Some thoughts on writing, thinking, and building.

Your calendar is the most honest autobiography you'll ever write" - Shane Parrish

You make time for what matters. It’s a harsh reminder anytime I feel like I did not have time to write, but I gave zero time or effort to doing it in a meaningful way. Usually its my ego wanting to feel good, instead of doing something well.

Systems are leverage. Routines are building blocks. Tools are scaffolding.

When Carl and I decided on doing weekly newsletters, I was not concerned about if we could write them. I knew we could. We're committed, and if all else failed, I didn't want to hear Carl on my phone, yelling at me about what the streets need. But, my concern was more primal: I have long run my own creative processes off of vibes, not structure. So building structure was much more important than new ideas, fresh concepts, or even knowing something changed. If the main thing is writing, then not writing because I'm too busy doing something else is, well, not helpful.

Care about the craft. Also, don't care so much.

There is a tension between taking something seriously and being precious. Writing demands that you sacrifice the idea you think is good for the idea that is clear. It is a dance of removal and creation, which is why I love it. It leaves nowhere for bad thinking to hide. Writing is like getting naked consistently and being like wow, I feel the air everywhere, and this is crazy.