf2jJbLly-zDZqQ/s500/412LV1Xqs9L.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf26kDD4w_Nu4rut6yksRMlRAhaTTnxZuvXTp0qh2-fB2rmSbkO86E4C8ngaSoextSCJPpqCMrskk_r5tADC1yO1hC4mf_sxZMj_5SYgEpFUovUGOYd7tepGfCfVO_Ua6V12Hn-kjiTfw6B1BpDo1mdbC-UVTstu9jb3xkf2jJbLly-zDZqQ/w131-h200/412LV1Xqs9L.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><br />Brands provide a shortcut to expectations and decision-making. Instead of re-evaluating every purchase/decision from scratch, it allows you to take a shortcut. "Last time, X brand's product was good, so I'll use it again." Or, "X brand made a quality Y, so I bet Z will also be high quality."<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's an act of service to your customers to take your brand seriously. How do you do that? You could create an extraordinary product/experience and slap a modern logo on it, but chances are you won't assemble a community of believers with a powerful emotional attachment to your brand.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Hanlon identified 7 assets you can focus on to build your brand. Here they are:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Creation Story:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> The mythic quest. How/why did it start? Who started it? Where did it start?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Creed</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The singular notion that you want people to believe. Why do you belong in people's lives? Why should people care? What do you celebrate? Quality, innovation, performance, or customer service? What do you believe in?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Icons</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Concentrations of meaning. Sight/sound/touch/taste/smell. Signals belonging or accomplishment. What's the first/last impression?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Rituals</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Repeated interactions. Moments to highlight. These are hard to copy or things others are unwilling to do. Draw a timeline of customer interactions. (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3YOLvlp" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Power of Moments</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> can help with this part)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nonbelievers</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: People against what you stand for. Who are you not? What are you trying to avoid? What are you up against?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sacred words</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Specialized words people must learn before people can belong. What words define you? What resonates with customers?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Leader</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: A person who is the catalyst, the risk-taker, the visionary, the iconoclast. Who is it?</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I found it helpful to answer each of these for well-known brands (like Disney, Apple, and Nike). Then, answer them for your organization. Then, share each piece with your customers over time. (see </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3hTlv7x" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Oversubscribed</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for a plan.)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3GfFF50" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Alchemy</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Rory Sutherland</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwsHT6CslDU7x93Wpoj7hm8FsIrwoU1qoAGDSGR8mvV-Y7cH2P7SVI2Q5SO2oGfeOF-hhuFEXyEsGALpNZhTFnLRaiarU7xEl5FzcCmKJpDQgiiZY4IXHKhJdPw2xZzJmedcfv4eMMiAzlTIffc1KaPBwr52VYeVIysX06JRDueKcYe9OgA/s346/411nN9r-3WL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwsHT6CslDU7x93Wpoj7hm8FsIrwoU1qoAGDSGR8mvV-Y7cH2P7SVI2Q5SO2oGfeOF-hhuFEXyEsGALpNZhTFnLRaiarU7xEl5FzcCmKJpDQgiiZY4IXHKhJdPw2xZzJmedcfv4eMMiAzlTIffc1KaPBwr52VYeVIysX06JRDueKcYe9OgA/w133-h200/411nN9r-3WL._SY346_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />I suppose I was on a bit of a branding kick. :) I read it because people I like recommended it, but honestly, it was lost on me. I like concrete examples, and this book was too abstract for me. There are snippets I appreciate, like the idea that "it is much easier to be fired for being illogical than it is for being unimaginative." (Rory Sutherland, Alchemy) Yet, we are illogical beings, so you need to think illogically to connect with people.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's OK. Look up a couple of summaries online first to see if you'd find the book helpful.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3vbSXcA" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">The Innovator's Dilemma</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Clayton Christensen</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxLl6nq6vkM2yu6tc2RYAXey1c2-dMPTzlWgR5oflH8C60ZgedtxYy-hhbbyNJAAkaYabtUUgQ7U-CtkdEr4HdbVNTX9C1Fbzt9jyzHuf-Lc_qWAJGUPllniIhzAudSsfeKX076DIFp7GC5zFKKEuva8QSJZDsrxgreIFZLkw0n6R4YSCRw/s346/51n5EwuYBwL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxLl6nq6vkM2yu6tc2RYAXey1c2-dMPTzlWgR5oflH8C60ZgedtxYy-hhbbyNJAAkaYabtUUgQ7U-CtkdEr4HdbVNTX9C1Fbzt9jyzHuf-Lc_qWAJGUPllniIhzAudSsfeKX076DIFp7GC5zFKKEuva8QSJZDsrxgreIFZLkw0n6R4YSCRw/w133-h200/51n5EwuYBwL._SY346_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />My brother read this book, and it dominated our conversations for a few weeks, so I read it too.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Christensen explains why most companies miss out on new waves of innovation. It's a fascinating treatise and provides practical tips to overcome the dilemma. But it's hard, and as the book points out, it rarely happens.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One fun part is that it was initially written in 1997, and he uses his framework to predict the next disruptive technologies. One he looks at is electric vehicles. The other is the idea of a "pocket-like computer." One way you can start to see a disruptive technology coming is when there's excess capacity in a feature. For example, chips are faster than any app needs, the battery lasts longer than needed, or the screen is sharper than the eye can tell. Christensen saw that computers were getting fast and efficient enough that manufacturers could shrink them down without taking a significant performance hit. It turns out he was right!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It makes me think about today's products. Are there features that seem like they have excess capacity? If so, what new capabilities does that enable? It feels like we're on the verge of something with AI because processing is getting faster and faster.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3jnt6f8" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Loonshots</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas That Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Safi Bahcall</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GC-WNo_SGqO5Enhe03RTQI7i8y8IKDHhtYPBs2gVZoUW0WhfVKnAczeQKItBgcZBvmaSDe1ltvE4fs1twonUIZORow5B6HWEua0KPjZ3IZeOO7UxSEiL8vMCq-dvDH4l3eUKzWUnaO8izJl9sMcnCyLh0lUU1-pvKNn5PNGqLO4-YL3liw/s346/413AQi5KQyL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="226" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GC-WNo_SGqO5Enhe03RTQI7i8y8IKDHhtYPBs2gVZoUW0WhfVKnAczeQKItBgcZBvmaSDe1ltvE4fs1twonUIZORow5B6HWEua0KPjZ3IZeOO7UxSEiL8vMCq-dvDH4l3eUKzWUnaO8izJl9sMcnCyLh0lUU1-pvKNn5PNGqLO4-YL3liw/w131-h200/413AQi5KQyL._SY346_.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><br />Loonshots takes another look at disruptive innovations and how to nurture them systematically. I recommend this to leaders running larger organizations with product roadmaps. Like in <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3vbSXcA" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Innovator's Dilemma</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, you want to separate innovators from implementers but still create ways for them to communicate. Focus on finding the proper organizational structure and let your people do their jobs.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3jtqhck" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Pitch Anything</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Oren Klaff</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6CJneVg2--JbE-0Ege735si8SU85XGXLc5rFwfH0cFzKUXNvlXQrhLKduekKoP6-5APO7CbT2wcbvFcK0tDtJpSsbmGkrB_ZbB8x388tGW8XhVpyfTStE8J_wn8lNVUrxrtoUz7N2QTV90gt2j7J6SEJyKCvX_H322m-lOVeLVg81Xuymg/s346/51GhhTclTSL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="212" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6CJneVg2--JbE-0Ege735si8SU85XGXLc5rFwfH0cFzKUXNvlXQrhLKduekKoP6-5APO7CbT2wcbvFcK0tDtJpSsbmGkrB_ZbB8x388tGW8XhVpyfTStE8J_wn8lNVUrxrtoUz7N2QTV90gt2j7J6SEJyKCvX_H322m-lOVeLVg81Xuymg/w123-h200/51GhhTclTSL._SY346_.jpg" width="123" /></a></div><br />I almost put this in the real estate section, but it's for anyone in sales.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I like the book for a few reasons:</span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm new to the sales world, so I'm learning a lot!</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">He explains the psychology/neuroscience behind the strategies, which I appreciate.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">His stories are unbelievable. I couldn't put the book down for his final example of developing an airport, where he brought all his lessons together.</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The idea is to learn how to hold someone's attention so that they can actually hear and process your pitch. It's not about coercing people but meeting them where they're at (which usually includes fewer facts and figures).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The key concept for a successful pitch is frame control: how a person views the world and expects the world to view them. Whoever controls the frame controls the interaction. I'm still learning this concept, so I don't know if I can do it justice, but there are 5 common types of frames: power, analyst, intrigue, time, and prize. The skill is learning to recognize each kind of frame and navigate them.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Identify and label social frames. Notice the frames that are coming at you on every level of your life. Power frames, time frames, and analyst frames are everywhere, and they crash into you on a daily basis. Develop your ability to see them coming, describe them, and discuss them with your partner." (Oren Klaff, Pitch Anything)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's a skill that can be developed.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Now, I need to practice what I've learned, which will probably include re-reading it next year.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3hTlv7x" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Oversubscribed</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: How To Get People Lining Up To Do Business With You</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Daniel Priestley</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0LqLj3Xzslojq9sVI8IEwcHmswlSHJBs1hn1ip4V58EMgjDn1IsfPFs9GvqzAbjafKACv0IzuBpw7-o0g-I7bT113LcKbDv4_BOifASaqs6t1QvwFjVZy9wpKsbyKw485ZR6m5iiNS1xvXpXFB8CATMBlmDIPs311MSPMK6pDWeOFyPhNA/s346/51uvczzXS-L._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="224" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0LqLj3Xzslojq9sVI8IEwcHmswlSHJBs1hn1ip4V58EMgjDn1IsfPFs9GvqzAbjafKACv0IzuBpw7-o0g-I7bT113LcKbDv4_BOifASaqs6t1QvwFjVZy9wpKsbyKw485ZR6m5iiNS1xvXpXFB8CATMBlmDIPs311MSPMK6pDWeOFyPhNA/w129-h200/51uvczzXS-L._SY346_.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><br />How is this book not on more must-read book lists?! It might be my favorite book of the year.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The idea is to create more demand for your business than you can supply.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"You don't need everyone on the planet to see you as highly valuable; you only need enough people who can drive your price up. Separating from the economy and from your industry requires that you turn your attention to those people who find you highly valuable – and then serve them better than anyone else can." (Daniel Priestley, Oversubscribed)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One way to accomplish that is by finding your unique niche.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Creating your own market is about solving bigger problems for people than others do. Being unique is not about performing a task at a high standard; it's about having a unique ability to get things done. When your business is seen to be unique in the market, you'll make money regardless of what everyone else in your industry is doing. Even if there's thousands of other people who can technically do what you do, it won't impact on the price you can charge. Your price will be determined by your own market."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It starts with Collins' </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.jimcollins.com/concepts/the-hedgehog-concept.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Hedgehog Concept</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (see </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3BTOajR" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Good to Great</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">) of providing real value. Then you communicate it well. Building the assets described in </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3BUavgX" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Primalbranding</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> also helps. The trick is to do it efficiently. There are three pieces of research on how "know, like, and trust" is formed:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1)</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"research into bonding behaviour suggests that spending more than seven hours with someone moves you beyond the "acquaintance" category and towards being a "friend.""</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2)</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"when people had about 11 interactions with a brand, they were considerably more likely to buy from that brand."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3)</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Seeing people in different places is another way stronger bonds are built... The magic number is four locations according to research into trust building."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, we can put it all together:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"If we spent 7 hours together, had 11 interactions between us and met up in 4 separate locations there's little doubt we would feel a bond. It would seem like we are more friends than acquaintances... The more people you can clock up time, interactions and locations with, the more people will see you as different, unique and part of their tribe. Through this lens, a famous person is merely someone who has used media and technology to 7‐11‐4 people."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What does this mean practically? Create credible and valuable content while weaving in branding assets across different media.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"What they are looking for is credible and valuable content. They want insights, stories, examples, demonstrations and interesting facts. If it's possible for a person to spend a day researching your business and finding content worth delving deeply into, you have the foundations in place to build a passionate customer. If, however, it's impossible for someone to gorge for even a couple of hours on your ideas or they can only find sales collateral, it will be very difficult to build an engaged group of people who care about what you're up to."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Oh my, there's so much more! This is just the beginning. Priestley goes into the timing of messages and signaling to people what you're going to do before actually doing it, which allows them to enjoy the anticipation as well.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One final thought on the reality of our current economy:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Maybe you don't think of yourself as a media or technology business with a daily focus on content creation, media distribution, software, data and automation. However, that's a foolish position to take these days. No matter what your business is, you are also a media and technology business."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But it doesn't have to be about entertainment; education is powerful because it builds trust, understanding, and engagement. "Trainings, seminars, webinars, workshops, manuals, reports, statistics, thought leadership, guidance, consultation and measurement are all tools for educating your interested people." So aim for 80% education with some light entertainment at the edges.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you're running a business and want more customers, read this book (a couple of times).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3BTOajR" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Good to Great</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (re-read, audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Jim Collins</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBjXr-HdjmL0PK43eZ4jrGPI4tp0l5FynSWAGyhGIdRM6RT6IWYfRO5JHcWOIVHJjRZUqbEmLzj2SOETb4MsC6-2DwLMfVpfBA_rGc04KCIeNdP1RK3GL2GlEaT4Afn3eZeNW5jXqaGoVK15QO6XjD_rB_4jTl9Pf9hiKlMCaWaG6qfi2Fg/s346/513OnP4AwTL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="231" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBjXr-HdjmL0PK43eZ4jrGPI4tp0l5FynSWAGyhGIdRM6RT6IWYfRO5JHcWOIVHJjRZUqbEmLzj2SOETb4MsC6-2DwLMfVpfBA_rGc04KCIeNdP1RK3GL2GlEaT4Afn3eZeNW5jXqaGoVK15QO6XjD_rB_4jTl9Pf9hiKlMCaWaG6qfi2Fg/w134-h200/513OnP4AwTL._SY346_.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br />I enjoy listening to Collins' book. I find them helpful in getting my mindset right. Some ideas are harder to implement with a small business, but it's still useful for me.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are a lot of great concepts, like being a level-5 leader and first thinking about who, then what. But my favorite is the Hedgehog Concept. You want to find the intersection of 3 questions:</span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What are we passionate about?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What can we be the best in the world at? (might be local or highly focused)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What drives our economic engine? (profit per X)</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"The good-to-great companies at their best followed a simple mantra: "Anything that does not fit with our Hedgehog Concept, we will not do. We will not launch unrelated businesses. We will not make unrelated acquisitions. We will not do unrelated joint ventures. If it doesn't fit, we don't do it." (Jim Collins, Good to Great)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3vkzma1" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Good To Great And The Social Sectors</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Jim Collins</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2zdhINm8nUU0AulPhoh2Hwt2oPGmamYyEzxHdb-sydYM6-jmF33tUcxcwSX4Al7zXflKRVYP-UJrypmA_hOR2jNmBzI6Oa7HdxgUwIYVoTIEhoZSOj3cLciNLLU3fa8YB1YjiK8tAz_6QNN1t8U5LhoFqpozyhghfYZncAnt6USjdJQgXQ/s346/41paw9pMh6L._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="231" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2zdhINm8nUU0AulPhoh2Hwt2oPGmamYyEzxHdb-sydYM6-jmF33tUcxcwSX4Al7zXflKRVYP-UJrypmA_hOR2jNmBzI6Oa7HdxgUwIYVoTIEhoZSOj3cLciNLLU3fa8YB1YjiK8tAz_6QNN1t8U5LhoFqpozyhghfYZncAnt6USjdJQgXQ/w134-h200/41paw9pMh6L._SY346_.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br />A "monograph" is a fancy way of saying it's a really short book (35 pages). It's a follow-up to Good to Great that answers questions from leaders in the social sectors. I found it helpful to think through the hedgehog concept and the economic engine. The critical question isn't "How much money do we make?" but "How can we develop a sustainable resource engine to deliver superior performance relative to our mission?"<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It also shows that if I wanted to write a helpful book, it doesn't have to be 250+ pages. (Though, to be fair, it's a follow-up to a 400-page book)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3GfR1pJ" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">How the Mighty Fall</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: And Why Some Companies Never Give In</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Jim Collins</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIu15uyMnCF63HRmZfKnVu5xTndsTcKwv2q3NDqI51f2U3j64Ys74v6N7TVJUaPWhZ5T4VMwmPVW3cC5uQ9MK0vJye3VP4V1OXawoyq8wBOxqH83vZM3thps58YqvNimD_SvQFy2BN_xURv7-8YdSloo4DqDaUwedVjfStQGZAeXK-TAUHQ/s346/41SuonWEutL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="231" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIu15uyMnCF63HRmZfKnVu5xTndsTcKwv2q3NDqI51f2U3j64Ys74v6N7TVJUaPWhZ5T4VMwmPVW3cC5uQ9MK0vJye3VP4V1OXawoyq8wBOxqH83vZM3thps58YqvNimD_SvQFy2BN_xURv7-8YdSloo4DqDaUwedVjfStQGZAeXK-TAUHQ/w134-h200/41SuonWEutL._SY346_.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br />Like a diseased body, there are 5 stages of decline:<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Hubris from success</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: People forget what made them great. They take success for granted.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Undisciplined pursuit of more</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Organizations overstretch and jump into areas they can't be great. Often it comes from an unreasonable quest for growth.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Denial of risk and peril</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: There are issues, but leaders ignore them because the overall results are still good.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Grasping for salvation</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: At this point, the decline starts. Do you get back to the fundamentals that made you great? Or do you panic and make big leadership or strategic changes? </span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Resignation to downfall</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The company dies, usually by selling to another company.</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you want to see how this happens, read the book </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3BZqGJZ" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Losing the Signal</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which is about Blackberry (see below).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3GfbJWH" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Priceless</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The Myth of Fair Value (and How to Take Advantage of It)</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By William Poundstone</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5g7a70i-4JmWO0yXa7j_uGQM9Nr8wrVSKeBsrm7UvBcca3bWL6VyG9poRPwtfFs4T1gf-tcXxQ_g6l28JLQWtE7fTHW_YIwLceJzgRghLFheqcNkRL9C_emrC7cKeKMpZ8yuqMCnx5N35Wz4_XpX7UL8fQUgsdcFy7pF7X0M0R_mZJUr1Q/s346/51iwrOpVAbL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="233" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5g7a70i-4JmWO0yXa7j_uGQM9Nr8wrVSKeBsrm7UvBcca3bWL6VyG9poRPwtfFs4T1gf-tcXxQ_g6l28JLQWtE7fTHW_YIwLceJzgRghLFheqcNkRL9C_emrC7cKeKMpZ8yuqMCnx5N35Wz4_XpX7UL8fQUgsdcFy7pF7X0M0R_mZJUr1Q/w134-h200/51iwrOpVAbL._SY346_.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br />This is one of those psychology books that can upset you because you suddenly realize how many pricing games are played in your life. Here's one example:<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"[C]oherent arbitrariness. This says that consumers really don't know what anything should cost. They walk the supermarket aisles in a half-conscious daze, judging prices from cues, helpful and otherwise. Coherent arbitrariness is above all a theory of relativity. Buyers are mainly sensitive to relative differences, not absolute prices." (William Poundstone, Priceless)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I think we're all aware of shrinkflation right now. Companies keep product prices the same, but you get less.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For a historical example, "Puffs tissues shrank the length of their product from 8.6 to 8.4 inches." It doesn't say it, but they could also keep the box the same size! But, "[t]his ruse can go on only so long." </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, what do companies do?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"introduces a new, economy-size package. In size, shape, or other design features, the new package (and its price) is difficult to compare to the old."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Remember, the price game is all about the comparison and making it harder to compare. This is why Southwest doesn't allow their fares to be aggregated. And it's why other airlines include/exclude baggage/meal/seat choices in their initial prices.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"One of the things that price consultants have learned is that what consumers say and what they do are not the same thing. For the most part, memories of prices are short, and memories of boxes and packages shorter."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The book is a fun romp through the history of studying pricing. The experiments are insightful, and there are quite a few lessons to learn if you do pricing.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My rental listings are in aggregator marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist, where rentals can seem the same. I currently show an all-inclusive price. But perhaps it makes more sense to break out utilities into a separate bills. Sure, that'll be more work for me, but I could potentially increase my profits (and probably annoy tenants...).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://hbr.org/magazine" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Harvard Business Review Magazine</span></strong></a></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG7eCEjtMdRTEogLfLq7FdbdNFcAOVvCgBnQ1--bZCNBbKAUmvVBqtUtCQj_c9ylBT7skRWrO04QcxcUX8ofQV2Ku_MHbuaKW7g9Xq4R6GSEEK46lbAPxB_lpHrwkuV3z-MwuIpVBiZngM04iQBLYrLLQ_-9dewmISkx2BiuhXlBdbBAqWw/s1024/HBR-logo.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG7eCEjtMdRTEogLfLq7FdbdNFcAOVvCgBnQ1--bZCNBbKAUmvVBqtUtCQj_c9ylBT7skRWrO04QcxcUX8ofQV2Ku_MHbuaKW7g9Xq4R6GSEEK46lbAPxB_lpHrwkuV3z-MwuIpVBiZngM04iQBLYrLLQ_-9dewmISkx2BiuhXlBdbBAqWw/w200-h200/HBR-logo.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />I started subscribing last year and am still enjoying it. They have specific agendas they like to push, but I still find their articles helpful overall. It's not so much a resource I use to implement changes in my business. Instead, I look for operational and strategic trends that larger and smarter companies are pursuing, and I use that as a jumping point to learn more.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Real Estate Books</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3GgQhAT" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The Blueprint To Quitting Your Job With Real Estate - Even Without Experience Or Cash</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Michael Blank</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AvxNYhF00Yh0-osAqlpsI0NBpSt0pHqFv1C_kjI2AezfF-EiuMI7btIlzOnltaVMBVHYT-dGpLQQbpqMdfBXx6V4wKT4QCHQyV-7hhZ9asu5opv2cnajjGNwASGM4ZJGsibUJyN276ydASs7_oU3hB8sbwoclGUTV4CrDQSdQWAivNc_UQ/s900/51h-hmbmLmL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AvxNYhF00Yh0-osAqlpsI0NBpSt0pHqFv1C_kjI2AezfF-EiuMI7btIlzOnltaVMBVHYT-dGpLQQbpqMdfBXx6V4wKT4QCHQyV-7hhZ9asu5opv2cnajjGNwASGM4ZJGsibUJyN276ydASs7_oU3hB8sbwoclGUTV4CrDQSdQWAivNc_UQ/w133-h200/51h-hmbmLmL.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />I became interested in <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2022/12/why-multifamilies-will-be-best.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">real estate syndications</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> this year. Michael Blank has a coaching program I wanted to sign up for, and reading his book was a cheap way to test-drive the program. I found the book super helpful, with a complete overview of the syndication process. And now, I'm in the coaching program and can ask specific questions about my situation.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It also makes me want to write my own book...</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3hP848N" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The BRRRR Rental Property Investment Strategy Made Simple</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By David Green</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OIacKddT04LwENg9VhL31UJvydBNrqxkgJ4kSxp_e5aHlrY5itoaIOXhDIFO7GDXEkfrJhqdipB3wmeWe6zMzZPD9jDM7XEVOLhyBWm1BxPhsQqDp3MnBaC8fDqdWJJv90dWmkBaD4Dwx9zDmcbJnQJoyv3j8ABDCIHBJ0-vzGox5E7raw/s346/41DoHETk8qL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OIacKddT04LwENg9VhL31UJvydBNrqxkgJ4kSxp_e5aHlrY5itoaIOXhDIFO7GDXEkfrJhqdipB3wmeWe6zMzZPD9jDM7XEVOLhyBWm1BxPhsQqDp3MnBaC8fDqdWJJv90dWmkBaD4Dwx9zDmcbJnQJoyv3j8ABDCIHBJ0-vzGox5E7raw/w133-h200/41DoHETk8qL._SY346_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />David Green hosts the popular <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcasts/real-estate" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">BiggerPockets Podcast</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. This book was on my list for a while, and I wanted to read it to help me systematically think through value-add deals. Plus, if I'm honest, I wish this was how I invested in real estate when I started.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There's only one problem with this book: it's 2-3 times longer than it should be. It's as if Green transcribed himself talking and then forgot to remove all the little rabbit trails from his stream of thought. Or, it's like there are two books: the BRRRR Strategy and his philosophical reflections on life, leadership, and business. I know they're related, but I regularly found myself skimming to get back to the BRRRR Strategy (you know, THE TITLE of the book).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">My guess is I'm not his target audience. He wrote it for beginners who also need a mindset/inspirational shift. In contrast, I wanted tactics to implement in my existing business.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3FYVvQu" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Raising Capital for Real Estate</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: How to Attract Investors, Establish Credibility, and Fund Deals</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Hunter Thompson (a different Hunter Thompson than you're thinking)</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CE44qQYrYNEqN7b_2WQNmVrPc-7LzrSpgFK9e-7oV3hbgXiyPvBN7lrLj9BVPCtcjZDLWCu-JXgImmyI1Q2hRjkyJEoxJSGHpI2yjkST1ZDK8eXs_2fMURwPbwJteAzmKInQ94KWaoc3HYQnQ4il2_61MbsZ0gimc9TXmkY0aAOzlT-CHQ/s346/51m0-AhgFML._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CE44qQYrYNEqN7b_2WQNmVrPc-7LzrSpgFK9e-7oV3hbgXiyPvBN7lrLj9BVPCtcjZDLWCu-JXgImmyI1Q2hRjkyJEoxJSGHpI2yjkST1ZDK8eXs_2fMURwPbwJteAzmKInQ94KWaoc3HYQnQ4il2_61MbsZ0gimc9TXmkY0aAOzlT-CHQ/w139-h200/51m0-AhgFML._SY346_.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><br />In my journey to syndications, it became clear that the one skill I didn't have was raising capital for real estate. Blank's mentor program is good, but it didn't go as in-depth as I wanted. But through the program, I met a very successful investor and asked him how he started. His answer was simple: "Read Raising Capital for Real Estate and do as Thompson says." Mic drop.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, I read the book and am implementing his recommendations.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you're a real estate investor and ran out of money to keep building your business, I recommend this book (also, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2019/03/raising-private-capital-to-purchase.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Raising Private Capital</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Matt Faircloth)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Fun Books</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3VBE8Ln" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Make Your Kid A Money Genius (Even If You're Not)</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: A Parents' Guide for Kids 3 to 23</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Beth Kobliner</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10P2wJi8S-w7UNSVbqEM6CoNHfx7ZuwYHmTWQ-xmVH8ZtCZFh1Tr1jwZCOYhLwGpkTr2URzJtyueSlfwpgu__xgTeZdIlEjAMC-cx-Pr_AnuTRMerTwnFDgghFpCcWA73m2JrajOaIuN-6nU9Q4nqZ9ECIYrJEI-3W8vhfCIMufVggtAHsg/s335/51yzPv18HkL._SX260_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="260" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10P2wJi8S-w7UNSVbqEM6CoNHfx7ZuwYHmTWQ-xmVH8ZtCZFh1Tr1jwZCOYhLwGpkTr2URzJtyueSlfwpgu__xgTeZdIlEjAMC-cx-Pr_AnuTRMerTwnFDgghFpCcWA73m2JrajOaIuN-6nU9Q4nqZ9ECIYrJEI-3W8vhfCIMufVggtAHsg/w155-h200/51yzPv18HkL._SX260_.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br />Our kids are at an age where they can start learning how to manage money. I bought this book to help me wrap my head around the lessons we want to teach them. One thing I like about the book is that it breaks the lessons up by age category.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So now we give our kids money each week for them to manage. It's 3 dollars, and they have 3 envelopes: giving, saving, and spending. We tell them they should give something as a way to trust what God just gave them. Then, they can decide what to do with the remaining balance.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The best part is that we saved all the money they received as babies and infants and are now giving it back to them. So it's not really an allowance; it's more like giving back what they already have. :)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If they put it in savings, we take the envelope for the week and return it with a quarter for every dollar saved. Spending is on fun things, but as they grow up, we'll give them more spending responsibilities (and money). The goal is for them to leave the house having practiced managing all aspects of personal finance.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Back to the book: It was helpful for Jessi and me to get on the same page. And you can start as early as 3 years old!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3BZqGJZ" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Losing the Signal</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Jacquie McNish & Sean Silcoff</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bV9mMpBZsIVXKk9BdMhr1aERFb-iDhgH4poQiHzPZMoDogsycf9vTqrIQftHssD0Dsz1SGUw59XM_0H0TERmIn6WKGaXRcdTgjLpxSvNrnyw0vqrxLdM9vk6TehSZthIHkp_bGPzoip_Mp7mFtQs9xkYJgV85owQcBi35yL5mk1EbzoCbA/s346/41njKYS50mL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="228" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bV9mMpBZsIVXKk9BdMhr1aERFb-iDhgH4poQiHzPZMoDogsycf9vTqrIQftHssD0Dsz1SGUw59XM_0H0TERmIn6WKGaXRcdTgjLpxSvNrnyw0vqrxLdM9vk6TehSZthIHkp_bGPzoip_Mp7mFtQs9xkYJgV85owQcBi35yL5mk1EbzoCbA/w132-h200/41njKYS50mL._SY346_.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br />Back in my <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2019/03/raising-private-capital-to-purchase.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">podcast days</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, my brother and I regularly talked about Blackberry and how awful they did in the smartphone wars. So, I thought it would be fun to get the insider story. What happened to cause such a dramatic fall?</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In short, I think it was two guys who happened to hit on the fastest-growing market in history - and they weren't ready for it. Not only did it stress their IT infrastructure, but their organizational structure wasn't designed to handle the rapid growth. And the rapidly growing market attracted a lot of competition, which required near-perfect execution. To be clear: all but a few phone manufacturers crumbled, but Blackberry was the king of the hill, so it felt particularly bad.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's fun to listen to. I recommend reading </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3GfR1pJ" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How The Mighty Fall</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> and then using this as an example of a fallen company.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3PPpazQ" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Endurance</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By Alfred Lansing</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASa1ry53VA0pjawMSGiNdpG2_ZJPPkefVjR0otULfudZy7z9O7Df51oHyvgRzOWtPIqT8QL6Pk-aPknxaEuzKQc3wYHd2lLXD2UIb4vU4jD-XS5g4iCHnNMZ_jE8BIlR-25bY5hX9D1g_wuJhShRv_3ujGaDZkr6JRVKEVjPEZZ_sDZNzug/s346/51nbCCBDUEL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASa1ry53VA0pjawMSGiNdpG2_ZJPPkefVjR0otULfudZy7z9O7Df51oHyvgRzOWtPIqT8QL6Pk-aPknxaEuzKQc3wYHd2lLXD2UIb4vU4jD-XS5g4iCHnNMZ_jE8BIlR-25bY5hX9D1g_wuJhShRv_3ujGaDZkr6JRVKEVjPEZZ_sDZNzug/w133-h200/51nbCCBDUEL._SY346_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />What a fantastic listen! It's a thrilling TRUE STORY account of Ernest Shackleton and his crew's attempt to cross Antarctica. <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-60662541" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The ship was found in March</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which is how I learned about the book.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For the crew, things went bad fast, and they constantly fought for their lives. It's incredible! I don't think I'm strong enough to survive what they went through. It's the kind of story where you think things can't get any worse... then they do! If you liked </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3WHuMi4" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Martian</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, I highly recommend this book.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://subscriptions.dccomics.com/ipd/1413" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Superman</span></strong></a><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> & </strong><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://subscriptions.dccomics.com/ipd/1296" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Action Comics</span></strong></a></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9ktx2npwYv9vwK1Qhg_P4Cpzj68qTAa13Sll1RxhAVZU6AeKenQ-oBT6qYIYRDem-DYE6MfOxJlrHpeyokKgqGZPoNxhrBVMt8yZPABQXGm0j_OeRNyV-4gnZgpIYjAkqhq-xQeFtsb2uNlcGw1xgNvWuj2uH5_wMP0uwIaZjZuP_92N-Q/s1902/Superman%20and%20Action%20Comics.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="1902" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9ktx2npwYv9vwK1Qhg_P4Cpzj68qTAa13Sll1RxhAVZU6AeKenQ-oBT6qYIYRDem-DYE6MfOxJlrHpeyokKgqGZPoNxhrBVMt8yZPABQXGm0j_OeRNyV-4gnZgpIYjAkqhq-xQeFtsb2uNlcGw1xgNvWuj2uH5_wMP0uwIaZjZuP_92N-Q/w200-h179/Superman%20and%20Action%20Comics.