Capitalogix

New Beginnings or Evolutionary Growth

Last week, I started getting “Happy Work Anniversary!” messages on LinkedIn ... and I was a bit confused because people kept mentioning 24 years. 

Twenty-four years ... That can’t be right.  Can it?

For context, here’s what I looked like around that time.

 

My eldest son (who’s now married with a baby) was in middle school.  I was just out of the events I described in my TEDx talk. 

However, depending on your definition, the 24th anniversary can be true or false.  Legally, the Capitalogix that exists today is distinct from the initial iteration.  Additionally, the company has expanded, its direction has shifted, and what was once a one-person operation has grown into a team of over 20 individuals focused on advancing and commercializing the field of Artificial Intelligence through something we call Amplified Intelligence (which is the ability to make better decisions, take smarter actions, and continually improve performance).

Thinking back on the effort, the ideas, the people, the inventions, and even the purpose ... in some respects, it feels like change is the only constant.  However, there are certain things that remain unchanged.  It is by observing these unaltered elements that you can truly understand the essence of the thing itself.

It reminds me of the Ship of Theseus (also known as Theseus’ Paradox), which is a philosophical thought experiment that poses the question of whether an object that has had all of its parts replaced is still considered to be the same object.  It raises issues of identity, continuity, and change over time.  The concept can be applied to physical objects, living organisms, and even organizations or businesses.  It challenges our understanding of what it means for something to be fundamentally the same, and if an object can remain unchanged despite undergoing significant changes over time.

The name “Capitalogix” originated in 2000, and a surprising amount of the original “North Star” purpose still exists.  Looking back at my early notes and plans, I’m surprised by how much holds up despite 20+ years of passing ... but almost all of it has needed some course correction to adjust to changing tides.  

Regardless, it’s staggering to think about how long I’ve worked in A.I. (since 1991, when it was hard to spell A.I.) and how far we’ve come. 

If I had known how difficult it was going to be at the beginning, I would have probably never pursued it.  However, after experiencing the challenges and realizing how hard it is to make meaningful progress, I feel better that I did.  This is because I now know that we didn’t just create a competitive advantage – we learned how to create a sustainable competitive advantage.

It’s easy for people to focus on a capability; it’s another to make it industrial-grade, robust, reliable, and able to work in challenging conditions. 

They say that things that don’t kill you make you stronger.  It’s true for people, but it’s also true for technologies.  

Life (and Business) constantly expose us to conditions and opportunities that lead to new beginnings and evolutionary growth.

As I write this, I see it at Capitalogix as we pursue new possibilities and probabilities. 

We didn’t come this far — just to come this far!

What about you?

Onwards!

2023 In Review

Last week, we asked how markets did in 2023.  This week, I want to highlight some of the significant events that occurred in 2023.   

Here is a Visual Capitalist infographic to help.

2023 was defined by two major themes, the first being geopolitical strife, and the second being the proliferation of artificial intelligence. 

What geopolitical strife, you ask?  Seemingly everywhere you looked (from China and Taiwan to Russia and Ukraine, the Middle East, or even the happenings in  Britain and the U.S.) ... This was an interesting year. 

Of course, there were other types of significant events, too, like the collapse of several Silicon Valley/Crypto banks. 

Many of the trends we've seen in 2023 will have aftershocks in 2024.  Still, the only thing constant is change ... and it will be interesting to see what changes.  I think we've seen increased caution as a result of the last few years, but I think people are now getting used to the new normal. 

Do you expect 2024 to be better?

Time will tell.

Don't forget the Trump trials and that it is an election year ... or that crypto is making a comeback – and AI will only accelerate.

We live in interesting times!

Almost 20 Years Together ...

I met Jennifer in April of 2004.  We got married in January of 2008.  That means we celebrated our 16th Wedding Anniversary this week – and we're nearing 20 years together. 

Wow, how time flies!

On one hand, it seems like it was just yesterday.  On the other hand, portions of that decade seemed to take forever.

