Travel

  • How To Achieve Your Personal Goals in 2025

    A few weeks ago, I shared an article about annual planning (and how Capitalogix does it.) 

    This week, I want to discuss setting and meeting goals. 

    I'm a big-picture guy, and I spend a lot of my time thinking about longer-term possibilities, but it's also important to think about your strategy for the coming year. I tend to break that up by Quarters. Lower timeframes than that are more tactical, and I consider that short-term planning or scheduling.

    I think of it like using a map. To find the best route, you must start by figuring out where you are and where you want to be.

     

    6a00e5502e47b28833027880626264200d-600wi

     

    Activity, alone, isn't as important as many people hope. Think of it this way … from where you are, there are infinite potential paths – but motion in a particular direction isn't "progress" if it doesn't take you toward your desired destination.

    The right action is far more valuable than merely taking action … and that means beginning with the end in mind. You are unlikely to hit the target if you aren't aiming at it.

    Resolutions only work if you actually "want" to make them happen. It's one thing to hope that something happens; it's another to commit to making it happen. 

    With that 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.

    Like many people, I have three distinct collections of clothes: my "fat clothes," what I'm currently wearing, and my aspirational wardrobe. This personal reality reflects how our current state often sits between where we've been and where we want to go. Before I started getting healthy, my first instinct was to think, "I need to lose weight." Knowing that "you're fat" isn't helpful … my head quickly translated 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—and I need to—if I want to commit to the outcome.

    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 for setting 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 and more sustainable 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 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 might even choose to start eating vegetables. Instead of dwelling on limitations, use them as a reminder to focus on potential solutions. They are beacons pointing 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 I don't go to the gym.
    • I will make a healthy shake as a meal replacement rather than a snack or mini-meal.
    • 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 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).
    • Enjoy listening to music or a book/podcast during your "exercise time." Dedicating time to something doesn't mean you can't be multitasking.
    • Choose to walk the dogs or 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 at 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 three books about the subject, I recommend Tiny Habits by B.J. Fogg, Willpower Doesn't Work by Benjamin Hardy, or Atomic Habits by James Clear. 

    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 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, determine what you want and why it is important. Then, focus on only the few things that are truly important to you. 
    2. Second, find something you can do right now that will move 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 – defining what we want, why it's important, and the basic strategy to achieve it. 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) or OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) that measure evidence of success. Doing those things lets the team know where to spend their time and whether they're on the right track.

    It isn't magic, but it works.

    Hope this helped.

    If you're interested, here are a few more articles I've written on health and longevity. 

    Onwards!

  • How do U.S. States Compare to Entire Countries?

    With Trump's election win, the economy will likely be center stage. 

    Crypto boomed post-election, and the S&P and the Nasdaq reached new highs as the Fed cut rates. 

    Amidst all the political turmoil, it's easy to overlook how well-positioned we are as a country – compared to the rest of the world. 

    VisualCapitalist created a chart comparing countries' GDPs to those of U.S. states. 

     

    US_StatesGDP_vsCountries_webvia visualcapitalist 

    At the top of the list, California would be the world's fifth-largest country (replacing India) with its $3.9 Trillion GDP. 

    In second place on the list, my home state, Texas, had a $2.6 Trillion GDP. For a little more context:

    • If Texas were a country, its GDP would fall just behind France ($3.1 Trillion) and above Brazil and Italy ($2.3 Trillion).
    • The Texas GDP is also higher than Canada's $2.24 Trillion GDP.

    For a bit of contrast (and extra perspective), Vermont has the lowest GDP in America, comparable to Nepal, which is the world's 101st-largest economy. Yet, Nepal has 29 times more people than Vermont. 

    Not too shabby for a place where dairy, forestry, and maple syrup drive the economy.

  • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – October 6th, 2024

    Gary-mccoy_pumpkin-carved-to-vote

    Here are some of the posts that caught my eye recently. Hope you find something interesting.

    Lighter Links:

     

    Trading Links:

  • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – September 22nd, 2024

    Bob-englehart_pumpkin-flavored-this-pumpkin-flavored-that

     

    Here are some of the posts that caught my eye recently. Hope you find something interesting.

    Lighter Links:

     

    Trading Links:

  • The Cities Of The Future

    Studying historical changes in human population trends offers valuable insights into the factors that have propelled or hindered human development throughout time.

    From ancient civilizations to modern metropolises, population dynamics have influenced everything from economic prosperity to social structures.

     

    A Window Into Our Past Gives Us a Glimpse at Our Future.

    By studying this critical aspect of human history, we can gain valuable insights into the past, present, and future of societies.

    Population growth is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with far-reaching implications. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the demographic trends that have shaped our world and continue to influence our trajectory.