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />Comics are fun. Something is satisfying about the semi-short form storytelling drawn out over multiple months. Plus, Samson enjoys flipping through them. I'm a fan of Superman, but I hear Batman is great if you're into detective types of stories.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-82176840713556962312022-12-13T06:53:00.004-08:002022-12-13T06:53:32.891-08:00Why Multifamilies Will Be The Best Investment On The Planet in 2023<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacBJKsVwniuFUpoTNFaSuKf_2Ud5s1Fvf9L-LDlJJdqNsF4R37U2bSUgm0Gl7CvFkI-mvQRvvMombfGL1BlYX6VWZ8jYSfrlH99LKNKveMKWbWN7iSSQjsYJnk6gsxxx8fqBJS9tldYnVo_mmlz5uylxzpxh5sWWw3L7ZPdC0rAVSHwn8nA/s3072/Apartment%20Building%20Painting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Apartment Building Art as if by Thams Kincade" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3072" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacBJKsVwniuFUpoTNFaSuKf_2Ud5s1Fvf9L-LDlJJdqNsF4R37U2bSUgm0Gl7CvFkI-mvQRvvMombfGL1BlYX6VWZ8jYSfrlH99LKNKveMKWbWN7iSSQjsYJnk6gsxxx8fqBJS9tldYnVo_mmlz5uylxzpxh5sWWw3L7ZPdC0rAVSHwn8nA/w640-h426/Apartment%20Building%20Painting.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I "make it" if I used <a href="https://diffusionbee.com" target="_blank">DiffusionBee</a> to render the image?</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a;">As a real estate entrepreneur, I've purchased 11 properties: some multifamily rentals, a couple of single-family homes, a storage facility, warehouses, and land.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I started in 2009 and could not have timed the market better. And we accelerated our growth by finding poor-condition properties and improving them (known as a value-add deal). And after purchasing $4 million worth of real estate as a solopreneur, I'm transitioning our business model because of three major trends.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Economic Headwinds</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We are in uncertain economic times (duh). The </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://youtu.be/PkJwxO0pEjk" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">efforts of central planning to counteract free market trends</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> are no longer enough to keep the boom going, and now our government's focus is on minimizing the crash.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Despite those efforts, experts I follow - </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1581144449668722689" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Robert Kiyosaki</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/hsdentfinancial" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Harry Dent</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://schiffgold.com/peters-podcast/peter-schiff-the-real-estate-bubble-is-losing-air-and-a-financial-crisis-is-coming/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Peter Schiff</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://youtu.be/eEkySP2K5HQ" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">George Gammon</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://twitter.com/BurryArchive" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Michael Burry</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (and others) - all think housing prices will drop significantly. Even as much as 50% in 2023! My experience has been they usually get the magnitudes right, but the transition takes longer because of central planning offsets.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Looking at housing price drivers - income, inflation, mortgage rates, yield curves, T & bond markets, demographics, and unemployment - they point to a highly volatile real estate market in the next few years.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In general, when housing suffers, this increases the demand for rentals. Plus, larger rentals are valued differently than single-family homes (multifamilies are basically a mini-business and valued as such), so their values tend not to drop as much as long as rents don't fall. </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1)</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Also, volatility creates opportunities.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Housing Demand</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The demand for smaller housing is driven by a few factors:</span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">People are having </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/USA/united-states/birth-rate" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">fewer kids</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> and having them </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/08/04/upshot/up-birth-age-gap.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">later in life</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, so they don't need as much space.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">People are choosing to spend their income on </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/100-years-of-u-s-consumer-spending.pdf" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">clothes, food, and experiences</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We are now an "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.wired.com/2012/12/mary-meeker-possessions/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">asset light</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" generation, where everything is becoming a subscription. We no longer need to buy and store DVDs, books, or cars - we can, and increasingly do, rent them.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The minimum construction cost per square foot has increased because of increased code requirements and building costs. This pushes </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/27/new-houses-are-still-more-expensive-than-existing-homes-despite-what-data-says.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">builders and flippers upmarket</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> - a principle described in </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3hcxdK4" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Innovator's Dilemma</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. The logic goes like this: "Doing the minimum work is already expensive, so we might as well install the highest quality possible to earn the highest margins." This makes new and recently remodeled homes less affordable.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Plus, in my opinion, tiny homes are awesome! :)</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I see this anecdotally with my rentals. My studios and 1-bedrooms rent significantly faster than my 2 or 3-bedroom places.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Technology Automation</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The real estate industry is notorious for slowly adopting technological changes. In 2005, being a DIY landlord became much easier because of Youtube. Suddenly, I could watch someone do a repair, and I felt empowered to tackle it myself.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Docusign started in 2003, but it wasn't until 2013 that agents began using it. Also, in 2013, online rent payments became much more straightforward - and free! - with sites like Cozy (now owned by CoStar Group), but that also took a few years to gain traction.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2020 normalized doing everything online. Now I don't meet tenants face-to-face until I hand them their keys (and I only meet my storage tenants if there's a problem).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And today, those simple online payment websites are complete management suites. Not only do they handle all tenant interactions, but they also help passive investors track their investments. These platforms focused on automating and standardizing routine tasks. Today, many of them are starting to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.weekendlandlords.com/manage-your-rental-property-using-these-5-ai-apps/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">leverage AI models to aid decision-makin</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">g (like predicting maintenance needs). What used to require a small team can be done by a single part-time person leveraged by technology.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What It Means</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Inflation, and central planning efforts to control it, will put downward pressure on real estate prices. Again, we'll likely see significant drops in real estate prices (not every market, but many) and even more falls in the stock market. This will probably ruin millions of baby boomers' retirement plans.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But it won't last forever.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Eventually, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will win his war on inflation, and as we're starting to see, rates will come back down. It won't happen immediately, given the other economic issues, but it will help housing prices rise again. And they'll be at higher inflation-adjusted prices.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Meanwhile, demand for apartments continues to grow, which raises rents. Plus, inflation raises rents. Meanwhile, the cost of managing real estate assets continues to fall. Maintenance and utility costs are increasing, but the overall net effect on the net operating income (NOI) is higher margins.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The value of a multifamily property is determined by a multiplier of the net operating income (NOI). </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(2)</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> And interest rates are starting to push the multiplier down. So, despite the increasing NOI (which would increase the value of a property), property values are staying the same and starting to decrease.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Large multifamily price drops likely won't be anywhere near 50%, but they will create an exciting buying opportunity over the next few years.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Multifamily Syndication</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Instead of buying properties using only our funds, we're opening up our business for other investors to partner with us. By pooling our resources, we can purchase apartment buildings that would be difficult or impossible to buy on our own.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We, the General Partners, will organize the syndication: find the property, secure financing, and manage the property. Others, the Limited Partners, will provide the cash and receive an equity share along with cash flow distributions and profits in return for their investment.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I believe multifamilies are </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">the best investment on the planet</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> because of their consistent above-average returns (10%+), extraordinary tax benefits, inflation hedge, and creative financing. And it's providing something that everyone needs: housing.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So we're excited to open up multifamily investing to people who don't have the time or knowledge to pursue it on their own. We already have a few people interested in joining us, and we're open to more. It'll be a win for us, investors looking to diversify from the stock market, residents looking for a nice place to live, and communities with quality, safe housing.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We've revamped our website as well: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://furlo.com</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I don't have a place under contract yet, but over the next year, you'll hear more about what we're up to (read: you'll see more activity on social media). I'll also be sharing updates and insights </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/subscribe" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">via email</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One interesting wrinkle of syndications is that they use private securities. According to the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.sec.gov/education/smallbusiness/exemptofferings/rule506b" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">SEC's Rule 506(b)</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, we must have a prior relationship before inviting someone to invest in a specific property. So, if you're even a little interested, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://furlo.com/join" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">let's chat</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. I can show an example deal and share more about our investment philosophy. We can also talk about your goals. Then, when we get a property under contract, you can decide if you want to participate.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's an exciting time!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmteEVlrWqG9pwibhRWBE3hJLSZNxa-oyppuHnQ1BXvQe5pv5gAIXegOkTki2mYlZq8sdaOyrIu6btBNdKYXNqXYpo1UiPKdkoRJKezfqq4BNuztvM9CXpXs8_fsUKCP71YEmXMDRfc8XrlhZaCs060mMpBXpB9ceP7j5TdvtcB0EbNreLRQ/s3072/Apartment%20Building%20by%20Monet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3072" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmteEVlrWqG9pwibhRWBE3hJLSZNxa-oyppuHnQ1BXvQe5pv5gAIXegOkTki2mYlZq8sdaOyrIu6btBNdKYXNqXYpo1UiPKdkoRJKezfqq4BNuztvM9CXpXs8_fsUKCP71YEmXMDRfc8XrlhZaCs060mMpBXpB9ceP7j5TdvtcB0EbNreLRQ/w640-h426/Apartment%20Building%20by%20Monet.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">---</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(1) There's more nuance, of course, but that's a longer conversation, which I love having! Ping me. :)</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(2) Technically, it's divided by a percent, called the Capitalization Rate, but I find it easier to think in terms of a multiplier, like the PE-Ratio with stocks.</em></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-7720130772903305612022-09-05T10:10:00.002-07:002022-09-05T10:10:30.464-07:00Invest In What You Love<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EaeZlixed0DCqaNcAEOLeSLQQMqfZISPz37RVihCR3OzBuzQqDM5jZJwE6rCuaWVJ2crHdrfM6fNPxYWaPnQq2SlX00w2IekCJV0XG45auosdz-2ynuvlB66U-XABkal4VZAVOXuonA7jDmDMHk7e1sDel1c5bCyf69j9GCI833sVaTP7g/s2048/Invest%20in%20what%20you%20love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EaeZlixed0DCqaNcAEOLeSLQQMqfZISPz37RVihCR3OzBuzQqDM5jZJwE6rCuaWVJ2crHdrfM6fNPxYWaPnQq2SlX00w2IekCJV0XG45auosdz-2ynuvlB66U-XABkal4VZAVOXuonA7jDmDMHk7e1sDel1c5bCyf69j9GCI833sVaTP7g/w640-h360/Invest%20in%20what%20you%20love.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>I recently heard </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://audiquotes.com/track/AWyIg4T7yeXzrEX" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">a quote by Robert Kiyosaki</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> that resonated with me. I usually harp on the benefits of pursuing assets instead of pursuing a higher-paying job. We've tried to spend our job income on buying assets, and then we used the income from our assets for spending. It didn't happen instantly, but it was a multi-year transition. For example, we only got a dog after our rental income increased enough to support one. Same with vacations and a bigger house. Eventually, all of our living expenses were paid for by our assets. At that point, my job became optional. I could have kept working if I wanted, but I had the option to quit.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(Side note: if you can get a higher-paying job without giving up too much time if your life, go for it. But, lock in your living expenses and use the surplus to buy cash-flowing assets.)</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But that's focusing on assets to pay for your living expenses. This new-to-me quote looks at assets from the lens of work. Here it is:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Invest in what you love rather than do what you love."</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This quote is a little different than the classic platitudes:</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Do what you love, and the money will follow."</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, how do you invest in what you love? You buy assets that let you do that thing. For example: </span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Do you love teeth? Don't just study to become a dentist. Start a dentist's practice where you hire other dentists. You can also do dentistry, but you don't have to. And when you retire, you can also sell the business.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Are you into data science? Don't just work for a large tech firm; start a consulting firm side hustle. The tools you build are assets, and so is your client list. Or, as I did, use your skills to identify hidden gems. I focused on real estate, but you can do the same with businesses, paper, or commodities.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Do you love art? Don't just throw pots; buy a share of an art studio co-op. (OK. This may not actually be an asset, which I define as something that puts money in your pocket, but still.)</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"><br /></span></span></div><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x7OPoLeg8vuIynVPaa2D_u1oQxb1DMhhi671q62S_K61TSVF-DrvjYULuvFbxwzcAJS4UKUFXMhRDr0ILtlmbzJNSa6sF5h-ihQruU1tJ2cWs4h9w1sYEVDpiU_bW5A7SkRhxqGUOFyehkSR63UrcUPdgj_3o4HplM5q1UMHeAJj8T874A/s800/Grit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x7OPoLeg8vuIynVPaa2D_u1oQxb1DMhhi671q62S_K61TSVF-DrvjYULuvFbxwzcAJS4UKUFXMhRDr0ILtlmbzJNSa6sF5h-ihQruU1tJ2cWs4h9w1sYEVDpiU_bW5A7SkRhxqGUOFyehkSR63UrcUPdgj_3o4HplM5q1UMHeAJj8T874A/w640-h360/Grit.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, you might start by working a job doing what your love, but that's just the beginning of the journey. Use that job for discovery, development, and saving capital to invest. And then, as that passion deepens and your wealth grows, invest in what you love by buying/creating related assets. Not only does it let you go deeper on that thing you love, but if it's a cash-flowing asset, it might make the job optional in the future.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And yes, that might mean investing in specialized education to go even deeper. For example, I just signed up for a 6-month intense mentor program to teach me how to syndicate apartment buildings. The education itself isn't an asset, but the skill I learn and the network I build will be an asset if I use them.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What I'm suggesting is more complicated than only practicing your craft in a job, but I think the long-term rewards are worth it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Real Life Example</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I listened to a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-325" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">BiggerPockets podcast with Tim Delany</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, where instead of taking another job, he invested in a liquor store with almost zero technological improvements: no point of sale system, no running inventory, and a cash register that was appropriate for the 1950s, not the 2020s. With the right upgrades, he turned it into a full-fledged business with multiple employees and hundreds of thousands in profit.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It let him do the things he loved: run a social media channel, figure out how to optimize inventory, experiment with new technology, and eventually set his own hours.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One thing I find fascinating is that he made the same amount of money as his old job for a while. But, he was also building an asset. So today, he makes more than his old job while working far fewer hours. That feed him up to pursue additional passions.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It turns out that </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.bizbuysell.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">many small businesses are coming up for sale</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> as Baby Boomers retire. And many of them have similar opportunities to improve sales and operations. Furthermore, Tim Delany pointed out that buying a business doesn't take as much capital as you think because you can also get seller and/or SBA financing. He purchased his business for ~$350K but only put in $50K cash. He received a note from the seller for $50K and an SBA loan for $250K. In the first year, the business did $600K in sales with a little under $80K profit.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And I know some people who buy businesses and partner with smart people to run them. They're still involved - because they love it - but not in the daily operations. To make it work, they usually split some of the equity with the people actively managing the business, which keeps both of their goals aligned.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So that's how you invest in what you love. Again, it's not as easy as only focusing on your craft, but there are tremendous benefits. Mostly, investing in assets gives you options in the future.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-55946927143130447742022-06-04T08:00:00.002-07:002022-06-04T11:04:00.394-07:00You Need A Council<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTxqk5z5mdrIMZ7l4cf2thbNkbah-_LCF9n5AuG1sQFke5CjADb30JfRfMiGVP6YA9eEfHR2T-jKcE2lqWNbnbnee-8Susnj--lxGB4GciCufAT4QkKIssRuzkkQB9i_i7uuBcTOZ025QAIrpPy4g6YIl3IgIQduMZILgDv1f6WxHraGCtA/s6789/Group%20Council%20Meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Group Council Meeting" border="0" data-original-height="4527" data-original-width="6789" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTxqk5z5mdrIMZ7l4cf2thbNkbah-_LCF9n5AuG1sQFke5CjADb30JfRfMiGVP6YA9eEfHR2T-jKcE2lqWNbnbnee-8Susnj--lxGB4GciCufAT4QkKIssRuzkkQB9i_i7uuBcTOZ025QAIrpPy4g6YIl3IgIQduMZILgDv1f6WxHraGCtA/w640-h426/Group%20Council%20Meeting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;">Photo by </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://unsplash.com/es/@chappelldigitalmarketing" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Chase Chappell</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;"> on </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/mastermind-group" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Unsplash</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a;">This last quarter I interviewed a handful of business owners & leaders to understand better how they handle challenging situations and decisions. I wanted to know if there was an opportunity to create a monthly gathering to help them take their life and business to the next level from a Christian perspective. I embarked on this mini-journey because I had many causal exchanges last year with business owners and sensed a need. I also found myself in a comfortable place and wondering how to take my business to the next level.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The conversations were fascinating, and I appreciated how quickly everyone opened up to me. Actually, I was surprised by how much people shared! They dove almost immediately into their most pressing issues, and I could sense a small weight lifted from simply sharing their problems with someone else.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I came away with two conclusions.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1) Problems Are Industry Specific</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are some overlapping leadership issues, but all of them are heavily influenced by their industry. So, there are some common issues like motivating people, increasing sales, managing cash flow, improving operations, and long-term planning. But the specifics and tactics tend to shift within different industries. So, this group would either need to stay tightly focused on one sector or stay general.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2) Problems Mostly Stem From Discipline, not a Lack of Knowledge</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are lots of resources already available: coaches, mastermind groups, clubs, podcasts, videos, email newsletters, and more! The problem isn't learning how to run a great organization because the information is available. The problem is a lack of accountability to keep pushing on the right things. There are, of course, advanced tactics that could be helpful, but most people merely need to stay disciplined with the basics.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, instead of creating a monthly meeting... one more reason to "play business" and not get real work done, I thought I'd share the one thing I noticed successful people do.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Create a Council</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I was re-reading </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3tzOGPZ" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Good to Great</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> when the pieces came together. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.jimcollins.com/media_topics/TheCouncilAsAMechanism.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jim Collins</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> notes that becoming great doesn't happen overnight; it's a process; a messy process. And one way to help you find your path is by regularly gathering a group of people to help you think through important issues. It doesn't need to be an official board of directors, but a group of committed people.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Who Should Create a Council?</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you sell things, create things, or lead people, you will benefit from a council. If you have something important you're working on, you will benefit from a council.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm thinking of business owners, managers, missionaries, parents, artists, entrepreneurs, and many more.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When I turned 36, my body changed, and my weight started slowly increasing. I could no longer eat whatever I wanted, but I didn't have good eating habits to lean on. I looked forward ten years - when my kids would be the most active - and I didn't like my chances of keeping up. My health became important to me. So, I hired a coach to help me get fit. And it worked! There's something to the wisdom that professionals hire coaches.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You could hire a coach, but I think you would get just as much value, if not more, from a council.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You could also do a mastermind-style group that overlaps on the important thing. It's the same idea as below, but everyone gets a turn in the hot seat.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Who Should Join Your Council?</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You want at least 3 people, but 12 is overkill. I feel like 5 is perfect, allowing one or two people to miss and still have a productive session.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You aren't looking for specific skills, though some industry/business knowledge will help, and if you know someone already where you want to be, fantastic! Look for people you trust who are creative problem solvers, willing to focus on a problem for a while, and speak candidly.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It also doesn't need to be people you work with daily; outside perspectives are valuable. You want to have an existing relationship and not choose a random LinkedIn connection.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Don't overthink this: find three people you trust and start.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How Often Should you Gather?</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It depends on the size and speed of the business. For mine - a stable 1.5-person shop, it might be once every other month. If you're going through a lot of change or growth, you might meet once a week. That's a lot! But that's what you might need to keep yourself on track. My recommendation is to start meeting once a month and adjust after a year if required.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What Format Should You Use?</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There's no one-size-fits-all, so here are some suggestions to get started. I like </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.sjo.com/investor-update/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sol Orwell's advice</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://scalingup.com/growth-tools/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Scaling Up Growth Tools</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is a good source for identifying a strategic plan and KPIs. Brandon Turner's </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-intention-journal" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">90-Days Intention Journal</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is also helpful.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">KPIs / Metrics</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Highs: Big Announcements & Milestones</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Lows: Troubles, Problems / Concerns (be open about the brutal facts)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Last's month's commitments</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Lessons Learned</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Team Updates / Hires</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Open questions & How the council can help</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This month's initial commitment: One thing that'll move your business forward (subject to the council's feedback)</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Share a written summary before the meeting. Please don't spend more than an hour writing it. Then meet for an hour.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For my rental business, it might look something like this:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Profit per door = $100.60 (goal is $100). Vacancy turnaround time = 3 of them @ 1, 5, & 15 days, or 7 on average (goal is 5 days)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I found an architect to help me develop my vacant lot. I also filled all my vacancies.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I have a tenant who I'm pretty sure isn't going to pay rent in June. Replacing a shower took 2 days longer than planned. I'm dissatisfied with my current property management software and just stopped using another feature because it's too buggy.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I finished writing the front-end code for my own custom property management software.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I re-read Good to Great and solidified my hedgehog concept.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We continue to experiment with Horizon Workrooms for our weekly meetings. We're looking into using Nimble for CRM, but will probably just stick with AirTable.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm giving a presentation to a local real estate investor club on flipping land. Is there something I could/should promote during my presentation? Pray for my tenant who's having difficulty financially because I don't want to kick someone out when they're down.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Get pre-qualified for a new loan to buy another property. Stretch: find a new property to buy.</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When we meet, I'd start by asking if they had any clarification questions. Then, we'd talk about the lows and open questions. Finally, we'd finish with my commitments for the month (and confirm the location/time of the next meeting).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also might discuss some long-term goals, like how do I double my portfolio in 5 years? Or, we want to buy a vacation home to give away nights for free; how do we pull that off before we're 70?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Finally, I might also suggest a book to help frame our conversations (but that's because I love to read and love frameworks).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And that's it!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Should I Pay My Council?</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Maybe. That'll depend on the relationships and time commitment. I could see paying $100 per person per meeting, which is more of a thank you than actual pay. You probably don't need to pay if you're a startup or a non-profit. You can also pay "in-kind" with a mastermind style council.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Broader Audience</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I can also see benefits to sharing with a broader audience. You might skip the KPIs (or anything sensitive), but the rest of it is fair game. You can share it with family, friends, or anyone who shows interest! Missionaries do this all the time, and it's great to get their updates. Plus, you never know who might have a solution to one of your open questions. I like to write, but I know </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheChosenSeries" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">some people make YouTube video updates</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Next Steps</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If this sounds intriguing, but you're unsure, start by answering those 8 questions and sharing them with someone you trust outside your daily grind. I'm confident it'll create a productive conversation to improve that thing that's important to you.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If that goes well, formalize it and add a few more people.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Oh, and give your group a cool name. Franklin Roosevelt called his council the "Brain Trust."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-27242176674712350072022-04-26T07:00:00.001-07:002022-04-26T07:00:00.191-07:00A Long Time Ago, Luke Skywalker Lived On Mission<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFFIct25pcHfSFbrUBytW6gqfGlgMDqHr31B4hFQYpwA_EgsmEfZ0FMdqOmQgheDBWFFXQ32KRMORPyNe0AghwokspdjOagVN9Q42QdD8rAxPM6_Y_u9ZGE86eFBvQ0FibTBKECzKLbl24AA-EZ315xGDnNIhtsP8ZU3fblrj--8-qMMXXQ/s4032/IMG_0007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Samson Dressed up as Luke Skywalker" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFFIct25pcHfSFbrUBytW6gqfGlgMDqHr31B4hFQYpwA_EgsmEfZ0FMdqOmQgheDBWFFXQ32KRMORPyNe0AghwokspdjOagVN9Q42QdD8rAxPM6_Y_u9ZGE86eFBvQ0FibTBKECzKLbl24AA-EZ315xGDnNIhtsP8ZU3fblrj--8-qMMXXQ/w480-h640/IMG_0007.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">My kids have reached the age of Star Wars. Samson, in particular, is a HUGE fan. He loves all of it and devours everything he can get his 5-year-old hands on. As a fellow Star Wars fan - putting Episodes 8 & 9 aside </span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(</strong><span style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1</span><strong style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">)</strong></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"> - it's a blast watching him discover this new galaxy.</span></div><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But it's also got me thinking. What's so attractive about Star Wars?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Lightsabers are cool (obviously). And I think the clear distinction between good and evil speaks to the desire for justice given to us by God. However, as an adult re-watching, re-watching, and re-watching Episode 4, there's another element I find attractive:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Luke lives on mission.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When the film starts, he's living a normal life: He has chores, school, and a regular schedule. He eats a mostly-normal breakfast every morning. It's ho-hum.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But then his life flips upside down, and he no longer has a "regular" life. From that point on, everything he does is in service to his mission (to defeat the Empire).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"You can't stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting." —Shmi Skywalker</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Notice how we no longer see him eating meals or saying, "I'll do that tomorrow because it's dinner time." Yes, it's partly because that would be boring to watch, but that's part of the point. He's on an adventure</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(</strong><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">)</strong></span>!</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Watching Luke is fun because it's what so many of us want with our lives: to have a mission we're passionate about and be able to focus intently on accomplishing that mission. There isn't a regular schedule or wasted time.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's inspiring!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP4Z-xDUqqM0S4-FVXdRHfE_5wRbkNpknw5yN53nqkO56ZRkWKz3tL7AKJKSSMITs4GEhHsiSovDOtDIgD-U8BcwAC7-vB_V88r_F8REK4ElYtGcDLrAfv6_wyMtmATkeWB5Z7fRQqty5gIfCoDMLv07Bd8ymMZVDMbSaapsS2jxDljnwog/s4032/IMG_0403.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkP4Z-xDUqqM0S4-FVXdRHfE_5wRbkNpknw5yN53nqkO56ZRkWKz3tL7AKJKSSMITs4GEhHsiSovDOtDIgD-U8BcwAC7-vB_V88r_F8REK4ElYtGcDLrAfv6_wyMtmATkeWB5Z7fRQqty5gIfCoDMLv07Bd8ymMZVDMbSaapsS2jxDljnwog/w640-h360/IMG_0403.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also think it's fascinating that these types of missions are often precipitated by an untenable situation. For Luke, it was a horrific family tragedy. For others, it's getting fed up with a job enough that they start a business (it's probably not the best reason, but it's still living on mission). Or, it's the highly inspiring people who can't stand that there are people in the world who haven't put their faith and trust in Jesus.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another feature is the newness of everything. If you're constantly pursuing a mission, you're continually learning and being challenged. Luke's pre-Kenobi life was predictable and comparatively easy</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(</strong><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">)</strong></span>.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"I like firsts. Good or bad, they're always memorable." —Ahsoka Tano</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I think this is another draw of starting a business: everything is new! How will you provide the product/service? How will customers find out about it? And, what will you charge? These are all exciting questions that make you feel like you're living on a mission. Even for established companies, new problems crop up. For example, a couple of weeks ago, I needed to figure out how to stop a roof leak.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, to finish off this Star Wars musing, I'd like to offer three pieces of advice if you feel like your life is boring and stuck in the rat race.