The Bulletproof Blueprint: 💼📈💪🧠💡🚀

Meet Jordan Peterson, the man who made philosophy go viral and transformed how we think about meaning and mental health. His lectures pull in views like Netflix shows, and people line up to talk to him for hours. Even his critics can’t deny that his ideas change lives. But Peterson’s biggest breakthrough wasn’t an abstract theory—it came from an observation in his own clinical practice.

Peterson found that the patients who recovered the fastest weren’t the ones getting the most therapy or medication. They had something deeper: a mission, a purpose beyond themselves. Depression, he realized, isn’t just about brain chemistry. It’s often rooted in a lack of meaning. With this understanding, Peterson created a 6-step protocol that anyone can use to build a life centered on purpose, confidence, and growth.

Step 1: The Lobster Principle 🦞

Stand up straight. Pull your shoulders back. It sounds almost trivial, but this simple physical adjustment can change your life. Like lobsters that assert their space, our posture affects our brain chemistry. When we stand tall, we feel powerful—and when we feel powerful, we act powerful. Peterson found that embodying confidence doesn’t just reflect our mental state; it actually shapes it, rewiring neural pathways to build resilience. But this physical shift is only the foundation; to maintain it, you need to embrace self-care.

Step 2: The Self-Care Paradox 🧘‍♂️

Think about how a dog owner treats their pet—never missing walks, meals, or signs of illness. Now, consider how most of us treat ourselves. Peterson noticed that we often prioritize others’ well-being over our own, leading to burnout and imbalance. His advice? Treat yourself like someone you’re responsible for helping. If a friend came to you with your current struggles, what advice would you give them? Now, act on that advice for yourself.

Step 3: The Progress Protocol 📊

In a world flooded by social media, comparison is constant, and it’s easy to feel left behind. Peterson’s remedy? Shift your focus from others to yourself. Stop competing with the world and start competing with your past self. Track only two points: who you were yesterday and who you are today. This small shift changes anxiety into growth, allowing you to focus on meaningful progress. But growth requires a stable environment, so start with your surroundings.

Step 4: The Order Algorithm 🛏️

“Clean your room” became one of Peterson’s most iconic phrases because it’s simple yet powerful. Before trying to change the world, bring order to your immediate environment. Tidy up your space, organize your schedule, and honor your commitments. Peterson observed that people who create order in their own lives build the capacity to create order on a larger scale. This discipline will prepare you for the next step—facing the unknown.

Step 5: The Courage Equation 🏆

True growth, Peterson believes, happens at the boundary between order and adventure. To keep advancing, you need courage—facing one fear each day. Whether it’s a new challenge, a tough conversation, or a calculated risk, each step outside your comfort zone rewires your brain for resilience. By gradually expanding your comfort zone, you build the mental strength to take on life’s bigger challenges.

Step 6: The Story Solution 📖✨

Your life isn’t just happening to you; it’s a story you’re telling yourself and others. Peterson discovered that sharing your journey—articulating both struggles and triumphs—turns random events into purpose and suffering into wisdom. In the digital age, your story has the power to reach and inspire millions. Every lesson learned and insight gained becomes valuable content that resonates with others.

Use AI for better outcomes. How? I read a tweet and I wondered why people only focus on problems. Problems are goldmines of opportunity especially if you have a sparring buddy for brain storming. Here is the tweet that got me thinking ⬇️.

I fed GPT the contents of the above, and then asked it for the following:

What is the ideal prompt to query & to come up with the best business output based on the included data and stats about Canada, use the persona of an entrepreneur.

This is the Output Prompt in quotes ⬇️. (You can try this all day with different problem sets and personas and then use various LLMs to dig deep into niches and sectors).

**"As an entrepreneur looking to identify high-growth business opportunities in Canada, given the country’s economic landscape with housing prices similar to New York (average $450K USD), wages comparable to Mississippi (average $39,500 USD/year), a real GDP per capita on par with Alabama ($47K USD), and tax rates higher than all 50 U.S. states, suggest business ideas that:

1. Address high housing costs and moderate wages: Opportunities that improve affordability, financial resilience, or income diversification.

