The Propeller – Happy Birthday and Happy New Year – 1-1-2026

On 1/1/23 I wrote the first issue of The Propeller.  Since then, it has grown to a following of almost 1000 subscribers and many more who read it every week on my website blog. 

Three years of publishing the Propeller to be sent to each of you every Sunday evening.  That is over 150 straight weeks.

On year two I read a book a week and wrote a review of each book.  By sharing these with you, it kept me on pace for a record year of learning.  They say the best way to learn is to teach – and I hope with what I have shared over the years has helped you learn something as well.

Why do I write The Propeller?  I enjoy it.  I enjoy sharing the things that I have learned and wished I would have learned more earlier in life (The old adage, “I wish I could go back in time with what I know now”).

This has been a passion project as I don’t make money doing this (Although there are some ads that if you click on them and make a purchase, I might make a small amount).  Many of the items I wrote about were random, but i love learning and sharing random things.

It’s the end of an every Sunday issue of The Propeller, but not the end of you hearing from me.  The emails will be sporadic, but more focused on content that I love, and hope you do as well.

I’d also love to spend time focusing on experiences and meeting people in person.  If we know each other I haven’t seen you in a while, let’s connect up.  If I have never met you in person, drop me an email and let’s connect – wherever you might be.  I’m up for an adventure!

I listened to a fascinating interview between Ryan Holiday and Mark Manson the other day.
 

In case you don’t know them: 
 

Ryan’s a NYT bestselling author who’s written 15+ books and founded the Daily Stoic.

Mark wrote The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, which sold 15 million+ copies and co-authored Will Smith’s memoir.

Anyways, The topic of the conversation was what it actually takes to become successful and how it’s often pretty counterintuitive, but which I agree with 100%.

At one point, Ryan mentioned something former U.S. President Lyndon Johnson once said about himself; specifically, LBJ described himself as having a “killer instinct” but needing to keep it controlled.  He said something like:  “You’ve got to have it but keep it on a leash.”

I’ve been reflecting on that idea ever since; because success absolutely requires having ambition, drive, and competitive fire.

The hunger to build something meaningful.

The relentless push to keep going when things get hard.

And the refusal to settle for anything mediocre.

That’s what a killer instinct means to me in the context of entrepreneurship.

But without a system to channel it productively, that same drive can become self-destructive.

You end up scattered… chasing every new tactic… burning out on busy work that doesn’t move the needle…

And sacrificing the important for the urgent.

The leash is what separates controlled ambition from total chaos.

Most entrepreneurs I talk to have the killer instinct.

They’ve got the ambition to build something meaningful and the drive to succeed.

But without a system to channel that energy; they end up working on 47 different things at once.

None of which are actually moving them toward their goals.

That is why my resolution for 2026 is to Do Less, Better.  I hope this focus acts as the “leash” for my ambition and channels my energy toward what actually matters while keeping me focused on high-leverage activities instead of letting my drive pull me in every direction.

Have less shiny object syndrome.
More focus.
Less building new stuff.
More optimization.
Less time spent working.
More impact.
Less overwhelm.
More joy.

As I look to 2026, I’m doubling down on that mindset.
 

Focused Excellence

This year isn’t about expansion for expansion’s sake. It’s about refinement. Taking what works and making it exceptional. Investing energy only in the things that matter; the projects that move the needle, the habits that build a better version of me, the work that aligns with what I actually want.

Streamlined Efforts

Complexity is easy. Simplicity is an art.

2026 is the year I build fewer things, but build them with intentionality. I want systems that make my life easier, not fuller. Workflows that reduce friction. Creative routines that feel light instead of heavy.  The use of AI will help me build and refind these routines and systems.

The Joy of Doing Less, Better

At the heart of it all is this quiet truth:  Less is more.

More space to think.
More energy for what truly matters.
More clarity.
More time to breathe, to enjoy, to be.

I don’t need to overwhelm my calendar to feel purposeful. I don’t need a dozen new projects to feel creative. I don’t need to constantly chase the next thing to feel alive.

I just need to do the right things, with care, depth, and intention.

Here’s to a 2026 built on focused excellence, streamlined efforts, and the joy of doing less, better for each and every one of you!

Happy New Year!