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1) Spend 30 minutes on something you care about</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck." —Obi-Wan Kenobi</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Challenge yourself this week to intentionally hold off on watching TV for 30 minutes. In that time, pursue something of interest. It could be anything! Find your mission and get after it!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For example, I'm taking a class to learn how to ride a motorcycle with Jessi (to pass the written and safety parts). If you don't have something, try something new to see if you like it. Or, at the very least, go exercise.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2) Start a side hustle</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Never tell me the odds." —Han Solo</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Take your hobby to the next level. What's cool about it, besides earning more, is that it gives you that sense of mission.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For example, I don't care about the day of the week or putting in 8 hours in my business because if a project needs to get done, I keep going. Starting a side hustle will be more work, but you won't mind it as much because you're chasing your mission. Remember, Luke's life was also more challenging when he lived on mission.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I recommend listening to the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/shows/spi/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Smart Passive Income podcast</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> during your 30-minute TV break if you're interested.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3) Remember who you're working for</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Your focus determines your reality." —Qui-Gon Jinn</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Chances are you can't quit your job, but you can change how you feel about it. There are two Biblical principles worth knowing.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">First, in Paul's letter to the Colossians, he says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://my.bible.com/bible/59/COL.3.ESV" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Colossians 3:23-24</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Second, King Solomon (the wisest king ever) made an observation:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://my.bible.com/bible/111/ECC.5.NIV" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ecclesiastes 5:18-20</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It might seem goofy, but if you repeat these verses daily, you'll start to see how you're directly serving Christ, which is the best mission of all.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Don't call me a mindless philosopher, you overweight glob of grease." —C-3PO</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDnxuXgX_jhJQTkxflbxWm35Ea6a5_IOtX5MzTarZA8op2AErDzu9LJtSD3PxoAIxv5gLCj-Zx76U8UDs_bnHby7uQrWa-rstnk9HMBFp673vl4h-JAZnpOt6YtUMcstDGSJX-PAy8w2M5FRC070PEqNE-r6Rf_NT9RYFsWYA8zb9hUdH1w/s3233/Speeder.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Luke Skywalker's Speeder" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="3233" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDnxuXgX_jhJQTkxflbxWm35Ea6a5_IOtX5MzTarZA8op2AErDzu9LJtSD3PxoAIxv5gLCj-Zx76U8UDs_bnHby7uQrWa-rstnk9HMBFp673vl4h-JAZnpOt6YtUMcstDGSJX-PAy8w2M5FRC070PEqNE-r6Rf_NT9RYFsWYA8zb9hUdH1w/w640-h356/Speeder.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, we own <a href="https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/luke-skywalker-s-landspeeder-75341" target="_blank">this</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(</strong><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">) </strong></span>I'm OK with them as standalone fantasy films but feel betrayed in the context of the whole Star Wars canon. The Mandalorian season 2 finale captures the Skywalker I wanted in Episode 8.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(</strong><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">)</strong></span> Many other movies capture this same idea - </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V75dMMIW2B4" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Lord of the Rings</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ_JOBCLF-I" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The LEGO Movie</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKQi3bBA1y8" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Matrix</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbQm5doF_Uc" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Frozen</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, to name a few. Perhaps the </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">quintessence</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> of such movies is </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HddkucqSzSM" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Secret Life of Walter Mitty</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(</strong><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">)</strong></span> I think. I don't actually know how hard it is to work on evaporators. At least it didn't appear to be as urgent.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-74102554344717271152022-03-04T11:55:00.006-08:002022-03-04T11:55:57.041-08:00"Hooked" - Book Review and Summary<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisjIOSaiYunrfWPfui1i88RMK1Ii8I-mheJ-9qi-bnahCMxJkGy1RfAyhmBgkrv1UXFVRCckmkstBAT_ljokunrYPWK4Q240emnbFjHWzR_lCZXJ7dbDjm9FkojI1tpit7fgORPjFxb375gFZ6kzP6wSiov3AeEHFL-LKMvtakaMOYiwM27Q=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisjIOSaiYunrfWPfui1i88RMK1Ii8I-mheJ-9qi-bnahCMxJkGy1RfAyhmBgkrv1UXFVRCckmkstBAT_ljokunrYPWK4Q240emnbFjHWzR_lCZXJ7dbDjm9FkojI1tpit7fgORPjFxb375gFZ6kzP6wSiov3AeEHFL-LKMvtakaMOYiwM27Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The book "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/34FumTp" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Hooked</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">," by Nir Eyal, applies psychology to website/app design to explain how successful products create unprompted user engagement - aka habits - where users visit a website/app repeatedly on their own.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">(I'll simply use "app" from now on for "website/app.")</em></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you find that you regularly open an app - like </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/35981964/7410255434471727115#" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Facebook</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/35981964/7410255434471727115#" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Youtube</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, or Email - out of habit, that app has successfully "hooked" you. Why does that happen? If you're creating a product to be regularly used or want to use an app less, this book will help you.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Eyal identified a 4-step process, called the Hooked Model, that apps use to encourage users to repeatedly return. The book describes each step and why they work. I enjoy books that explain behavior with psychology. Plus, I'm building a website, so I was interested in seeing what parts I could incorporate.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It also helped me see when other apps use the Hooked Model. For example, I use a journaling app called </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://dayoneapp.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Day One</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, and they do all of these steps, which has helped me journal regularly. It also explains why some apps, like Duolingo, feel pushy (I go on a mini-rant in the summary section).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One of Eyal's suggestions I'll use right away is to not just look at how people use my website (through usability testing). But to also create a user narrative that clearly describes the person's desires, emotions, and context when they start using the website. And it's not just making it up on my own, but using good, ol' fashion marketing research where you interview people, asking "why" at least 5 times to get to an emotional motivation.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Again, I highly recommend the book to anyone building an app.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The rest of this post contains my notes and quotes from the book. I recommend reading/listening to the book first and using the summary below for future reference. Or, read below as a teaser to see if you'd like it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Hooked Model</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Hooked Model consists of four parts:</span></p><span style="color: #0e101a;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>A trigger to visit the app</li><li>An action to take within the app</li><li>A variable reward for taking action</li><li>An investment of time/data with the app</li></ol></span><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The more frequently a user goes through the Hooked Model, the sooner they'll create a habit of using the app. "[T]his framework is for creating habit-forming products, not one-time-use goods." (p. 167). </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Ultimately, though, the [Hooked Model] should be 'used to help nudge people to make better choices (as judged by themselves).' Accordingly, this book teaches innovators how to build products to help people do the things they already want to do but, for lack of a well-designed solution, don't do." (p. 12).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In other words, don't use the Hooked Model to create an addictive app; only use it to help your users.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Usability</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In many ways, Hooked is an extension of the book "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2022/01/dont-make-me-think-book-review-and.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Don't Make Me Think</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" by Steve Krug. Krug's book is all about usability: how to make your app as easy to use as possible. It's not that you treat your users as dumb, but it's respecting their time and meeting them in their real-life experience. YOU, the innovator, invest the extra time optimizing your app so that your USERS don't need to invest the time themselves figuring out how to use a poorly designed app.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And if you created an app that helps people (Eyal uses the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Bible</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> app and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://fitbod.me/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Fitbod</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for a couple of case studies), you want to help them form those healthy habits with good design.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's an act of service.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And of course, some companies inappropriately harness the Hooked Model to create bad habits and addictive behavior. But once you understand the model, you can fight back to break a habit.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Next, Eyal dives into each part of the Hooked Model.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Trigger</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Hooked Model starts with a trigger. Something happens which prompts you to take action. The trigger can be external or internal.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">External Triggers</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Examples of external triggers are push notifications or getting an email. "External triggers are embedded with information, which tells the user what to do next." (p. 41). Following usability principles, effective external triggers have a single clear call to action. "Reducing the thinking required to take the next action increases the likelihood of the desired behavior occurring with little thought." (p. 43).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here are the different types of external triggers:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Paid Triggers</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Think online advertisements where you see an ad telling you to download an app. "Habit-forming companies tend not to rely on paid triggers for very long, if at all." (p. 44). They might use them to acquire new users, but they use other triggers to bring them back.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Earned Triggers</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">These can't be bought, but often require an investment of time. Think favorable press mentions, guest blog posts, podcast interviews, or video collaborations. It can be unpredictable but highly effective in creating traffic spikes.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Relationship Triggers</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"[R]elationship triggers drive growth because people love to tell one another about a wonderful offer." (p. 45). Word-of-mouth product referrals are perhaps the most effective triggers. This is what often drives viral growth.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Proper use of relationship triggers requires building an engaged user base that is enthusiastic about sharing the benefits of the product with others." (p. 46). And this is why you see so many "share on XYZ" requests online.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Owned Triggers</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Owned triggers consume a piece of real estate in the user's environment. They consistently show up in daily life and it is ultimately up to the user to opt in to allowing these triggers to appear. For example, an app icon on the user's phone screen, an email newsletter to which the user subscribes, or an app update notification only appears if the user wants it there." (p. 46). Email lists are considered one of the most valuable assets a business owns because of how powerful owned triggers are. </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"While paid, earned, and relationship triggers drive new user acquisition, owned triggers prompt repeat engagement until a habit is formed." (p. 47).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">External to Internal Triggers</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"The ultimate goal of all external triggers is to propel users into and through the Hooked Model so that, after successive cycles, they do not need further prompting from external triggers. When users form habits, they are cued by a different kind of trigger: internal ones." (p. 47).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sophisticated ones will only send you a message if you stop engaging with the product to restart the Hooked Model.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Internal Triggers</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Internal triggers manifest automatically in your mind. Connecting internal triggers with a product is the brass ring of habit-forming technology." (p. 48).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">When using an app provides psychological relief, it can form a habit as you form positive associations with that app over time. The emotion - frequently negative - could be boredom (Youtube), loneliness (Facebook), stress (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.headspace.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Headspace</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">), uncertainty (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.google.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Google</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">), validating importance (email), or many others.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you've ever tried to lose weight, you'll notice the similarity to over-eating. We don't over-eat because we're hungry, but to provide relief from something else. A complete aside: if you're hungry, ask yourself if you'd eat a raw vegetable, like carrots. If not, then you're probably not physically hungry. Pause, and try to identify the internal emotional trigger that led you to want to eat. Then experiment with trying something different to meet the emotional need. The same pause works for over-used apps.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Unlike an external trigger, the internal's call to action of what to do next is encoded in your memory.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Building for Triggers</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"The ultimate goal of a habit-forming product is to solve the user's pain by creating an association so that the user identifies the company's product or service as the source of relief." (p. 52).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, step one is to "identify the particular frustration or pain point in emotional terms, rather than product features." (p. 52). What might a user be feeling right before they use your app?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is a leveling up of usability principles: don't just look at how people use your app (through usability testing), but also create a user narrative that clearly describes the user's desires, emotion, and context when they start using the app (through interviews).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"One method is to try asking the question 'Why?' as many times as it takes to get to an emotion. Usually, this will happen by the fifth why. This is a technique adapted from the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Production_System" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Toyota Production System</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, described by Taiichi Ohno as the '</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_whys" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">5 Whys Method</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.' " (p. 54).</span></blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Once you come up with three internal triggers, you can use those as part of the product requirements. Again, investing the time to understand your users and their needs - not building something solely based on what YOU think is needed - is an act of service.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Action</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The next step in the Hooked Model is taking action. A habit is something done with little or no conscious thought, so the first action needs to also require little to no conscious thought.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.bjfogg.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">[Dr. B. J.] Fogg</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> posits that there are three ingredients required to initiate any and all behaviors: (1) the user must have sufficient motivation; (2) the user must have the ability to complete the desired action; and (3) a trigger must be present to activate the behavior. The </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://behaviormodel.org/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Fogg Behavior Model</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is represented in the formula B = MAT, which represents that a given behavior will occur when motivation, ability, and a trigger are present at the same time and in sufficient degrees." (p. 62).</span></blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We already talked about the trigger, so here's the motivation and ability parts:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Motivation</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What type of motivation is your user seeking or avoiding? "Fogg states that all humans are motivated to seek pleasure and avoid pain; to seek hope and avoid fear; and finally, to seek social acceptance and avoid rejection." (p. 63).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Remember, "What motivates some people will not motivate others, a fact that provides all the more reason to understand the needs of your particular target audience." (pp. 64-65). This is why interviewing your users is so important.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, you want to create a simple action your user can take that connects to their motivation. The trigger will have a call-to-action for the simple action. Ideally, the trigger occurs when they're highly motivated. I have a notification right now from a research app that says, "There is one task available when you're ready."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"However, even with the right trigger enabled and motivation running high, product designers often find users still don't behave the way they want them to. What's missing in this equation? Usability—or rather, the ability of the user to take action easily." (p. 67).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Let's look at ability next.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ability</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3sEuU5A" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">[Denis J.] Hauptly</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> states, understand the reason people use a product or service. Next, lay out the steps the customer must take to get the job done. Finally, once the series of tasks from intention to outcome is understood, simply start removing steps until you reach the simplest possible process. Consequently, any technology or product that significantly reduces the steps to complete a task will enjoy high adoption rates by the people it assists." (p. 67).</span></blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Hauptly's advice is golden. The most popular products in history are simple and removed steps. Do you want to communicate with a friend? Travel -> Mail (less physical effort and asynchronous) -> Email (free, instant delivery and links) -> Texting (no subject lines or proper punctuation)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">6 elements influence the difficulty of a task (pp 71-72 emphases are mine):</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Time</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">—how long it takes to complete an action. </span></li><li><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Money</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">—the fiscal cost of taking an action. </span></li><li><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Physical effort</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">—the amount of labor involved in taking the action. </span></li><li><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Brain cycles</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">—the level of mental effort and focus required to take an action. </span></li><li><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Social deviance</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">—how accepted the behavior is by others. </span></li><li><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Non-routine</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">—according to Fogg, 'How much the action matches or disrupts existing routines.' "</span></li></ol><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The drive to consolidate steps led to app inventions like: logging in with Facebook/Apple/Google (instead of an email/password), share buttons, 1-Click purchases, smartphone cameras buttons on home screens, and infinite scrolling.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ask: what features does your product have within one of those six elements that are 10x better than how users are currently solving their problem (connected to an emotion)? Again, we're taking usability to the next level.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are also four preception effects worth knowing about:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Scarcity effect:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> "The appearance of scarcity affected their perception of value." (p. 85). Classic examples are limited stocked items.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Framing effect:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> "The mind takes shortcuts informed by our surroundings to make quick and sometimes erroneous judgments." (p. 87). For example, a professionally designed website builds trust.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Anchoring effect</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "People often anchor to one piece of information when making a decision." (p. 88).</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Endowed progress effect</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "a phenomenon that increases motivation as people believe they are nearing a goal." (p. 89). We used to say you're "smelling the barn."</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's one incredible piece of research on the endowed progress effect:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Two groups of customers were given punch cards awarding a free car wash once the cards were fully punched. One group was given a blank punch card with eight squares; the other was given a punch card with ten squares that came with two free punches. Both groups still had to purchase eight car washes to receive a free wash; however, the second group of customers—those that were given two free punches—had a staggering 82 percent higher completion rate." (p. 89).</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is why </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">LinkedIn</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> shows you a "profile is X% complete" with a specific call to action for what you can do next to "improve your profile strength."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">To recap: you want to create a simple action for your user to take that's tied to their motivation. The simple action should do a better job of satisfying their emotional desire than any alternative. This usually takes the form of a simple task: liking a post, reading a message, logging a meal, answering a journal prompt, etc.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Variable Reward</h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The next part of the Hooked Model is a variable reward. The user received a trigger and took a simple action. What happens next?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Variability</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Simply offering a reward is not good enough; it needs to be variable. "Without variability we are like children in that once we figure out what will happen next, we become less excited by the experience. The same rules that apply to puppies also apply to products. To hold our attention, products must have an ongoing degree of novelty." (p. 98).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As a throw-back example, watching "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://youtu.be/3-ZP95NF_Wk" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Sixth Sense</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" is rewarding the first time. It also provides an entirely different reward the second time. But, by the third viewing, it's no longer novel, so we move on to another movie.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Rewards</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are three types of rewards: the tribe, the hunt, and the self.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Rewards of the Tribe</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Our brains are adapted to seek rewards that make us feel accepted, attractive, important, and included." (p. 100). Social acceptance and connection are huge rewards. We were created for relationships, so any product that helps us connect (even if it's not the best long-term way of connecting) does very well.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"It is no surprise that social media has exploded in popularity. Facebook, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://twitter.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Twitter</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.pinterest.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Pinterest</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, and several other sites collectively provide over a billion people with powerful social rewards on a variable schedule. With every post, tweet, or pin, users anticipate social validation. Rewards of the tribe keep users coming back, wanting more." (p. 100).</span></blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Another example: "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://stackoverflow.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Stack Overflow</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> devotees write responses in anticipation of rewards of the tribe. Each time a user submits an answer, other members have the opportunity to vote the response up or down." (p. 102). </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Rewards of the Hunt</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"The need to acquire physical objects, such as food and other supplies that aid our survival, is part of our brain's operating system." (p. 107). My wife loves puzzles, and I like </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.lego.com/en-us" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Legos</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Some people are bargain shoppers or garage sale junkies. I regularly have conversations where friends boast about a great deal they found for a product (OK... I do it too).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"The Twitter timeline, for example, is filled with a mix of both mundane and relevant content. This variety creates an enticingly unpredictable user experience. On occasion a user might find a particularly interesting piece of news, while other times she won't. To keep hunting for more information, all that is needed is a flick of the finger or scroll of a mouse. Users scroll and scroll and scroll to search for variable rewards in the form of relevant tweets." (p. 108).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Rewards of the Self</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"We are driven to conquer obstacles, even if just for the satisfaction of doing so. Pursuing a task to completion can influence people to continue all sorts of behaviors." (pp. 110-111). This coincides with the endowed progress effect. When walking on a there-and-back route, I HAVE to touch something - like a pole or wall - before turning around to mark its completion. It shouldn't be highly satisfying, but it is.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"The rewards of the self are fueled by 'intrinsic motivation' as highlighted by the work of </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.apa.org/members/content/intrinsic-motivation" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Edward Deci and Richard Ryan</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Their self-determination theory espouses that people desire, among other things, to gain a sense of competency. Adding an element of mystery to this goal makes the pursuit all the more enticing." (p. 111). The mystery might be when you achieve competency or the trials experienced along the way.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As someone hooked on email's reward of self, I liked this quote: "Users can give up when they sense the struggle to get their in-boxes under control is hopeless. To combat the problem and give users a sense of progress, Google created 'Priority Inbox.' Using this feature, Gmail cleverly segments emails into sorted folders to increase the frequency of users achieving 'in-box zero'—a near-mystical state of having no unread emails." (p. 113).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">That's the variability and reward components. There are some caveats, though.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Not All Reward Systems Work</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You can't just gamify an app and call it a day.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Not Relevant</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Rewards must fit into the narrative of why the product is used and align with the user's internal triggers and motivations. They must ultimately improve the user's life." (p. 118).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I've tried using </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.duolingo.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Duolingo</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to learn a language. They employ a bunch of Hooked ideas but don't quite nail it. For example, you earn XP after each lesson, which earns you a spot on a leader board. Every 6-ish days you move up into a new leaderboard, stay the same, or drop down to a leader board. But it has nothing to do with learning a language! They also track streaks, constantly ask you to share, reward badges earned XP, and send notifications of friend accomplishments. I get it, but none of these inherently help me learn the language. But perhaps my motivation is different than their core users, which is why it doesn't work for me.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Loss of Autonomy</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (underline is mine)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"the most successful consumer technologies—those that have altered the daily behaviors of billions of people—are the ones that nobody makes us use. Perhaps part of the appeal of sneaking in a few minutes on </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.instagram.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Instagram</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> or checking scores on </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.espn.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">ESPN.com</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is our access to a moment of pure autonomy—an escape from being told what to do by bosses and coworkers. Unfortunately, too many companies build their products betting users will do what they make them do instead of letting them do what they want to do. Companies fail to change user behaviors because </span><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">they do not make their services enjoyable for its own sake, often asking users to learn new, unfamiliar actions instead of making old routines easier</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Companies that successfully change behaviors present users with an implicit choice between their old way of doing things and a new, more convenient way to fulfill existing needs. By maintaining the users' freedom to choose, products can facilitate the adoption of new habits and change behavior for good." (p. 123).</span></blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Usability testing helps with this. I know my problem is it's designed for how I use it, but that's not necessarily how others think about it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Finite Variability</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Experiences with finite variability become less engaging because they eventually become predictable." (p. 127). It seems like most of the Facebook games I've played have this problem. Or, reaching the next reward takes exponentially more time, which effectively removes the reward.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"[G]ames played to completion offer finite variability, while those played with other people have higher degrees of infinite variability because the players themselves alter the gameplay throughout." (pp. 127-128). This explains why multiplayer games are so popular! Are there any ways users can interact with each other in your product?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Inherent Variability</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I found this interesting. If there's inherent variability, you don't need to artificially add more. Instead, you want to give users a way to understand the variables:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Whether the product is an enterprise-focused service helping customers get a grip on the effectiveness of their marketing spend, a financial information portal, a health tracking app, or a corporate dashboard, all sorts of products operate in conditions of inherent variability. Companies building these sorts of products and services need not necessarily add more uncertainty, but rather give the user a greater sense of agency and control over inherently variable circumstances." (p. 130).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Next Steps</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Fundamentally, variable reward systems must satisfy users' needs while leaving them wanting to reengage." (p. 130). Again, this is for apps that are used regularly. I personally like rewards of the self the most, but that can be hit or miss, whereas social and hunt rewards seem to work for a lot more people.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Do this: "Speak with five of your customers in an open-ended interview to identify what they find enjoyable or encouraging about using your product. Are there any moments of delight or surprise? Is there anything they find particularly satisfying about using the product?" (p. 133). Similar to usability testing, it doesn't require a vast panel of people to identify the major areas of improvement. All of these interviews can be done in a single day.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Brainstorm three ways your product might heighten users' search for variable rewards" (p. 133).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Investment</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"The more users invest time and effort into a product or service, the more they value it. In fact, there is ample evidence to suggest that our labor leads to love." (p. 136). Here are three reasons why:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We irrationally value our efforts</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.ikea.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">IKEA</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is a perfect example of this. Not only did they figure out a way to save manufacturing and shipping costs by selling deconstructed furniture, but people love their furniture because they helped build it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2.</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> We seek to be consistent with our past behaviors</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Little investments... can lead to big changes in future behaviors." (p. 139). In numerous studies, once you commit to a small thing, you're willing to do more and more to stay consistent. I love this one. It means doing small things, like flossing each day or making your bed every morning, can lead you to do other things: cleaning your room, house, and workspace.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We avoid cognitive dissonance</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"To avoid the cognitive dissonance of not liking something that others seem to take so much pleasure in, we slowly change our perception of the thing we once did not enjoy." (p. 140). Everyone who enjoys black coffee or stout beers knows about this one.