2. Leverage Canada’s demand for sustainable solutions: Ideas that align with Canada's climate, environmental priorities, and community needs.

3. Benefit from the unique demographics: Ideas that serve Canada's aging population, diverse communities, or the significant remote and rural workforce.

4. Align with rising demand for digital transformation and automation: Solutions that reduce costs, improve efficiency, or enhance accessibility.

5. Include underserved markets: Niche opportunities that aren’t well-covered by large industries but have strong growth potential in Canadian communities.

6. Take advantage of Canada’s growing freelance and small business sector: Solutions that support freelancers, small businesses, and self-employed individuals, especially in regulatory, tax, and financial management.

Focus on practical ideas that can achieve rapid growth, scalability, and recurring revenue in Canada’s inflationary environment and economic conditions."**

Any one can be the SME in any field if you have the desire to change your outcomes.

Owning Your Rights: Lessons from Michael Jackson and the Fight for Creative Control

In the mid-1980s, Michael Jackson made a move that shook the music industry to its core. He bought the rights to the Beatles' catalog, a collection of songs that defined a generation, and through this acquisition, he did more than secure a brilliant investment. Jackson’s decision spotlighted a profound insight that was still unfolding in the industry: the true value for any artist lies in owning their work. I didn’t know this before I came across this thread

For years, artists like the Beatles hadn’t fully controlled the rights to their songs. Contracts and deals made at the start of their careers left rights ownership in the hands of publishers and labels. When Jackson acquired these rights, he sparked a shift in the industry—an awakening to the immense worth of intellectual property (IP) and a race among artists to reclaim their creative output.

Today, that same lesson resonates for creators in the internet economy. In a world of walled gardens—platforms that provide distribution but retain control over content—ownership is again at stake. Social media platforms, streaming services, and content hubs are often essential to reaching an audience, but the price of entry can be creative dependency and a loss of control. Just as musicians before Jackson’s era signed away rights to gain distribution and reach, today’s creators face the risk of platform lock-in, where their content exists behind gates they don’t control.

The Insight that Shaped Music—and Now Shapes the Digital World

Michael Jackson’s move brought two things into focus for artists:

1. IP as a Long-Term Asset: By owning the rights to songs, Jackson not only secured royalties but also gained leverage in an industry where ownership of art equates to lasting influence and financial security.

2. The Value of Creative Independence: Control over one’s art provides freedom to make decisions based on creative and financial priorities, not contractual limitations.

In the digital age, these insights are crucial for creators. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify have made it easier than ever to publish work and build an audience, but creators who rely solely on these spaces face limitations: they’re at the mercy of algorithms, policy changes, and monetization rules they don’t control.

Avoiding Platform Lock-In: Using Distribution Without Losing Control

For creators, the challenge is to take advantage of the massive reach these platforms offer without losing ownership of their work. Here’s how creators can learn from Jackson’s insight and thrive:

1. Build a Home Base: Create a website or a mailing list where you can engage with your audience directly. This space is yours, free from platform algorithms or restrictions, and it allows you to control how your content is presented and accessed.

2. Use Platforms Strategically: Platforms are invaluable for distribution, but approach them as marketing channels rather than the ultimate destination for your content. Let social media and other walled gardens bring new eyes to your work, then direct those followers back to a place you control.

3. Retain Ownership and Rights: Whenever possible, avoid contracts or terms that transfer ownership of your work. Instead, look for licensing or distribution deals where you retain rights and can take your content elsewhere if needed.

4. Diversify Revenue Streams: Artists with ownership rights to their work can license it, use it across multiple platforms, and generate various income streams. Think beyond platform-specific revenue, exploring options like direct fan support (e.g., Patreon), merchandise, or licensing your content independently.

How Creators Can Reclaim Control in the Internet Economy

Much like Jackson’s ownership of the Beatles’ catalog revolutionized music, creators today have an opportunity to transform their careers by taking control of their content. Platform dependency can feel like a quick win, but ownership is a lasting investment in your creative future. By embracing a mindset of independence—using platforms for reach but retaining control over the heart of their work—today’s creators can ensure they’re building sustainable careers on their terms.