As an entrepreneur, I live in a weird "tense".  For me, the future and the present are often blended.  Meaning, that I imagine the future I want – and then I find the path to create (or manifest) that destiny.  Not surprisingly, some of the things that were easy to imagine were hard to bring into reality (in a reproducible, efficient, and effective manner or process) ... And these things seem to take forever.  

Other things (like relationships or the growth and maturation of my kids) seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.

I consciously try to be more mindful and grateful for the progress (and even the minor moments, wins, or curiosities) before me.  The truth is that if you fail to notice them, you don't experience them.

Here is to experiencing all that you need or want ... and I hope the rest serves as raw material, learning, or fuel to get you there faster.

Onwards!

The Time You Have Left ...

I recently asked How Long Do You Have Left?

As I wrote that article, I was reminded of my TEDx talk on my father's passing. 

In finance, the "time value of money" refers to the principle that the purchasing power of money can vary over time (meaning, money today might have a different purchasing power than money later). This is partly because money's future value might be calculated by accounting for other variables (like interest earned, inflation accrued, etc.).

A similar calculation applies to life ... or living.

Live Like You Only Have a Year Left.

During the last part of my Dad's life, I think he would have done almost anything for a little more time.

Things that used to be unimportant, or even mildly irritating, took on increased importance. For example, a dinner together became almost a sacred event; a kiss goodnight was truly heart-felt; and saying good-bye meant something ... because it could be the last time.

Nevertheless, as a result of that focus, he took more life out of that time.

Shouldn't we do the same thing?  Think about it ... We are never going to be younger than we are, right now.  We are never going to have more time to fix a big mistake.  Isn't it likely that the time value of your life, is worth maximizing?

If you realize that your time is worth more than it ever will be, what can you do differently now to get the most out of it?

For another impactful view of life, here's a great video on how you spend the time in your life – visualized using jelly beans. I think it's pretty powerful and worth watching. 

 

Ze Frank (via YouTube)

 

So, if (after accounting for sleep, eating, work, commute, TV, chores, and more) an average person only gets 2,740 days to do what they want ... those days are precious. That's less than 8 years of "free time" for you to make the most of. 

Based on the demographics of who's likely reading this, you may have half that time (or a fourth).

What are you going to focus on? Making the most money? Helping the most people? Spending the most time with your family? Relaxing? I hope you don't choose worrying. 

There's never a better time than now to live a life worth living ... and only you can decide what that means!

I'd love to hear what you choose. 

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season ... and I hope you spend your time wisely and well in 2024!

Happy New Year!

I love planning for the new year – both personally and professionally.  To read about my professional planning, check out this article. 

I've always been a big-picture person, so I tend to think in 5, 10, and 20-year increments ... but thinking about the coming year is helpful, too.

I think about it a bit like using a map.  Even if you know your intended destination, you still have to start with 'where you are' to figure out the best way to get there.

There are seemingly infinite potential paths ... but motion in a direction isn't really "progress" if it doesn't take you towards your desired destination.

At midnight tonight, it'll be 2024.  I know a new year isn't really a blank slate, but I've always enjoyed the symbolism.  So, I thought I'd revisit how I set New Year's resolutions. 

To start with, resolutions only work if you actually "want" to make them happen.  It's one thing to hope that something magically falls in your lap; it's another to want to do the work. 

With that being said, here are some tips. 

• Focus on What You Want.
• Focus on Why You Want It.
• Focus on Ways You Might Get it.
• Focus on Evidence of Progress.

Below, I'll take you through an example of each of the four steps.

Moving Towards a Solution, Rather Than Suffering From the Problem.

Before I got back into my health, my first instinct was to think, "I need to lose weight."  Knowing that "you're fat" isn't helpful … my head quickly translates that to something a tad more positive, yet generic, like: "I choose to be healthy and vital, and to live a healthy lifestyle."

Blah, blah … They are just words.  What I needed was something specific, measurable, and actionable.  How about: "I will lose 15 pounds and stop eating after dinner."  OK, but that isn't inspiring, and there isn't much for me to do.  I can do better than that.

Figure-Out a Big Enough WHY, Rather Than Worrying about the HOW's.