    Historically, human populations grew steadily but relatively slowly … until something changed that. 

    Scientists estimate that humans have existed for over 130,000 years. However, it took until 1804 for us to reach 1 Billion. We doubled that population by 1927 (123 years later) and then doubled it again only 47 years later (which was 1974). 

    Looking back, early population growth was driven by the agricultural revolution. Since 1804, the Industrial Revolution, health and safety advances, along with technology, have significantly improved quality of life, spurring the rapid population growth. Here is a quick overview of some of the key factors.

    Shaping the Future

    It’s hard to predict some things accurately. So, one goal in data science is to figure out what we can “know” in order to “guess” less.

    Population growth is a prime example. One of the easiest ways to predict how many 60-year-olds there will be in 40 years is to look at how many 20-year-olds there are today. Obviously, the number won’t be exact, but it’s a pretty good head start.

    This principle of using known data to make educated predictions applies to many aspects of future planning, including urban development and resource allocation. By leveraging current demographic information, we can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that will likely impact the cities of tomorrow.

    • Economic Implications: A growing population can expand the workforce, fueling economic growth. However, it can also strain resources, requiring increased investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
    • Social and Environmental Pressures: Demographic shifts, such as aging populations or youth bulges, can profoundly affect social structures, healthcare systems, and the environment.

     

    Why It Matters

    Population growth is more than just a numerical metric. It is a fundamental lens through which we can analyze:

    • Historical Development: By understanding past population trends, we can better appreciate the factors that have shaped human civilizations.
    • Future Planning: Governments, businesses, and organizations can use population data to make informed decisions about resource allocation, infrastructure development, and social policies.

     

    Have World Population Growth Numbers Peaked?

    World population growth rates peaked in the late 1960s and have declined sharply in the past four decades, but we’re still on a positive trend. We’re expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050, but a lot of that growth comes from developing countries – they also almost exclusively come from urban areas. 

    6a00e5502e47b288330240a4adf81c200b-600wi

    via Axios (Click for an Interactive Graph)

    Urbanization: Megacities

    In the 1800’s, about 10% of the population lived in urban areas. Since 2014, over 50% of the world’s population has lived in urban areas – today it’s approximately 55%. That number is growing.

    Ironically, as we grow more digitally connected, our world is shrinking, and our populations are concentrating. 

    An interesting consequence of this rapid urbanization and population growth in developing countries has been the increased development of Megacities – defined as cities with populations greater than 10 million. Today, there are 33 megacities – more than triple the number in the 1990s. 

    This creates a set of interesting opportunities and challenges. 

    For example, how will these cities deal with infrastructure – sanitation, transportation, etc?

     

    New-megacities-by-2030
    via visualcapitalist

    Today, in most high-income countries, about 80% of the population lives in urban areas – contrasting the primarily rural populations of lower-income countries. 

    As a result, we see many of these megacities forming in developing countries. As a side note, we’re also seeing countries like China making substantial investments and alliances in these developing areas. This is likely done to profit from the expected growth and also to shift the future balance of power in their favor. Sometimes, it makes sense to focus on the marathon and not just the sprint.

    It’s interesting how the world can become more decentralized – and more globalized – amidst a contraction of where people live.

  • Examining Life Expectancy & Longevity

    Life expectancy has been on a steady global rise for longer than I've been alive. 

    Screenshot 2024-08-24 at 9.40.59 PM

    via worldometers

    Meanwhile … the United States has fallen to 48th on the list of countries with the highest life expectancy.

    Hong Kong tops the list with an average life expectancy of 85.63 overall – and 88.26 years for females. 

    For comparison, the U.S.'s average life expectancy is only 79.46.

    Many factors potentially impact the findings, for example, the average height and weight of a population (with shorter & lighter people tending to live longer), diet, healthcare system, and work/life balance. 

    While some of this is out of your control (OK, a lot of it is) – there are definitely things you can do to increase your healthy lifespan. Meanwhile, some people like Bryan Johnson are doing everything they can to live forever. 

    Popular Mechanics put together a video series called How to Live Forever, or Die Trying, where they interview scientists and anti-aging gurus to give you insight into pursuing a future without death. 

    Unfortunately, recent science has shown that adults in their mid-40s to early 60s begin to experience significant changes in their alcohol, caffeine, and lipid metabolism, an increase in risk of cardiovascular disease, and a noticeable decrease in their skin and muscle health. When you hit your 60s, you also begin to see negative changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and a further decline in the previously mentioned factors. 

    Immortality

    Here's the good news. Not only is science and technology getting better, but you're always in control. You can make lifestyle changes to increase your longevity, and you can also find supplements, treatments, and protocols that can reverse those factors of aging. Even simple measures like increasing your physical activity or avoiding alcohol before bed can make a massive difference. 