As we navigate the digital world, Jackson’s insight is more relevant than ever: true value lies not in who distributes your work, but in who owns it.

In the world of small and medium businesses (SMBs), there’s a universal truth: most business owners don’t know what they don’t know. They’re passionate, resilient, and driven, but they often struggle to recognize the gaps holding them back from true growth. They want to adapt, compete, and stay relevant—but too often, they take shortcuts or miss key insights that could accelerate their progress.

Consider these three common tendencies in SMBs:

1. DIY Approach to Software: Many SMB owners believe building or buying standalone software is a shortcut to progress. While customized tools can be beneficial, the approach often lacks the sophistication and integration that businesses need, leaving owners with fragmented systems.

2. Trend-Chasing Without ROI Understanding: Every new trend, from AI to blockchain, promises to be a game-changer. But without a clear understanding of its ROI, many SMBs jump headlong into costly tech without the strategic insight to leverage it fully.

3. Lack of a Unified Data Source: Businesses generate data daily but rarely have a single source of truth to streamline operations, gain insights, or forecast growth accurately. Most SMBs run on disconnected spreadsheets, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

The Opportunity: A New Era for SMB Data Transformation

For SMBs, the biggest need is simple, effective solutions that transform raw data into actionable insights—preferably through tools they already understand and use. This is where the next big opportunity for indie hackers, freelancers, and enterprising entrepreneurs lies: turning spreadsheets into mobile apps.

Imagine a platform that automates data collection, visualization, and analysis by converting SMB spreadsheets into robust, mobile-friendly applications. Such a tool could be a lifeline for small businesses, offering them simplicity, accessibility, and value without the need for costly software development. Charge per publish or offer subscription-based models to make this solution scalable and accessible for all types of SMBs.

If you're an entrepreneur looking to break into the market, consider starting with platforms like GlideApps and Google Apps Script to understand the basics. Then, use AI to help create foundational tools that convert data into structured, user-friendly applications. Over time, you could even develop your no-code or low-code app, letting businesses automate this process in real-time. With a weekend of focused effort, you could develop the knowledge and tools to start building this solution.

SMBs by the Numbers: A Global Market Insight

Small and medium businesses are the backbone of the global economy. Here’s a snapshot of their presence across the continents:

• North America: Over 30 million SMBs

• Europe: Nearly 25 million SMBs

• Asia-Pacific: More than 40 million SMBs

• Africa: Approximately 9 million SMBs

• South America: Around 12 million SMBs

These figures highlight a massive market—and an evolving one. Many SMB owners are nearing retirement age, making succession planning and data continuity more critical than ever. By capturing and transforming their data into streamlined, accessible formats, new generations of entrepreneurs can ensure business continuity and growth.

Seize the Moment for SMB Transformation

This isn’t just a viable business idea; it’s a scalable one that fills a crucial gap in the SMB ecosystem. If you’re looking for a scalable, profitable venture, this simple yet powerful concept may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. While not flashy, it’s grounded in real SMB needs and offers entrepreneurs a sustainable pathway to monetization.

Recognizing and Navigating a Plateau in Inspiration

In the life of an entrepreneur, few things are more exhilarating than the rush of discovery—the spark of a new idea, the potential of an emerging market, the thrill of investing in something fresh and promising. But what happens when that excitement dulls, when even the most compelling ideas feel baseline and uninspiring? This phenomenon, which to me feels like idea burnout, is a real challenge, especially for individuals driven by a passion for learning, self-improvement, and growth.

What Is Idea Burnout?

Idea burnout goes beyond simple fatigue; it’s the numbing of curiosity and the fading thrill of discovery. It manifests as a lack of enthusiasm toward new ideas, a reluctance to deploy investment dollars into anything that doesn’t seem transformational, and a general disinterest in the creative processes that once felt second nature. It’s the feeling that everything seems like a slightly improved version of something else, without that revolutionary spark.

