I have a bad habit of “shoulding” myself

As someone constantly striving to do more—be fit, be well-read, write newsletters, post on socials, record podcasts, see friends, take my wife out on more dates, make money, be a good dad—I often do things because I think I should do them.

Then I heard executive coach Joe Hudson say something on Modern Wisdom that hit me hard:

I realized I've been running on premium guilt. I should work out more. I should reach out more. I should be more truthful. But shoulds are designed to stop behaviors, not start them. They're shame with a to-do list. The harder you force change, the less it happens.

Whereas wants and desires are fuel that burns clean.

Scottie Scheffler doesn’t wake up thinking, “Ugh, I really should practice golf today.” No, he’s the best in the world because he wants to practice. That club in his hands feels like excitement, not punishment.

Now, when I'm overwhelmed with options or stressed about organizing my day, I ask one question: Am I doing this because I think I should? Or because I want to?

I'm only halfway through, but this is one of the best books I've read on economics, policy, and history. Written in 1999, it's part history lesson, part prophecy, and surprisingly accurate about the last couple of decades.

The authors argue that we're entering the "fourth stage of human society"—the Information Age—which will shift power from governments to individuals. In the 21st century, citizens will become customers and governments will become service providers.

The Industrial Revolution (1760-1840) created the modern nation-state: borders, militaries, and economic systems funded by taxation. For all of human history, governments arose from violence—they provided protection and civil order in exchange for taxes. But the Information Revolution changes everything.

Written in the late '90s, the book predicted:

Governments will lose their power to tax wealth generated in the Information Age. Digital property is intangible. Cryptography is secure. The internet transcends borders. People will earn income in a global cyber-economy without being tied to fixed locations—and taxation systems can't adapt. While it’s hard to imagine, the authors foresee the eventual breakdown of nation-states entirely.

If you want to understand where we're headed—and why governments are scrambling to regulate crypto, AI, and remote work—read this book.

Consequence recently published their list of the 70 best guitar riffs of the 21st century. As one would expect, the internet reacted calmly with rational talking points and dialogue around the discussion…

I’m just kidding, people flipped the f**k out.

While I do agree with a lot of the choices on the overall list, I do diverge in the order. So, here is my personal ranking of my favorite riffs of the last 25 years.

This hour-and-a-half documentary chronicles the life and career of NFL legend John Elway. Produced by Peyton Manning, it covers his journey from being drafted by the New York Yankees to his Super Bowl victories as a player and executive with the Denver Broncos. Super emotional doc. I did not expect to cry over this, but Lauren and I both got hooked within the first 20 minutes.

J.L. Collins, author of The Simple Path to Wealth, recently appeared on Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast, sharing controversial yet fundamental financial advice, arguing that buying a house can hinder wealth building by trapping capital in an unproductive asset, suggesting renting and investing the difference into low-cost index funds for greater freedom, emphasizing avoiding debt, living below one's means, and building "F-You Money" for true control, not just luxury.

One of the best breakdowns on how to set yourself up for financial success.

Thanks for reading!