Hey folks!

Chandler and I are doing our quarterly offsite literally right now so gonna make this quick - but a quick observation - all three of these seem to be about gaining perspective or context in the midst of a busy or chaotic state. Might be a theme this week. A couple things on my mind...

1. More Positive Take On the Future: I really enjoyed Chris Williamson's interview with David Friedberg this past week where they talk through the current technologies in front of us and how they could potentially lead to human thriving. It's an enjoyable listen, I learned some stuff, and I think it's a nice counterbalance to the more dire forecasts of the future I'm also listening to right now. (e.g. Sam Harris and Tristan Harris) As the chairman of the board of my first startup used to say "the truth is always somewhere in between."

2. Perspective Playlist: I keep a playlist called "perspective" in my Spotify that has songs that I can play at any moment and it stirs my heart and reminds me of what really matters. Some of the songs are from movies I've seen, specific memories, or just solid songs. I've found when I need to get into my heart - like when I'm writing or going into a high stakes meeting, I can turn it on and it helps me get out of my head and into a place of rootedness. I'd recommend the practice, and please don't judge me for the playlist.

3. Quarterly Offsite: I mean, it's definitely on my mind as we're doing it as soon as I hit send. Chandler and I for years did some sort of weekly meeting and tried to get away for perspective once a year, but everything changed when we started getting away quarterly. There is something about a quick half day "helicopter" up where you look at your life for a moment, look at your goals, and make big adjustments or solve big problems as you're entering the next season of the year. It has unlocked so much more traction in our life, and overall has helped us actually HIT our annual goals.

I think that's it for this week!

Best,

Blake

P.S. If you haven't done a quarterly offsite yet, Chandler and I recorded a video guide you and your spouse can watch together and follow the exercises. Click here for a little gift for newsletter folks.​