Random thoughts on life

Fathers, req.

To the men willing to be fathers – fathers to many, to the young, to the old. Be their father. Be the kind, the loving, and the strong father that they’ve always wanted – and needed. Nothing bothers the Father, because all things are in control. Father is wise. Father is patient. The Father is…

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Tenure, Retention, and Turnover

Which do we care about? Thousands line up for talent shows. Only one wins. How many people start in year one, and how many finish with a degree, and how many of those end up in their career of their chosen, and how many of those do well, and how many of those are in…

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Am I high to believe…

That I am not trapped by limitations of out, but self-imposed limitations within. How can I change my reality?What do I want reality to look like?How and who do you want to be? You have many battles? Can you win them all? Some? Which ones are worth winning, which ones are you okay to lose?…

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Yesterday’s Games

What is the game you’re playing? How would a King on the board, move? Who?! Which piece on the board can do what? If you are doing anything other than thinking, deciding, and commanding, you are wasting time.  Which report to you can you fully trusdt?Who can and will be your dutiful soldier, captain, commander?Who…

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Fear Drove Me

I didn’t have to be fearful or anxious. I didn’t have to punish myself, this unnecessary suffering, which only added weight, anchoring me to sadness and despair. I played the game on hard, and I didn’t know I had a choice to make it easy. In moments of blissful enlightenment, I realize how unnecessary it…

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Cowards just behave.

Cowards don’t recognize they are cowards. They just behave. As a snake does not identify as a snake, but simply behaves, so does a coward behave cowardly leaving a trail of fuckery, without truly identifying and accepting and acknowledging. Are you able to see the differences in animals?

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CEO’s Naievity = Foolishness

My love for people, and their potential for greatness blinds me to sycophants. I am more naive than I think – that is part of naiveity, now isn’t it? I must protect myself and our company from such foolishness.  Certain people, most likely more people than I’d like to estimate, will behave and act in…

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Serious Reset

Over my life, my days, where I put my energy.  I need a serious serious reset.  Nobody knows the pressures of a CEO. How much I’m stretched. How many different things are pulling me in different directions in a single hour, in a single moment? At the end of the day, I have completed nothing. …

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What is a perfect week?

DIETS Seven days of eating healthy. Lunch provides high protein, chicken breast, tuna, or boiled eggs. Super healthy grain bread and perhaps an avocado for extra fat. Dinners begin no later than 6 pm, starting with a large salad, followed by lean meat and a very small portion of healthy carbs.  WORKOUTS Strong, stable, and…

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Conventional Agency?

The life cycle of the conventional agency is… We must be unconventional. The challenges of the conventional agency are… We must be unconventional. Every great brand has a secret language. And you have to learn that.

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You, The Who?

Who are You? Who are you most pissed off at? You, the Weak.You, the Pathetic.You, the Mediocre. Who are you? You, the Conqueror.You, the Focused.You, the Disciplined. Ay You! The weak, pathetic, and mediocre! Whose love do you crave?Whose judgement do you fear?Who is the master you serve?! The love of Self, the Focused!The judgement…

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Focus

Focus. The word I avoid looking at. It’s my Achilles Heel. I can do anything, but only if I focus. My days and weeks get devoured by unfocused activities. Not nearly enough water and sun are devoted to my seeds of greatness. Opportunities floundered. This is the thing I must master. Relentless, simplified: focus.  (from…

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What You Signal

In Life There are unintentional signs you signal to others.When it is unintentional, you can bet that it’s not to your advantage.For oponents who can read the signals and signs, it’s similar to them reading you like a simple book. A book on how to influence you. For the kind in heart, this makes no…

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Rant on Sam Harris

Sam Harris is a goof. His position on Islam demonstrates this well. That’s not to say Harris doesn’t spit deep knowledge occasionally. Harris means well. He wants people to do better and live happier and healthier lives. That makes him noble. Still, a noble goof. Harris’s comments on Islam represent profound ignorance. He believes he’s…

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Preserving Vietnamese Society Amidst Western Influences

What will keep the fabric of Vietnamese society together as they adopt more and more failed Western modes of thinking? Children need to be protected. It is wise to stay many generations behind in adopting social innovations. Observe over many decades before quickly jumping on the bandwagon of new social norms. How can this be…

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Do Epic Things

Epicness, not for this: It’s basic to think that doing some epic shit is a great way to grab attention and increase standing in your social hierarchy. This true. Doing epic shit can give you the fame and admiration your weak little soul may yearn. And with one step in this direction, you’ll have started…

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Algorithmic Addiction (pt 2)

Just a little. Only a couple minutes.  Telltale signs of addiction.  When you’re on autopilot. When your hands and feet move effortlessly, gracefully, into the fire you know will burn.  How little control we have when our controls get stuck on autopilot.  Who amongst us is above addiction? Who amongst us above the highly trained…

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Hello. Hello.

