Hey Reader,

Heading to summer break, but first—a quick story that might save you time.

Since December 2023, I've been collecting every business idea that sparked some interest (thanks to a podcast tip).

Having great ideas isn't the problem. Picking the right ones is.

I looked back at my Notion database of ideas and asked myself: "How do I know which one to choose?" Here's the framework I would tell a friend:

Step 1: Know yourself...really well

You are uniquely good at something. But are you crystal clear on what exactly?

Here's a simple exercise that I did:

The Three Lists Method:

• List 1: Times someone said you did something great
• List 2: Moments you felt genuinely proud of your work
• List 3: Write "I'm uniquely good at..."

For me? "Fast learner who thrives in ambiguity."

Pro tip: Feed these three lists to your favorite AI. The results are surprisingly accurate.

Bonus: Knowing what you're NOT good at is equally valuable. It tells you exactly what kind of help you need (mentor, advisor, co-founder, etc.).

Step 2: Write a 5Y/10Y vision… on paper

Get specific. Not just "I want to be successful"—that's useless.

Try this template: "In 5 years, my life will be fulfilled if..."

Then cover every angle: Personal, business, financial, spiritual, family. Write it by hand (no screens). There's something about pen on paper that makes it stick.

I read mine every quarter. Netflix usage down 90%. Intentionality up 900%.

It also serves as a reminder of "when enough is enough."

Step 3: Optimize for long-term vision and/or short-term learnings

Now the filtering process:

Rule 1: If it doesn't align with your 5-year vision, kill it. No exceptions. Yes, even if it's shiny.

(I could become a professional speaker—fun, aligned with my skills—but not aligned with my vision. Gone.)

Rule 2: Make ONE exception for short-term learning opportunities. Pick projects that teach you critical skills, even if they're not perfectly aligned.

My current bets:

• International expansion project → Learning enterprise sales, partnerships
• Podcast launch → Learning video, storytelling, networking

Building update

I'm bootstrapping with AI. Two weeks in:

• Automated market research (weekly reports every Monday)
• Built an AI agent using Claude Code for $20/month

The effort-to-outcome ratio is incredible. Full breakdown coming soon.

One fascinating discovery: launching a podcast has a disproportionate ratio between what people see/hear and the actual preparation required. I'm capturing all the steps, tools, and gear to share back in a few weeks.

What I'm reading

Articles:

• ​The Audience Shortcut: How the Right People Paying Attention Changes Everything by Nathan Barry → Just serve and find people that amplify
• ​A coherent non-US cloud strategy​
• ​AI Agent ROI Scenario Framework​
• ​How to Make Your AI Agent Irreplaceable​

Books:

• How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk
• Poor Charlie's Almanack
• The Sovereignty of God

P.S. I hope this simple framework helps someone! Even if you only do steps 1 & 2, you'll be better off.