This post isn't about health and fitness; it is about the mindset and techniques you can use to set empowering goals and plans in any situation.

So, while I could list many ways to lose weight (and I might even remember to do some of them), leveraging a driving force creates momentum.  In other words, the first step in "Doing" is knowing WHY you want something.

I really do want to be healthy, fit, and vital (it sure beats the alternatives), and I want to have the energy and confidence to live and enjoy my life fully.  The world is my playground, and I want to take advantage of more opportunities to play with family and friends.  However, to do those things, I must find better ways to live a healthy lifestyle.

The WHYs are just as important for business goals too.

Focus on Potential Solutions Rather than Problems or Challenges.

Obstacles Exist.  The bad news: I don't eat fish, and I don't like vegetables (unless French Fries are vegetables).  My joints aren't close to healthy from years of violent contact sports.  I rarely get 7 hours of sleep, and who'd have thunk it, but being the CEO of a startup is stressful.  The good news: none of those things matter ... and even if they did, it just would mean that I have a lot of room for progress.

It is natural to focus on obstacles.  But most obstacles are surmountable - with a big enough WHY, I'll even start to eat vegetables.  Instead of dwelling on the limitations, use them as a reminder to focus on potential solutions instead.  They are beacons marking the way.

How do you do it?  To focus on solutions, you can make two action-based lists: one is of things To-Do ... and another is of things Not-To-Do.

Here are some of the sample To-Do Items:

• I will drink more water than coffee.
• I will stretch or do basic calisthenics on days that I do not go to the gym.
• I will make a healthy shake as a meal replacement rather than a snack if I'm hungry between meals.
• I will focus on relaxation and meditation as much as I focus on strength & physical exercises.

Here is the actionable list of Not-To-Do Items.

• I will not buy new bigger pants or wear stretchy pants because of an expanding waistline.
• I will not eat snacks out of their container – and will portion out what I want first.
• I will not compare my current level of fitness to what I used to be able to do.  Instead, I will focus on my actions and improvement.

Create Healthier Habits.

It is easy to follow a routine.  So, here's another tip ... make your routine better.  Here are some examples of things you could do to make being healthier happen with less effort.

• Pre-sort your vitamins into daily doses, and keep them by the coffee machine.
• Buy healthy snacks, like fruit, raw nuts, or organic energy bars (instead of chips).  If Doritos aren't in your house, it's hard to eat them on any regular basis. 
• When you do snack, don't keep them near you.  Make yourself get up to get them.  That'll make it harder for you to binge. 
• Enjoy listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts during your "exercise time." Dedicating time to something doesn't mean you can't be multitasking.
• Park at the end of the parking lot, so you get to walk.
• Meet with friends at the gym or a hiking spot rather than a bar or restaurant.

You get the idea.  Get in the habit of looking for ways to create better habits.  What habits could you alter slightly to make a big difference?  Which things can you automate or outsource?

For two books about the subject, I recommend Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg and Willpower Doesn't Work by Benjamin Hardy. 

Focus on Your Progress.

In this case, it really is about the journey.  Instead of tracking how far you have to go ... notice how far you've come.  Utilize an internal locus of control.  It is about creating energy, momentum, and a sense of possibility.  You may have a big, hairy, audacious goal in mind.  That's fine, as long as you realize that reaching each milestone along the way is still an accomplishment.

• Find shoes that don't hurt your feet.
• Pick a gym or a personal trainer that you enjoy.
• Run more than two laps without stopping.

It doesn't matter what they are ... they all count, as long as you know that you are moving in the right direction.

Summary

The point of this exercise was not really to focus on fitness.  These techniques and goal-setting tools work in any situation.  The principles are:

1. First, figure out what you want and why it is important to you.  Only focus on the few things that are actually important to you. 
2. Second, find something you can do, right now, which moves you in the right direction.
3. Third, notice which things create (rather than take) energy.  Spend your time on those, and automate or create routines to take care of the rest.
4. Fourth, plan forward, but measure backward.  Set milestones so that you can recognize and celebrate your progress.