Message from the past.Message from the future. Dear Present, Whatever you’re doing, please know that it is not important to the missions ahead of you. Stop. Move wisely. You need someone to help you run things. This person needs to help you untangle the many thoughts and projects trapped in your mind. Someone that can…

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Compliance, a few points

Don’t ask for compliance if you’re not sure you will get it. Create the conditions for compliance. Sunlight. Use sunlight strategically. Don’t give sunlight to behaviour that does not live up to your expectations. Better to illuminate the good, not highlight the bad.

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Lib-Con

I can be liberal with my generosity because, at one point in my life, I was conservative with my spending.  I can be liberal in my freedoms because, at some point, my conservative values of hard work for honest pay now afford me such freedoms.  Being liberal in life can be enjoyed on the foundation of conservative values. Liberalism is…

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Spiritually Pragmatic

What use is your spirituality if it causes you so much suffering? Ha! Spiritually should bring you peace and prosperity, good health and happiness. Do you believe your God wants to reward your spirituality with suffering? Of course not! [Sufferring?] You must be doing something wrong!

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Abundance = 2 + 2 = 4

There’s a lot I want to do. There’s an incredible amount of opportunities in the world. There’s no shortage of money and adventures. It’s not about having an abundance mindset. It’s about the realization that abundance exists. 2+2 = 4. The universe isn’t waiting for you to have a math mindset for this statement to…

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Saying No, pt 2: The Game

I’m retired. A man. He needs to know that he can conquer women. What does this mean? Saying no is the real next tier of being a true G. Sexual energy is a powerful force – A friend, after reading my notes

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Men in Power

Our men in power, many of them like quarrelling children, little boys with big bombs. Each child, refusing to see the other’s point of view. Each child pointing a finger, too immature and still underdeveloped to see his own crimes and errors. And how sad for us that we have elected (allowed into power) these temper-tantrum little boys, making life-and-death decisions…

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Noble Ants (& Bees)

The noble ant, a marvel of nature. Keeps his head down. He diligently works, his every movement a testament to his loyalty. His loyalty to the Queen and colony. His purpose, a beacon guiding his every action, is to serve and protect.  We can learn much about happiness and satisfaction from the Noble Ant.  So much of our psychological suffering is a result of not having purpose. …

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YT-Poison

What is the balance between keeping up to speed with global news, world politics, etc, and just getting caught in the blackhole designed by the system.  An artificial black hole.  Supported by a massive machine.  Fueled by human thoughts.  Canabilism at its worst.  YouTube and Social Media…

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Money-Wise

We need to make money in areas and industries with clients that have a lot of it.  We need to spend our money in areas that stretch our money far and wide. Luxury at the fraction. 

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God Rewards Diversity

belligerent voice: I’m only one-and-a-half drunk, looking at these two below-average f#cks. What a couple. She’s short, chubby, and I guess that’s what you call a face. I mean, it meats the criteria with two eyes, a couple more nostrils, an eating hole, and high stereotypical Southeast Asian cheekbones. He’s pretty fucking tall, skinny, looks…

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I’m here to… Be who?

I’m here to plan. To think. To strategize.  (Where is here? The current location I’ve locked myself in alone for the next few weeks.) I’m not here to do, to execute, to get things done.  I can execute anytime. Others can execute on my behalf. But no other person can plan, think, and strategize ony…

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Military Hat 🪖

When I’m wearing my military general hat, my Captain’s hat… I love it. I love the clarity.I love the absolution.Structure.Precision.Focus.Pointed and with purpose. Yes, this is an extreme version of me. And while I wear this hat and live through this uniform, I am intense. Those who don’t know me, understandably mistake me for being…

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Wants, and other questions

What don’t you want? This is equally, if not more important, than what you want.  But be careful not to not-want things that are good for you. For example, suffering.  And what about those you love? What do they (think they) want? In what domains and categories are you willing to help others achieve their…

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A young lady’s charm.