A Personal Reflection: Navigating Burnout in a Chaotic Year

In a busy and chaotic year like 2024, where time is stretched thin, idea burnout can become particularly acute. After a summer filled with relentless demands, there were only two angel investments that felt worth pursuing—a number that, in a different year, would have seemed shockingly low. For someone used to feeling energized by learning and exploring new ideas, this shift can be unsettling.

How Do You Reignite the Spark?

While idea burnout might feel like an entrepreneurial dead-end, it can also be a turning point. Sometimes, stepping back from the relentless pursuit of novelty and reconnecting with timeless principles can reignite that spark. This year, that meant rediscovering the genius of those who paved the way through a quieter, focused engagement with the Acquired podcast. Diving into the legacies of industry giants, revisiting pivotal business decisions, and hearing the stories of early innovators has a grounding effect, reminding us that breakthrough ideas often arise from persistent refinement rather than sudden inspiration.

Building a Thesis on Sustainable Innovation in Times of Burnout

Idea burnout, when reframed, is less about the absence of viable ideas and more about a recalibration of our internal barometers for what constitutes a meaningful opportunity. It signals a need to dig deeper, to go beyond the surface appeal of trends, and to seek out innovation that aligns with foundational principles. This recalibration can lead to several shifts in approach:

1. Reconnecting with Foundational Knowledge: By immersing ourselves in stories and lessons from past innovators, we can realign our motivations. This process often reveals the enduring qualities of successful ideas, helping us distinguish between short-lived trends and sustainable, impactful opportunities.

2. Setting a Higher Bar for Novelty and Impact: Burnout can inspire us to refine our criteria for new investments, focusing on truly transformative opportunities rather than minor iterations. This can lead to fewer, more focused investments that yield deeper satisfaction.

3. Embracing Cycles of Rest and Reflection: Recognizing that periods of burnout are natural, we can adopt a more sustainable pace, allowing time for reflection and restoration. This space is essential for creativity to flourish.

4. Building Patience with Incremental Progress: Not all impactful ideas are groundbreaking from the outset. By exploring frameworks like lean startup methodologies, it becomes clear that iterative improvement, while unexciting at first, is often the pathway to sustained innovation and growth.

Looking Ahead: Rediscovering the Joy in Ideas

While idea burnout may feel like a frustrating roadblock, it often leads to a deeper level of discernment and maturity in one’s approach to innovation. Through careful reflection, learning from the past, and setting higher standards for what excites and motivates, entrepreneurs can rekindle their passion for meaningful opportunities.

As entrepreneurs, the excitement might not always be there, but often, that’s okay. Burnout doesn’t mark the end; instead, it signals a pause—a reminder that sometimes, reconnecting with the wisdom of those who came before can reignite the very excitement that seemed lost.

In a world where time is our most precious commodity, one of the smartest ways to "monetize" it is by using it to inspire and elevate ourselves. If you’re grappling with idea burnout or the feeling that new ideas aren’t as exciting, consider that it’s not always about generating ideas but about surrounding yourself with people who can expand your thinking. Seeking out the company of individuals who excel—in business, academia, creative fields, or any area that fuels your curiosity—is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to intentionally surrounding yourself with brilliance to kick-start a new year of growth and learning.

1. The Power of Being the Least Knowledgeable Person in the Room

The value of not being the smartest person in the room lies in the humility and openness it encourages. If you constantly find yourself leading every conversation or offering solutions, it might be time to seek out environments where you’re learning more than teaching. Hubris is the enemy of growth; avoid the trap of self-assuredness by actively placing yourself in situations where others' expertise challenges your thinking.

2. The Social Theory of Proximity to Success

Research consistently shows that proximity to successful individuals drives personal growth and achievement. Known as the social proximity effect, this theory suggests that we naturally absorb knowledge, behaviors, and motivations from those around us. People who achieve extraordinary results tend to operate with mindsets, strategies, and insights that can unlock perspectives we’d never develop alone.

3. Curating Your Circle: How to Identify High-Value Connections

Building a network that expands your worldview requires intentional effort. Here’s how to identify individuals who can elevate your perspective:

• Seek out people in your field or adjacent industries who demonstrate an ability to solve complex problems.