In my business, this translates to having a mission and vision - it's what we want, why it's important to us, and a basic strategy to get there.  Then, we create yearly "Big 3" goals that move us toward that long-term vision.  Then, the team creates SMARTs (goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely) and KPIs (key performance indicators) so they know where to spend their time, and what milestones tell them they're on the right track.

It isn't magic, but it works.

Hope this helped.

Artificial Intelligence Meets "Woo-Woo"

As someone who has been in tech and Artificial Intelligence for over 30 years, my personality and thought processes are centered around facts and reason. 

With that said, I've always had a soft spot for "arts" over sciences. I appreciate meditation and mindfulness practices.  Unquestionably, I've found that technology helps me do that quicker, better, and with more certainty about the results.

I am fascinated by both Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Natural Language Processing. 

That's what made this conversation with Joshua Pellicer so great. 

Joshua has lots of experience using AI tools and techniques and getting the most from generative AI.

When I asked him what use cases he was most excited and optimistic about, he answered "Manifestation". 

That is not what I expected ... but it made sense after discussing it. Check it out. 

 

Manifestation doesn't cause the universe to hand your dreams to you on a golden platter. It does help you maintain a positive mindset and focus on what you want (instead of avoiding what you don't want). 

ChatGPT (and other similar tools, like Microsoft's Co-Pilot, Google's Bard, Anthropic's Claude, Perplexity, and Quora's Poe can help create a guide and an image to help you better ideate and actualize your dreams. 

AI is only as good as what you use it for ... I think this is an example of a clever and powerful use of generative AI. 

What do you think?

Workouts That Work with Dr. John Jaquish & The X3

As someone who (in a past life) was an "elite athlete," my mind often thinks my body is capable of more than it actually is. 

Well, it still is ... just less often and with a higher chance of hurting myself. 

It's taken a lot of adjustments to find what routines work for me. They can't just be low-impact or good for me ... they have to be fun, and they have to allow me to improve, not just maintain. 

I've found a couple of things that work for me, like the Carol AI Bike and HOTWORX. 

Another one of my favorites is the X3 bar by Dr. John Jaquish. It's a metal bar that attaches to various bands and allows you to do variable resistance training. It's more efficient and effective than weights because, instead of using the same amount of force through the entire rep, you're able to do more weight where you're strongest and less weight where you're weakest. 

He works with professional athletes, NBA teams, and more. 

I shot a video with him about why X3's variable resistance is a better way to exercise. Check it out. 

 

My son, Zach, is a holdout only because he prefers spending an hour in a gym. It's his meditation and his social hour all in one. I get it. I can't pretend I don't still enjoy going to the gym and lifting weights. But, I can recognize a lot of that is vanity and fun instead of prioritizing effectiveness and efficiency (getting more done in less time). 

Taking a "Less is More" approach flies in the face of "No Pain, No Gain."

The X3 is portable; it doesn't take a long time to set up or use; and I feel stronger when I use it consistently.  That means it is efficient and effective.  Surprisingly, it is also fun.  

The new X3 Force uses tracking & gamification to encourage use and progress.  That is important because, with any of these tools, you still need to consider the Head, Heart, and Feet of the matter.   It isn't enough to know what or how to do something.  You have to want to do the thing.  And then you have to actually do the thing.

I'm excited about this, because I think increasing longevity is a promising frontier, and I believe short effective workouts are fundamental to living healthier and longer. 

Hope that helps. 

Is Luck Something You Create?

I just shared an updated article on the difference between Skill and Luck. 

Serendipitously, this article showed up in my feed from 2012. Instead of updating it, I want to share it as I wrote it, because it's still relevant, and it might lose some of its magic if I update it.

So, here it is: 

________________

Title: Some Thoughts On Whether Luck Is Something You Create

Date: November 3rd, 2012

Doing the same things, the same ways, has predictable results.  Sometimes, it is important to do things differently.

Here is a photo of me at the National Society of Black Engineers' Professional Development Conference, where I had the opportunity to present and participate in several panel discussions.

That is me, the Mitchell brothers, and Steadman Graham

I'm neither black, nor an engineer, and they aren't traders; so why would they ask me to present... and why would I say yes? 