At some point in a young lady’s childhood, she learns that she can get far using her charm, her wit and her beauty. There comes a point in her adult life when her charm, wit, and beauty do not suffice. What else does she have to offer? She better have the grit. The might, discipline,…

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Sophie’s Expectation

Below is an actual conversation between Sophie and Daddy. Sophie: Why is _______ falling apart? Daddy described the scenario.  Sophie: What will happen if _______ falls apart? Daddy: Mommy and I will have to find a job working for someone else.  Sophie: That would be embarrassing. I don’t want my father to be a follower….

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Hard Life?

You think it’s hard, life? No. Every generation gets it hard. Every generation is going to get it harder and tougher in their own unique way. Get them ready. We have a responsibility.

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New day. New life.

Every morning is an opportunity for a new life. This gets forgotten, often, especially when the night ends in drink and smoke. This is karma. Waking up in debt for decisions of yesterday. Not careful; this can replicate in weeks, months, and years, setting you so far back that no time available to you is…

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Why a boot camp? 

Our boot camp is one manifestation of a much grander desire. That is, we want and always have wanted for PD to be a place that’s children-friendly, a place where PDTers feel confident and grateful to work and bring their kids to work.  From the early days, once Philo was born, he pretty much lived at the office…

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Doing well.

We have a responsibility to build a business that not only supports but goes above the basics. Mother birds “In measuring out rewards, wise rulers act like mother birds. While seeing into every corner; they are unobtrusive. While protecting the people, they do not control them.“ excerpt from Chapter 10, Tao Te Ching

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LOL. Your Looping.

Lol. You’re looping.  Same shit, every week.  You need to be yourself. Your level of intensity. But different from before.  Yes, you can live with your people. But more important, you must lead them.  First, you must lead yourself.  What a joke. You’re cycling. Looping. Week after week.  What are your expectations?  You love _______….

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Wildly

How wildly errored to allow a child woman to manipulate and create functions within my lifeblood organism with little to no oversight. What a muck she has made, and I have allowed over the years.  She will be spoken to and set straight.  I expect loyalty. 

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I need writers! Do I?

Sat, Dec 31, 2022, 12:11 AM – HCMC, Vietnam I need more writers. More. Not less. More! I need loyal, loving, dedicated writers.  If: the universe wants me and my children to live long, our stories will be written. Documented. Articled.  From grandfathers’ to future generations.  How much $$$? Pay it.  Thu, Apr 20, 2023, 12:18…

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Random Equations

Culture > Growth Success = Keeping in our ways t > $ Purpose> Passion Truth > Deception Strength > Weakness Soft > Hard Gentle > Forced Open > Closed Debate > Gossip  Curious > Biased  Support > Attack Seek > Conclude Health = Wisdom = Health Simple > Complicated Anger < Disappointed < Forgiveness <…

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Happy by the street in Saigon

Woke up in a grumpy mood. I know why. Simply, I exhausted my dopamine yesterday up until the late night, knocking out around 1:30 am. So, I chose not to be Zen with her during her anxiousness. Nah. I’ve been pretty Zen throughout the trip, but sometimes it’s okay to open the valve and let…

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Dullness through Age

Dullness of the senses can be leveraged for greatness, rather than gluttony.  What do I mean?Whether sex, drugs, or rock and roll… our senses become dull to things. We need more and more of the same old to experience the same. Chasing the dragon, is what it’s referred to when you try to catch that…

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Reality and Weaknesses

6:16 am, HCMC, VN Reality.  Some of you see it more clearly than others in certain domains but not others. Do you know which domains you see clearly?Do you know in what ways your perception of reality is flawed, even dangerous? I have more faith and trust in a person who can articulate more weaknesses than…

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Big Learnings – Reality & Weeds

6:19 AM, HCMC Reality is relative everywhere.Some believe VN youth are lazy. Others build empires on hardworking VN youth.  A leader is only in the thick of the weeds when he has not adequately built a team.There is no denying this. Getting out of the weeds, is the first order of business.  How, how, how, is…

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100%? What if? Why not?

