What's in store for you:

1. Photo From My Life
2. Life Thought: Focus
3. Financial Thought: Market Corrections & Staying the Course
4. Good Sh*t: Parallel Surf

Photo From My Life:

Life Thought:

Focus: I just got back from vacation, and here’s something that hit me hard: when you strip away distractions, your mind becomes clear. Priorities that were murky before? Suddenly obvious. The things you actually want? Suddenly obvious. It’s like decluttering a room—you can finally see what matters.

But back in the real world, it’s a different game. Running multiple businesses means Slack pings, emails, and a never-ending stream of "urgent" things vying for my attention. My default mode is reaction, not creation. And that’s a problem. Because deep work—the kind that moves the needle—requires long stretches of uninterrupted focus. I haven’t perfected this yet, but I’m actively testing ways to minimize (or outright silence) distractions for significant blocks of time.

Here’s why this matters. Like me, a lot of my friends are balancing ambitious careers while trying to be present for their families, their health, and their relationships. To make that work, wasted time has to be eliminated. It’s not about working more; it’s about working better.

Because here’s the truth: time at your desk does not equal output. If focus can help us get the same—or better—results in less time, then we win. And if I figure out the perfect system, you’ll be the first to hear about it.

Financial Thought:

Market Corrections & Staying the Course:

Let’s be real—trying to predict where the market will be next week, next month, or even next year is a fool’s game. Anyone who says they know is lying. But if you zoom out and take the long view, the trend becomes a lot clearer. The S&P 500 has averaged around 9.8% annual returns since 1926, despite plenty of short-term ups and downs. The 25% gain in 2023 and 23% in 2024? Amazing, but not something we can bank on every year.

This recent market correction is a good reminder that diversification matters. U.S. stocks are down year-to-date, but other areas are holding strong. Bonds are proving their worth again, and European markets are having a solid run—one of the biggest European ETFs is up over 10% this year. In the short term, betting big on one thing might pay off, but over time, spreading risk across different asset classes and regions is what keeps a portfolio steady.

Concentrated portfolios may yield impressive returns in the short term, they often entail heightened risk. Over the long run, diversified portfolios tend to achieve better risk-adjusted returns, smoothing out the performance across various market conditions.​

It’s always tempting to pull money out of the market when things start looking rough. But here’s the real challenge—when do you get back in? Most people who try to time the market end up missing the best rebound days, and that’s where a huge chunk of long-term gains come from. If you’d just stayed invested in the S&P 500 over the past few decades, you’d be sitting on some serious growth.

That’s why market corrections shouldn’t be feared—they should be seen as opportunities. When prices drop, it’s basically a discount on assets. Keep investing through the dips, and over time, you’ll likely come out ahead. Stay consistent, ignore the noise, and let the long game work in your favor.

Market corrections aren’t fun, but they’re part of the game. The key is to zoom out, stay diversified, and stick to a plan. The people who win aren’t the ones trying to perfectly time every move—they’re the ones who stay invested and let time do the heavy lifting.

Good Sh*t:

Parallel Surf: If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf—or take your skills to the next level—do yourself a favor and spend a week at Parallel Surf in The Dominican Republic. I’m not exaggerating when I say I improved more in one week there than in the last 5 years combined.

Here’s why: the instructors are world-class. Every session includes video feedback, so you can actually see what you’re doing right (or wrong) instead of just guessing. The coaching is technical but approachable, and the entire experience is built for progress. But it’s not just about the surfing. They go all in on recovery and performance, too—think ice baths, stretching routines, and fresh fruit waiting for you post-session. The vibe? Laid-back but focused. It’s the perfect balance of fun and progression. Two other perks: they’ve got a surf skate bowl where you can dial in your carves on land, and they’re linked to an international daycare where your kids can explore permaculture, gymnastics, and more all while you're shredding.

If you’re serious about getting better, book a trip. Encuentro Beach, Parallel Surf Shop, one week—that’s all it takes.

You can check it out here.

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