Value is often added at the edges. Likewise, good things often happen when you travel outside your comfort or habit zone.

I gained a lot from the experience. For example, I had a discussion with a nuclear physicist who talked about how they use computer simulations to model the effects of a nuclear explosion. That gave me great ideas about how to measure the effect of a particular trading system or algorithm on a market.

Luck does favor the prepared. That conversation could just as easily have been me simply saying 'hello,' shaking hands and moving on to the next person. To some extent, the ability to take advantage of opportunities comes from the intent to find them.

Is Luck Something That You Can Maximize, Or Would You Consider It Random?

It's possible that luck is both random and something you can maximize.

Here is an example.  Many people consider the stock market to be random. Nonetheless, there are groups of people who consistently beat the market and trade profitably. How is that possible?

To explain, let's examine the decision to purchase Apple Computer stock. Regardless of whether that decision was based on gut instinct, fundamental analysis, or a technical chart pattern ... whether the price moves up or down the moment after that purchase is for the most part random.

However, if you make 10,000 trades over time, then your ability to make and keep money is about how you manage risk and opportunity. At that point, your system is not necessarily random. Consequently, it is something that you can improve.

Transform Results By Getting Un-Stuck.

Improvement means getting better and different results.  And, as you already know, it doesn't make sense to continue to do the same thing, yet expect different results.  So, a key skill is learning to recognize when things are "stuck" in a rut.

The trouble with many "ruts" is that you don't know you're in one, while you're in one. Consequently, it often takes a different perspective to become aware of new possibilities, opportunities, or best next steps.

Implications.

The interesting thing that this implies is that those opportunities were always there ... they just weren't there for you in your current state of awareness.

Similarly, recognize that many of the processes that we rely on limit our "luck" or opportunities precisely because they limit our choices. When this is done consciously it can be helpful.  However, when it's an unconscious act, it can be dangerous.

In general, you can categorize many tools as either being multipliers or diminishers. Neither one is good or bad in and of itself.  The trick is to recognize that you have a choice and that not choosing is still a choice.

_______________

I think it holds up. What do you think?

 

How Long Do You Have Left?

We only have a limited time on this earth - and a lot of it is taken by frivolous activities. 

How much time do you think the average millennial spends on their phones ... or a baby-boomer sits in front of the TV?

The answer is a lot.

via dailyinfographic

Nine years in front of entertainment devices - another 10.5 years spent working.  You get the idea.

If you have goals you want to accomplish, aspirational travel, and lifestyle plans - this really puts the idea of finding and living your passion in perspective. 

Do you have the time to waste it?

VisualCapitalist put together a chart projecting longevity based on 2020 mortality rates.

 

via visualcapitalist
 

I turned 60 this July, so I only have 20 years left, according to this calculator.   I expect more!

There are some interesting statistical facts in this; for example, an average American baby boy can expect to live until 74 ... but if that boy turns 21, his life expectancy jumps to over 75. 

While these numbers seem pretty high, there are two things to consider. First, COVID heavily reduced these numbers because mortality rates went up. That likely won't continue (though it will likely continue to affect your insurance premiums and pension benefits). 

Also, remember that these numbers are based on 2020 averages, which likely differ from you (specifically considering your race, income, location, etc.). These numbers also don't take into account expected medical and technology advances, etc. 

Finally, I think Purpose is one of the most important catalysts of longevity. People often die when they retire ... not because they're done working, but because they're done striving. 

If you're not growing, you're dying!

Three Word Strategies

A few years ago, I shared a presentation called Mindset Matters that I had given to a small mastermind group.

Recently, I  have revisited that content in more detail and with finer distinction.  It’s become an integral part of my goto presentations and our company dialogue. 

One of my core beliefs is that energy is one of the most important things we can measure.  I believe it so strongly I paid Gaping Void to put it on my wall.

 

via GapingVoid

It means exactly what it sounds like - but also a lot more.

