v36: Don’t Be an Energy Leech

Everyone has a favorite number, right? Mine is thirty-six. It was my Dad’s football number, so I chose it for my sports jerseys too. I’ve used it in usernames, betting strategies (3,6 exacta box), and any other instance I found numerical significance.

Now I’m thirty-six years old. I feel great. Despite being aware of my age, a slight shock reverberates when I think about it. I suppose that’s a part of life from here out.

After reading Brad Feld’s blog, I decided to write a birthday post of my own, in a similar vein; thanks for the inspiration, Brad.

I’m not big on overnight transformations. I value continuous improvement — the aggregation of marginal gains. v35 optimized for playing (and winning) the long game. It’s not always easy.

I watch people maneuver at blistering paces and wonder if I’m loitering. These speed demons appear to rocket overnight in a given domain, whether financial, physical, or in their careers. I used to be envious of speedy climbers, but I’ve learned that many of these liftoffs ultimately fail, crashing as quickly as they took off. And even if they last, they often come with immense personal sacrifice.

I’ve observed folks attempt the giant leap from couch potato to fitness guru in one swoop. Most of these respectable attempts ended in short order and were one cycle in many yo-yos.

I’ve observed businesses start with zeal (and loads of debt), only to fizzle out (or blow up). And I’ve heard investors brag about ultra-risky trades that resulted in unimaginable returns — until the party ended, leaving their pockets and confidence depleted.

I despise rollercoaster-like ups and downs (metaphorically speaking — I love a good coaster). I try to live my life with a smooth, steady trajectory in mind — stacking experiences, lessons, and relationships on one another to reach slightly higher. It’s easier said than done. Life is full of surprises, and sometimes a loop-the-loop sneaks into the plan — that’s where stoicism provides the security of a harness.

The most important factor in designing my life’s ride is my co-architect, Kate. I don’t have the vocabulary to describe the grace and love she provides at every twist and turn. It makes me sick to think of the corkscrews, dives, and rolls my life would be without her. But together, we’re constructing a beautiful ride. 

v35 was full of reading, writing, thinking, and rethinking. My daughter grew, and so did my businesses — as did I. 

New ideas like Stoicism and Girard’s mimetic desire theory found me. I read classics (The Prophet, Man’s Search for Meaning, Meditations) and classics-to-be (Ready Player One, When Breath Becomes Air, What Make’s Sammy Run).

I bought my first original artwork, which now hangs on my office wall (and my first NFT). New music made its way onto my all-time favorites playlists (Sofiane Pamart, Riopy), and I started an MBA program. I also began writing the book I’ve talked about for years.

I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions or set annual goals. I’m more interested in casting votes each day for who I want to be, but I’m making an exception in the form of a mantra — give energy to others.

For v36, I will provide energy wherever I can. The last several years’ events have taken a toll, or maybe I’m noticing it more, but energy leeches are prevalent. Negativity and apathy are in surplus, while energy stockpiles are dwindling (real and figurative). I’ll do my part to expand the energy supply, not deplete it.

If you find me in violation of my charge, call me out. And if I can provide a boost to you, let me know. And since I love the number 36 so much, I believe this year will be joy-filled.