1,000 pushups in one day. What would happen? I don’t know. Let’s go. Extremes. What can be accomplished with 100 percent total extreme dedication to one and only one initiative?   98% means you’re spread thin. 100% is the target. What can you accomplish? Doesn’t matter if you can’t even hit 25% or 50%. And…

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What do we value at PD?

What do we value at PD? Is PD right for you? At the end of the day, I founded this company, and so much of the culture is based on my needs, wants, wishes, and aspirations. This is undeniable. To pretend that PD is just another company is missing the point. It’s grossly underestimating the…

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The Stillpoint

“When there is no more separation between ‘this’ and ‘that’ it is called the still-point of Tao, at the still point in the center of the circle, one sees the infinite in all things.” Chuang Tzu

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Stop Judging

Stop judging. Stop complaining. Stop judging. Stop complaining. Stop judging. Stop complaining. Winners find solutions. Losers complain. Be a winner. The enlightened accept and love. The unconscious complain. Be enlightened. Stop judging. Stop complaining. People are attracted to the light. Be enlightened. People feel weighted by your complaints. Stop complaining. Judgemental people are weak. Those…

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Having Tomorrow

If we want tomorrow what we’ve never had,we must be willing to do today what we’ve never done before. The universe doesn’t bend to your wishes or desires. It bends to your ability to bend it. To do this, you need the following:

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The Game

I am obsessed with the Game.  I love the Game.  I prefer playing the Game more than any other activity.  I love obsessing over the Game, more than thinking about anything else.  What is the Game? People call it different things. People keep track of the score in their own, infinitely unique way. Success is…

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Living with intent

Having a break from the battlefield. What does it mean to live with intent? It means to me, that as much as possible, your actions, words, feelings and thoughts have purpose and intention. Everything. As much as possible.  I say I’m going to prepare every night, the next day. But I haven’t, and I don’t…

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Be a white blood cell

If you had an option, to be a healthy white blood cell or cancer, you would pick healthy. The same goes for healthy vs dying or decaying. The answer is clear. The behaviour is simple: focus on serving, fixing, and building. That’s what healthy cells do. Doesn’t matter how you feel or what you think,…

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Closeness [at work]

Yes, yes. I should not be friends with my staff. Says who?What is the reason for this? What is the wisdom? Some: require first-hand distance, yes. Some: deserve closeness.All: will benefit from closeness. How shall I decide?It depends on the individual’s ability to separate work from life; hierarchy from love; when and where. Can the…

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Two types of knowledge

When reading and studying, consider, there are two types of knowledge. OS Upgrades App Downloads Sure, sometimes you need to download an app in your brain. Some new technique, skill, or process. But to see real massive strides forward, go for books and knowledge that upgrade your OS. Just like in real life, most Apps…

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Hollowing Out?

A poem. Mae! Young, and naive? How did you find yourself amongst thugs and degenerates? Ageing rapidly from the inside. Soul, hollowing out? How did I find myself amongst your thugs and degenerates?

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Intense few weeks

Below are my unfiltered thoughts to myself. Thought I’d share. I’m either a commander, a captain, a ruler, or a commando. When I am a commando, everything seems to be too slow, an obstacle to overcome, an enemy to slice. Nothing is good enough. Things are not good enough. People are not good enough. I…

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Buffet Wisdom

A series of quotes from Warren Buffett…   How many legs does a dog have if you call his tail a leg? Four. Because calling a tail a leg does not make it a leg. The chains of habit are too light to be felt, until they are too heavy to be broken. What should…

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Time to get classy

I detest those moments I lose myself and act crass. Be classy. Stay classy. Classy mother-fuckers don’t engage in useless public debate. They watch da-fuck dey say. Dem classic homies don’t fuck with dem soft-nuggets. Ayiite.

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Weak-kneed Governments

Our governments are weak-kneed when it comes to the rich, and bullies when dealing with the poor. Look at any courtroom and see how the rich are treated, and those that cannot afford expensive representation. Look around and see how policies are influenced, and by which groups. See how harsh punishments are to the poor….