    They say a healthy person has thousands of dreams, but an unhealthy person only has one.

    That is one of the reasons I spend so much time and energy thinking about staying healthy, fit, and vital.

    Focusing on the positive is important … But to extend your healthy lifespan, you have to start by telling the truth and finding out what you and your body struggle with the most.

    A doctor friend gave me some advice. He said it doesn't matter if you are on top of 9 out of 10 things … it's the 10th that kills you.

    Despite our best efforts, Mother Nature remains undefeated.

    With that said, here are some of my previous articles on longevity and health: 

    The goal isn't just to stay alive longer; it's to live life to its fullest for as long as possible.

    I recently joined a fantastic mastermind group called DaVinci 50, run by Lisa and Richard Rossi. It brings together a remarkable collection of medical professionals and entrepreneurs focused on the latest research, treatments, and opportunities in health and longevity.

    Another great tool I rely on is Advanced Body Scan. Early detection is crucial, but so is tracking the history of your scans to monitor changes over time. In my opinion, the most valuable scan is always the next one.

    Additionally, I use a growing list of trackers and biometric devices to measure my heart rate, along with apps and tools for mindfulness, breathwork, and journaling. Together, these practices recognize that mind, body, and spirit combine to define how you live your life.

    To end this post, I'll use a farewell phrase I heard often while growing up … it translates roughly to "go in health, come in health, and be healthy." It's a beautiful way to wish someone well on their journey, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being.

    I hope you found something interesting.  Let me know what things and practices work best for you.

  • Revisiting Some of My Favorite Podcast Appearances

    If you're interested in AI and its impact on business, life, and our world, I encourage you to check out some of my past podcast interviews.

    As I work on finishing my book, "Compounding Insights: Turning Thoughts into Things in the Age of AI," I've revisited several old episodes, and some are certainly worth sharing.  I've collected a few here for you to listen to.  Let me know what you think.

    In 2021, I recorded two interviews that I especially enjoyed.  The first was done with Dan Sullivan and Steven Krein for Strategic Coach's Free Zone Frontier podcast… and the second was with Brett Kaufman on his Gravity podcast. 

    Please listen to them.  They were pretty different, but both were well done and interesting. 

    Free Zone Frontier with Dan Sullivan and Steve Krein

    Free Zone Frontier is a Strategic Coach program (and podcast) about creating "Free Zones." It refers to the green space where entrepreneurs collaborate and create without competition.

    It's a transformative idea for entrepreneurial growth. 

    This episode focused on topics like building a bigger future, how decision-making frameworks and technology can extend your edge, and what it takes to get to the next level.   I realize there is a lot of Strategic Coach jargon in this episode.  However, it is still easy to understand, and there was great energy and an elevated conversation about worthy topics.

    As an aside, Steve Krein is my cousin, and we joined Strategic Coach entirely separately before realizing we had joined the same group. 

    The podcast is 47 Minutes.  I hope you enjoy it.

     

    Or click here to listen on Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts

    Gravity Podcast with Brett Kaufman

    Usually, I talk about business, mental models, and the future of AI and technology, but Brett Kaufman brought something different out of me. 

    Brett's Gravity Project is about living with intention, community, consciousness, and connection.  He focuses on getting people to share their life experiences … with the intent that others can see themselves in your story. 

    In my talk with Brett, we do talk about the entrepreneurial journey … but we also probe some deep insights by discussing the death of my younger brother, how my life changed almost immediately upon meeting my wife, and why love is the most powerful and base energy in the universe. 

     

    This was not a typical conversation for me (a different ratio of head-to-heart), but it was a good one (and I've had many people reach out because of this podcast).  It was fun to revisit my childhood, from playing with a cash register at my grandfather's pharmacy to selling fireflies or sand-painting terrariums; it's funny how those small moments influenced my love for entrepreneurship. 

    The episode is 65 minutes.  I hope you enjoy it. 

     

    Click here to listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Listen Notes.

    Last year, I recorded two other podcasts that I'm excited to share … It's interesting to see the change in topic and focus – but how much is still the same (timeless). 

    Clarity Generates Confidence With Gary Mottershead

    I talked with Gary about intentionality, learning from the past, and how AI adoption is more about human nature than technology … and more. 

     

    Click here to listen on Spotify or Gary's Website.

     

    Creative On Purpose With Scott Perry

    On the surface, this episode may seem like just another conversation about AI, but I value the diverse insights, points of emphasis, and perspectives that different hosts illuminate.

    In talking with Scott, we dove deeper into emotional alchemy, self-identity, and how to move toward what you want in life – instead of away from what you don't want. 

     

    Click here to listen at Scott's Substack.