• Reach beyond your comfort zone by connecting with individuals in disciplines you know little about—academics, creatives, or thought leaders who can offer fresh perspectives.

• Leverage mutual connections: Ask friends or colleagues for introductions to those they admire. Social connections can ease the way to more meaningful conversations.

4. Making It Happen: Practical Ways to Connect and Spend Time with Brilliant Minds

A. Virtual and In-Person Meetups

• Attend Industry Conferences and Seminars: Look for gatherings in your field or interdisciplinary events where you can meet and learn from industry leaders.

• Virtual Coffee Chats: Use LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social platforms to reach out for virtual coffee chats. Most people are open to sharing insights in a quick, casual conversation if approached thoughtfully.

B. Find or Create Mastermind Groups

• Mastermind Groups: These groups, often made up of peers across industries, are designed for structured, goal-oriented discussions. Platforms like Meetup, Facebook, or local entrepreneurial networks are great places to start.

• Book Clubs and Discussion Forums: Organize or join groups where you can dive into complex topics. Choose themes that push your boundaries—biographies of successful entrepreneurs, technical books, or discussion groups on leadership.

C. Leverage Social Media and Digital Platforms

• LinkedIn and Twitter: Engage with thought leaders by commenting on their posts, sharing their insights, or tagging them in discussions. Thoughtful engagement can lead to deeper connections.

• Online Learning Communities: Sites like Discord, or Slack communities are rich with people eager to share knowledge. Explore niche groups where people in your areas of interest gather to discuss and debate ideas.

5. Building Genuine Relationships and Learning to “Exploit” Their Genius

Once you’ve identified and connected with high-value individuals, focus on cultivating genuine relationships:

• Ask Good Questions: To unlock insights, ask questions that allow people to share their journey, process, and advice.

• Offer Value in Return: A relationship should never be one-sided. Offer your expertise, provide introductions, or share relevant resources. A mutually beneficial connection is far more likely to endure.

• Observe and Emulate: Study the way successful individuals approach problems, structure their day, or make decisions. Emulating these behaviors can lead to significant personal growth.

6. Monetizing Your Time: Actionable Plan for the New Year

1. Audit Your Social Circles: List the five people with whom you spend the most time and assess whether they inspire growth.

2. Set Monthly Goals for New Connections: Commit to connecting with at least one new person per month who aligns with your growth goals.

3. Join or Create a Mastermind Group: Schedule monthly sessions to discuss goals, challenges, and learning opportunities.

4. Incorporate a Weekly “Inspiration Hour”: Dedicate one hour weekly to watching, reading, or engaging with content from thought leaders in a field you aspire to learn more about.

Elevate by Staying Humble

The journey of learning from others begins with humility. Enter every conversation with the mindset of a student, eager to learn and open to correction. Hubris stifles growth; humility invites wisdom. In the coming year, give yourself the gift of intentional time with those who inspire you, challenge you, and push you to be better.

As you deliberately place yourself in rooms where you’re not the smartest, you’ll find that the investment in others’ knowledge and experiences becomes an investment in yourself. Monetize your time by inspiring yourself through others—and watch as it pays dividends in your life and work.

"Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future." – Dan Pena

If you service low-leverage tasks, you sacrifice energy from higher-leverage activities.

It’s a zero sum game.

Turn off your phone, when working on core things.

Bonus! Thought of the week

"You are only as big as what you love and as small as what you allow to bother you" is a powerful reminder of focus and resilience. In the fast-paced world of business, distractions and frustrations come at every turn, but letting minor setbacks or criticisms chip away at your energy is like giving away your focus to the lowest bidder. Successful entrepreneurs know that their real power lies in staying anchored to what drives them and not letting trivialities derail their purpose. This mindset isn't just about maintaining happiness; it’s about preserving the clarity and determination needed to build something great.

Fun Fact: In 177 AD, Emperor Marcus Aurelius made his son Commodus co-emperor, marking the first time a Roman emperor shared power with his biological son. This co-reign continued until Marcus Aurelius's death in 180 AD.