Energy affects how you feel, what you do, and what you make it mean.  That means it is a great way to measure your values, too.  Consequently, even if you don’t recognize it, energy has a lot to do with who you hire and fire.  It affects where you spend your time.  Ultimately, it even affects the long-term vision of your company or life. 

If something brings profit and energy, it is probably worth pursuing. 

In contrast, fighting your energy is one of the quickest ways to burn out.  Consequently, figuring out who and what to say “no” to is an important way to ensure you stay on the path and reach your goals.

Here is a video I made about the importance of Mindsets.

via @howardgetson

Three Word Strategies.

I believe that words have power.  Specifically, the words you use to describe your identity and your priorities change your reality. 

First, some background.  Your Roles and Goals are nouns.  That means “a person, place, or thing.” Let’s examine some sample roles like father, entrepreneur, visionary, etc.  They are all nouns.

Your goals are nouns, too.  For example, (for us) amplified intelligence, an autonomous platform, and a sustainable edge are all nouns. 

How you create or achieve them is done with verbs.   So, your strategies are verbs.

Examine your default strategies.   They define an action you take.  Examples include: connect, communicate, contribute, collaborate, protect, serve, evaluate, curate, share … and love.  On the other end of the spectrum, you could complain, retreat, blame, or block (but that wouldn’t be productive).

People have habitual strategies.  I often say happy people find ways to be happy – while frustrated people find ways to be frustrated.  This is true for many things.

Said a different way, people expect and trust that you will act according to how they perceive you act.

Meanwhile, you are the most important perceiver.

Another distinction is that our nouns and verbs range from timely to timeless. “Timely” words relate to what you are doing now.  They relate to your situation or perceived challenges or opportunities.  Meanwhile, “Timeless” words are chunked higher and relate to what you have done, what you are doing, and what you will do.

The trick is to chunk high enough that you are focused on words that link your timeless Roles, Goals, and Strategies.  When done right, you know that this is part of what makes you … “You”.  

My favorite way to do this is through three-word strategies. 

These work for your business, priorities, identity, and more. 

I’ll introduce the idea to you by sharing my own to start. 

Understand.  Challenge.  Transform. 

The actual words are less important than what they mean to me. 

What’s also important is that not only do these words mean something to me, but I’ve put them in a specific order, and I’ve made these words “commands” in my life.  They’re specific, measurable, and actionable.  They remind me what to do.  They give me direction.  And, they are a strategy (or process) that creates a reliable result.

First, I understand because I want to make sure I know all sides before I take action.  For me, it is about seeing the bigger picture.  It creates a golden thread from where I am to the bigger future possibility that I want.  Then, I challenge situations, people, norms, and more.  I don’t challenge to tear down.  I challenge to find strength … to figure out what to trust and rely upon.  Finally, I transform things to make them better.  Insanity is doing what you always do and expecting a different result.  This is about finding where small changes create massive transformations.  It is about committing to the result rather than how we have done things till now.

If I challenged before I understood the situation, or if I tried to transform something without properly doing my research, I’d be shooting from the hip ... and I’d likely cause more damage than good. 

Likewise, imagine the life of someone who protects, serves, and loves.  That produces a ripple in the world.  Now, compare that to the life of someone who loves, serves, and protects.  The result is likely very different.

The order matters!

I’ve set daily alarms on my phone to remind me of my three words.  I use them when I’m in meetings and to evaluate whether I’m showing up as my best self. 

You can also create three words that are different for the different hats you wear, the products in your business, or how your team collaborates. 

Finding Your Three Words 

Like recipes, your three-word strategy has ingredients, orders, and intensities.  The optimal ingredients, order, and intensities might change as you use your words. 

For example, when my son was just getting out of college, one of his words was “contented” because he was focused on all the things he missed from college - instead of being appreciative of what he had.  Later, his words switched to “grateful” and then “loving”...  each an evolution that paired with his journey. 

Remember, your words should be actions.  They should be things you do, ... not just words that describe you.  You can also see that in my son’s words.  As he grew, the word became a calling to the actions he wanted to approach life with, instead of a reminder of the feelings he longed for. 

Once you learn how to create and use these simple three-word strategies, you can use them everywhere. 

What are your words?