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Together, the three tendencies just described influence our future actions: The more effort we put into something, the more likely we are to value it; we are more likely to be consistent with our past behaviors; and finally, we change our preferences to avoid cognitive dissonance." (p. 140).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Schell" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jessi Schell</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> helped explain why people spend money on </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.zynga.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Zynga's games</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. It's a cycle that relies on all three tendencies: "Combine that with the psychological idea . . . of rationalization, that anything you spend time on, you start to believe, 'This must be worthwhile. Why? Because I've spent time on it!' And therefore it must be worth me kicking in twenty dollars because look at the time I've spent on it. And now that I've kicked in twenty dollars, it must be valuable because only an idiot would kick in twenty dollars if it wasn't." (pp. 141-142).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How Investment Fits Into The Hooked Model</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"To form the associations needed to create unprompted user engagement, something more than the three-step feedback loop is required. The last step of the Hooked Model is the investment phase, the point at which users are asked to do a bit of work. Here, users are prompted to put something of value into the system, which increases the likelihood of their using the product and of successive passes through the cycle. Unlike in the action phase of the Hook... investments are about the anticipation of longer-term rewards, not immediate gratification." (p. 143).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This took me a little while to get straight. The action is simple/fast and has an immediate variable reward. The investment, however, takes a little bit more work, and it improves the long-term/future use of the app.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"In the investment phase, however, asking users to do a bit of work comes after users have received variable rewards, not before. The timing of asking for user investment is critically important. By asking for the investment after the reward, the company has an opportunity to leverage a central trait of human behavior." (p. 144). That trait is </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-rule-of-reciprocity-2795891" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">reciprocation</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, where you feel compelled to do something in return for something done for you. For example, if someone gets you a present, you often feel obligated to give them one.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In general, reciprocity is good and helps society function (if I'm nice to you, you're nice in return). The same is true of the apps we use: "The big idea behind the investment phase is to leverage the user's understanding that the service will get better with use (and personal investment). Like a good friendship, the more effort people put in, the more both parties benefit." (p. 144).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Storing Value</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are 5 types of value that a product can store that enhance the user's experience. Here's each one and how they can make an app better.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1.</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Content</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: As users consume content, the product can make personalized recommendations based on past behavior. </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.pandora.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Pandora</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> was one of the first apps that explicitly worked this way.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Data</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "[T]he more information users invested in the site, the more committed they became to it." (p. 147). Think: adding your resume to LinkedIn or your spending data to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://mint.intuit.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Mint</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3.</span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Followers</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "Investing in following the right people increases the value of the product by displaying more relevant and interesting content" (p. 149). For a creator, switching services means abandoning a following you've worked to acquire and nurture.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">4. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Reputation</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "Reputation is a form of stored value users can literally take to the bank. On online marketplaces such as </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.ebay.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">eBay</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.upwork.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Upwork</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.yelp.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Yelp</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, and </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.airbnb.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Airbnb</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, people with negative scores are treated very differently from those with good reputations." (p. 151).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">5. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Skill</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "Investing time and effort into learning to use a product is a form of investment and stored value." (p. 152). Remember, "non-routine is a factor of simplicity, and the more familiar a behavior is, the more likely the user is to do it." (p. 152). </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://quickbooks.intuit.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Quickbooks</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is an example of an app that takes time to learn because, despite accounting being nothing more than arithmetic, it's complicated. But once you do (and experience the joy of a reconciled set of books), the app becomes better to use.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Also, remember that the investment needs to be relevant, and the user needs to have sufficient motivation and ability to engage. So, creating a detailed profile page that asks for info that's not required doesn't count.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"I recommend that you progressively stage the investment you want from users into small chunks of work, starting with small, easy tasks and building up to harder tasks during successive cycles through the Hooked Model." (p. 153). This one can be tricky because you know the app experience will be significantly better once the investment is made, but that can be too much at once. Try to find meaningful milestones that can be rewarded.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Using the Hooked Model</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In summary (pp. 163-164): </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"[A]sk yourself these fundamental questions for building effective hooks:</span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What do users really want? What pain is your product relieving? (Internal trigger) </span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What brings users to your service? (External trigger) </span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What is the simplest action users take in anticipation of reward, and how can you simplify your product to make this action easier? (Action) </span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Are users fulfilled by the reward yet left wanting more? (Variable reward) </span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What "bit of work" do users invest in your product? Does it load the next trigger and store value to improve the product with use? (Investment)"</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Avoid manipulation</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By this point, you might feel a little uneasy about the Hooked Model. It can feel like it's exploiting our psychological natures to get us to do things we wouldn't normally do. Eyal adds two additional questions you need to answer:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"[T]he maker needs to ask two questions. First, "Would I use the product myself?" and second, "Will the product help users materially improve their lives?" (p. 167).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"If you find yourself squirming as you ask yourself these questions or needing to qualify or justify your answers, stop! You failed." (p. 168).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Yes, it's a bit of self-policing. Eyal also points out that he studied what the larger apps are already doing to create the Hooked Model. So it's not like they'll read this book and take their manipulation to the next level.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Habit Testing</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The final section addresses user testing. Research is one of those practices that everyone agrees is good, but few do (this sounds like an app opportunity). One reason why it's so valuable is that creators have the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://heathbrothers.com/made-to-stick-introduction/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">curse of knowledge</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: once you know how an app is supposed to work, it's hard to imagine what it's like to use the app for the first time.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, whenever you come up with an idea, the only way to know if it will work is to test it with actual users. Here's the three-step process:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Identify</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "define what it means to be a devoted user. How often "should" one use your product?" (p. 201). Be realistic and honest.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Codify</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "codify the steps they took using your product to understand what hooked them." (p. 202). "You are looking for a Habit Path—a series of similar actions shared by your most loyal users." (p. 203).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">3. </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Modify</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: "revisit your product and identify ways to nudge new users down the same Habit Path taken by devotees." (p. 203). And test it with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2022/01/dont-make-me-think-book-review-and.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">usability testing</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Habit Testing is a continual process you can implement with every new feature and product iteration." (p. 204).</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Final Thoughts</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's a lot of notes, but that's because it's a highly actionable book. I like Eyal's writing style ("</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3IFi5xn" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Indistractable</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" is similarly well written). If you do any product development for an app designed for regular use, I highly recommend <a href="https://amzn.to/34FumTp" target="_blank">reading the book</a>.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-76806593166857139682022-01-15T09:41:00.001-08:002022-01-15T09:41:17.411-08:00"Don't Make Me Think" - Book Review and Summary<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYQFWrbwJZVcdmh6l5Drnu04YujaUZ6wkXJhiC_xEk5x9i8BDuh-3zdRCYjoIVNIaVPzFgdLB4Q5y3CYcj7I_GcgSV9AJAcGoWXJ2feEG830HqFiqZASIVw9A4y4Y6k7KFCA-Hs6QXQ2hQilYcV1bDl9jg6DLAagNq9ShkL9wxpUJYvDF5sA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYQFWrbwJZVcdmh6l5Drnu04YujaUZ6wkXJhiC_xEk5x9i8BDuh-3zdRCYjoIVNIaVPzFgdLB4Q5y3CYcj7I_GcgSV9AJAcGoWXJ2feEG830HqFiqZASIVw9A4y4Y6k7KFCA-Hs6QXQ2hQilYcV1bDl9jg6DLAagNq9ShkL9wxpUJYvDF5sA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I recently finished reading "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/321Ypnu" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Don't Make Me Think</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" by Steve Krug. If I'm honest, this is just as much a reference for myself as sharing what I learned with you. The lessons are great and highly practical for anyone building a website. Krug works on the usability of websites - how easy a website is for a person to use - and goes deep on making it usable.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Big Idea</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Krug's first law of useability is: "Don't make me think."</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> This means that "a Web page should be self-evident. Obvious. Self-explanatory" (p. 11). For example, "As a user, I should never have to devote a millisecond of thought to whether things are clickable—or not" (p. 15).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Reducing thinking is crucial because we don't read pages; we scan them. So you have to treat your page like a billboard on a freeway. As someone who likes to write long blog posts, that's a tough pill to swallow. But "If your audience is going to act like you're designing billboards, then design great billboards" (p. 27).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's also important because users don't make optimal choices; we "satisfice" by choosing the first reasonable option. So, if you want a user to do something, it has to be at the top of the page and prominent.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How to Reduce Thinking</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Krug gives some good ideas on making a page more obvious.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Take advantage of conventions</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Links should look like links, and buttons should look like buttons, etc.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"If you're not going to use an existing Web convention, you need to be sure that what you're replacing it with either (a) is so clear and self-explanatory that there's no learning curve—so it's as good as the convention, or (b) adds so much value that it's worth a small learning curve. My recommendation: Innovate when you know you have a better idea, but take advantage of conventions when you don't" (p. 32).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is also important for forms. The necessary part is collecting the information, not how cool it looks. Using conventional web forms helps users focus on the answers, and it also builds trust, which is required for someone to fill out a form accurately.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Create effective visual hierarchies</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"A good visual hierarchy saves us work by preprocessing the page for us, organizing and prioritizing its contents in a way that we can grasp almost instantly" (p. 35).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">These include big titles, noticeable subtitles, sections, and navigation.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Make it obvious what's clickable </span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Krug keeps hammering this throughout the book.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"In general, you'll be fine if you just stick to one color for all text links or make sure that their shape and location identify them as clickable. Just don't make silly mistakes like using the same color for links and nonclickable headings" (p. 38).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Omit Needless Words</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You want to format your content to support scanning. Remember, treat it like a billboard.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"In general, you'll want to use more headings than you'd think and put more time into writing them" (p. 39). And keep paragraphs short, use bulleted lists, and highlight key terms.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Get rid of half the words on each page, then get rid of half of what's left" (p. 49). The advice is purposely excessive. In his experience, eliminating half the words on a page is easy. Reducing it further requires you truly understand visitors' minds and see the page through their </span><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">scanning</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> eyes.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's an example of eliminating words:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Your objective should always be to eliminate instructions entirely by making everything self-explanatory, or as close to it as possible. When instructions are absolutely necessary, cut them back to the bare minimum" (p. 51).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Create Context With Well Designed Navigation</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One problem with websites is that there's no physical sense of space. In a store, you have signs and can physically see what's next to each other. You can quickly find food vs. clothing vs. tools. And it's reasonably straightforward to drill down another level: freezer vs. cereal vs. drinks vs. etc.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">However, you don't have that same sense of direction, location, or scale with websites. So to overcome it, you want straightforward navigation.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Krug goes deep into this area:</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The logo should be upper right.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Utility placement (sign in, help, site map, shopping cart, etc.).</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The role of search vs. menus (you want both).</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Visit some bigger websites, and you'll quickly notice the conventions. Krug does have one note of warning:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"I think this is one of the most common problems in Web design (especially in larger sites): failing to give the lower-level navigation the same attention as the top. In so many sites, as soon as you get past the second level, the navigation breaks down and becomes ad hoc" (p. 73).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">To overcome this problem: "It's vital to have sample pages that show the navigation for all the potential levels of the site before you start arguing about the color scheme" (p. 73). </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The following insight took me by surprise:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Designers sometimes think, "Well, we've highlighted the page name in the navigation. That's good enough." It's a tempting idea because it can save space, and it's one less element to work into the page layout, but it's not enough. You need a page name, too." (p. 75).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So you do need to omit needless words, but page titles aren't one of them.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Finally, breadcrumbs are a form of "you are here" signs. They help create context in addition to helping you navigate. This is especially important if your website goes more than a couple of layers deep.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Create a Homepage For Your Visitors, Not For Yourself</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Krug shares this amazing </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://xkcd.com/773/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">XKCD comic</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which is so true it hurts.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/university_website.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="541" height="447" src="https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/university_website.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Krug gets into the fine details of making a homepage: Where to put a tagline, how much of a welcome blub to use, and the proper use of "learn more."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Don't feel compelled to mention every great feature, just a few of the most important ones" (p. 94).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is another huge theme as well:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"[The Home page is] one of the most important things to test. You can't trust your own judgment about this. You need to show the Home page to people from outside your organization to tell you whether the design is getting this job done because the "main point" is the one thing nobody inside the organization will notice is missing" (p. 95).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Usability Testing Is Your Friend and Doesn't Need to Cost a Lot</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Great design is complicated because there's no one correct answer. "All web users are unique and all web use is basically idiosyncratic" (p. 108)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"The point is, it's not productive to ask questions like "Do most people like pull-down menus?" The right kind of question to ask is, "Does this pull-down, with these items and this wording in this context on this page create a good experience for most people who are likely to use this site?" And there's really only one way to answer that kind of question: testing" (p. 109). </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Some of Krug's thoughts on testing:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you want a great site, you need to test it.</li><li>Testing one user is 100% better than testing none.</li><li>Testing 1 user early in the project is better than testing 50 near the end.</li></ul><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And this doesn't have to be rocket science: "If you want to know whether something is easy enough to use, watch some people while they try to use it and note where they run into problems" (p. 115).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How Often Should You Test?</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One morning a month.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You can test three users for an hour each, then debrief over lunch. The important part is to create a fixed schedule and stick with it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How Many Users Do You Need?</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"I think the ideal number of participants for each round of do-it-yourself testing is three" (p. 119).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The goal isn't to prove a point of view, but to give you actionable insights. And it's not to uncover every single problem. "You can find more problems in half a day than you can fix in a month... It's much more important to do more rounds of testing than to wring everything you can out of each round" (p. 119).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How Do You Choose Participants?</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Interestingly, you don't want just domain knowledge experts. You want to cast a broad net - even people who know nothing about your industry. I liked this insight: "If 'almost anybody' can use it, your experts will be able to use it, too" (p. 121). It makes sense, but I'll admit that I didn't start there. After all, everyone starts as a beginner at some point, and you want them also to use your website.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How Do You Find Participants?</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The usual places: Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter, customer forums, friends, and neighbors. A 1-hour session seems to be in the $50-$100 range. So, for $300 a month, you can get regular feedback on your website.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Where Do You Test?</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You can do it in person or over Zoom. You do want to record the session so others can watch it. At </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://majordomo.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Majordomo</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, we started with in-person testing and then switched to Zoom (with the rest of the world), and it seemed fine. It also made it easier to record since they shared their screen, and we hit the record button on our side.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What Do You Test?</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's never too early to start. Even if all you have is an idea, you can begin testing. For example, start with competitive websites to get a feel for what people like and dislike. Then move on to rough sketches, wireframes, prototypes, and finally actual pages.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The test itself is simple: get to know them (~10 minutes) and give them a set of tasks to complete (~35 minutes). For non-working pages, testers can point their fingers and explain what they would do.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Make sure the instructions are clear. Your job is to keep them focused and encourage them to think aloud.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Don't ask them leading questions, and don't give them any clues or assistance unless they're hopelessly stuck or extremely frustrated. If they ask for help, just say something like 'What would you do if I wasn't here?' " (p. 126). </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Krug provides an example session in the book to see exactly how to run a test.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Deciding What To Fix</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Focus on the most serious problem first. I liked this advice: "You don't have to fix each problem perfectly or completely. You just have to do something—often just a tweak—that will take it out of the category of 'serious problem' " (p. 138).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also liked this advice:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Resist the impulse to add things. When it's obvious in testing that users aren't getting something, the team's first reaction is usually to add something, like an explanation or some instructions. But very often the right solution is to take something (or some things) away that are obscuring the meaning, rather than adding yet another distraction" (p. 139).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"I tell people to ignore all comments that users make about colors during a user test, unless three out of four people use a word like "puke" to describe the color scheme. Then it's worth rethinking" (p. 169).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Final Advice Roundup</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Krug finishes the book with a smattering of helpful advice:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"Know the main things that people want to do on your site and make them obvious and easy" (p. 170).</li><li>"Be upfront about things like shipping costs, hotel daily parking fees, service outages—anything you'd rather not be upfront about" (p. 170).</li><li>"Save me steps wherever you can" (p. 170). This is a massive advantage of the web over physical equivalents. Where can you use automation/prediction to make things easier?</li><li>Include candid FAQs, not Questions We Wish People Would Ask.</li><li>"Make it easy to recover from errors" (p. 171) because they will happen. Though, testing will help you eliminate the big ones.</li><li>Apologize: "If you can't do what they want, at least let them know that you know you're inconveniencing them" (p. 171).</li></ul><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Recommendation</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">That was a bit of a firehose, but it's all good! If you're doing any website or app development or design, I'll go as far as to say this is required reading. It's highly practical advice from someone in the trenches. It's not about creating something perfect or going through an official design process. It feels human and reasonable.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If all you do is follow his usability advice, you'll be in a much better place. If you invest in regular usability testing, you'll create a great website or app.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-52157890444147388752022-01-03T15:36:00.000-08:002022-01-03T15:36:40.373-08:002022 Annual Letter: Significant Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQEQ3Te0OGEmsk3Gw3XUpug3tpe_LyOvpx6Bz8YaRekVjxHH9EwjqsBR93pJF0qufszOJu3tGPTyu1TJNU4nDOZUmHH9JDD7Ld75nSJI6bP0rWNPRx4cBqpK_YRGQF5LUm8x8r0KX-3IENyHJnoV_H19aidhy8RkgETHK--KSRT5Dv_P5YgA=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQEQ3Te0OGEmsk3Gw3XUpug3tpe_LyOvpx6Bz8YaRekVjxHH9EwjqsBR93pJF0qufszOJu3tGPTyu1TJNU4nDOZUmHH9JDD7Ld75nSJI6bP0rWNPRx4cBqpK_YRGQF5LUm8x8r0KX-3IENyHJnoV_H19aidhy8RkgETHK--KSRT5Dv_P5YgA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a;">I ended <a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2021/01/2021-annual-letter-experiencing-time.html" target="_blank">last year's letter</a> saying:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"I'm not anticipating any significant changes, but if God has other plans for us, we'll try to be ready and willing to make those changes."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Well, God indeed had other plans for us; we experienced a tectonic change going into the summer!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A New Job For Jessi: Children's Ministry Director</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Life was comfortable in the first part of 2021. I managed our properties and worked on </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://majordomo.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Majordomo</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Jessi ran her in-home pre-school, Elinor started kindergarten, and Samson went to Jessi's school.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It was great!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We planed some extended trips since it seemed like the pandemic was becoming endemic, and things were opening up. We planned to spend a few weeks in Washington with Jessi's family, go on a few camping/backpacking trips, and finish the year with a trip to Disney World with my family. Plus, we started planning bigger/longer trips for 2022.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It was the American dream: spend lots of time with family and travel the world. Right?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And then God called Jessi into full-time ministry at our church as the children's ministry director.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It wasn't an easy decision:</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jessi would need to shut down her school.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I would need to watch the kids a lot more. It's good, but I had other commitments, like doing property maintenance and running Majordomo.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also took over most of the household chores. Again, it's okay, but it also meant I'd need to work most Saturdays - when Jessi was around - work on the business. I'm not sure how households with two full-time parents pull it off!</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We canceled all of our trips (my sister had a baby at the end of the year, which delayed our Disney plans, but we were glad for it). It's incredibly tough knowing that Jessi's parents are closer than ever, but our opportunities to visit are limited.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jessi was looking forward to focused time with Samson since Elinor would be in school. Samson probably struggled the most in the transition.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ministry issues would dominate our conversations like my old job used to.</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For where we were at, it was a sacrifice!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But the rewards have also been great:</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Most importantly, we know that we're living in the center of God's will for our lives.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It was a difficult transition, but we found Romans 5:3-5 to be true: "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Instead of impacting 10 kids, Jessi is now affecting many more, including their families and teachers.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We have a whole new set of friends that we're living life with and growing closer to.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I've enjoyed spending more time with the kids. They still like Mom more, though. :)</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How Do You Know When To Make a Change?</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We use prayer and wise counsel. We talked to a dozen people about this particular change and spent a few weeks in prayer.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also think God wired us to pursue challenging and exciting things.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3zgxG2t" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The 4-Hour Workweek</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, Tim Ferriss notes that striving for "happiness" is too nebulous. Instead, aim for excitement! Think back to when you're "happiest," and it's likely when something exciting/different happened.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3HmwLk0" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Grit</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, Angela Duckworth notes that improvement - or positive change - comes from resistance. This is true of your muscles, mind, emotions, and spirit. Again, think back to how you got better at something. It was by pushing yourself in the gym or classroom. So, if you want to strive for positive excitement, you will inevitably need to step out of your comfort zone.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Finally, Hebrews 12:11 says, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." This explicitly talks about a loving form of punishment as God's children. Still, I think it can also be applied to the general sense of practice and training. So, stepping out of your comfort zone will be painful in the short term. But not only will you experience positive excitement and happiness, but you'll actually experience peace, satisfaction, and joy.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How do you know when it's time for a change? Are you challenged in something? Are you seeking comfort and avoiding conflict? If so, it's time to ask God in prayer what his will is for your life and seek the counsel of people you look up to for advice.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBuvEzW60FNQj4yE8vRQkLjUKaZIuQXTHHPrNKfoEvRPlaJa-4_aZeS1NbFagun0AFhwyl3Z4cks_uxCyX78BSZHDGMOGvcuqKVc0AxdWHnxViJ5S7moq4Hd5cV791OpnilmIXqAsq-eRXN7ORkF2F5HIsKzytTUq1UP6jBhF8MiihTBBm0g=s2098" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="2098" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBuvEzW60FNQj4yE8vRQkLjUKaZIuQXTHHPrNKfoEvRPlaJa-4_aZeS1NbFagun0AFhwyl3Z4cks_uxCyX78BSZHDGMOGvcuqKVc0AxdWHnxViJ5S7moq4Hd5cV791OpnilmIXqAsq-eRXN7ORkF2F5HIsKzytTUq1UP6jBhF8MiihTBBm0g=w640-h326" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">New Schools</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We also had an opportunity to switch Elinor to a nearby private Christian school, and it's been amazing! She's memorizing Bible verses, celebrating Christian holidays, and learning how to live life for Christ. And yet, she still gets to experience the realities of school: dealing with inappropriate behavior from classmates and coping with rigorous academic expectations.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jessi and Samson have been able to serve in her classroom Friday mornings, and I think it's been good for everyone.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Samson also started at a new school three days a week. The transition was rough for him. I don't blame him - he used to spend every day with Mom! He's better now, and we're going to start sending him four days a week to prepare him for kindergarten next year.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The hardest part is that the school is 15 minutes away (her old school was 4 blocks away). I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's 15 minutes there, 15 minutes back, and ~15 minutes during the drop/off pickup transition. That's 45 minutes, twice a day! Or 7.5 hours a week! And the second one happens at 3pm, making it feel like the day was cut short.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">At first, I couldn't figure out why I suddenly felt short on time. It wasn't until I did the math that I realized what was happening. Since then, I cut back on my commitments, and it's helped.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpFYrU4JjJmnEQtmmU72IXi3UfVNsl0lJ5Zv_eKWw9SITVGwgjuzfxN3T9E_jxx0bjpH56nBR4U0FKTCYpB2AEFSBxU7zmI9lB1M9_6Frrwjv0jj5orHltuW87gmt2eL5_kloJPLkGUU9o31VU62HtgMrMuTVoqvwYXqrXAu2uPM_f2V37Pg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpFYrU4JjJmnEQtmmU72IXi3UfVNsl0lJ5Zv_eKWw9SITVGwgjuzfxN3T9E_jxx0bjpH56nBR4U0FKTCYpB2AEFSBxU7zmI9lB1M9_6Frrwjv0jj5orHltuW87gmt2eL5_kloJPLkGUU9o31VU62HtgMrMuTVoqvwYXqrXAu2uPM_f2V37Pg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Reading Books</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2021/12/books-i-read-in-2021.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I read a lot of books last year</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. 19 total, plus a couple of others I'm in the middle of. Obviously, I'm not </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">that</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> busy. ;)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Actually, my trick has been to spend a little time reading each day. Here's how:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Step 1</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Pick a book you want to read. I enjoy self-improvement, leadership, and strategy books - both business and spiritual. I also realized I like mainstream popular fiction; I'll probably like the book if they made it into a movie!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Step 2</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: Find a regular time to read. It doesn't have to be a long time. I read for 10-20 minutes most mornings. Plus, 15-30 minutes Monday and Tuesday night. I read ~1 page a minute. It doesn't sound like much, but that adds up to 5,000 pages a year! If a book is 250 pages on average, that's 20 books a year - the math checks out.