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My weaknesses, for the record

I drive like a maniac, is what some people would say. You can say, I’m in denial of this. For good reason. I believe I’m in great control. I can sometimes fuck myself over by falling in love with a person and being unfair to myself, or worse, the mission. I sometimes lose my patience…

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Hitchens, and becoming a drunk

Was well respected, but clearly a drunk. Do I need to drink to be my best? He died young. Perhaps he maximized his value through alcohol. Perhaps he short-lived his potential. Remember Bill Gates. This trip has brought out, created a drunk in me. Remember: you can achieve such nights of euphoria through meditation, exercise,…

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Leaders. Vacancy. pt 2

The reason why there’s a leadership vacuum emptiness is that people DON’T want to be leaders. They don’t want to do what it takes. And they don’t want to fall in love with people. Leadership requires you to fall in love with people. And making the mission (for people) in scope and top of mind….

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Everybody has a story

Everybody has a magical fantastic story. Everybody. No exception. For some, it’s a sad story. For others, a story of triumph. Regardless of theme, everyone has an unbelievable interesting story worth hearing. Organizations are no different. They have a beginning, a middle, an end. And even a resurrection. We fall in love with these stories….

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The power of saying no

People respect those who can stand their ground, say no, not beat around the bush. People respect those that can plainly, simply, and directly, say NO. [ I’m an oddball leader who likes to test by trial by fire ] I had a young intern. I encouraged him to shoplift something to test his resolve…

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MTP – Solving Problems

Solving major problems. Hypothesis: When more people are empowered through knowledge, they should be able to solve the major challenges. Why it won’t work: Because people may have the right knowledge, but they may not have the discipline, courage, or economic freedom to apply the information. Improved hypothesis: When the right people Right people =…

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Stories

2014-06-26 Don’t underestimate the power of stories. This whole world runs on stories. We sell based on stories. We buy based on the stories we believe. Your value, tell a story. Your ‘differentiation’ tells a story. It’s simple. You must craft your story as well as the company’s. Not having a story is profoundly underrated….

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Buy time

Buying Time The number one reason you need to get better at leadership. It’s not about the company. It’s about every area of your life. When you get good at leadership, you can multiple your time. When you understand business and money, you’ll have more money to trade for time. Time = freedom. You can…

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Seek problems

Be a problem seeker. Most people avoid problems. Solving problems require us to see and understand the problems. Solving problems is all about delivering value. The value returned to us manifests in a change in numbers in your bank account. More value delivered and problems solve = more money. More money = greater available options….

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Leaders. Vacancy

The reason why there’s a leadership vacuum emptiness is that people DON’T want to be leaders. They don’t want to do what it takes. And they don’t want to fall in love with people. Leadership requires you to fall in love with people. And making the mission (for people) in scope and top of mind….

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Many stories to tell

How wild is it that we live one life but many stories. Depending on how we view our past, we can become heroes, villains, victims, and even just useless bistandards. Different ways to tell my story include: A love story Fatherhood The immigrant experience Shitty jobs to CEO A dreamer An artist A builder A…

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Who’s number one?

I’m a warm person, not a cold person. I take pride in the niceties of civil behaviour. The simple things like warm smiles, warm hellos, kind gestures. I want our kids to be raised to be warm, not cold. How we react/respond to their questions, requests, and needs will impact how they grow up. We’re…

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Interacting with people comes with a risk, another song maybe?

Every time you speak to another person, you are at risk. Risk of what? Oh so many things. Risk of talking too much talking too little interpreting incorrectly interpreting correctly, and wishing you didn’t acting like a fool saying things you regret miscommunicating creating a new frienemy creating a new enemy sowing doubt, anger, hostility…

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Personalized Prison Sentences

Wait, what? First off – we need to ask ourselves as a society a very simple but important question. Depending on the answer, our approach to incarceration, jail, prisons, the justice system, the penal system, and every thing courts, juries, defenders and prosecutors may need to change. So what’s the question? See below: What do…

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Only one game in town: Happiness

There are many definitions of success. In today’s cynical and constantly complaining society – there’s only one question to ask, and that is: Are you happy? You got one life. ONE. Not two. Not four. ONE. It’s fucking surprising how many people forget this fact. Or bury it deep down. Back to happiness. It’s amazing…