    I'm currently planning a podcast series called "Frameworks on Frameworks," where we'll explore great ideas, how they work, and how you can use them.

    Let me know your thoughts and any topics you want us to cover.

  • How Much Taxes Does Your State Pay?

    For most Americans, tax season is over … but I've got one more tax-related chart for you. 

    In April, I posted about where our tax dollars go. This month, let's look at what percentage of an average person's income goes to their state and local taxes. 

     

    Tax-Burden-by-State_Site

    via VisualCapitalist

    New York and Hawaii top the list with 12% and 11.8% respectively. Alaska ends the list with 4.9%, followed by New Hampshire with 5.6%. 

    Alaskans don't pay state income tax, but neither do Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming. So, if you're trying to avoid taxes, they all sound like better bets. 

    New Hampshire still has a better state tax burden than any of them despite its 4% flat tax on interest and dividend income. 

    If you don't like paying taxes (and don't mind the cold), then Alaska might be worth the winters?

    Meanwhile, we hear a lot about the exodus from California, but not from New York or Maine. Maybe it's the people … or maybe it's their Governor?

  • The Next Big Thing … Megacities

    Population growth is an interesting measure. Historically, growth has been slow … but something changed that, and the implications are stunning.

    Scientists estimate that humans have existed for over 130,000 years.

    It wasn’t until 1804 that the world’s population reached 1 billion. The population doubled once more by 1927, 123 years later, and then again by 1974, a mere 47 years later.

    The Agricultural Revolution spurred early population growth. Subsequently, since 1804, the Industrial Revolution, alongside new technologies and advancements in health and safety, has dramatically enhanced the quality of life and accelerated population growth.

    The global population continues to expand as more women are giving birth, despite the statistical trend of each woman having fewer children. Here is a chart showing that.

    Screen Shot 2019-05-24 at 1.44.29 PM

    via Axios (Click for an Interactive Graph)

    World population growth rates peaked in the late 1960s and have declined sharply in the past four decades. Nonetheless, world population figures continue to grow. We’re expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050, but a lot of that growth comes from developing countries—it also almost exclusively comes from urban areas. 

    Urbanization: Megacities

    Here is another trend worth noting. Since 2014, over 50% of the world’s population has lived in urban areas – today it’s approximately 55%. That number is growing.

    Ironically, as we grow more digitally connected, our world is shrinking, and our populations are concentrating. 

    An interesting consequence of this rapid urbanization and population growth in developing countries has been the increased development of Megacities – defined as cities with populations greater than 10 million. Today, there are 33 megacities – more than triple the number in the 1990s. 

    This creates a set of interesting opportunities and challenges. For example, how will these cities deal with infrastructure (e.g., sanitation, transportation, etc.)?

    Infographic: The World’s Next Megacities | Statista

    via Statista

    As information and money become increasingly decentralized, and it becomes easier and easier to trade and communicate globally, it’s interesting to see a centralization of the population. 

    What do you think the consequences will be?

  • Just Sardines In A Tincan…

    I fly a lot.

    In fact, I hit five million "butt-in-seat" miles on American Airlines in 2019 (back when frequent flyer programs were about flying frequently rather than credit card spending).

    190331 HMG ConciergeKey Stats

    It is 2024, and I am now just below 5.5M.  That means I averaged a little over 100,000 miles per year, even through the COVID shutdown.

    Yes, I expect that my travel will slow down.  But as I traveled, I didn't expect it to continue at the pace it did. 

    Nonetheless, it has been good for me, and the time spent traveling has been productive.

    I have a different workflow when I travel, and it works for me.

    Ultimately, I believe that good things happen when you are in motion! 

    Many people, however, are focused on the hassle.

    The practical realities of travel mean I spend some time thinking about the things airlines do well or poorly.  Nonetheless, I appreciate the benefits more than the frustrations.

    As you probably noticed, Airline Status means much less today than it used to (which is why it feels even more important to get).  Every week, the airlines seem to make the space between seats smaller while the time it takes to find overhead luggage space gets shorter.  It seems like most airlines could change its slogan to "We are not happy until you're not happy."

    Yet the planes themselves are getting better.  Here, for example, is what an empty 787 looks like. 

    Yyng800cpqf21

    It looks more like a set from Star Trek than the hellscape passengers complain about regularly. 

    What about the boarding process? 

    Here is a video that presents the findings from studies on experimental boarding methods that work better. 

    via CGP Grey

    If you really don't like commercial flying, you can fly on any of the "economical" private options like JetSmarter or WheelsUp. Or, better yet, you could be like this guy and buy the world's only private Boeing 787 Dreamliner. 

    via Sam Chui

    You can rent it out for a measly $70k an hour … What a bargain!

    Of course, you could also use Zoom.  Times are changing!