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What if you only read 1 page every 2 minutes?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And you can only read 3 mornings a week?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You're still going to read 4-5 books a year. That's a big deal!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I have a secret: the more you read, the more you'll want to read, and your reading list will grow fast. I manage my reading list on Amazon, which is super helpful.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I also have an unlimited budget for books. So, if I'm interested in a book, I add it to my Amazon reading list. Then, when I finish a book, I review my list and pick a new one that looks interesting at the moment (Step 1). And I buy it. I don't even look at the price because I know I can afford 10-$30 for a book I know I'll read.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVr8UH37J4nYgjQ-che9Ytr2KatXRnv5uJWcs2xPPyJAUx5wCQKg4JByBEQxztEhYqwsxfkBwpvSew8o40ys4b2VNYbcnJlKtWUIvOuKjrWoxjddPJQ3oW7h67D_VlKGwQcHVTOtp-vEK9kX48ON-7ZQCiV0SSJRlsBKuuF39MeyGTJZMNKA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVr8UH37J4nYgjQ-che9Ytr2KatXRnv5uJWcs2xPPyJAUx5wCQKg4JByBEQxztEhYqwsxfkBwpvSew8o40ys4b2VNYbcnJlKtWUIvOuKjrWoxjddPJQ3oW7h67D_VlKGwQcHVTOtp-vEK9kX48ON-7ZQCiV0SSJRlsBKuuF39MeyGTJZMNKA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Discipleship</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In Mid-2019, a wise, godly man started disciplining me. And I needed it. I had perfected the art of looking wise and Christ-centered. On the surface, I said and did the "right" things. I knew how to pray in a way that got the muffled "yes Lord" from others. I knew how to use logical arguments to "prove" </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">my</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> theology. And I served a lot, but it was because it was fun and I like feeling important.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">God used everything I did for His good, but I was spiritually hollow. And what I didn't know was that spiritually mature people noticed. They're too respectful to characterize me that way, but it wasn't until after God disciplined and renewed me that people close to me started commenting. Praise God that in His kind providence he redeemed my heart!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So I'm fully mature now, right? By no means! (my favorite expression from the Apostle Paul)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm still working on letting Christ be the centerpiece of my life, which only the Holy Spirit can do.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Part of that journey is sharing what God has revealed to me with other men. We memorize scripture together, hold each other accountable in different aspects of our lives, and discuss a book on either doctrine or spiritual disciplines. It's been a privilege to share with other men, and this is something, Lord willing, I want to continue doing.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi59O_SogtgxzSldwJ57UVHximM3FvxDn5Hr9rapAkxuxp98taNCWVk0nYhLen7pTAnIZKLH2KkB4MrplCUHpqgY6qpRGC8RQTL-sh4-sS9JT51wdi8N91pFjqsJux-gN2t04_x6NB5QGMOx7NzQeyXY2CzgoRMIAknqoxyOdvEQOoMRCBOcw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi59O_SogtgxzSldwJ57UVHximM3FvxDn5Hr9rapAkxuxp98taNCWVk0nYhLen7pTAnIZKLH2KkB4MrplCUHpqgY6qpRGC8RQTL-sh4-sS9JT51wdi8N91pFjqsJux-gN2t04_x6NB5QGMOx7NzQeyXY2CzgoRMIAknqoxyOdvEQOoMRCBOcw=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">1031 Property Exchange</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And the significant changes kept happening. On a cool February morning, I had a 6:30 meeting canceled at the last minute, so I decided to spend some time researching my rental property values. And much to my surprise - because I usually don't pay attention - many of my property's values went up.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But this created a new problem: I had a bunch of equity tied up.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Typically, when evaluating a property, you calculate your return on investment as</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">ROI = profit / money invested</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So for a rental, it’s ROI = (annual after-tax net income + principal paid down + appreciation) / (down payment + out of pocket repair expenses)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But what if the property's value increases significantly?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">According to this equation, it's a fantastic return.... on paper. You can't spend it unless you refinance or sell the property. It's similar to buying a stock that rises in value. Technically you make a lot of money, but you only realize it when you sell.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This was my problem. I had a potentially considerable ROI, but the only way to realize it was to sell or refinance.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, I did some math and decided the best thing to do was sell 3 of my rentals - two duplexes and a single-family home - to capture that ROI and buy another one to convert that equity into future cash flow.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In rental real estate, there's an option to </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">transfer</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> the value gained from one property to another to </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">defer</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> paying the taxes on those capital gains. When you sell the final property, you pay capital gains taxes on it and any previous property's gain that you transferred to it. It can be a lot! Or, you never get out of rentals, and eventually, when it passes to your heirs, the gains reset - resulting in zero capital gains taxes paid. It's called a 1031 property exchange.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But there are a lot of rules around timing and selecting properties. I won't go into the details, but lining up all the transactions can be stressful.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Anyways, we did a 1031 of the three rentals into a set of warehouses (and an adjacent vacant lot, but it was technically outside the exchange). So now we're in the warehouse business and renting to business owners. I must say, it's nice working with companies.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's what it looks like:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div><br /></div>The white buildings, plus the one under construction.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRKfyafIkVT7Sf18OVAr4hkHDFaEvOnXCxup58DNuO9rmzeBxhhehYUxIF3FM02oAYV7GevHP-OZl99QjvlcZHu0rIof7hxg0Cim6rHIRQxBibAuLaxf3FghGIhPD6dyMSD6q2E2Cc11YhrnvI9DPRSAcbSG_L9T8f9ZClXh22DbQQ3thnUA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRKfyafIkVT7Sf18OVAr4hkHDFaEvOnXCxup58DNuO9rmzeBxhhehYUxIF3FM02oAYV7GevHP-OZl99QjvlcZHu0rIof7hxg0Cim6rHIRQxBibAuLaxf3FghGIhPD6dyMSD6q2E2Cc11YhrnvI9DPRSAcbSG_L9T8f9ZClXh22DbQQ3thnUA=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Inside one of them<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqGgLiHSRt5KF4D3qZ07j7pu8CJDC3oLs1H5WhGF8hwU_m-tymI-6Y9JpVWJjlqWh8loDJc_ppOTG_K-IVFpE_cchxFEeaiW-vnVvUxxFGNDmHfco-Xt5AUQ3kCloF3Q1rtasB8CsVPIXwu_hRnWXstsBWmDhEmplqwyaJedC-ItSco0XU9Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqGgLiHSRt5KF4D3qZ07j7pu8CJDC3oLs1H5WhGF8hwU_m-tymI-6Y9JpVWJjlqWh8loDJc_ppOTG_K-IVFpE_cchxFEeaiW-vnVvUxxFGNDmHfco-Xt5AUQ3kCloF3Q1rtasB8CsVPIXwu_hRnWXstsBWmDhEmplqwyaJedC-ItSco0XU9Q=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The land<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhNGFDQff4wVWfoMbqw9Sev3tpzQhSLYgjBGZki0ehTr4ARH6hjMGkOBzslGmsDlHaeImPc7orsGcMjCUBZ94rkLlGMYjuMLu9_6GOSfDtJXIgfvyZ2F_0YSgMyOnzrWCJG_PfbyUWyBCeEJ4NmBilDqaUhStsJqnS1Sz_SX1tY4QC7SQH-A=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhNGFDQff4wVWfoMbqw9Sev3tpzQhSLYgjBGZki0ehTr4ARH6hjMGkOBzslGmsDlHaeImPc7orsGcMjCUBZ94rkLlGMYjuMLu9_6GOSfDtJXIgfvyZ2F_0YSgMyOnzrWCJG_PfbyUWyBCeEJ4NmBilDqaUhStsJqnS1Sz_SX1tY4QC7SQH-A=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2021 Problems</span></h1><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></h2><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">J&J Mini-Storage</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">At the beginning of the year, our move-in process was too cumbersome. We figured out how to streamline and automate a lot of the process. There are still opportunities for improvement, but I would call this a success.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Majordomo</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We focused on two areas: sales and scalability.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We developed an AI to read home inspections, identify defects, and select a repair to fix the defect. It took us most of the year to build it, but it worked really well and helped us scale our processing. We could use more data to train the AI model further, but it works. I jumped out of my chair in delight the first time I saw the results.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Unfortunately, sales didn't increase. We implemented an affiliate program, but it never really caught. We also tried a couple of other partnerships, but they didn't increase sales enough either.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's a tough pill to swallow when you think you have a helpful product, but the market fit isn't quite there. We have some ideas to salvage the company, but the options are limited.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Writing</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I did some writing, but it wasn't here. I contributed to the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://majordomo.com/blog" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Majordomo Blog</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> and helped write sales emails. I also started writing code, but that's about it. I still desire to write more, but running Majordomo and doing the 1031 took up most of my attention.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">2022 Problems to Solve</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Accounting Software</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In the middle of the year, the payment platform I used for collecting rent was sold to a larger company and no longer worked for non-residential properties. So I had to jump ship. I'm not crazy about the one I'm using and am spending way too much time reconciling all my payments.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I looked into a couple of other options but didn't like any of them.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, I'm solving my problem by building my own solution.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">With the help of my brother, I sketched out what an ideal payment and accounting software would look like for me. We started building it and hope to have an MVP mid-year. I'm making it for myself, but I have a hunch I'm not the only one who could benefit from using accounting software optimized for small to medium landlords.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And who cares if nobody else uses it? At least it'll save me lots of time each month!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And along the way, I'm learning how to code in </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://reactjs.org/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">React</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> with </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://tailwindcss.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Tailwindcss</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for styling. At the very least, these are skills I'll be able to use for other projects.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLr1KjBgYnfvawQ3amq6JSQoGKwh0W58oxG9nsldEGB5_qE5FAxMXZ0Bbh9F9s0J3Vetw1D9WscEejUKtSiSyB10JJG704pDr1JcejuTH7r0lkZRZVr-R2zqwxQMO3nJBfwdo_YYHjp3aAE-lTk_yKE-Pud3g21MAcAis1borcNFPJPraxWw=s3812" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="3812" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLr1KjBgYnfvawQ3amq6JSQoGKwh0W58oxG9nsldEGB5_qE5FAxMXZ0Bbh9F9s0J3Vetw1D9WscEejUKtSiSyB10JJG704pDr1JcejuTH7r0lkZRZVr-R2zqwxQMO3nJBfwdo_YYHjp3aAE-lTk_yKE-Pud3g21MAcAis1borcNFPJPraxWw=w640-h270" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Land Development</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As I mentioned earlier, I purchased a piece of land next to the warehouses. It's right next to I-5 and zoned industrial. My plan is to develop it, but that's as far as I've taken it. So this year, I'd like to figure out what I want to do, how to do it, and how to pay for it. There are lots of problems to solve!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here are my flash plans:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpO4s65EXVPIeS4BMtKLzzQVaayfkJtRTWsH5TNeuZPVuKKzDf6cf95W4_koDfOwnUxwk6P8duyOPXnHg4z2uoco3uiSYZpxkQk7rTfmr0GuNZ2rvLDGVJ-RaV4A79CBu-9_pVHYcAkn4gyyvkh0HVomPS-MIpw24RzQBFjs_HhxDTDLXmXg=s3426" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1992" data-original-width="3426" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpO4s65EXVPIeS4BMtKLzzQVaayfkJtRTWsH5TNeuZPVuKKzDf6cf95W4_koDfOwnUxwk6P8duyOPXnHg4z2uoco3uiSYZpxkQk7rTfmr0GuNZ2rvLDGVJ-RaV4A79CBu-9_pVHYcAkn4gyyvkh0HVomPS-MIpw24RzQBFjs_HhxDTDLXmXg=w640-h372" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Closing Thoughts</span></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So that was our year: three significant changes - a new job, new schools, new properties - and a few smaller changes. It was completely different than how I anticipated the year going! Thankfully, God didn't change and remained gracious to our family.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What's up for the year ahead? I'm not sure. Maybe there's travel, but maybe not. Maybe there will be more big changes, or maybe not. I'm taking things one week at a time while still looking ahead on bigger projects.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5MP4ywClkGru7XkgcmXRxPgCPz8eXRizskkIufM4vBKDakpjT93JtXpnqmXIyg-ywn_ZtoV8vr0lYC7Xf5_aJlP0WeEuloGSHJn74ptTNu713UkzZUdOgCBTOK_jehdgKJvjXa-Q2FX_K6f9JFg84j8dNNjC72EsP_hdJNuA0axnnm4R4_w=s8935" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8935" data-original-width="1210" height="4554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5MP4ywClkGru7XkgcmXRxPgCPz8eXRizskkIufM4vBKDakpjT93JtXpnqmXIyg-ywn_ZtoV8vr0lYC7Xf5_aJlP0WeEuloGSHJn74ptTNu713UkzZUdOgCBTOK_jehdgKJvjXa-Q2FX_K6f9JFg84j8dNNjC72EsP_hdJNuA0axnnm4R4_w=w619-h4554" width="619" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-31680956667019051992021-12-30T08:35:00.001-08:002021-12-30T08:35:37.761-08:00Books I Read In 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzM1f2IXqgoM0hk26M_yGsp3p6guGnXV81WvnT2OXAGcej3mNtIIwXa2ireSDFLiJIldnqUSgCcb0GmsW9Rdt5QXFVknkgRo2YG8zAxSICGDiRHf2igBilCsvOQ343dF4agZxBwzMBtI0RDh1CWhyNpvxDagXit5eDlj6FABzOvgF5X_tupg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzM1f2IXqgoM0hk26M_yGsp3p6guGnXV81WvnT2OXAGcej3mNtIIwXa2ireSDFLiJIldnqUSgCcb0GmsW9Rdt5QXFVknkgRo2YG8zAxSICGDiRHf2igBilCsvOQ343dF4agZxBwzMBtI0RDh1CWhyNpvxDagXit5eDlj6FABzOvgF5X_tupg=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #0e101a;"><p><span style="color: #0e101a;"><br /></span></p>I didn't set out to read this many books in 2021; it just happened. Given the infinite number of books you could read, I thought it would be helpful to see someone else's list and summary. Perhaps one or two will look interesting to you.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Business Books</strong></h1><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></h2><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3pB7BYO" target="_blank">The Practice</a> by Seth Godin</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB8mV5ovaru7n4VW-fPzJEaWArzXpbTtTt4A5QciTKm0KiibywE-GzzAx1rtWTZsJtWkx2Q5SexdFW6CgRcMdyFkYSdizdCLYIbgBXD7dPxl32XP7R-AGUOFpWkgT16D1ynwer1L_cvPZ7loxCVHkMvxa5MBuw3s2I2TGCFO1jp_pWThNFWA=s446" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="331" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB8mV5ovaru7n4VW-fPzJEaWArzXpbTtTt4A5QciTKm0KiibywE-GzzAx1rtWTZsJtWkx2Q5SexdFW6CgRcMdyFkYSdizdCLYIbgBXD7dPxl32XP7R-AGUOFpWkgT16D1ynwer1L_cvPZ7loxCVHkMvxa5MBuw3s2I2TGCFO1jp_pWThNFWA=w148-h200" width="148" /></a></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />Like most of Godin's book (</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://seths.blog/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">and blog posts</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">), it's relatively short, with almost as many chapters as pages. His encouragement is to practice your craft. Do it regularly, regardless of the results. Continual practice will make you better, which will lead to better results.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/33Xeco4" target="_blank">Scaling Up</a> by Verne Harnish</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjacn7DAfuozqqxnWeAYoVQWeY-Hq1_fVf2IK3YMCfMLOa8gJ4WVulE0baCMeNWSAoQ-4KEAhGb2_I-jfk4Uj_d_6PdfS_HqcpRMqRYyBvOdaIS4rJd6U-iyqxDX1DYWmQUxFoTK4mQIFKW3GTZ5hKano56TEk-6CjomY6IV-k-P2xy4PeOMg=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="770" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjacn7DAfuozqqxnWeAYoVQWeY-Hq1_fVf2IK3YMCfMLOa8gJ4WVulE0baCMeNWSAoQ-4KEAhGb2_I-jfk4Uj_d_6PdfS_HqcpRMqRYyBvOdaIS4rJd6U-iyqxDX1DYWmQUxFoTK4mQIFKW3GTZ5hKano56TEk-6CjomY6IV-k-P2xy4PeOMg=w154-h200" width="154" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Take all the top business books and integrate them into a cohesive management and action plan. That's Scaling Up. There's a 16-page worksheet you download ahead of time, and the book walks you through it. It covers managing people, strategy, execution, and cash. Given the size/state of my company, I found the strategy and cash sections the most interesting.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I evaluate my business performance the traditional ways:</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">profit = revenue - expenses.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Return on investment = profit / money invested</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Capitalization rate = Operational profit (pre-debt payments) / property price (debt + equity)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I recently started paying attention to return on net assets = profit / net assets (which is equity in my business). This metric led me to sell three properties and buy a new one this year.</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">That's to say, I mainly focus on the income statement. Harnish recommends 7 additional metrics that I should also pay attention to. Three I liked were:</span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Operational efficiency: net income / revenue (for every dollar I make, how much do I keep?)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Cash flow, to fuel future growth: profit + change in debt</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Return on assets = profit / funding (debt + equity). This is similar to the Cap Rate but takes debt payments into account.</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3HlbPtB" target="_blank">The Coaching Habit</a> by Michael Stanier</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvDpM8vgkVBAtNnlxaymbAQfZnoclXAiA-kLIR8t8CTtNxXQlOy0tJjzvn4vfgBlsKURKUlBXQC0-Rw9OecewkdRCIFmiXPU209V3UUEZ_qdnM5RXkb3i4MU_rFMMbifkKCAyZAvA3HLur210olAiM7EvL6e3pIYScJgSWf5t-6Ceef_k-0g=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1780" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvDpM8vgkVBAtNnlxaymbAQfZnoclXAiA-kLIR8t8CTtNxXQlOy0tJjzvn4vfgBlsKURKUlBXQC0-Rw9OecewkdRCIFmiXPU209V3UUEZ_qdnM5RXkb3i4MU_rFMMbifkKCAyZAvA3HLur210olAiM7EvL6e3pIYScJgSWf5t-6Ceef_k-0g=w139-h200" width="139" /></a></div><br />I've been doing more coaching lately, and this short-ish book helped me help others more effectively. If you're a coach, a manager, a husband, or a parent of teenagers, I recommend this one. Here are his 7 questions:<p></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What's on your mind?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And what else?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What's the real challenge here for you?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What do you want?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How can I help?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you're saying Yes to this, what are you saying No to?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What was most useful for you?</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In the book, he explains each question and goes deep (sometimes too deep) into the psychology behind each one. Basically, it's a framework to understand their issue, explore what they've already thought of, and help them evaluate options. It's so much better than hearing the summary of an issue and jumping in with a solution because chances are they already thought of it, or it doesn't entirely solve the problem.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://simplebits.com/collections/books/products/twenty-bits-i-learned-book?variant=31572089765988" target="_blank">Twenty Bits I Learned About Design, Business & Community</a> by Dan Cederholm</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglM6cMiG23_TNFMUuaGleJRmX2h_ATBo_hz8xnATQyffjKafIP_8A9TFsiR6OE2qK1FHNRWU9KSjkNjUR88w5Jv-HMg1CWMTqCfHBcC5Z7Gy31Hj7gHGMCMkscUmdJZj4rii2RMfthqMA8DGlXpNsgNxUelNsIsFjYCgbLy6i0aKhWd_VSVg=s1562" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="1124" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglM6cMiG23_TNFMUuaGleJRmX2h_ATBo_hz8xnATQyffjKafIP_8A9TFsiR6OE2qK1FHNRWU9KSjkNjUR88w5Jv-HMg1CWMTqCfHBcC5Z7Gy31Hj7gHGMCMkscUmdJZj4rii2RMfthqMA8DGlXpNsgNxUelNsIsFjYCgbLy6i0aKhWd_VSVg=w144-h200" width="144" /></a></div><br />This is a quick read (about an hour) and felt more like a written Ted Talk. It was fun and quotable, but I think it's a book you only appreciate in retrospect. For example, he says working with a partner is like being married. It's 100% true and super important, but you'll only recognize it if you already know it.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3HoXQD1" target="_blank">Great by Choice</a> by Jim Collins (re-read, audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSjLFcK8hwdpJQJBal6VekJ0YRNsyxiKlS8PHV9YXQzYmyL5DCVYiMRtyt9oJoGPV5ZmrZJgY2trSUQkU-_XNr5h70a89UD-UuE2a-cQ4EcEcgoI576TzGpWIpmbN0c6g-G2zbGCK2RszPyq68TNPvIMAGd97l9FpvD-pYOs9qukBARXOWnQ=s500" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="335" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSjLFcK8hwdpJQJBal6VekJ0YRNsyxiKlS8PHV9YXQzYmyL5DCVYiMRtyt9oJoGPV5ZmrZJgY2trSUQkU-_XNr5h70a89UD-UuE2a-cQ4EcEcgoI576TzGpWIpmbN0c6g-G2zbGCK2RszPyq68TNPvIMAGd97l9FpvD-pYOs9qukBARXOWnQ=w134-h200" width="134" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love all of Collins' books. My brother has been listening to them, which got me to re-listen to this one. Here's what makes a 10X leader and company:<p></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">They have fanatical discipline. There's a story of a 20-mile march, which is very similar to The Practice by Seth Godin.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">They use empirical creativity: There's an idea of firing bullets, then cannonballs, which is probably one of my most favorite analogies. It'll sound familiar if you've read </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3Jtt5Pq" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Lean Startup</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Eric Ries.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">They have productive paranoia. They obsessively ask, What if? And then prepare ahead of time by building reserves and bounding the risk.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">SMaC recipe: a specific, methodical, and consistent set of operating practices translating their strategies into real-world actions. This is a big part of </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3FDVm3r" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The E-Myth</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Michael Gerber. I use </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://clickup.com/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">ClickUp</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to manage my checklists.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Return on Luck: everyone gets the same amount of good and bad luck. But great companies/people take better advantage of good luck.</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3pyWsaZ" target="_blank">Antifragile</a> by Nassim Taleb (audiobook)</span></h2><span style="color: #0e101a;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLwyamFUwsBuzM-NGzbx1gO2v5gXX14iEONLKag8VHdKvzkNqo31CUkStxZf03b0dndR-gtZEgCkZ0qauxF3XWI1k3aVtqnERCxXoIvlAhzieWIsCwI_5uOoSm2LuAVDdeGcvlKUzM8eb2mpHxF5OkfMR1P4DnxhzVl6QYaEStZ_BPtJkpBA=s2400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1556" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLwyamFUwsBuzM-NGzbx1gO2v5gXX14iEONLKag8VHdKvzkNqo31CUkStxZf03b0dndR-gtZEgCkZ0qauxF3XWI1k3aVtqnERCxXoIvlAhzieWIsCwI_5uOoSm2LuAVDdeGcvlKUzM8eb2mpHxF5OkfMR1P4DnxhzVl6QYaEStZ_BPtJkpBA=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"><br /></span></span><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Fragile things break under stress and volatility.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Robust/durable things can simply resist shocks and stress better than fragile items.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Antifragile things </span><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">benefit</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> from shock and </span><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">thrive</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> in volatile environments. They get better, not worse, when they're stressed and put under pressure!</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is a mind-expanding book! My favorite example of an antifragile system is the human body. When you exercise - putting your body under stress - you get stronger/faster.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Interestingly, an antifragile system usually consists of many fragile parts. The success and failure of these parts serve as important feedback for the system as a whole.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Finally, antifragile systems work because they build extra capacity when put under stress.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Heady stuff. So, how do you use this to your advantage?</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The barbell strategy</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: play it safe in some areas, and take many small risks in others. This reminds me of Great by Choice: start with productive paranoia and then add on empirical creativity. Random tinkering plays a significant role here.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Optionality</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: have options that allow you more upside than downside. Then let things play out. This is the central idea of stock market diversification. It also helps to have options at each step of the journey. This is why teams use agile development: it lets them change course and improve with more information.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Skin in the game</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: if you, or the people making decisions, have a vested interest in the outcome, it will improve the results. It shouldn't just be incentives either; there should be some sort of disincentives.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Seek simplicity</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">: complexity can create weak points and reduce overall understanding, making you more fragile. This feels counter-intuitive, but as long as you balance it with some complexity, it makes a lot of sense.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In the absence of fluctuations, be weary that hidden risks are starting to accumulate. This is especially true if the volatility is artificially suppressed. The scary part is that the longer it goes, the worse the damage when a shock occurs. Become productively paranoid and seek ways to not just become robust but to become antifragile (you almost start hoping for a shock).</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There's a lot in the book. I definitely recommend it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://hbr.org/magazine" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Harvard Business Review Magazine</span></a></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtj4Gy3mf_-JM3824u0Bav6Hk4wVfwLr1WhhMBvncRKGKdNFJrYkxy69PW63NyFElidSU_2G2cUjXFLaquBdQ8mQ3-XA-fBop2fyoEgQ8rJCYJSdzDSIRQLz_Di907haD2umknU7QyHYhYXbjcW7Smf4YlHY0mvMn7WOaMoupoPgFLxDN18Q=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtj4Gy3mf_-JM3824u0Bav6Hk4wVfwLr1WhhMBvncRKGKdNFJrYkxy69PW63NyFElidSU_2G2cUjXFLaquBdQ8mQ3-XA-fBop2fyoEgQ8rJCYJSdzDSIRQLz_Di907haD2umknU7QyHYhYXbjcW7Smf4YlHY0mvMn7WOaMoupoPgFLxDN18Q=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><br />I thought I'd add my subscriptions to the list as well. This is the only magazine I subscribe to. I find the others are too general to be helpful. HBR can be a little general too, but I find the topics are relevant and often point me in the direction of doing deeper research.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3pB27NF" target="_blank">Don't Make Me Think</a> by Steve Krug</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYAOtqRGqN504xPl6ZnVbUPgaYkMeQqa6xVwWWhFCZWXsnq5u9vcOeE7qFSRvitPQ872ZfzLk9wl4t29iqnUmrhFOvoybKv8UjzQwxE60_ADVQM82VS7maF6wVQiRdljv7Bqa6tyNyeL5ihmmGR88gXHUbUVkaBc1d6x4sPGILS--tDIPDyA=s440" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="342" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYAOtqRGqN504xPl6ZnVbUPgaYkMeQqa6xVwWWhFCZWXsnq5u9vcOeE7qFSRvitPQ872ZfzLk9wl4t29iqnUmrhFOvoybKv8UjzQwxE60_ADVQM82VS7maF6wVQiRdljv7Bqa6tyNyeL5ihmmGR88gXHUbUVkaBc1d6x4sPGILS--tDIPDyA=w156-h200" width="156" /></a></span></div><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></span></p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The idea is how to make a website as usable as possible. It's not an exact how-to book, but one of design principles. For example, pages should be self-evident, obvious, and self-explanatory. Clickable things should be obvious and you should default to convention unless you have a massively compelling, valuable, undeniable reason to ignore it.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It seems obvious when you read it, but it's hard to remember in practice.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's another, strategic, way to think about it: what's your website's unique value? It's usually the product or service your offer. Let that be the thing that's special and different. Show off your offer's unique benefits, but keep the design/layout/usability parts typical and boring.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Oh, and test everything to see what actually works.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Similar to the book <a href="https://amzn.to/3zdiiUT" target="_blank">Sprint</a> (which, I <i>think</i> directly uses Krug's suggestion) he recommends a simple way to get user feedback. He recommends demoing whatever you're working on to 3 people - an hour each - once a month. The goal isn't to find every little problem, but to identify the big issues and spend the next month fixing the big issues. Then test again, whatever new work was completed within the month.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">He even claims you can test concept art. Show them the picture and ask questions. "What do you think this does? If could you tap around, what would you do next?" Tooks like <a href="https://www.sketch.com" target="_blank">Sketch</a>, <a href="https://www.figma.com" target="_blank">Figma</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/slides/about/" target="_blank">Google Slides</a>, and <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/powerpoint" target="_blank">PowerPoint</a> make it super simple to link images together. We did this at Majordomo and it worked well.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Perhaps the only strange thing in the book is that there's a detailed description of the image under every single picture. I mean, it's a book on usability, so of course, it'll add the alternative text, but wow. On the bright side, it made it seem like I read it pretty quickly since I skipped all the descriptions.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3pyWvnb" target="_blank">Creativity Inc.</a> by Ed Catmull (WIP, audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuoJTxXQahMLG40WXjCsMDLyd_hTfP0rNH8PORMrJXVs_QLTkdji3A0Se5JlRVcpNvHLom8FEwoGUfQPa_bjU1DRRNoVeD9nWJwCGh9EpyApeuy74gZBQdiaCHYyHITXWXef5hMx1T7WQSymbiCjzv_5USgt34_s9Q8x797YkMG1PSVTfcjA=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1684" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuoJTxXQahMLG40WXjCsMDLyd_hTfP0rNH8PORMrJXVs_QLTkdji3A0Se5JlRVcpNvHLom8FEwoGUfQPa_bjU1DRRNoVeD9nWJwCGh9EpyApeuy74gZBQdiaCHYyHITXWXef5hMx1T7WQSymbiCjzv_5USgt34_s9Q8x797YkMG1PSVTfcjA=w132-h200" width="132" /></a></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />I just started listening to it, and it's good. It's about Pixar, how they get work done, and how they stay creative. I'm listening to it as a fun book. And a pre-read to another just-for-fun book: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3JlqqqZ" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Loonshots</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Safi Bahcall.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Christian Books</span></h1><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></h2><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3pC5xzI" target="_blank">Prayer</a> by Timothy Keller</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY7yIiTIemlri9W5XdKob2DqxNmnMp1KgvA5FE-ZJ20frAjRRG6jla1gdMYjjHrAj5pG_V80gNdlESNHeQNIicL4iAlRCxXrmfDAY8V6aGeTlBsshrGqYmMMWK0GLs8bV6QuAZXFAJed9S6bN0BQaft4uO7AIdHc7BxUDbLCg6XbmVmLy7Mw=s2400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1538" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY7yIiTIemlri9W5XdKob2DqxNmnMp1KgvA5FE-ZJ20frAjRRG6jla1gdMYjjHrAj5pG_V80gNdlESNHeQNIicL4iAlRCxXrmfDAY8V6aGeTlBsshrGqYmMMWK0GLs8bV6QuAZXFAJed9S6bN0BQaft4uO7AIdHc7BxUDbLCg6XbmVmLy7Mw=w128-h200" width="128" /></a></div><br />This is my favorite book of the year. If you are interested in improving your prayer life, read this book. It's a great mix of practice and theology, written in a highly approachable way. As I continue to disciple men, this is on my required reading list.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's how it starts. He and his wife were going through a tough time, and she told him this:</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><blockquote><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Imagine you were diagnosed with such a lethal condition that the doctor told you that you would die within hours unless you took a particular medicine—a pill every night before going to sleep. Imagine that you were told that you could never miss it or you would die. Would you forget? Would you not get around to it some nights? No—it would be so crucial that you wouldn't forget, you would never miss. Well, if we don't pray together to God, we're not going to make it because of all we are facing. I'm certainly not. We have to pray, we can't let it just slip our minds.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Kathy's jolting challenge, along with my own growing conviction that I just didn't get prayer, led me into a search. I wanted a far better personal prayer life. I began to read widely and experiment in prayer. As I looked around, I quickly came to see that I was not alone." (pp. 9-10)</p></blockquote><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If that doesn't hook you, I don't know what will. :)</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3zhxQqE" target="_blank">Raising a Modern-Day Knight</a> by Robert Lewis</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN5u-DCldOV5cGu4GAsiiBv1hZ6SgtBEk9OBqQ8acpKDman4q4T16GjmUNFjPaCFyTLpvracPeUpe5WnVok4uevyGOBAvWLkDSJmdTPaHLr9Ojdkfo-UyWFLTQiHg9Pyv0OfD0ENREyOi2aItlJ8wi2CuzNQf10UJjcZaFjG8lh3Xj1mEOeg=s1360" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="907" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN5u-DCldOV5cGu4GAsiiBv1hZ6SgtBEk9OBqQ8acpKDman4q4T16GjmUNFjPaCFyTLpvracPeUpe5WnVok4uevyGOBAvWLkDSJmdTPaHLr9Ojdkfo-UyWFLTQiHg9Pyv0OfD0ENREyOi2aItlJ8wi2CuzNQf10UJjcZaFjG8lh3Xj1mEOeg=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br />Speaking of men, I'm interested in how to help Samson grow up to be a godly man. This is a good introduction book for it. It gives some good ideas on being more intentional with your son. It's not about becoming a hunting, football-loving, burly man. But a man who:<p></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">rejects passivity (Romans 12:2),</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">accepts responsibility (Corinthians 16:13),</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">leads courageously (Joshua 24:15),</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">and expects the greater reward (Revelation 22:12).</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One of my favorite parts is comparing Adam and Jesus as men. In the garden, Adam fails at every part of being a man. Jesus, however, shows us what real manhood looks like.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It gives ideas on how to instill each of these traits and create ceremonies around different life stages. It's something I plan to do with Samson and perhaps with other men I disciple.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3pBlt5f" target="_blank">Spiritual Warfare</a> by Tom White</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGg_XDx2UNdSxxjOZjq-t0I43mQRlZyau6kUqrd9onPpO7GnPRFY5QnPgG1VACvwuEXCCUlxvoUlGrLBJoipCeKoC403SyKIflBa5KFHFkQnZR7OScp5zeuA-GxHsEP36avqUL7XY2_TFsbs6AB28K1-RcNTTglc8BLWvTyc-EjmyQUQOKxA=s1360" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGg_XDx2UNdSxxjOZjq-t0I43mQRlZyau6kUqrd9onPpO7GnPRFY5QnPgG1VACvwuEXCCUlxvoUlGrLBJoipCeKoC403SyKIflBa5KFHFkQnZR7OScp5zeuA-GxHsEP36avqUL7XY2_TFsbs6AB28K1-RcNTTglc8BLWvTyc-EjmyQUQOKxA=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br />This book will open your eyes to the spiritual warfare around you and in the Bible. It's intense! Not the words on the pages, but the experience after reading. I found I could only read a little bit at a time.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Something I've been thinking about: God is, in addition to a whole host of traits, omnipresent (everywhere for all-time) and omniscient (knows everything).</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Satan is not. He can only be at one place at one time, and he doesn't know what the future holds. So, the likelihood of you having a direct encounter with Satan is pretty low. Satan genuinely believed he won when Christ died on the cross because he couldn't see God's bigger plan. Compared to God, Satan is weak.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The book helps identify actual warfare vs. sin-induced trouble. I recommend this book to mature Christians. </span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3zauRA5" target="_blank">Online Jesus</a> by Angela Craig</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2021/09/online-jesus-book-review-and-reflections.