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Kindness

Popping balloons in Saigon, 2020 the year of Kindness. I got it. But now I really get it. It takes unbelievable strength, courage, and power to be kind, especially to those who are not, but need it the most. Kindness is one of the answers. Love. – Vietnam, 4:28am

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Underworld

We go into the depths of the underworld to seek answers to complicated questions, not just recreation. Kindness. Love. We only have one life. We must seek kindness. And acceptance. 3:44 am Our annual summer getaway was originally inspired by a mushroom trip. Let’s not pretend it was anything other than a trip creating new…

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Men, and the West

The West is pushing hard for men to be more feminine. Cool. But other countries (our enemies) that look to devour us, are not feminine. They are not fair, equitable, beautiful, and complicated. They are masculine. Fierce. Dominating. Looking to devour its prey. Let’s not forget. For centuries, men were the protectors of women and…

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Master reality

Mastering reality. Mastering reality. Mastering reality. Mastering reality. Bending reality. Bending reality. Bending reality. Bending reality. Making reality. Making reality. Making reality. Making reality. The Grand Ho Tram Strip Ven Biển, Phước Thuận, Xuyên Mộc, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Vietnam Dec 25, 2019, 11:58 PM,

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Trading, for what?

We’re always trading. Trading time, friends, experience, and so on. But for what? How often are our trades making us richer? Not often. North American culture of consumerism, individualism, and atheism is what is being sold. Sold to us in trade for what? In trade for minimalism, essentialism, and wealth? Individualism at the exchange of…

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Looking for peace

Just working through life like the rest of us, looking for answers, admittingly with biases. We need to lay down some basic assumptions and rules. We’re good people looking for truth. There’s never a need to insult or resort the ad hominems. When one does, we will forgive. Why? Because we know that only lack…

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Corporate Leadership is the last stronghold

In an ever morally decaying and intellectual downsizing of humanity. Who else is there left to lead? With the exception of the few, the noble, the anomalies: Governments and their politicians are concerned with elections, unable to think or exercise initiatives further out then 3-4 years ahead when our troubling times need steadfast progress over…

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So much time wasted on campaigning

The difference between popularity vs royalty training… — Royalty Training Training your entire life to be a model citizen. A person for the people. Etiquette. Manners. Kindness. Popularity So much time is waisted on campaigning. So little time and money invested in solving problems.

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Great power

Uncle Ben said, “Peter, with great power comes great responsibility.” True. But you know is truer? With great responsibilities, come great power. Choose to take on more. Choose to be responsible for more. Choose to be a leader, a motivator, a champion of goodness. The greater your responsibilities, the more power the universe will give…

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Be okay with getting shed, and shedding friends

We will grow apart. This is a non-negotiable reality. If you’re working hard, studying, learning, and growing – there’s a very high likelihood that you have friends that are not keeping up with you. This is normal, especially when you’re young. Or perhaps, you have a friend or two that’s really pushing themselves, and you…

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Culture Shield

Thoughts running through my mind: Protection. Shield. Empire. Careful entries. Undocumented immigrants. Virus. Infection. Mutation. Assimilation. It’s naive to underestimate the damage that can be caused to culture by not guarding and protecting it. Would you not guard your castle, empire, city, state against invaders designed to wipe you out – cease your existence? How…

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Gardening Relationships

Relationships are like a garden of people. Each person, a flower or weed. Your time in them equates to water, sunshine, and fertilizer. You must choose carefully which flowers you want to grow and strengthen, and which you want to starve, let whittle, and die.

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Obsessed with Death

Yeah, I’m obsessed with death. By consciously being obsessed with death, I free my subconscious self from being obsessed with death. Do you not think your soul, your cells, your whole body knows it is in the process of decay, and that death awaits us all? It is the first thing your body is aware…

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Pursue the pain

Pain. Go where pain exists. That is where growth exist. Pursue the pain. Follow it. Chase it. Continue to conquer each little pain demon, one at a time. But do not wait idle, lax, thinking that demons and dragons don’t exist. Just because you don’t see them now, doesn’t mean they’re not waiting for you…

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Conquer her dragon

On the subject of woman: I conquered. What does that mean? Did I conquer her? No. Her dragon. Did I save her? No. I joined the party and saved her some time. Princesses become Queens that can conquer their own dragons. Sure. Just like a Lady can open her own door. A Gentleman takes pride…