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4mMoY3QDZD4RLJzBuUbFbE0LrDIIdGWOjIn-pFWF3RLqtkehBswoDb65aqKzAqDWVZQUH3uMuaXB2_JeR_2W59uOJ24YJ46Zj_i6VJHfrrlGD6Bb9NHW65LYloKkBVKhAyyZu4EAREhNtsKAeI4wtmtG4xzNNp-SKUcUcDLxbdaX5ViSEDw=s499" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="328" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4mMoY3QDZD4RLJzBuUbFbE0LrDIIdGWOjIn-pFWF3RLqtkehBswoDb65aqKzAqDWVZQUH3uMuaXB2_JeR_2W59uOJ24YJ46Zj_i6VJHfrrlGD6Bb9NHW65LYloKkBVKhAyyZu4EAREhNtsKAeI4wtmtG4xzNNp-SKUcUcDLxbdaX5ViSEDw=w131-h200" width="131" /></a></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />I wrote about this book earlier in the year</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Our church continues to explore how to implement the ideas in this book. I've also read some of </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://shop.barna.com/products/five-changing-contexts-for-digital-evangelism" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Barna's research on digital evangelism</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, which I really like because it's all backed by research.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3qwn9fH" target="_blank">From Megachurch to Multiplication</a> by Chris Galanos</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDluPDoaZr8Mmu02o3AGiT7BdJ6413flBB1yqhzopV4zavpsFipLeSTZSy0NsZQuknx1NQpoh9gpNN5vXmmLaJVl28EO2DMWguBuCfvlCgu1ZmBGMKY6mUvdZ04nfGTUzqs85Nhvc9seC0hgrVu-WM5z9W4KNHbjAtM7sg74jX2y1f6Bcx0Q=s2550" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1650" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDluPDoaZr8Mmu02o3AGiT7BdJ6413flBB1yqhzopV4zavpsFipLeSTZSy0NsZQuknx1NQpoh9gpNN5vXmmLaJVl28EO2DMWguBuCfvlCgu1ZmBGMKY6mUvdZ04nfGTUzqs85Nhvc9seC0hgrVu-WM5z9W4KNHbjAtM7sg74jX2y1f6Bcx0Q=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></div><br />This book describes the disciple-making movement (DMM). His 10-year goal was to reach 10,000 people in Texas. He reached that goal in 8 years. His new 10-year goal is to reach 1,000,000 people in the US, and he believes the only scalable model is DMM. It's an interesting model:<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">#1 Focus on God's Word</strong></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Meet each week in a group to "focus on God's Word" by doing the seven-question Discovery Bible Study (DBS) process with 10-20 other people. It's 28 passages covering creation to Christ.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Spend five days each week on your own, focusing on God's Word by reading, obeying, and sharing.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">DBS Questions:</span></li></ul><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What have you been thankful for in the past week?</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What has challenged or stressed you or anyone around you during the past week?</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Is there anything this group can do to help with those challenges or stresses, or is there any other need we can meet together?</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What does this passage teach you about God?</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What does this passage teach you about people?</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What should you do this week in response to this passage?</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Who should you share this with this week?</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: lower-alpha; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Learn more: </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://dbsguide.org/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">https://dbsguide.org</span></a></li></ol></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">#2 Extraordinary Prayer</strong></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Spend one hour of individual prayer at least five days each week.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Spend one hour of corporate prayer with the group each week.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Do a four-hour extended prayer time at least once per month (half night or all night).</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">#3 Go Out Among the Lost (Find a Person of Peace)</strong></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Spend at least one hour each week as a team going out among the lost (to new areas with people you haven't met). Usually, it's neighborhoods, apartment complexes, or big box stores.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Spend time loving, serving, and sharing with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Find the "person of peace" Jesus spoke about in Matthew 10 and Luke 10. You're looking for the receptive person God has prepared to be a bridge for the gospel to travel over into that community.</span></li><ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Welcoming</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Open Oikos (house)</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Listens & obeys</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1" style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Example: "Hi. We're walking around praying for people. Do you have anything you'd like prayer for?"</span></li></ul></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">#4 See Groups Start</strong></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">See one Discovery Group (DG) started per person per year.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Led by the person of peace where they focus on God's Word in a DBS, then extraordinary prayer.</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://redeemercitytocity.com/reachthewest" target="_blank">How to Reach the West Again</a> by Timothy Keller</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnpjs4VtimCTS_orm3OCiutcavAoT-CT8rnWYYgxvJNwxbYwhRGn92BBf8tvEpq8LIrhLnHvhOyu5-olAhsYEx_54SaIHlDYsSm5Ar4k-SoDf554pchkaVXXVvEGAAJGt4QfCok4J8JwcOb9ppW1hzRNHWOTNGxF69o4Zj21Kq8X62usCUpw=s1884" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="1144" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnpjs4VtimCTS_orm3OCiutcavAoT-CT8rnWYYgxvJNwxbYwhRGn92BBf8tvEpq8LIrhLnHvhOyu5-olAhsYEx_54SaIHlDYsSm5Ar4k-SoDf554pchkaVXXVvEGAAJGt4QfCok4J8JwcOb9ppW1hzRNHWOTNGxF69o4Zj21Kq8X62usCUpw=w121-h200" width="121" /></a></div><br />What? Another book on evangelism? This book is shorter but dense. It addresses the cultural issues Christianity faces in the West (I had to read it twice to get it, it's that dense). Some quotes:<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On evangelism: "Past evangelistic strategies assumed that nearly everyone held this shared set of beliefs about a sacred order—that there was a God, an afterlife, a standard of moral truth, and a sense of sin."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On Technology: "Technology doesn't merely give us different beliefs. It changes the very way we form them. Beliefs become very thin, chosen only if they fit how we want to see ourselves and easily discarded when they do not."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On political polarization: "One of these views makes an idol out of individual freedom, the other out of race and nation, blood and soil. Both are secular—the transcendent God is missing, and something created and earthly is deified."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Given these challenges, it's no longer sufficient to teach biblical truth; we also need to contrast it with what Western Culture teaches us. Jesus demonstrates this with his sermon on the mount: "You have heard it said... but I tell you..."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">To help, we need to go back to the early church's core values and social vision:</span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A multi-race and multi-ethnic church</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A church committed to the poor and to justice.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A pioneer in civility, peace-making, and bridge-building. Marked by a commitment to forgiveness, humility, patience, and tolerance.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A church that is strongly pro-life.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Bring a sexual counter-culture that connects it to God's saving love and redemption and instead of merely an appetite of self-gratification.</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's usually easy for Christians to adopt two of these core values, but Christ calls us to hold each of these. This one is worth discussing in a small group.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3z95O0a" target="_blank">Christian Beliefs</a> by Wane Gruden</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQmSi2iVYwjb2FcJKkYti0HNXSCb4TPDxV3hqm91jIKTy0Ol8pNHHM43BB5RDgK2xAu-7oj2Rf4jLCyFD8hCyrYrBWnZKrZjcYVJt2-ec-FdL6vAWelGJb6pqUDXWbAJP6sIdk23hsK-o2opCqx_xR3ywdkKJnLEmO5kd7H2P8rxo_oJcxNQ=s690" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="455" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQmSi2iVYwjb2FcJKkYti0HNXSCb4TPDxV3hqm91jIKTy0Ol8pNHHM43BB5RDgK2xAu-7oj2Rf4jLCyFD8hCyrYrBWnZKrZjcYVJt2-ec-FdL6vAWelGJb6pqUDXWbAJP6sIdk23hsK-o2opCqx_xR3ywdkKJnLEmO5kd7H2P8rxo_oJcxNQ=w132-h200" width="132" /></a></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />This is a summary of </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/32MC11u" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Systematic Theology</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (3,251 pages!). If you want a quick overview of what Christians believe, this is it. It doesn't dive deep into the how or why for the beliefs but states them in simple-straightforward terms. A middle ground book would be </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/32MC11u" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Bible Doctrine</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, also by Grudem, or </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3zhetxW" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Doctrine</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3qDc1xT" target="_blank">Reading While Black</a> by Esau McCaulley (audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2021/03/reading-while-black-book-review-and.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRuVO664BG7BoGpjWqv6nGAiesdEvDdoj2rIuDVFeeuMpygMyDqCgf5a-pyCRRwdM2iPdHaovbq_UFzunBTzbtHgfmgdkEOnXhVJ-dPZ4RMIiHRxDT7Cm5a20CKEZWJkL4VrhxmwGA0YjpkCDm7MLZHgTg7sbrFhhy6YUM7xxNVVXazPpZsw=s1360" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="907" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRuVO664BG7BoGpjWqv6nGAiesdEvDdoj2rIuDVFeeuMpygMyDqCgf5a-pyCRRwdM2iPdHaovbq_UFzunBTzbtHgfmgdkEOnXhVJ-dPZ4RMIiHRxDT7Cm5a20CKEZWJkL4VrhxmwGA0YjpkCDm7MLZHgTg7sbrFhhy6YUM7xxNVVXazPpZsw=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />I wrote about this book earlier</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> in the year. Here's an excellent example of his writing style:</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"I want to make a case that [an] unapologetically Black and orthodox reading of the Bible can speak a relevant word to Black Christians today. I want to contend that the best instincts of the Black church tradition–its public advocacy for justice, its affirmation of the worth of Black bodies and souls, its vision of a multi-ethnic community of faith–can be embodied by those who stand at the center of this tradition. This is a work against the cynicism of some who doubt that the Bible has something to say; it is a work contending for hope." (page 6)</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.esv.org/Matthew+1/" target="_blank">The Bible</a> (re-read)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMrqV_Hwi46xYGunXJdVYuuhm-TfOGEp6OMPNYoPSUzsFms14Ez1CZqvKBmFpOVhqb_FIvQRpdCWFXuUTPa0SBKqMUF94pnRmAv-psmcdkJSgHCPYbjDM6FvikNphdOxOA_jTvLdccNuWdbp8_sTUR3PrE96gBJi38b_yfUQWC335kSLnChQ=s2054" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2054" data-original-width="1188" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMrqV_Hwi46xYGunXJdVYuuhm-TfOGEp6OMPNYoPSUzsFms14Ez1CZqvKBmFpOVhqb_FIvQRpdCWFXuUTPa0SBKqMUF94pnRmAv-psmcdkJSgHCPYbjDM6FvikNphdOxOA_jTvLdccNuWdbp8_sTUR3PrE96gBJi38b_yfUQWC335kSLnChQ=w116-h200" width="116" /></a></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />I re-read the Bible this year using the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2020/01/25-days-month-bible-reading-plan.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">plan I created in 2020</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. Next year, I'm changing things up and creating a chronological version that does the New and Old Testaments in parallel; and gets it done in 25 days a month.</span><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FDkgjy" target="_blank">Romans 8-16 For You</a> by Timothy Keller (WIP)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXi8uKu_p219R9Pa4acZkF3G9QlwL730sCFFUbDZg43ul8dHiUCJihj66HZE9nlLG8Cxb53a8owrjmz9i1m6QSuHMQWa_X_3FZGfhi4hwnNWv9PkclQ7StMXhJl3-QfThUrrFORjJMPLt4Noshq_9t1L3SaSMXeN7lggFovbEekRQ3xZyAfg=s500" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXi8uKu_p219R9Pa4acZkF3G9QlwL730sCFFUbDZg43ul8dHiUCJihj66HZE9nlLG8Cxb53a8owrjmz9i1m6QSuHMQWa_X_3FZGfhi4hwnNWv9PkclQ7StMXhJl3-QfThUrrFORjJMPLt4Noshq_9t1L3SaSMXeN7lggFovbEekRQ3xZyAfg=w126-h200" width="126" /></a></div><br />This is a continuation of <a href="https://amzn.to/3EDv6F3" target="_blank">Romans 1-7 For You</a>. If you can't tell, I'm a Tim Keller fan. I like that it goes primarily verse-by-verse to explain the context and application. Romans is such an incredible letter, and I appreciate and understand it so much better because of this book.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FGG2mq" target="_blank">Ruth For You</a> by Tony Merida</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuncUOhxI3ZDX-T_sGnEhg4H5oEKWIpuGo6wK4VLOzytEzVwgVYdy4h1zmXdx6_ztWmJV-qkea1sbUCz4x0ORLnFhNom6O00XkYYvQnwlp7UI2f7Bkp-ueK2mbzBAdoaNp4hz70LnXZ9Mt8cDmm7xJEiYNLhM_hPFA_LKmCiFn20a713GhMw=s728" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="458" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuncUOhxI3ZDX-T_sGnEhg4H5oEKWIpuGo6wK4VLOzytEzVwgVYdy4h1zmXdx6_ztWmJV-qkea1sbUCz4x0ORLnFhNom6O00XkYYvQnwlp7UI2f7Bkp-ueK2mbzBAdoaNp4hz70LnXZ9Mt8cDmm7xJEiYNLhM_hPFA_LKmCiFn20a713GhMw=w126-h200" width="126" /></a></div><br />The whole "For You" series is fantastic. Our church was going through the book of Ruth, and so Jessi and I read this together. I really like the extra context and explanations. It helped complete the sermon series. Jessi and I plan to read Revelation For You this year because that's a book we're both interested in better understanding.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3HjE4ZN" target="_blank">When I Don't Desire God</a> by John Piper (re-read, WIP)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1ZF5m3jHsjpbmBn21Ew_AdcFS61vutxLHoV2pZnZ88gnlqMLL6eDNp76jJzuP4DNw_eywLP_UeX1TXluQWRPzK0n9HzQVWha85-Dodc14I7f1sCHaXsuEbHDVtaI02EZf66xNwBr7htZxZXxZQEAUf5lvfc9rUiPkHACQOxNWSqkApLHTmQ=s2095" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2095" data-original-width="1349" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1ZF5m3jHsjpbmBn21Ew_AdcFS61vutxLHoV2pZnZ88gnlqMLL6eDNp76jJzuP4DNw_eywLP_UeX1TXluQWRPzK0n9HzQVWha85-Dodc14I7f1sCHaXsuEbHDVtaI02EZf66xNwBr7htZxZXxZQEAUf5lvfc9rUiPkHACQOxNWSqkApLHTmQ=w129-h200" width="129" /></a></span></div><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br />This is a book I read with men I disciple. It starts with a fair amount of theology, and then finishes with highly practical ways to engage with God, prayer, and the Bible. Piper tends to write in a complicated way - he loves dissecting words - but I find it's worth investing the time. By the way, he has a fantastic podcast called "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ask Pastor John</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" which are short answers to some great questions. Here's a sampling I see right now:</span><p></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">End-of-life medical intervention - or not?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Do the non-elect have a chance to repent?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Is it normal to have a divided heart?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How "progressive" can a Christian get?</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Is violent crime under God's providence?</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Those are some good questions, right?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For Fun Books</span></h1><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></h2><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3eEC020" target="_blank">Ready Player One</a> by Ernest Cline (audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaCsH5-hGKaIYvQWgAgj33xOfxseHoqV5inZzV9OV4UkfuKr__wr7jFQmKPz3pNcp7G4_C2acav7Dga36vQVYqX7EiwLKzDZEO6YUd46SdBry6awnqrZnyBax8wHUf1AWTgnBUj3Tuj4j-rg87OZWoDzSOF0cpZj2Ym4PCb5mQ3A34yp1V9Q=s333" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="220" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaCsH5-hGKaIYvQWgAgj33xOfxseHoqV5inZzV9OV4UkfuKr__wr7jFQmKPz3pNcp7G4_C2acav7Dga36vQVYqX7EiwLKzDZEO6YUd46SdBry6awnqrZnyBax8wHUf1AWTgnBUj3Tuj4j-rg87OZWoDzSOF0cpZj2Ym4PCb5mQ3A34yp1V9Q=w132-h200" width="132" /></a></div><br />I listened to this while driving to California in January (to go sledding with the family). Little did I know that VR and the meta-verse would become a hot topic by the end of the year. It's really well written and entertaining. I haven't seen the movie (mostly b/c it's not streaming anywhere, and I'm too cheap to rent it), but the book is excellent.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I found it helpful to understand the future that <strike>Facebook</strike> Meta is pursuing. The book paints a dystopian physical future, but the virtual possibilities are fascinating. I recommend listening to it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3eClakB" target="_blank">Blood & Oil</a> by Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck (audiobook)</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglaZvcAq68XYPNyqGe9m-Mt4acUwXnL51i2kp-uev24hpeUP02InhigeFa7kkGKrZo4VpFgiE-EptVHmTIaDsvIUSvPax9iKy5ASZ2sEvHmX1xEjRWhdOvkTWV4SXu6Tt0SQ9pHedLZspI1A3OB0YNTg1NjVJu_RT376H0KN9EgZvzbeh7gA=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1696" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglaZvcAq68XYPNyqGe9m-Mt4acUwXnL51i2kp-uev24hpeUP02InhigeFa7kkGKrZo4VpFgiE-EptVHmTIaDsvIUSvPax9iKy5ASZ2sEvHmX1xEjRWhdOvkTWV4SXu6Tt0SQ9pHedLZspI1A3OB0YNTg1NjVJu_RT376H0KN9EgZvzbeh7gA=w133-h200" width="133" /></a></div><br />This book is about Mohammed Bin Salman's (MBS) rise to power in Suadi Arabia. It's written by two investigative journalists and seems to accurately portray MBS. Like most leaders - including most CEOs - there are some fantastic accomplishments and some not-so-great character qualities. Though, to be fair, MBS's qualities seem to be more extreme than most leaders.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If you're interested in the middle east or looking for a political thriller, this is an incredible book to read.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://subscriptions.dccomics.com/ipd/1413" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Superman</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> & </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://subscriptions.dccomics.com/ipd/1296" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Action Comics</span></a></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnF8PVRvx6pJl2SaIiCJr8YI9C09LLAwyoAcq2_qGfcISvOrH_09uWzAvSYalX2wPnD4eguclPrOGAtPZIeyHVSYiuPu8Pxmue-9KuD401b0Na4mT4eOfq210n8Wb_v4DrbfD6R-wj-RXiifffLkAOVvpS1_YxX3PSY7PV0JXWTqebN1Y2EA=s1902" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="1902" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnF8PVRvx6pJl2SaIiCJr8YI9C09LLAwyoAcq2_qGfcISvOrH_09uWzAvSYalX2wPnD4eguclPrOGAtPZIeyHVSYiuPu8Pxmue-9KuD401b0Na4mT4eOfq210n8Wb_v4DrbfD6R-wj-RXiifffLkAOVvpS1_YxX3PSY7PV0JXWTqebN1Y2EA=w200-h179" width="200" /></a></div><br />I think it's fun to get comics in the mail. Samson enjoys flipping through them as well. Superman is my favorite superhero, so that's what I get (Action Comics is about Superman). The series seems to be going through a transition from Kal-El to his son, Jon Kent. If you haven't tried comics, I recommend them.<p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p></div>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-63444219080615123542021-09-24T07:30:00.003-07:002021-09-24T08:44:56.283-07:00"Online Jesus" Book Review and Reflections<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8tvuEoBoHGMAk5FhIa8pKAZqCK0SbgWy5EhTOIbrnH6fpODTXna-ph_FyqiFLcI52ZlToCro4qLvfDKk08EWo1ObGsYzd20Bkq0H2HgirLlbiNBvwWC5CjHX5NLxZbGjl9X1/s2508/The+Last+Online+Supper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8tvuEoBoHGMAk5FhIa8pKAZqCK0SbgWy5EhTOIbrnH6fpODTXna-ph_FyqiFLcI52ZlToCro4qLvfDKk08EWo1ObGsYzd20Bkq0H2HgirLlbiNBvwWC5CjHX5NLxZbGjl9X1/w640-h320/The+Last+Online+Supper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I continue to be amazed by the impact of the internet and its seemingly never-ending march towards taking over the world. It feels like </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3sBrqiP" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ready Player One</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is more prediction than science fiction, especially with the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://about.fb.com/news/2021/08/introducing-horizon-workrooms-remote-collaboration-reimagined/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Facebook VR Workspace announcement</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The internet started simply with message boards and email. Then the internet impacted shopping, music, movies, and finance. Then we got social networks, dating apps, and video conferencing. And things I never imagined you could do 100% over the internet are happening: house purchasing and medical care to name two.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's a self-reinforcing cycle: as more and more activities go 100% digital, people expect more services/groups/connections to go 100% digital.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, let's talk about something that doesn't seem possible to go 100% digital: </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What does a 100% digital church look like?</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's often rightly said that a church isn't the building, but it's the people. Angela Craig, in her book "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3AZaLIW" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Online Jesus</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">," takes that claim to heart.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"The Early Church didn't have the privilege or freedom to gather in buildings. Instead, people came together wherever they could. Today people are coming together on social media." (p. 16)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is an intriguing notion! With so many people living life online, why not go where they are?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But what does this look like? For Angela, this comprises three parts: creating community, engaging in discipleship, and caring for people.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Oh hey! I also made a video.<a href="https://youtu.be/XxA4k0Y15iU" target="_blank"> Check it out</a>:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/XxA4k0Y15iU" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Building Community</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"There is a huge difference between streaming your sermon online and building an online community. Streaming content is a one-way conversation. Building community online is a two-way dialogue. It's more than posting videos and sermons on Facebook or your website. That is "church TV." Instead, it requires a relationship. Building community online will take time and intention, just as it does in person." (p. 26)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The first goal is to build community. That starts with creating content and then engaging with people who consume that content. For example, if someone comments on a video, you follow up with them in a private message. You ask about who they are, how they're doing, and if there's anything you can pray for. And then you invite them to join a private group that's reading the Bible and sharing through posts.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZGh__RCMjUfTk8UEIK_SqwNPWsjl9uRisR_oFq8dwqsY_UF-g0pbl2VuWTO1piYhWbYDztcM7Gb-Czcbjsl1ASWbBKnyfdKmktxhKg8j1VCRBRUgdFcgJEF4okNh_Z_sa7XX/s2000/Online+Jesus+Flow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="2000" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZGh__RCMjUfTk8UEIK_SqwNPWsjl9uRisR_oFq8dwqsY_UF-g0pbl2VuWTO1piYhWbYDztcM7Gb-Czcbjsl1ASWbBKnyfdKmktxhKg8j1VCRBRUgdFcgJEF4okNh_Z_sa7XX/w640-h224/Online+Jesus+Flow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The important part is that it's a two-way dialog, which leads to my favorite quote from the book:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Trust is the bridge that can bear the weight of truth. Trust is built when others see and feel your genuine interest in their lives and opinions." (pp. 29-30)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So true and so important! I love the visual of a physical bridge and the idea that trust is weighty because of its importance. Build trust by taking a genuine interest in someone's life and opinions.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Engaging in Discipleship</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>""A disciple is a person who has decided that the most important thing in their life is to learn how to do what Jesus said to do." —Dallas Willard" (p. 42)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The point of church, both in-person and online, is </span><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">not</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> to entertain. The point is to worship Jesus and encourage fellow members (among other things). Part of that is engaging in personal and corporate spiritual disciplines.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In local churches, this looks like Sunday worship, large group social events, small groups, reading the Bible, and 1:1 discipleship.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">On Facebook, this might look like Facebook Live videos, Private Groups, reading a Bible, and Messenger conversations/videos. The content and conversations can be the same, but it's all done online.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By the way, the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">YouVersion Bible App</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> is pretty cool:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"The YouVersion Bible App is a great tool for helping your church attenders engage every day with God's Word. One feature of the Bible App is called Plans with Friends, which allows people to work through the same plan together and discuss it right inside the app. The Bible App also allows friends to pray for one another." (p. 45)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One big difference between in-person vs. online is the amount of time you get to teach. In general, you don't have very long. So instead of one 1-hour long video, do six 10-minute videos.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Research has shown teaching in micro-moments to be an effective way for instructors to capture attention and for students to retain information. That is important when we think of online discipleship opportunities. Microlearning comes in bite-sized, easy to digest pieces of information that happen in text, images, videos, audio clips, or polls." (p. 47)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Caring For People</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Typically churches ask you to:</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">attend large group events (such as Sunday worship)</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">join a small group (like a Bible Study),</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">and then serve on a team (like a music team).</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">One way to serve online is by caring for people. Maybe you have a team that helps people through emergencies. Or people who counsel others. Or, and this sounds fun to me, people who encourage others.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Encouragers are people who naturally speak life into others: they celebrate, they pray, and they help in non-emergency situations." (p. 61)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Often, caring for people means connecting them with on-the-ground organizations in their local communities.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Final Tips For Online Church</strong></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Angela finishes with some helpful advice. Here's one I like:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Time commitment. Building an online community takes time and investment. People need you not a fancy video of you. Choose people over production." (pp. 67-68)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Also, start with Facebook because that's where the majority of people already are and they have a bunch of tools built-in to help you connect in multiple ways.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h1 style="color: #0e101a; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Is Online Church A Good Thing?</strong></h1><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Church online will never replace in-person community, but it will strengthen the Church as we serve, disciple, and care for people online." (p. 78)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Many church leaders choose to stay off social websites and instead prioritize in-person interactions. I know I spend less time on social media these days. I still have accounts, but I removed all social apps on my phone, which dramatically reduces my usage.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But many people are on social networks. And as more things happen online, the expectation is to do even more things online. Even things that didn't seem likely a few years ago, like going to church.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm not sure what this means for church in the future, but it's an intriguing notion and probably worth thinking about and planning for. At the very least, it may be another way to put social networks to good use.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3AZaLIW" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">book is pretty short</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> if you're interested. There's also a </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://churchleaders.com/podcast/403054-angela-craig-digital-church-biblical.html" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">40-minute podcast on ChurchLeaders</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> where you can hear Angela share how her church functions.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-69973027799923535692021-09-13T10:04:00.000-07:002021-09-17T13:03:08.493-07:00Mount Hood's Timberline Trail 40 Mile Hike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UOPE08wjgU1qD99eA76ChyphenhyphenHnUzIGivh2yTACbVjmtv4N6KXNAODjBNWa2eKyb4626s4M6j6-B7DEzoDX1kC-NLyV6HnRvp1T_k5yIm_9_9jaISMTSB3Ux9VfXg_g9sYfn1hd/s4032/Mount+Hood.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UOPE08wjgU1qD99eA76ChyphenhyphenHnUzIGivh2yTACbVjmtv4N6KXNAODjBNWa2eKyb4626s4M6j6-B7DEzoDX1kC-NLyV6HnRvp1T_k5yIm_9_9jaISMTSB3Ux9VfXg_g9sYfn1hd/w640-h360/Mount+Hood.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Last weekend I hiked the <a href="https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Timberline_Trail_around_Mount_Hood_Hike" target="_blank">Timberline Trail around Mount Hood</a>. We trekked 40 miles in 48 hours - starting and stopping at the Timberline Lodge.</p><p><br /></p><p>Five of us set out Friday evening and hiked 10 miles before stopping near a river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_ajNdcvn5i8RrpCYUmSfjb6p8pS7IQb7H2MBqrXl7pAqC2h3BKjHWTbmHOam_35CaOD347Av1YyBi41oTH9uGOy6jZ-Qp_q9qgucuTGWKahHX1iSEy1gh6WmWBxig_8pWKXJ/s4032/5+guys.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_ajNdcvn5i8RrpCYUmSfjb6p8pS7IQb7H2MBqrXl7pAqC2h3BKjHWTbmHOam_35CaOD347Av1YyBi41oTH9uGOy6jZ-Qp_q9qgucuTGWKahHX1iSEy1gh6WmWBxig_8pWKXJ/w640-h360/5+guys.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2w-lBSL6H_mB4RpdeBVcHKtZ9LT1Z66urEnS0h-Ewkbk_ai27A-J1pW64MzWyHdHU0qFy-ELxivb5s6AqZQD-f1MwRTw4gjLA9WxF2At5X_1foTKSBDtJluG06MYI07v-iv1/s4032/River.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2w-lBSL6H_mB4RpdeBVcHKtZ9LT1Z66urEnS0h-Ewkbk_ai27A-J1pW64MzWyHdHU0qFy-ELxivb5s6AqZQD-f1MwRTw4gjLA9WxF2At5X_1foTKSBDtJluG06MYI07v-iv1/w640-h360/River.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The next day we hiked 18 miles. It was a long day! Part of what made it so long was a 2-mile section of the trail which had fallen trees. It was like an obstacle course! It was hard but was also my favorite part because it was so tricky.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCYVGFP2gceNd4RnscuqcHDoVWb60GrkLuegA_yjhzKAIcfWdToriC_TjELDYEK1tywuRCa6kjFhu7cQ1PbPXMywihcZCyh5iW5kfvy5SUNBgsRniLCndUvi-BBJqsMfVHUgT/s4032/Tree+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCYVGFP2gceNd4RnscuqcHDoVWb60GrkLuegA_yjhzKAIcfWdToriC_TjELDYEK1tywuRCa6kjFhu7cQ1PbPXMywihcZCyh5iW5kfvy5SUNBgsRniLCndUvi-BBJqsMfVHUgT/w640-h360/Tree+1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf70kejbazkCUPWOCaT5x6dBbIEgWlfldOjMDwUPqASJnuy1ZrFBBseCCjx58qALmDofHVBM-qNQ8zKkHg0JgLCz3-LB02oOw-hOzVjqx-I1HuUTGle5C-Qr0uRBi7ZLNnuTvr/s4032/Tree+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf70kejbazkCUPWOCaT5x6dBbIEgWlfldOjMDwUPqASJnuy1ZrFBBseCCjx58qALmDofHVBM-qNQ8zKkHg0JgLCz3-LB02oOw-hOzVjqx-I1HuUTGle5C-Qr0uRBi7ZLNnuTvr/w360-h640/Tree+2.jpeg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOjoWerxexq6QKSyO7HxIGuMMZl8WeZvJ1DPqMaI-qMvr8kvs9i42xksMH6a_Ouy5RmrE2VKbqANAfVXuMR5yE-jrYndsdNq0KmpJ8fZh7KDaf7Oy_qHjhfBhqzrQ9HeXkXvV/s4032/Tree+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOjoWerxexq6QKSyO7HxIGuMMZl8WeZvJ1DPqMaI-qMvr8kvs9i42xksMH6a_Ouy5RmrE2VKbqANAfVXuMR5yE-jrYndsdNq0KmpJ8fZh7KDaf7Oy_qHjhfBhqzrQ9HeXkXvV/w640-h360/Tree+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylqDrHSsYdqBYY-6yb0yW2dvYPy5wPei6bwmxBJxTY6LbeE6vvZDH5RzW5AdU-ZPiRQBd7XYphCTOsXU9WygPuAVE4Qe_MCAFLt3XHBL8nnQMus5H45fTSlpylw4_DivRKAd4/s4032/Tree+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylqDrHSsYdqBYY-6yb0yW2dvYPy5wPei6bwmxBJxTY6LbeE6vvZDH5RzW5AdU-ZPiRQBd7XYphCTOsXU9WygPuAVE4Qe_MCAFLt3XHBL8nnQMus5H45fTSlpylw4_DivRKAd4/w640-h360/Tree+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINhG9SXG6EMhAx6m3ey_HsviTodmTFi1Tf7NTUpFl8nAKFtHqVzX2C202I9squYf6H06fWl0fRfGNqyh4jpRWZsJ4PcWLcABf38h1PGGHJ7SFwccw6k1ujuvuyV8de7WDDdhR/s4032/Tree+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINhG9SXG6EMhAx6m3ey_HsviTodmTFi1Tf7NTUpFl8nAKFtHqVzX2C202I9squYf6H06fWl0fRfGNqyh4jpRWZsJ4PcWLcABf38h1PGGHJ7SFwccw6k1ujuvuyV8de7WDDdhR/w640-h360/Tree+5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx1CQuiqGW6mFDFK4taDqgvmN8aKkgTbXV9uGQK6uE9rqc4QmykWdrrT9QIbhLOgWtxrgEqklyTfGgqTdInx45WR1_Y0ikaN6Yqy99iEz1-TSmvqYzRzO_AiES6ouyaSwxL2D/s4032/happy+James.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx1CQuiqGW6mFDFK4taDqgvmN8aKkgTbXV9uGQK6uE9rqc4QmykWdrrT9QIbhLOgWtxrgEqklyTfGgqTdInx45WR1_Y0ikaN6Yqy99iEz1-TSmvqYzRzO_AiES6ouyaSwxL2D/w640-h360/happy+James.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><p>By the way, I was going for a mountain man vibe. I think I pulled it off well.</p><p><br /></p><p>We also enjoyed some incredible views.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8AASWc1kCH8mfMQjicxNuD5lcsDB3517Kfj7lNEOMiCNUddCFl5Ffn4KEhUICqrClsDZhkEVdHj1avdbhSvVNfOLr7TbVN2U6EQVGtkha8Wf-wO0XhvMxgvMAtN4xyyZV-FM/s2695/View+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="2695" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8AASWc1kCH8mfMQjicxNuD5lcsDB3517Kfj7lNEOMiCNUddCFl5Ffn4KEhUICqrClsDZhkEVdHj1avdbhSvVNfOLr7TbVN2U6EQVGtkha8Wf-wO0XhvMxgvMAtN4xyyZV-FM/w640-h276/View+1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPP1H36l1YWWUfOLM-ZOsx6QNsKnUoRZEaxstdEMU0etNfmgiFRn0ICKrzl2NEuxwMpW-PlpDhwDf9YET46efC5AWOHdmhGBCKBIsuWbF6pG7QZlSeLxrr3Oyd0thAizKqKQC/s4032/View+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPP1H36l1YWWUfOLM-ZOsx6QNsKnUoRZEaxstdEMU0etNfmgiFRn0ICKrzl2NEuxwMpW-PlpDhwDf9YET46efC5AWOHdmhGBCKBIsuWbF6pG7QZlSeLxrr3Oyd0thAizKqKQC/w640-h360/View+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMKkmZzP8LW2XBYpvnUiXRvFmY2RsTB3Prr2qm8k93HuB3wS5JuRdJENl9JztG1u4yWGTVcyf37plon7nWhyX9Fy8f69cg0tt1TkU_fMqkg_lOSvsgNISsTnXS3dKvKELwAdA/s4032/View+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMKkmZzP8LW2XBYpvnUiXRvFmY2RsTB3Prr2qm8k93HuB3wS5JuRdJENl9JztG1u4yWGTVcyf37plon7nWhyX9Fy8f69cg0tt1TkU_fMqkg_lOSvsgNISsTnXS3dKvKELwAdA/w640-h360/View+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tq_54lE_nAQZ0MagvQdlcfRKWYcWxfKozI8q8kq622Gq8gO5L5QoOLtrKF_HnJ4zZKBX-isYEGTUpT-TF58WrJwDdZwxxBp20Qzr61lYtCLsPodSvr8JQ4n1IFdzzJqZ8h-r/s4032/View+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tq_54lE_nAQZ0MagvQdlcfRKWYcWxfKozI8q8kq622Gq8gO5L5QoOLtrKF_HnJ4zZKBX-isYEGTUpT-TF58WrJwDdZwxxBp20Qzr61lYtCLsPodSvr8JQ4n1IFdzzJqZ8h-r/w640-h360/View+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5vsk_GklJow8SHGAh36dMxVgST7Cd3hyYteYf7s6gIF8lVhkBNrMv-f1ZEKjOfCUKjrNJ0dIgT52GzpMgWRSKiNenWd3cse5OWMNlDZ0gd1t00lx1geGR6k-Alc7kIiC8Hq-/s4032/View+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5vsk_GklJow8SHGAh36dMxVgST7Cd3hyYteYf7s6gIF8lVhkBNrMv-f1ZEKjOfCUKjrNJ0dIgT52GzpMgWRSKiNenWd3cse5OWMNlDZ0gd1t00lx1geGR6k-Alc7kIiC8Hq-/w640-h360/View+5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhFuJ00wL4ZEu9Nq7u5OSj7nz8D_K4q4jfTg5-CRQDJheN80nmcbuUbpPeCxFAaa87N0TiqwnJDodcdqAmtJCpS68SXJW-PZNJE35fDR-k1LAC7Yiy12DDfQqLWejBzPIHTR8/s4032/View+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhFuJ00wL4ZEu9Nq7u5OSj7nz8D_K4q4jfTg5-CRQDJheN80nmcbuUbpPeCxFAaa87N0TiqwnJDodcdqAmtJCpS68SXJW-PZNJE35fDR-k1LAC7Yiy12DDfQqLWejBzPIHTR8/w640-h360/View+6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo2XDIqc6UMI_ro_iIjDCckKssJsGjuoeVLNJjGmkWY0BzcCgv-_Xbce0FILuW28X6Ov743NOqYsPZZhaakkBqfWcX0c5EKY6igcByLCNvBbXbCS8LIzWHUBlc002g1DtR6Kq/s4032/View+7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo2XDIqc6UMI_ro_iIjDCckKssJsGjuoeVLNJjGmkWY0BzcCgv-_Xbce0FILuW28X6Ov743NOqYsPZZhaakkBqfWcX0c5EKY6igcByLCNvBbXbCS8LIzWHUBlc002g1DtR6Kq/w640-h360/View+7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEZmUow9QArzAPNHC2P8tj1phetXBCM328vi3pTbWumyYz9J_WKD04acCmr74Fq5Jt1LqHSDTLLQtBvIcy8tRKjpZgh05fNyoq0SusTJErRU1qjonYRPxPyusM1z67sSQh4Kh/s4032/View+8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEZmUow9QArzAPNHC2P8tj1phetXBCM328vi3pTbWumyYz9J_WKD04acCmr74Fq5Jt1LqHSDTLLQtBvIcy8tRKjpZgh05fNyoq0SusTJErRU1qjonYRPxPyusM1z67sSQh4Kh/w640-h360/View+8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>On the last day, we hiked 12 miles. And we felt every. Single. Step. In addition to amazing views, we crossed multiple rivers and saw many waterfalls.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqovwhKZih8C4fmHWS8ix28Pmp6BBbbDpGd4kpTxYdk8d9OV3-v2WetrkjMGTTZ2l3QlBAJq-9LC9Kg2Hq0e-uARR7JTla_FA3gqq-zACGTpcHf9bHeK8xnJ6vcslFQ2-0JXD/s2048/water+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGqovwhKZih8C4fmHWS8ix28Pmp6BBbbDpGd4kpTxYdk8d9OV3-v2WetrkjMGTTZ2l3QlBAJq-9LC9Kg2Hq0e-uARR7JTla_FA3gqq-zACGTpcHf9bHeK8xnJ6vcslFQ2-0JXD/w480-h640/water+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEda2z5YO8_OHdxdwokROKdVox9n0Flb2AJXiS_f2gO568TDSNzzS1td8gG4GdckN-ixp_nhjdsOvOdwGg7_F3Lzf_t9vuVjAslwgFomGDiJNfBjY5Brais9Y-Am9B1MY2wDoD/s4032/water+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEda2z5YO8_OHdxdwokROKdVox9n0Flb2AJXiS_f2gO568TDSNzzS1td8gG4GdckN-ixp_nhjdsOvOdwGg7_F3Lzf_t9vuVjAslwgFomGDiJNfBjY5Brais9Y-Am9B1MY2wDoD/w640-h360/water+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOgOVCUlBULP9wqfLQgm33PjJBw6n6hyphenhyphenl1UVASbZah-fnS06j90p2y9Vf2W72fcUPTsLXUigEl-7Ea2aDOclmk8Tco0LlunQGc4x99QVRPgkIy1dhf6A-fqseTyZkwXzrU7Ih/s4032/water+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOgOVCUlBULP9wqfLQgm33PjJBw6n6hyphenhyphenl1UVASbZah-fnS06j90p2y9Vf2W72fcUPTsLXUigEl-7Ea2aDOclmk8Tco0LlunQGc4x99QVRPgkIy1dhf6A-fqseTyZkwXzrU7Ih/w640-h360/water+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Much of the trip was hiking to a peak, then back down to a river. For example, we crossed this river below and then hiked up the other side.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq_43XAEVB6Ul-kr9g1sE0A0fPuRk1VRldnsZT15HrQn9j4B4XQvG4tnc1riGGfishhHDEnuRgYYgG3Kskz8wFuVqtAiuiWjMIBwOQnBAxZ4AbQIQQpG82Us2y2YMnCMicDNK/s4032/water+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq_43XAEVB6Ul-kr9g1sE0A0fPuRk1VRldnsZT15HrQn9j4B4XQvG4tnc1riGGfishhHDEnuRgYYgG3Kskz8wFuVqtAiuiWjMIBwOQnBAxZ4AbQIQQpG82Us2y2YMnCMicDNK/w640-h360/water+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And sometimes simply getting to the river was tricky. That arrow is pointing to another hiker. She got wet to her knees crossing this river.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZjwyCs2hd3cGYrzqkr2vQnt6rih8IlyQsiJIN4t8JYOmomQNuhp5PhPpoTacS8fifgoeZMSambNm08eBmN2uEKfCQAM15kLXURgm_dM3O1nnuJXITgslYIgy2QD_0kYq3NzH/s2048/water+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="2048" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZjwyCs2hd3cGYrzqkr2vQnt6rih8IlyQsiJIN4t8JYOmomQNuhp5PhPpoTacS8fifgoeZMSambNm08eBmN2uEKfCQAM15kLXURgm_dM3O1nnuJXITgslYIgy2QD_0kYq3NzH/w640-h346/water+5.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>It was a great hike. We didn't bring tents and opted to sleep under the stars. The whole trip reminded me of <a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/111/PSA.19.niv" target="_blank">Psalm 19:1-6</a>:</p><p style="text-align: center;">The heavens declare the glory of God;</p><p style="text-align: center;">the skies proclaim the work of his hands.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Day after day they pour forth speech;</p><p style="text-align: center;">night after night they reveal knowledge.</p><p style="text-align: center;">They have no speech, they use no words;</p><p style="text-align: center;">no sound is heard from them.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,</p><p style="text-align: center;">their words to the ends of the world.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,</p><p style="text-align: center;">like a champion rejoicing to run his course.</p><p style="text-align: center;">It rises at one end of the heavens</p><p style="text-align: center;">and makes its circuit to the other;</p><p style="text-align: center;">nothing is deprived of its warmth.</p><p><br /></p><p>If you get a chance, I highly recommend hiking the Timberline Trail. Maybe not in 48 hours, but it would be a great 3-night hike.</p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-29198597405594235342021-07-03T19:46:00.004-07:002021-07-03T19:46:51.424-07:00Not all time in life is equal. Life serves up some moments that count much more than other moments.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7jUkGpfghC0ow675Jg0-q7ZnW9hEbL-6zMxEoK1SMRmjyoTddAoEEABTMkSoj_QdogcmraQz09Mz9IcxaSwjLIEVK5tjnLLK0kMhllTCVgYEfTW6GvI8x6ZFaQv-60DNDKIj/s2048/Apollo+11+Moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7jUkGpfghC0ow675Jg0-q7ZnW9hEbL-6zMxEoK1SMRmjyoTddAoEEABTMkSoj_QdogcmraQz09Mz9IcxaSwjLIEVK5tjnLLK0kMhllTCVgYEfTW6GvI8x6ZFaQv-60DNDKIj/w640-h324/Apollo+11+Moment.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'm re-listening to "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/2TBQd97" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Great by Choice</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" by Jim Collins & Morten Hansen, and there's a quote I love:</span></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></strong></p><blockquote><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Not all time in life is equal. Life serves up some moments that count much more than other moments."</strong></blockquote><p><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </strong></p><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What a powerful thought!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We all have the same amount of time, and one key to getting something done is prioritizing it. So, if you say, "I don't have time for that," what you're actually saying is that it's not high enough of a priority. It may seem harsh, but recognizing that fact empowers you to change your priorities instead of believing that the issue is external and you have no control. This is also a key finding in "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/2V5r5rT" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Grit</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">" by Angela Duckworth: people who persevere believe they can control outcomes, so they try harder and keep going.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So yes, we all have the same number of seconds each day, and how we prioritize that time matters, but not all moments in life are equal. There are obvious extremes:</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The birth of a child vs. brushing your teeth.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Deciding to accept Christ's grace vs. deciding what to eat for dinner.</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's the moments where you're making a decision with long-term consequences that count the most:</span></p><ul style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Who to date or marry!</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Choosing a college and picking a major.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Accepting a job offer.</span></li></ul><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">To make the most of those moments, you need first to recognize that it's a big moment, and second ask yourself: "how long do I have before I need to make a decision?" Then, spend the remaining time gathering information. Typically, we believe it's people who quick decisions that win, but a better predictor is how they use their time running up to the moment.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I tend to decide quickly. And one lesson for me is first to ask how much time I have to decide. Then use that time to validate my naturally quick response. If I can do this, it should lead to better decisions and make those meaningful moments turn out the best they can in the long term.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's a simple statement but an important one to internalize.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">Photo of Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@nasa?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">NASA</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/moon-landing?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"></span></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-55699726553871582792021-05-01T08:50:00.007-07:002021-05-01T08:53:20.798-07:00Why I'm Excited About Book Covers on Kindle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAidXp8unFuIulODPaDNXY9EKtzW_XA_8RqFsNMDHDN6lQI8WIv-lNlrXTeUznWipkxgqG03cwB6DVEXXwtHaW3fgHuAjjpzFjxVXVeJRt2JP8o_Va01__yKrbruwOS5cVZIyI/s4032/Prayer+by+Tim+Keller+on+Kindle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAidXp8unFuIulODPaDNXY9EKtzW_XA_8RqFsNMDHDN6lQI8WIv-lNlrXTeUznWipkxgqG03cwB6DVEXXwtHaW3fgHuAjjpzFjxVXVeJRt2JP8o_Va01__yKrbruwOS5cVZIyI/w640-h360/Prayer+by+Tim+Keller+on+Kindle.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Amazon released a new update for Kindle that I've wanted for a while: to show the cover of the book you're reading on the lock screen. The Internet and I sighed a collective </span><em style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">FINALLY</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> when it happened.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I needed to restart my Kindle Paperwhite (without ads) to see it in All Settings -> Device Options -> Display Cover.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The reason for my excitement is simple. The benefit of the Kindle is that it can hold thousands of books. And when you turn it on, it takes you right to the page you're reading, along with a percentage indicator of where you are in the book and how much longer you need to read to finish the chapter (or book). I also like highlighting, writing notes, and searching for passages. It's great!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But, I started to notice something concerning: I would sometimes forget the author's name and sometimes even the book's title!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here's my hypothesis: with a physical book, you look at the cover - with the title and author's name - every time you pick it up. I read in 10-15 minute sessions, which means I see it 25-50 times per book over a couple of months. I couldn't help but memorize the author and title from the repetition. It's the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3n24gxw" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">slowest method of memorization</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, but it works.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But with the Kindle, I never got the repetition because the device opens directly to my current page. If the name didn't stick right away, I never looked at it again.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's the same for me with Apple Music. I don't remember the album, the artist, and sometimes not even the song's title. Maybe that's a big reason why searching for music now includes song lyrics? That's the only information I remember to find a song. I often keep the Apple Music mini-player open so I can see the cover art and song title.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is, in my opinion, one of the surprising (to me) consequences of aggregators. Is it any wonder that all of the largest tech companies are aggregators? Google aggregated website content, including news (which used to be a major aggregator of writers and ads) & video. Facebook, your friends. Amazon, your shopping. Apple's iPhone, your phone + email + music + calculator + flashlight + laptop + etc + etc. Airbnb (and other hotel & flight aggregators). Uber & Lyft. Netflix. Zillow. Craigslist & eBay.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">You get the idea.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Each of these services separated the content/product from the creator, making it seamless to look at multiple options, compare, and make choices based on the merit of the content/product itself. It saves so much time and allows for better discovery. I think it's a net benefit to society. (I suppose Walmart is the best physical example of an aggregator.)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The big problem is that the aggregator leads to same-ness, making everything a commodity. Do you remember the name of the last movie you watched on Netflix? I don't. It had Paul Rudd. It was funny, but not funny enough to recommend, which is probably a good thing since I don't remember the name!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There are undoubtedly significant economic and social consequences of aggregators. It's a tension that will constantly need managing. Megahits, like Taylor Swift and J.K. Rowling, will be fine. And the long-tail of discovery will allow newcomers a chance to succeed. But it's the middle of the tail, like that movie or decent smartphone apps, that can get stunted by aggregators if the tension isn't well managed.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But for me, the surprising impact is the personal one: forgetting the creator, even in situations like Kindle where I intentionally bought the individual book.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">With this Kindle update, I'll get to see my book covers again. I'm delighted to start remembering authors and titles better.</span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-67996738461830083222021-03-29T07:20:00.000-07:002021-03-29T07:20:11.065-07:00"Reading While Black" Book Review and Reflections<p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeWSKoOeum35D8TtvqCRoRdb-HsD5MK0kBinThoQyXofap_hmunAbo0WfVnr-IiJ3L6oyXy19UtApfmS-f_68NOwfJnnE6N8dqmQ030CnSvXsKThyphenhyphencuhdk7Q7dbuXjdX1dEUk/s1920/Reading+While+Black+by+Esau+McCaulley.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeWSKoOeum35D8TtvqCRoRdb-HsD5MK0kBinThoQyXofap_hmunAbo0WfVnr-IiJ3L6oyXy19UtApfmS-f_68NOwfJnnE6N8dqmQ030CnSvXsKThyphenhyphencuhdk7Q7dbuXjdX1dEUk/w640-h400/Reading+While+Black+by+Esau+McCaulley.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">After listening to Esau McCaulley on the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://bibleproject.com/podcast/reading-while-black" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Bible Project Podcast</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, I listened to his audiobook called "</span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3flr5fd" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Reading While Black</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As a white Christian growing up in a Lutheran church, and today a member of a Baptist-based church, I enjoyed listening to McCaulley's interpretation of Biblical truths and learned a lot about the Black Christian church.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">His book is about the Bible written by a Christian for Christians.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #0e101a;">"I want to make a case that [an] unapologetically Black and orthodox reading of the Bible can speak a relevant word to Black Christians today. I want to contend that the best instincts of the Black church tradition–its public advocacy for justice, its affirmation of the worth of Black bodies and souls, its vision of a multiethnic community of faith–can be embodied by those who stand at the center of this tradition. This is a work against the cynicism of some who doubt that the Bible has something to say; it is a work contending for hope." (page 6)</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Here are a few themes that stuck out to me: the influence of our backgrounds on interpreting the Bible, the balance of seeking justice and God's timing, the political drama found in the Bible, and the Bible's stance on slavery. Below I'll share my notes on each of these. </span>There are many more and I recommend reading/listening to Reading While Black if these sound interesting.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For many of these points, the Bible doesn't state its stance as plainly as some would like. Instead, each theme is interwoven into a grand narrative that requires study.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"I propose instead that we adopt the posture of Jacob and refuse to let go of the text until it blesses us. Stated differently, we adopt a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeneutics#Biblical_hermeneutics" target="_blank">hermeneutic</a> of trust in which we are patient with the text in the belief that when interpreted properly, it will bring a blessing and not a curse. This means that we do the hard work of reading the text closely, attending to historical context, grammar, and structure." (page 21)</blockquote><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Given that McCaulley's book is written to Christians, my reflections will also be written to someone who spent at least some time reading the Bible. If you read something here you don't get, reach out. I'd love to chat with you.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our culture, background, education, and experiences influence what we emphasize</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For example, I never thought much about the race of the 12 sons of Jacob (the start of the 12 tribes of Israel). Specifically, Jacob adopted and extended God's blessing to Joseph's two sons: Ephraim and Manasseh. Both men were born of an Egyptian mother. They're half African. Therefore, Africa is rooted deeply as part of God's promise. This is a detail I never caught before.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26); color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26); color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"…there was never a biologically "pure" Israel. Israel was always multiethnic and multinational. As a Black man, when I look to the biblical story, I do not see a story of someone else in which I find my place only by some feat of imagination. Instead God's purposes include me as an irreplaceable feature along with my African ancestors. We are the first of those joined to Abraham's family in anticipation of the rest of the nations of the earth." (page 102)</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I tend to pay particular attention when the name "James" comes up in the Bible since I share that name. I also key in on warnings around money and time <a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2021/01/2021-annual-letter-experiencing-time.html" target="_blank">given where I am in life</a>. And Jessi remembers more events around women than I do.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's not that anyone's interpretation is better or wrong. The only "wrong" way of thinking is to conclude that your interpretation is the best/only option. So, as much as you can, spend time outside your personal echo chamber. Read, listen, and talk to people from different backgrounds about the Bible. This book is a great example.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It is right to call out injustice, but we also need to submit to God's timing and plan</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">McCaulley focuses on Moses for this part. Moses rightly identifies that slavery of his people is wrong. But, Moses takes matters into his own hands, murders a guard, and then needs to run away. Moses learns - 40 years later - that God agrees, but that wasn't the right timing or way to free God's people from slavery. God's way was much more comprehensive and glorious!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, there's an interesting tension here. It is good to call out injustice, to call for change, to try to fix injustices. And at the same time, we can't hold too tightly to the outcome. We should yield to God's timing and way. Again, this is a tension because you also don't want to give up too early! You can seek clarity the way Moses did: talk to God (via prayer) and find out what he wants.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'd also like to add that injustice comes in all different types of severity. You don't need to find "the biggest cause" to champion. God may put on your heart something that the world thinks "isn't a big deal." Don't be discouraged if someone questions, "why are you focused on X when Y - which is a bigger deal - is still happening?" God can multi-task and focus on all injustice at all times.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Bible contains politics, so we shouldn't be afraid to think politically.</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">know</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> that politics interweaves into every fabric of our lives: Values create policies that directly change how we live, and over time, change values leading to new policies... But, for me, it also seems inconsequential to my life. How much does the President </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">really</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> impact my day-to-day life? It felt like </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">zero percent</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> this morning. I </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">know</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> there's an indirect influence (perhaps more so from the cumulative effects from past Presidents), but, at least for me, my daily impacts come from my immediate surroundings: my family, friends, neighbors, customers, and employees.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Said another way: I know that "politics is important," but politics feels more like watching a sporting event than as something that has a bearing on my life.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I'll even go as far as to admit that when I read the Bible I "leave politics out of it." I solely focus on what it means for my personal life and don't recognize the political drama within an event. If there is any political drama (which, I've recently realized, is a lot!) I gloss over that part, often missing out on some of the broader implications.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">McCaulley gives an example from the book of 2 Samuel. King David committed adultery and later murdered the husband to cover up his crime. And when Nathan the prophet confronted him, he repented but still had to live with the consequences of his actions.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There's a lot of wonderful personal applications from this event, which we should study, but McCaulley also shows the political side:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">David is a king, a great warrior, ordained by God, and known for his heart for God (implying he's given the benefit of the doubt almost all the time). David is a big deal, whereas Nathan is a court prophet. There's a wide power gap! It's like a pastor in Washington D.C. calling out the President for a crime he committed that wasn't publicly known. Even if the two had previously chatted, it wasn't like they were close friends. This is dripping with political drama with real risks! Think about it, David has already proven he's willing to murder to cover up his crime. And is it </span><em style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">really</em><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> a crime for the most powerful person in the nation? Who's going to stop him? What courage and trust Nathan displays as he stepped up to confront David! Can you also imagine the reports going throughout the nation? This is a scandal of massive proportions.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">McCaulley continues by showing how much of Jesus's life includes direct political action. First, Herod the Great kills innocent children in an attempt to kill Jesus (whose family flees to Egypt, an African nation, for sanctuary). I can't even imagine how horrific it would be to be one of the families whose son was killed because of a power move.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As an adult, Jesus publically calls another political leader, Herod Antipas, a fox. This isn't just about his moral code; it's also about his political activities of causing the people's suffering.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">"Jesus shows that those Christians who have called out injustice are following in the footsteps of Jesus. "(page 57)</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Side note:</strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> Jesus is calling out injustice but still submitted to God's authority and the authority of the rulers. He submitted to the point of dying on a cross. This aligns with Romans 13:1-2, which says:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">By the way, the following sentence assumes the rulers are just, which is why we submit. But Jesus takes it that next step: Even if they are not just, still submit. Call them out! Don't be passive! But follow the rules unless it directly contradicts God's law.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As I continue to read the Bible, I will pay closer attention to the narrative's political side and seek to let it shape my political opinions and activities.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Paul, an apostle of Jesus, does NOT condone slavery.</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">It's with some fear and trepidation I reflect on this next theme. I'm white, male, financially stable, a landlord, living in the U.S., happily married with amazing kids, college-educated, right-handed, etc. I'm pretty sure I check most "<a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/why-its-important-to-think-about-privilege-and-why/" target="_blank">privileged</a>" boxes. Who am I to comment on slavery? Furthermore, it's highly likely that I benefit today - right now - from systematic injustice and I'm not even aware of it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So be it. May God use my privilege to bless others. May God put the words of people like McCaulley in front of me to help me better understand other's experiences and stir my heart to want to bless and help others even more. In this case, it starts with learning what the Bible says about slavery. Let's jump in to see what McCaulley and the Bible say on the subject.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">McCaulley shared that his grandmother heard this passage preached to her multiple times by their slave masters:</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him." - Ephesians 6:5-9 (NIV)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Out of context, it indeed seems like Paul is saying slavery is acceptable as long as the masters aren't mean about it. McCaulley:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"On the first read, the Bible does not appear to say all that we want it to say in the way that we want the Bible to say it. And yet this is the crucial part: the Bible says more than enough. The story of Christianity does not on every page legislate slavery out of existence. Nonetheless, the Christian narrative, our core theological principles, and our ethical imperatives create a world in which slavery becomes unimaginable." (page 139)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">McCaulley will explain why the Bible doesn't condone slavery, yet addresses it as a reality because of our sin and patiently shepherds people away from it. But first, I want to take a detour towards a bigger question.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If God is all-powerful, why does injustice exist, and why does God allow it?</span></h3><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Let's go back to Moses and the Exodus. There, God demonstrates his hatred of slavery, yet he doesn't instantly wipe it out. Why not? Why allow sin at all? Why put a tree in the garden of Eden that Adam and Eve shouldn't eat? Why not simply create perfect people living in Heaven on day 1? And to pile on a little more, as Christians, we profess four essential truths:</span></p><ol style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">God is fully and continually all-powerful.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">God is good, loving, and there is no evil in him.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Evil and sin exist.</span></li><li style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Sinners are fully responsible for their sin.</span></li></ol><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">So, if God is all-powerful and loving, why does injustice exist, and why does God allow it?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For a complete answer, I HIGHLY recommend chapter 5 of the book </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amzn.to/3n1l2wU" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Doctrine</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Brashears. Here's my summary:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">God is indeed all-powerful, and in exercising that power, he gave us the freedom to make our own choices. It started with Satan, who chose to fight God. Then Adam (and Eve) chose to trust Satan instead of God, despite God's clear warnings of the consequences. Now, God could have killed Adam on the spot. He had every right! But instead, because of God's love, he only separated himself from Adam (a type of death, but not completely blotted out). God let him physically live and find a way back to God. You and I inherited that separation and often make it worse.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Because of God's perfect justice and unwillingness to be associated with anything sinful, the only way to make it back to God is by paying the debt of our sin. Now, here's what's cool to me. Romans 5:12-21 explains that we can inherit justification through a righteous act of </span><u style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">one person</span></u><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (Jesus) because we all inherited separation from </span><span style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><u>one person</u> (Adam)</span></span><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">. So, it might seem unfair that we're all called sinners and separated because of what Adam did ("it wasn't me who ate the fruit!"), but it set the precedence that we can also become righteous through one person: Jesus.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jesus paid our debt of sins through his death on the cross. Thus, restoring our close relationship with God. It's precisely the same way as someone else paying off your mortgage for you. You're now free from that debt! All you need to do is accept the payment.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This begs the question: What's special about Jesus? How come he can pay our debt of sin?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">How come Jesus can pay our debt?</strong></h3><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">If God killed us, we would deserve it, and it would pay off our debt from sin. But that's a sad ending for God and us (remember: God loves us). So, how do you satisfy the demand for justice while making it possible to still have a life with God after it's paid?</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I like the mortgage analogy (<a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2021/01/2021-annual-letter-experiencing-time.html" target="_blank">shocker</a>): how do you pay off a mortgage when you don't have enough money because you keep wasting it with bad choices? One option is to foreclose on the house, but that's no fun for the bank or you.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">What if someone else, who didn't have a mortgage, was willing to let the bank foreclose on their house instead? Thus, the debt is satisfied, and you get to keep the house. Now, what if the value from that foreclosure was enough to cover the debts of all mortgages? And all people needed to do was sign a document that says, please include my house in the debt payment.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">This is what Jesus did.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Jesus was born of the spirit, not a man. Therefore, he didn't have the same inherited sin and was given a chance to "not eat the proverbial fruit on the tree." Satan tempted Jesus in the same way Satan tempted Adam (and tempts us). It was round two of an epic battle!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And Jesus never gave into temptation, and therefore had no debt to pay for himself. And since he was also God (remember: born of the spirit), he had infinite grace to pay off all existing debt. So, when Jesus died on the cross (the foreclosure), Jesus paid the righteous payment for all sin (debt). But since he didn't have any debt, the payment went towards your and my debt. Thus, God can have a relationship with us again because, through Jesus, we're no longer associated with sin. This isn't just a wiping of the slate; this is entering into a Garden-of-Eden-level of relationship where God's Spirit dwells within us and gives us all the same rights and privileges of Jesus. It's amazingly good news!</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And, to draw as many people to himself as possible, God continues to patiently wait for people who don't trust him yet. H</span>istory is ongoing; we're still in the middle of this grand journey. In the meantime, people chose to put their trust in people/things/ideas other than God. And despite how well-intentioned it might be, it inevitably leads to corruption and injustice. One example is slavery.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Back to McCaulley's thoughts.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The Bible was written in the middle of our history, where sin still exists. Slavery is a part of that sin that Paul addresses. Paul follows God's example of patience: He doesn't say, "End slavery right now because God says so." </span>Instead, it's part of a more extensive logical reasoning that leads people to the conclusion on their own that slavery is wrong.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"I want to contend that the Old Testament and later the New Testament create an imaginative world in which slavery becomes more and more untenable. Stated differently, God created a people who could theologically deconstruct slavery. … The widespread move to abolish slavery is a Christian innovation." (page 142)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">For example, it starts with the Exodus narrative and God's saving his people, including people from Africa, out of slavery. Jesus's ethics focuses on what God intended instead of what the Torah allows (the Torah, in this context, could also be seen as U.S. law). One example is divorce. The law allows for divorce, but Jesus states in Matthew 19:3-8 that it wasn't originally intended: "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning."</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And here we see that tension again: God has perfect justice and wants us to live a life of love for him and everyone around us (Matthew 22:34-40). Yet, the reality is that we're not there yet. And so, God patiently allows for temporary less-than-ideal scenarios, such as slavery.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And at the same time, he nudges us in the direction of righteousness. It's not just allowing slavery; it has conditions: slaves serve honorably to point their masters towards Christ, and masters treat them with respect. To truly do this makes it harder to justify slavery. If you're interested, here's </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://stimpy77.medium.com/does-the-bible-endorse-slavery-e9c9fcbacada" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">another article on the topic of slavery and the New Testament</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">That was the context and intention of Paul's writing.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Ideally, over time, things change. People move in the direction of righteousness, and the bar rises again as they continue to assess how they're doing vs the intention of loving God and everyone around them. Or, they move away from righteousness, and God meets them where they're at and calls them to live a little better. It's a loving, generous act of patience. It's one that God does with you and me.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I fear that today, society has little patience for this type of patient progress. We don't exercise tolerance or extend grace to people who made choices based on a different context. Instead, we look at historical decisions people made and condemn them with the harshest punishments using today's standards. Thanks be to God that he doesn't do that with us.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Instead, through examples like Paul, God shows us how to gently move people towards righteousness and celebrate the progress we're making.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">And, here's the best part: God is a God of liberation, not just nudges-in-the-right-direction. In the same way that he freed the enslaved Israelites from Egypt, he frees us. Our freedom isn't based on living perfectly in this generation - or, hopefully, a more righteous future generation - but our freedom is rooted in Jesus dying for us on the cross. All we need to do is accept that we're not perfect, that Christ is God, and that he died on our behalf.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">McCaulley finishes his thoughts on slavery with this:</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></span></p><blockquote>"Black pain and anger rising from [slavery] is not going away. Therefore, the long tradition of Black reflection on our pain will continue. The slave question will be with us until the eschaton [the end of the world]. Therefore we must continue to read, write, interpret, and hope until the advent of the one who will answer all our questions, or render them redundant." (page 167)</blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">But we can say this conclusively:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="color: #0e101a;">"This focus on God as liberator stood in stark contrast to the focus of the slave masters who emphasized God’s desire for a social order with white masters at the top and enslaved Black people at the bottom. But the story doesn’t stop there. Alongside the story of the God of the exodus is the God of Leviticus, who calls his people to a holiness of life. The formerly enslaved managed to celebrate both their physical liberation and their spiritual transformation, which came as a result of their encounter with the God of the Old and New Testaments." (page 17)</span></blockquote><p></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I know nothing of what it meant to be a slave, or even growing up Black in the U.S.. But I was once a slave to sin and today enjoy spiritual liberation and transformation. McCaulley's book helps me put the amazingness of God's accomplishment in perspective by showing what it means to people who know what it means to be physically enslaved and hated.</p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Final Thoughts</strong></h2><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There's a lot more in <a href="https://amzn.to/3swHOjN" target="_blank">Reading While Black</a>. I only scratched the surface. If you're interested in a Biblically-based perspective on justice, politics, slavery, and being a Black Christian in American, I highly recommend it.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Finally, my thanks go to </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://vialogue.wordpress.com/2020/09/08/reading-while-black-reflections-notes/" style="color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Vialogue</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> for taking excellent notes for me to reference here since I listened to the audiobook version.</span></p><p style="color: #0e101a; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></span></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-91791193680067214212021-01-18T08:00:00.001-08:002021-01-18T08:00:07.108-08:00"The Minimalist: Less Is Now" Movie Review and How It Relates To Christianity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DYoOAew1HlGyGcHSY1rY26_9dEojONjDV-ZCflr8CWI4wyTphifPt3pZCgYGgvK8I_bQD0RwbNDsc537V_ribmsF-swbzp5B0CXT0mbWBiWq6QCOXmUqPI1_W74eOa6r3dTZ/s2048/karim-ghantous-minimal-water.