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The Spirit

The spirit you’re born with is the only spirit you will ever know. If you are lucky enough to understand that you must invest in getting to know this spirit. Many will die without ever getting to know this spirit. Walking lost from place to place, one vocation to another, one relationship for another. There…

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Regarding Lannie and Marriage

Regarding Lannie and Marriage

The first person that’s gonna scold me after reading this is most likely my wife Lan. She’s advised me time after time, not boast, especially about my marriage. And you know, she’s right. For the most part, I’ve stopped. That said, this is my first time writing about my marriage. Sorry. Point being – this…

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Admitting to my complacency

Admitting to my complacency

True or false: we resemble tiny insects with roles and hierarchies, fate is almost certain, with little to no actual ability to maneuver our positions and change our directions in life, let alone do grand things that we’ll be remembered and be immortalized for. Those who have are celebrated, and become celebrities, and for good…

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You are being attacked

You are being attacked

There is an attack on us. Don’t be fooled. It’s everywhere, and at the same time, nowhere. It’s prevalent in our lives, quietly hidden under our beds, in our knapsacks, and in the shows we watch and the sites we visit. The attack is on your brain. Their weapon: Distraction. The booty, the bounty, the…

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When should I get a mentor?

When should I get a mentor?

Part 01: When? Now. – End of Part 02: Why? What? Where? Who? Why should you get a mentor now? Simply, because a mentor will drastically increase the speed of your development and growth. You shouldn’t wait until you have a crisis before you seek out mentorship. Your crisis will most likely kill you before…

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Prioritizing your dreams

Prioritizing your dreams

In our youth, we are filled with dreams and aspirations. As we age, dreams we once held sacred and critical to our identity slowly begin to dematerialize. There are many reasons for this, none that really matter. What matters is, that as the possibilities of obtaining our dreams begin to fade, so do our childhood…

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It’s your responsibility to grow

It’s your responsibility to grow

It’s a privilege that your employer creates time in your workweek for you to study and learn new things. However, don’t get this confused with the responsibility you have for your own growth and prosperity. For far too many, this new-age-hippie tech industry has created this false idea that it’s the employer’s responsibility for you…

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Hiring, and your company culture

Hiring, and your company culture

A friend recently posted about his staffing troubles. “It’s about 2am and I cant sleep because our ongoing staffing problem keeps me up all night…” My response Company culture is what will keep a team together, not a big paycheck or prestigious work. You’d be surprised how little people are willing to get paid when…

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McWhopper: How Burger King is Deceiving You

McWhopper: How Burger King is Deceiving You

I saw it. I tried to ignore it. I gave in. I said I wouldn’t write about it. And here we are. The McWhopper story Monday Aug 24: Burger King puts out several full page ads as well as launching the McWhopper.com. “Burger King genuinely wants to unite with McDonalds on September 21 2015, to…

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I’ve fallen back in love again

I’ve fallen back in love again

Young love At the beginning, there was a lustful obsession; an intense infatuation. A desire to impress and a willingness to be impressed upon. The relationship was new, and like all new relationships, I was blindly optimistic, romantically hopeful, and expected nothing but eternal bliss – forever. Like all relationships – the honeymoon stage ended…

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When I die

Dear Mother: if you’ve outlived me, I know it’s tragic to outlive your child. I cringe in fear at the thought of anything happening to Philo or Sophie. But such is life. A few things to consider. I’ve lived long and I have prospered. I’ve achieved so many of my dreams, more than most people…

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InboundCon 2014 – Presenation notes and resources

InboundCon 2014 – Presenation notes and resources

  Preface On Thursday, September 18th, I had the pleasure and honour to speak at InboundCon 2014, Canada’s Premier Inbound Conference. The subject of my talk was on branding, specifically identity and storytelling; topics that are extremely important to me professionally and very personally. In 20 minutes or less Preparing for my talk, I recognized…

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Project managing your workout

Project managing your workout

I read a long time ago that the most important activity in working out (training) is documenting efforts and measuring results. By far, this outweighs diet, workout regimen, or gym equipment. Simply because, measurement activates us to become more mindful, and thus, not only make better decisions about our workouts but better decisions throughout the…