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DYoOAew1HlGyGcHSY1rY26_9dEojONjDV-ZCflr8CWI4wyTphifPt3pZCgYGgvK8I_bQD0RwbNDsc537V_ribmsF-swbzp5B0CXT0mbWBiWq6QCOXmUqPI1_W74eOa6r3dTZ/w640-h426/karim-ghantous-minimal-water.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@kdghantous?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Karim Ghantous</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/minimal-water?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>We watched a new documentary on Netflix called "<a href="https://www.theminimalists.com/lessisnow/" target="_blank">The minimalist: Less Is Now</a>"</p><p>It's a sequel to <a href="https://minimalismfilm.com" target="_blank">Minimalism</a>, a documentary also on Netflix.</p><p>Like so many things in life, I agree with 90% of the film. Yet, that last 10% - often the <u>why</u> behind the action - is different, and it tends to make all the difference.</p><p>The basic premise is that stuff won't make you happy. Yet, tragically, we keep buying more and more stuff in a vain attempt to find happiness.</p><p>It's like drinking honey when you're thirsty. There might be a temporary satisfaction from having something wet in your mouth, but it fundamentally won't quench your thirst. In fact, it'll make you more thirsty! And so you try drinking more honey...</p><p>And part of the problem comes from advertising and social media. Advertising, especially online targeted ads, are sophisticated enough to meet you where you're at and nudge you ever so slightly closer to wanting their product.</p><p>There's also the sheer volume of advertisement exposure. If you're told you need something enough times, you start to believe it. I remember learning that people need 7-12 exposures of a product/brand to move them along <a href="https://www.profitwell.com/recur/all/buying-cycle-stages" target="_blank">the 5-stage buying cycle</a>. It sure feels like companies are aiming for at least 12 exposures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fZoUFYQwTeoburw6ae8bCm-feMMpVbs9PsqoBfpjkyUw2ZCMOi3WjyQVy3UXHWqqo6VlpVJXWQAdivobHcNIwvhQCUK7GNhpjXeZUTRZK6g4x1FJX7v0hu53YQhkckI3u5jA/s1354/5-Step+Purchase+Cycle.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="122" data-original-width="1354" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fZoUFYQwTeoburw6ae8bCm-feMMpVbs9PsqoBfpjkyUw2ZCMOi3WjyQVy3UXHWqqo6VlpVJXWQAdivobHcNIwvhQCUK7GNhpjXeZUTRZK6g4x1FJX7v0hu53YQhkckI3u5jA/w640-h58/5-Step+Purchase+Cycle.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>And then social media makes it impossible to "keep up with the Jones" because it tends to only highlight the best part of people's lives - setting an impossibly high bar. And instead of just comparing to your physical neighbor, we now compare to 500+ "friends" regardless of their income, living expenses, or priorities.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FPpJEp_yj9ntD4U8iK9k_UGhdILsBUqhC1xnA9pmgYNU42kMQ_YWXQFyRu6z2PLTBVtOp0pqCcH9Ou46jLGM2HXxe3lukHSUJOd4GrF3MYbKpXXvOr8ZuGENgCXE8dh8IFpv/s1020/Facebook+Post+of+Kids+Giggling.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1020" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FPpJEp_yj9ntD4U8iK9k_UGhdILsBUqhC1xnA9pmgYNU42kMQ_YWXQFyRu6z2PLTBVtOp0pqCcH9Ou46jLGM2HXxe3lukHSUJOd4GrF3MYbKpXXvOr8ZuGENgCXE8dh8IFpv/w400-h307/Facebook+Post+of+Kids+Giggling.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not pictured: the complete breakdown when we told them it was time for bed</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>It's not that advertising and social media are inherently bad, it's that they've unintentionally amplified consumerism - the desire to find happiness in stuff.</p><p>So far, I agree 100% with the problem. So what's the solution?</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Minimalism</h2><p>Here's what minimalism is, <a href="https://www.theminimalists.com/pitch/" target="_blank">in the words of the two main guys from the documentary</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote>Minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives. By clearing the clutter from life's path, we can all make room for the most important aspects of life: health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution.</blockquote><p></p><p><a href="https://www.theminimalists.com/minimalism/" target="_blank">And here's how it's used</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we've built our lives around. Real freedom.</p><p>That doesn't mean there's anything inherently wrong with owning material possessions. Today's problem seems to be the meaning we assign to our stuff: we tend to give too much meaning to our things, often forsaking our health, our relationships, our passions, our personal growth, and our desire to contribute beyond ourselves. Want to own a car or a house? Great, have at it! Want to raise a family and have a career? If these things are important to you, then that's wonderful. Minimalism simply allows you to make these decisions more consciously, more deliberately.</p></blockquote><p></p><p>If I summarized their summary, it would be: minimalism is consciously owning/doing things that are important to you and ruthlessly cutting everything else. This frees you up to pour even more into those things that are important to you.</p><p>Again, I 100% agree with this sentiment.</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What's Important to You?</h2><p>The documentary shared stories of people discovering that stuff can't provide lasting happiness. And then ruthlessly cutting things out. <a href="https://konmari.com" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a> would be proud. I know I was inspired!</p><p>[Story telling side note: It would have been fun to watch someone go through the transformation instead of watching people talk about it after the fact and showing generic b-roll. Maybe that's the plan for part three? Call it "Minimal Makeover"! ha!]</p><p>Where was I? Oh yeah! You're not happy. You realize more stuff isn't helping. So you remove everything that isn't important to you (or, doesn't bring you joy, as Marie would say).</p><p>But then the film skips a step and goes straight to "having real freedom."</p><p>The step that was skipped is determining what's important to you. What does bring lasting joy? Lasting happiness? Again, what's important to you? This is critical. The cornerstone. The key element.</p><p>I think they skipped that step because they fundamentally believe one of two things:</p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><u>One</u>: The act of removing things brings inherent happiness. But this too seems fleeting. </blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> </blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><u>Two</u>: What's important is unique to each individual, so it's better to not comment on it, lest some false limitations are added to minimalism. (Ex: living in a tiny house is not a requirement).</div></blockquote><div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">There is a notion that important things revolve around people, and giving to the greater good, but that's about as far as they take it.</p><p>This creates the danger of people trying to find lasting happiness, not in stuff, but in equally disappointing endeavors. You're no longer drinking honey, which is good, but you might have switched to Pepsi, which has a whole new set of unintended consequences.</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Living Water and Lasting Happiness</h2><p>There's a fantastic event recorded in the Bible where Jesus meets a Samaritan woman and he asks her for a drink of water. But then he pivots the conversation to offer her true satisfaction and lasting happiness. <a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.4.esv" target="_blank">Here's the event</a> (highlights are mine):</p><p></p><blockquote><p></p>A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.</span> The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." - John 4:7-14<blockquote></blockquote><p></p></blockquote><p></p><p>There is only one thing that provides lasting happiness. It's not honey. It's not Pepsi. It's water. Specifically, it's water that Jesus provides with the promise that once you drink it, you will never be thirsty again.</p><p>How you drink it might be unique, but unless you seek joy in Jesus, joy and freedom will always be fleeting - even if you minimize the amount of stuff in your life.</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Minimalism Fits Perfectly with Christ</h2><p>Christ answers the why behind what's important in minimalism:</p><p>You can only find lasting happiness in Jesus and his gracious gift to live with God after we die. We need to recognize we can't earn our way into Heaven. We can't do enough good deeds to offset our bad ones.</p><p>All we can do is trust what Jesus told us - that he is God, that he overcame death so we can have a joy-filled relationship with God today, and continue in eternity in Heaven. Regardless of our good vs bad deeds, all we need to do is humbly accept Jesus' gift.</p><p>If you think about it, it's the ultimate form of minimalism. There's nothing you can buy to make you perfect (or happy). So stop trying. Instead, look to Jesus, who said two things are important: <a href="https://my.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.22.37-40" target="_blank">love God and love your neighbors</a>.</p><p>How you express that love is unique to you. Just like minimalism.</p><p>Let's modify the quote about minimalism above to show how perfectly it fits with Christ:</p><p>"Want to own a car or a house? Great, have at it! Want to raise a family and have a career? If these things are important to you, then that's wonderful. Minimalism [is a mechanism that] simply allows you to make these decisions [of how Jesus would like you to live your unique life] more consciously, more deliberately."</p><p>Remove everything in your life that isn't about Christ. What you'll find is lasting freedom and joy. You'll also find that the remaining items have to do with other people, and giving to the greater good. And this isn't conjecture, Jesus promised it while talking to the Samaritan woman.</p><p>Minimalism is a wonderful mechanism for achieving that simplicity and focus of your desire - your important thing - is to find joy in Jesus.</p><div><br /></div></div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob%27s_Well" target="_blank">Jacob's Well in 1934</a>, the same one use by Jesus and the Samaritan woman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe4BZufgfSnBOn_1quda-r77cUDa1QlZlsVO4DrnukKY4Lw9Mt1lUMCBczLnZ3l0bXRJlZi6xViJXZZrShKR1xTvLVHP-Col67CtW5HmnVMHwWfCgTWC4Omni0KC2xaTnIikG/s2048/1920px-Jacob%2527s_Well_20th_century.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1387" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXe4BZufgfSnBOn_1quda-r77cUDa1QlZlsVO4DrnukKY4Lw9Mt1lUMCBczLnZ3l0bXRJlZi6xViJXZZrShKR1xTvLVHP-Col67CtW5HmnVMHwWfCgTWC4Omni0KC2xaTnIikG/w434-h640/1920px-Jacob%2527s_Well_20th_century.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35981964.post-70434788517323714202021-01-03T14:01:00.003-08:002021-01-03T14:01:24.100-08:002021 Annual Letter: Experiencing Time Freedom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EoaVJjxY1xfF8HNzJftndFdHRSPU-2CG69OzCMCHfWwF6F7eTmB5-PXYUGhG7Sd9UgNv2DK3opdTuekGTWP0OF3Y9XOQmXAbD2y-SjXieCMnCB-25Ko2PGD6li2fyGPgXUhz/s4032/Relaxing+in+2020.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EoaVJjxY1xfF8HNzJftndFdHRSPU-2CG69OzCMCHfWwF6F7eTmB5-PXYUGhG7Sd9UgNv2DK3opdTuekGTWP0OF3Y9XOQmXAbD2y-SjXieCMnCB-25Ko2PGD6li2fyGPgXUhz/w640-h480/Relaxing+in+2020.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying my Father's Day gift</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>For many years, I've set and shared annual goals. I enjoy them, but also feel it's time to evolve for four reasons:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>I like the idea of <a href="https://seths.blog/2018/12/hilberts-list/" target="_blank">finding problems to solve</a>.</li><li>Studies show that a year is too long and tends to let us set goals too low. Instead, we <a href="https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-intention-journal" target="_blank">should focus</a> on <a href="https://amzn.to/3ppzEaL" target="_blank">12-week increments</a>.</li><li>I've started reading annual letters from CEOs I look up to and really like the format.</li><li>I <a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2019/12/living-outside-rat-race-farewell-hp.html" target="_blank">hit my big goal</a>, which often drove my annual goals.</li></ol><p></p><p>So, with that, here's my first annual letter, which will look back on 2020 and forward to 2021. There will still be goals, but they'll be framed as problems to solve, not SMARTER goals.</p><p>I started the year by <a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2019/12/living-outside-rat-race-farewell-hp.html" target="_blank">saying goodbye to HP</a> and <a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2020/01/2020-goal-relax.html" target="_blank">setting a 2020 goal to relax</a>. I primarily focused on three areas:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Managing our rentals and filling our recently acquired storage facility.</li><li>Building Majordomo</li><li>Spending time with family</li></ol><p></p><p>Let's get into it!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">2020: Financial Freedom = Time Freedom</h2><p>Leaving HP after 12 years was a radical change for our family. For one, I lost all track of time ("What day is it?") for three months, and now set my own schedule. It also meant I worked a lot fewer nights and weekends.</p><p>My schedule is a big deal for me. I run my life by my calendar. If it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist. I could get all philosophical and say, "time is our most precious resource and therefore should be carefully managed." But I'm not. I merely like order and completeness - with everything! - which includes my calendar (and laundry, dishes, cars, files, table settings, music, passwords, spreadsheets, etc.).</p><p>Last year I made two relatively large changes to my schedule.</p><p>First, I overestimate how long it'll take to complete a meeting or task. If someone says, let's meet for an hour, I suggest 90 minutes (or at least schedule it that way in my calendar). I used to regularly have 30-minute meetings that went 45 minutes, and it drove me crazy. No more. </p><p>This is important for two reasons: One, I no longer feel rushed and think better. Two, I do less. But here's the thing: it becomes apparent that I'm doing less while setting my schedule. So, instead of deciding what to cut when I run out of time (because something took longer than planned) - where <b>urgent</b> items always win - I now determine what's <b>important</b> ahead of time and schedule it in.</p><p>Not only can I make sure I've devoted time to my most important things, but I can also make sure I've scheduled in breaks. And, sometimes, I get surprised by finishing 15 minutes early instead of 15 minutes late.</p><p>It's not perfect, and sometimes I do over-schedule myself, but now it's the exception instead of a daily occurrence. Here's an example week:</p><p>Blue = me & Furlo Family Homes events</p><p>Green = shared Jessi / family events</p><p>Orange = Majordomo meetings</p><p>Brown = time-blocked tasks (more on this next)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou4Er86jfDf2EBejEdgrF9PbpEoZM0YnyNzBJlveqUB3yg7cbK5qpYiv-LAmzH3jS1gEZL-JCGUxBnjC62iU7npv-A_HGsEAtkIfTm3ITRJ00pHEyUnl2jlT64g4xcc1IUepu/s2048/Calendar+Time+Block+Example.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="2048" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou4Er86jfDf2EBejEdgrF9PbpEoZM0YnyNzBJlveqUB3yg7cbK5qpYiv-LAmzH3jS1gEZL-JCGUxBnjC62iU7npv-A_HGsEAtkIfTm3ITRJ00pHEyUnl2jlT64g4xcc1IUepu/w640-h352/Calendar+Time+Block+Example.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Second (back to the main list of changes I made to my schedule), I incorporated time-blocking into my calendar. Since high school, I've kept simple to-do lists: X needs to happen by Y date. It worked well when everything was required. However, as an adult, most of the items on my to-do list are self-imposed/optional and without a specific due date. Most importantly, my list is long: way more things are on my list than I can possibly accomplish.</p><p>And so, the heat-of-the-moment decisions of what to do next often defaulted to the most urgent items, to something easy, or to the task that's top of mind. Leaving a list of incomplete, potentially important/complex tasks undone, and the feeling of being busy, yet unproductive.</p><p>So now, ahead of time, I block out time to work on things. And I try to block out more time than I think I need. I do less, but the items are of higher impact.</p><p>This was <b>not</b> an easy transition. I struggled with intentionally <b>not</b> doing things. I struggled to identify, and commit to, important things. In March, I really felt the anxiety of leaving so many little things undone. Wasn't I supposed to have copious amounts of time to get it all done?!</p><p>I've now come to terms with it. I view my to-do list as suggestions of things I could do, not things I need to do. If I need to do it - it's in my calendar as a time-blocked event. Everything gets at least 30 minutes. If it's a creative project, it might be 2-3 hours, repeated over 4 days. If I finish early, great! I get to schedule something else.</p><p>And some days I blow it all off because <a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2020/04/jumping-up-in-age.html" target="_blank">Samson invited me to play Super Mario on the trampoline</a>.</p><p>When people talk about "Financial Freedom," what they're really talking about is the desire to work on things important to them. They dream of saying to their boss, "No, this isn't worth my time anymore. I'm out." But, and I can't stress this enough, the goal shouldn't be an empty schedule. The goal should be a schedule full of things you want to work on, with plenty of breaks, and the option to change it when something more interesting comes along.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Losing Money on Storage Units</h2><p>Not everything was perfect this year.</p><p>We bought a 70-unit storage facility (<a href="https://jandjmini-storage.com" target="_blank">J&J Mini-Storage</a>), with one single-family home, at the end of 2019. Going into 2020, it was 50% vacant, and the goal was simple: get vacancy over 90%. We experimented with advertising and found two consistent sources: <a href="https://ads.google.com/home/#!/" target="_blank">Google Adwords</a> and <a href="https://www.sparefoot.com" target="_blank">Sparefoot</a>. We ended up spending 10% of our revenue on advertising - about 10% more than I expected!</p><p>Since I live 30 minutes away from the facility, we set up a virtual office. People call a phone number, then fill out the paperwork and sign the rental agreement online. Once they do it, we send them a lock combo to get into their unit. In 2021, we're working on automating even more of the process so people can get into their units faster. And so my assistant doesn't need to answer every phone call within 15 minutes and have them set-up within an hour.</p><p>We also learned that we needed to do some minimal screening. When we started, we didn't verify anything. Now, we require a recent paystub or a deposit equal to one month's rent. You would be shocked at how many people back out when we ask for proof of income.</p><p>As of right now, we have 2 units available.</p><p>Sounds great, right?</p><p>Well... we also lost $9,000 throughout the year.</p><p>Here's a chart of our income and expenses, with the cumulative profit (well... loss in this case) going across the bottom:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncgSA4TpxhpzXeoc1Yd50urXKDKp9xpCfwbgNwTymsedB5JPziP0vVA7kR-rE4Q2TIcOnk6EsbFSK6cd5NbhArlrUph_X98IetxL4H20gRibwXafleDyJ-Y-Leqk7qMK23lBX/s2047/JJ+2020+PL.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="2047" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncgSA4TpxhpzXeoc1Yd50urXKDKp9xpCfwbgNwTymsedB5JPziP0vVA7kR-rE4Q2TIcOnk6EsbFSK6cd5NbhArlrUph_X98IetxL4H20gRibwXafleDyJ-Y-Leqk7qMK23lBX/w640-h348/JJ+2020+PL.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The black line across the bottom is the cumulative loss of $9,000.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The loss is primarily for four reasons, two of which are directly COVID related.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Reason #1 (non-COVID)</b></p><p>It costs a lot more to find someone to rent a storage unit than a residential unit. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace work great for residents. But what would you do if you need a storage unit? You'd go to Google and search for "self-storage in XYZ" and then start calling the top hits.</p><p>We paid for ads on those searches and Sparefoot. I didn't include an advertising line item in my original analysis (yikes!) but ended up spending over $5,000 ($150-$200 per unit)! Given that most of the units are now full, I expect future advertising expenses to be much lower since the vacancy rate is now lower.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Reason #2 (non-COVID)</b></p><p>I installed a $2,000 security system myself and paid $3,000 to clear out many, many, many(!) truckloads of blackberry bushes. These are expenses I don't anticipate happening again. Though there will always be some sort of capital improvement expense, such as new roofs, repainting, and parking lot repairs.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Reason #3 (COVID)</b></p><p>When the lockdown started, we went for five weeks(!) with zero phone calls. That's good from a health perspective, but it put me behind on filling units.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Reason #4 (COVID)</b></p><p>11 customers stopped making payments at some point, and the pandemic created a massive gray area around collections/auctions. The residential moratorium is clear, but how it applies to storage is less clear. I decided to be as conservative on the rules as possible. But that put us in the hole around $5,300.</p><p>We have a plan to get back on track in 2021, which I consider incredibly fair (1. start paying something and worry about catching up later, if ever. 2. Remove your stuff and we'll call it even. 3. Ignore me and we'll auction it for you.)</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2021 Outlook</h3><p>Given those reasons, I don't expect to lose money in 2021. Still, it definitely made 2020 a tighter year financially than I would like.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Majordomo</h2><p>Majordomo had a big year. At the end of 2019, we <a href="https://majordomo.com" target="_blank">launched the Domoreport</a>: repair estimates based on a home inspection within 24 hours, specific to your zip code.</p><p>In 2020, we launched four improvements:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Customers can <a href="https://blog.majordomo.com/download-the-domoreport-to-a-csv/" target="_blank">download the Domoreport as a CSV.</a> This is helpful, as an example, for larger property investors who have their own database already.</li><li>We also made it super easy to <a href="https://blog.majordomo.com/ordering-lots-of-domoreports-now-you-can-easily-archive-domoreports/" target="_blank">archive Domoreports</a>, which is a big deal for agents and inspectors with many orders. Now they can de-clutter their list to only active deals while still finding old orders when needed.</li><li>We made an app called <a href="https://blog.majordomo.com/the-domoscore-the-next-evolution-of-home-shopping/" target="_blank">the Domoscore</a>, which lets people quickly assess a home's condition. It doesn't replace a home inspection, but it can help surface issues sooner.</li><li>Finally, at the end of the year, we launched our most significant improvement: <a href="https://blog.majordomo.com/negotiate-the-best-deal-with-the-domoreports-request-list/" target="_blank">the Request List</a>. This lets agents seamlessly take the next step with the Domoreport's repair costs: create a request list that goes with a repair addendum during inspection negotiations.</li><li>Plus a whole bunch of bug fixes, naturally.</li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><p>We also created a video that shows how the Domoreport works:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="343" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ILXF33MJdpc" width="615" youtube-src-id="ILXF33MJdpc"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Relaxing During 2020</h2><p>My goal in 2020 was to consciously, purposefully, find time to relax. And I did!... Mostly.</p><p>The pandemic offered an opportunity to stop doing many things, and I did, which helped.</p><p>We also started a family tradition of eating dinner by candlelight on Saturday nights, similar to the formal practice of Sabbath. Our kids are young enough that it only lasts through dinner, and as they get older, we want it to last the entire evening. For it to be a tech-free time to read, play board games, and hangout.</p><p>I tried not setting a morning alarm but ultimately didn't like it. Not because I missed things, but because I like the regular morning routine of reading my Bible, praying, journaling, planning, and exercising. Doing it in the afternoon was OK - better than nothing! - but I really like quietly starting off the day focusing on my relationship with God.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Books</h3><p>I managed to read some books. I highly recommend each of them and hope this list sparks some interest for you.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3n1l2wU" target="_blank">Doctrine</a> by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Brashears</li><li><a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2020/01/25-days-month-bible-reading-plan.html" target="_blank">Bible</a> using my 25-days a month reading plan</li><li><a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2020/06/a-landlords-book-review-of-evicted-by.html" target="_blank">Evicted</a> by Matthew Desmond, via audiobook</li><li><a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2020/10/obviously-awesome-book-review.html" target="_blank">Obviously Awesome</a> by April Dunford</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2JozcKv" target="_blank">Romans 1-7 For You</a> by Timothy Keller</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3pqUqa7" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Narnia</a> by C.S. Lewis, via audiobook</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2M3wZVN" target="_blank">The Ride of a Lifetime</a> by Robert Iger, via audiobook</li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/3n24gxw" target="_blank">Unlimited Memory</a> by Kevin Horsley</li></ul><p></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Colorado Road Trip</h3><p>Travel was light this year. When the lockdown started, I took a last-minute round trip flight to Colorado from Seattle and back on the same day(!) to help out with a family emergency. The round trip was $60 in total. Given how cheap the tickets were, and our family's low health risk, we contemplated taking a trip somewhere else but ultimately decided to submit to the lockdown request.</p><p>But in the summer, we took a road trip to Colorado. The kids traveled amazingly well, and it was great seeing family. It was delightful seeing Jessi's grandmother one last time. And chances are pretty high that'll be the last road trip to Colorado since Jessi's parents are moving to Washington sometime this year.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">How To Solve Sudoku Puzzles</h3><p>I know I'm late to the party, but this year I learned how to solve Sudoku puzzles. To be clear, I knew the basic rules, but never learned any strategy. Last year, I decided to learn. The app I play is called <a href="https://www.playgoodsudoku.com" target="_blank">Good Sudoku</a> and I like it because it teaches you different strategies for handling progressively complicated puzzles. I'm currently working on identifying Y Wings and am enjoying the challenge. Side note: I also foresee a future where I tackle the Rubik's Cube. Anyways, if you've ever wanted to get better at Sudoku, I recommend trying this app.</p><p>Speaking of apps...</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">New Phone; No Social Media or Videos</h3><p>While upgrading my phone, an unusual thing happened: I couldn't copy over all of my existing apps and settings to my new phone. Instead, I needed to do a fresh install from scratch. So, I decided to NOT install any social apps or video apps. While I was at it, I uninstalled all video apps from my iPad. So far, the only one I miss is Youtube.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUJ8wSobLs9IIa-xsVSaHucp5EKH-VhkPxQ3yNrD8wPVYwdlcHq88D8QiZvBEvFfpMlSGXLGUYddimHv3pbquxw26-lhg5wMYpzJphZga4pohqLaZJG41pqqjFtXXiLZ2cIPk/s2048/2020+iphone+screens.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1935" data-original-width="2048" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUJ8wSobLs9IIa-xsVSaHucp5EKH-VhkPxQ3yNrD8wPVYwdlcHq88D8QiZvBEvFfpMlSGXLGUYddimHv3pbquxw26-lhg5wMYpzJphZga4pohqLaZJG41pqqjFtXXiLZ2cIPk/w640-h604/2020+iphone+screens.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, I'm not a minimalist. There are 64 additional apps in my app library.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>I still have access on my computer, so I'm not part of the #deletefacebook crowd, but more in the #visit-occasionally group. And I regularly watch Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Youtube on my TV.</p><p>It all comes back to wrangling my schedule. I found that I could "unintentionally" spend an hour (or two!) watching videos and reading tweets. By removing the easy access on my phone, I naturally spent more time on more important/planned activities.</p><p>As a general rule, if I question keeping something in my life, I start by removing it and then adding it back if I genuinely miss it. Not only do I do that with apps, but also email newsletters: I unsubscribe and then re-subscribe later if I want. And the stuff in my house: I put it in the garage, and then only bring it inside if I want it, and after a year, I can choose to give it away knowing I didn't use it for a year.</p><p>If you feel like you might be spending too much mindless time on any app. Try deleting it for a month as an experiment. Just see how it goes. If you genuinely miss it, you can re-download it.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Remote Learning</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">Kindergarten</h3><p>Elinor started dual emersion (Spanish & English) kindergarten this fall via Zoom. It consisted of three 30-45 minute sessions five days a week. At first, I didn't think it would be very effective because of the limited teaching time. But now, after observing it, I think it was fantastic, and potentially better than in-person learning <u>for us</u>. There are a few reasons it worked so well for us, and wouldn't for other families.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Jessi used to be a kindergarten teacher in the dual emersion program. Elinor had a 1:1 experience with someone trained in her exact program. So, Jessi would observe the class, and then support what Elinor learned with additional exercises, all in Spanish.</li><li>Jessi also runs an in-home pre-school and Elinor was able to participate when not on Zoom calls.</li><li>Elinor didn't know any better. As far as she knows, Zoom is school. Funny story: for a long time, she thought the other students were actors, just like on a TV show. It wasn't until she saw a classmate in real life that she realized they were "real people."</li><li>Elinor is extremely comfortable with video apps because our whole family lives far away and it's the primary way we communicate with them.</li><li>Elinor was able to slowly ramp into school: she's been able to figure out the language and school work aspect, without having to also deal with new social situations or leaving the comfort/safety of her home for an all-day classroom. As a result, I think she'll have a much better transition into all-day school than what typically happens (based on Jessi's observations as a teacher in this exact program).</li></ol><div>I fully recognize that our experience is a-typical. We are truly blessed to be in this position.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">MBA For Life</h3><div>Willamette University offers an <a href="https://willamette.edu/mba/admission/professionals/program-descript/lifelong-learning/index.html" target="_blank">MBA for Life program</a>. Basically, as an alumnus, I can take classes for free. I always wanted to, but didn't have the time to drive to the Salem or Portland campus. But, thanks to the pandemic, all classes became remote, and so I took a class... Friday nights from 6pm to 10pm (I know).</div><div><br /></div><div>And it was great!</div><div><br /></div><div>We spent our time discussing cases and holding small group discussions in breakout rooms. I really felt like my teacher did a great job managing the remote environment. Talking to other students (via Slack and IM), it sounds like this class was a better experience than others. One key is to require people to put their video on. Also, the Socratic method of asking lots of questions also worked well for engagement. Having an interesting topic also helps. :)</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">2021 Problems to Solve</h2><h3 style="text-align: left;">J&J Mini-Storage</h3><p>Our move-in process is too cumbersome. Someone calls, and we talk on the phone to determine the move-in date, ask if they want a lock, and if they're going to pay an extra deposit or provide proof of income. They then send us a picture of their driver's license and a recent paystub. They also watch a video that explains how we do things. We create a rental agreement via Docusign and set up payments within Cozy.</p><p>When that's all done, we text them the code along with a map of the facility. (Plus, we add their information to our systems.) Here's our internal checklist on <a href="https://clickup.com" target="_blank">ClickUp</a>:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7pm9gr8yZZmyYjHa7kTGYOzUj8tCP7Q_UJRj_dZp7Wf0BLPb0cRLsC5H4XgsGfM4a1ePdKdDopX7jrbzYU5vXes9z7FZh7h52iKgRMG6lJD_QVmN_yDuyDio3RfHJA1CN94G/s1364/New+Storage+Tenant+Move-In+Checklist.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1314" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7pm9gr8yZZmyYjHa7kTGYOzUj8tCP7Q_UJRj_dZp7Wf0BLPb0cRLsC5H4XgsGfM4a1ePdKdDopX7jrbzYU5vXes9z7FZh7h52iKgRMG6lJD_QVmN_yDuyDio3RfHJA1CN94G/w616-h640/New+Storage+Tenant+Move-In+Checklist.png" width="616" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>It's honestly not a lot, but it can feel that way to someone who simply called looking for storage. If we had an office, you'd just present them with each piece one at a time. So, that leads to two questions to solve:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>How do we present our setup in a comprehensive, yet non-overwhelming, way?</li><li>How do we make it so we don't need to continually monitor each step? Right now we need to manually send the next thing, and it's not very efficient.</li></ol><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Majordomo</h3><p>We're focused on two areas: sales and scalability.</p><p><b>Sales</b></p><p>In <a href="https://amzn.to/2WPz4qL" target="_blank">Great By Choice</a> by Jim Collins, there's a concept called "<a href="https://www.jimcollins.com/concepts/fire-bullets-then-cannonballs.html" target="_blank">Fire Bullets, Then Cannonballs</a>":</p><p></p><blockquote>First, you fire bullets (low-cost, low-risk, low-distraction experiments) to figure out what will work—calibrating your line of sight by taking small shots. Then, once you have empirical validation, you fire a cannonball (concentrating resources into a big bet) on the calibrated line of sight. Calibrated cannonballs correlate with outsized results; uncalibrated cannonballs correlate with disaster. The ability to turn small proven ideas (bullets) into huge hits (cannonballs) counts more than the sheer amount of pure innovation.</blockquote><p></p><p>2020 was all about firing remote/virtual bullets. We're still working on calibration and empirical validation. We have a couple of potential hits, but we're not sure yet. Our problem to solve this year is to prove a small bet so we can concentrate our resources on a big bet.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Scalability</b></p><p>We're at a precarious spot with the number of orders we can handle. It's precarious because we human-analyze each report, and those people require training. If we received 1,000 orders tomorrow, we'd have a problem because we don't have enough people to handle that volume.</p><p>In 2020 we cut our processing time by two-thirds, which is excellent! We did it by streamlining our backend system, but it's still fundamentally people-driven.</p><p>In addition to finding and training more people, we want to figure out how to transition to a primarily machine-driven process, with people performing quality control. It's a fascinating problem that involves machine learning, and could reduce our processing time to 1/12 of the time it is today - capable of handling spikes of 1,000 orders in a day.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Writing</h3><p>This is less of a problem and more of a desire: I want to write more. Last year, I created an online class for people interested in investing in real estate called <a href="https://www.prodiylandlord.com/sign-here/" target="_blank">Sign Here</a>. I really enjoyed making it - organizing all that I've learned - and the feedback has been great. I'd like to continue writing blog posts (and video scripts since <a href="https://youtu.be/aYj0eCedWFo" target="_blank">Youtube is a thing</a>). I like the idea of continuing book reviews since that, selfishly, helps me retain what I learned. And I'd like to write some topical posts: How I schedule and prioritize my time, how I budget and manage repair projects for the rentals, and my morning routine.</p><p>I'd also like to write a book someday. I have many tactical questions for publishing a book, but I'm still at the "Is this topic interesting?" stage. Other questions are: how do I organize my ideas? How do I build writing into my life? I'm going to start with <a href="https://amzn.to/387Vqdf" target="_blank">The Practice</a> by Seth Godin to help me figure it out. I might also take <a href="https://www.masterclass.com/classes/malcolm-gladwell-teaches-writing" target="_blank">Malcolm Gladwell's MasterClass on writing</a> since I really like his style.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Closing Thoughts</h2><p>Does it feel strange not having <a href="https://www.outsidetheratrace.com/2015/01/2015-goals-transformation.html" target="_blank">SMARTER</a> goals this year?</p><p>Yeah, but focusing on these larger problems makes sense for where I am today. And in a lot of ways, it feels like a continuation of last year: Keep on managing the rentals and stabilizing the storage business. Keep growing Majordomo. Keep playing with the kids and resting during nights & weekends.</p><p>I'm not anticipating any significant changes, but if God has other plans for us, we'll try to be ready and willing to make those changes.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8N9gq2ZrmnAGXsLFy8ZPIq-5GvGxRmB9Oca85eaofAUjjagtSdeqCcfqFTQymggLqTKnCH0lfRD1i7UpQipveH5TQzXdYHSf9GtIoaj8msuvjn2kFl9Gbs_-8SEP-jSJvI9WF/s3904/2020+in+Pictures.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3904" data-original-width="805" height="3120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8N9gq2ZrmnAGXsLFy8ZPIq-5GvGxRmB9Oca85eaofAUjjagtSdeqCcfqFTQymggLqTKnCH0lfRD1i7UpQipveH5TQzXdYHSf9GtIoaj8msuvjn2kFl9Gbs_-8SEP-jSJvI9WF/w644-h3120/2020+in+Pictures.jpg" width="644" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>James Furlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05653082596315131082noreply@blogger.com0