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Brick by Brick: Inside Lego

Brick by Brick: Inside Lego

Short but packed with valuable data and wisdom, I watched Bloomberg’s Brick by Brick: Inside Lego (available on Netflix) three times this week. Why three times? For one, I absolutely love lego. After the second time, I thought I should record some of the finer points for later reference. Below you’ll find my notes from…

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No email policy

No email policy

The policy Don’t check emails until a 11:30am. Emails are the bane of productivity Emails provide an easy magical doorway to the land of Sans Focus. Emails are distracting, giving the illusion of working hard, ensuring you don’t meet your goals for the day. Our Creative Director, Lannie, has been preaching for a no-email policy for years now. As of late,…

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Case study: Re-branding the potato

Case study: Re-branding the potato

Market opportunity In the late 18th century, Frederick the Great, of Prussia realized the potential of potatoes to feed his people and his army. The volatility of wheat crops posed a threat to the market and to the people of Prussia. By adopting potatoes, Prussia would decrease the chance of famine and overcome their reliance…

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Wu-Tang Clan – Once Upon a Time in Shaolin

Wu-Tang Clan – Once Upon a Time in Shaolin

There’s only one hand-crafted copy of the Wu’s album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. No other copies will be made. Fans can pay $50 to listen to the album as it tours different museums and art galleries. The deets The Clan has been working on this album for well over a year, in secret….

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Setting daily priorities

Setting daily priorities

You already know that setting daily priorities is key to accomplishing long term goals. Yet, you find yourself jumping into work and rushing to deal with ‘important’ crap before doing so, only to find at the end of the day, you did not set your priorities. Why is this? It’s most likely because your subconscious…

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Mental systems: Staying positive

Mental systems: Staying positive

If you’re like me, you have a lot on your plate and sometimes you are guilty for neglecting to have those conversations with yourself. Leaving things to figure themselves out is a recipe for future misery. Feelings of uncertainty, frustration, and even anxiety are waiting a few feet away. Reminder system Here’s what I do…

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Have your cake and eat it too

Have your cake and eat it too

Contrary to the saying, you can’t have your cake and eat it – I very much believe that eating your cake is not just possible, but necessary. Happiness: At the end of the day – isn’t that what we truly want? I’ve achieved my most important goals in life, and look forward to achieving more….

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The importance of healthy conflict

The importance of healthy conflict

For the first several years in business, I was a big wuss. I avoided conflict, and wanted everyone to be happy. Everyone but me. I was a wuss with my clients, my staff, and even my suppliers/contractors. I convinced myself that I was being a nice guy, and that was what leadership was about. This…

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Use Gmail shortcuts

Use Gmail shortcuts

Not using Gmail shortcuts? Shame on you. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t use gmail. Once I found out about gmail shortcuts, my process-obsessed mind made it a priority to learn and implement. Everyone on my team is required to learn and use, at minimum, the basics. They are: ? show…

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Lift app. My daily habit tracker.

Lift app. My daily habit tracker.

What does Lift do? Simply, it tracks whatever daily habit that is important to you. Here’s a list of a few habits I track. No snooze button Wake up early Daily affirmations Drink more water Set priorities for your day You can also follow others, get ‘props’, and make comments on your daily activities.   …

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Nice looking sites

Nice looking sites

2014 The secret to a really nice website is a combination of three things. Great photography, preferably in that bullshit parallax effect Beautiful typography And cute iconography. Bonus: Instagram your photos. That’s it. Keep in mind: Just because your site ‘looks nice’ doesn’t mean it will be effective. Great looks without strategy is useless. 2010…

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How brands become icons – Coca Cola

How brands become icons – Coca Cola

Brand message: Open Happiness Execution: This video. …Iconic brands have been guided by a set of tacit strategic principles that I call the cultural branding model. These principles differ entirely from those advanced by conventional branding schemes. In fact, cultural branding upends many verities by which managers have sworn for decades. To learn how cultural…

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Making marketing decisions based on psychology

Making marketing decisions based on psychology

Do you account for perceived value? Businesses often want to spend their marketing budget to increase and enhance the public’s opinion of their product or service. Straightforward? Not exactly. If a few dollars spent here and there could always produce new customers or happier existing customers, marketing would be, well, boring. Rory Sutherland’s TED talk…

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