This page captures the intentions that guide how I make decisions over long periods of time. These are not short-term goals. They are directional commitments that help me decide what kind of life to build, what to move toward, who to work with, and how to spend my time.
If ethos is about how I try to behave, intentions are more about the direction I am trying to travel. This page provides some of the deeper logic behind many of my choices.
Explain the Why Clearly
I want to explain the reasons behind my work clearly enough that others can contribute effectively.
To do that, I need to understand my own reasoning early, write it in a way others can reference, remain available for questions, and show how the work relates in value and priority to other efforts.
Be Precise When Criticizing
When I criticize something, I want to be specific, concise, and concrete about what is wrong and why.
I do not want to make broad, tribal, or emotionally lazy statements when a precise explanation would be more truthful and useful.
For example, I want to say that I disagree with a specific bill because I believe it will harm a particular group of people or create unintended consequences, rather than making a sweeping statement about an entire party or group.
Complain Rarely and Constructively
Identified: 2003/03/21
I do not want to spend excessive energy repeating that something is bad without helping improve it.
If I notice a problem, I want to either help address it, state it clearly once, or let it go. Repeated complaining affects other people and weakens my own sense of agency.
I first learned this in high school, when I complained too much about worn-out equipment instead of helping improve the situation. Other people eventually called me out on it, and they were right.
Respond to People Without Frustration
Identified: 2022/03/29
I want to respond to people in ways that are useful rather than reactive.
When I feel frustrated, I want to understand what triggered it, whether it reflects an old pattern, and how I can turn the situation toward a better outcome.
Keep Caffeine Intake Low
Identified: 2022/03/30
I want my energy, clarity, and mood to come primarily from sleep, health, and habits rather than stimulant dependence.
I want to keep caffeine intake low enough that I am not reliant on it to feel normal or perform well.
Gradually reducing caffeine intake over several weeks instead of quitting abruptly can reduce withdrawal severity. In many cases, symptoms improve significantly within one to two weeks as the brain adjusts.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/stimulants/caffeine/
Know When to Cut My Losses
Identified: 2022/03/23
In relationships, ventures, and commitments, I want to recognize when continuing is being driven by sunk cost rather than sound judgment.
I want to step back, assess the options available now and in the future, and choose based on what is best from this point forward.
Trust My Judgment Enough to Show It
Identified: 2022/05/18
My judgment has often been right long before I allowed myself to trust it.
I want to believe in my own pattern recognition enough to speak clearly, act earlier, and not withhold useful insight from others.
Work Without Being Overwhelmed by the List
Identified: 2022/03/21
I want to relate to my workload in a way that allows steady action instead of paralysis.
Even when the list is long, I want to break it into motion, build systems that reduce future burden, and keep moving without being intimidated by the total scope.
Leave Things Better Than I Found Them
Identified: 2022/07/11
I want to leave places, systems, relationships, and moments slightly better than they were before I touched them.
If improvement is within reach and not an outsized burden, I want to make it.
I learned this early from Mr. Bierenbaum in junior high shop class: always leave the space a bit better than you found it. That principle applies broadly to nearly everything.
Make Helpful Connections Between People
Identified: 2022/07/11
I know many people who could help one another.
When I see a meaningful connection, I want to make it. A thoughtful introduction is low-cost for me and can create substantial value for others.
When I do this well, I should explain who each person is to me and why I think they should know each other.
Face Overwhelming Work with Calm and Optimism
Identified: 2022/03/29
I want to face impossible-looking workloads with steadiness rather than panic.
Even when I am behind, under pressure, and unable to finish everything, I want to meet the situation with clarity, effort, and a constructive attitude.
I wrote this during a particularly intense deadline while moving from MoPub to AppLovin. The task looked larger than the available time, and the consequences felt immediate and severe. I want to remember that even in those moments, I can still respond well.
Speak Clearly and With Conviction
Identified: 2022/04/13
When I know something, I want to say it clearly and directly.
When I do not know, I want to avoid presenting uncertainty as confidence.
I do not want to spread half-formed stories, weak framing, or unexamined claims.
Do Not Use “Busy” as a Substitute for Meaning
Identified: 2021/11/30
“Busy” usually says very little.
I want to describe what I am actually doing and why it matters. That is more honest, more interesting, and more likely to create connection than using busyness as a generic shield.
When I say only that I am busy, I often hide a potentially meaningful story and miss an opportunity to share something useful or inspiring.
Notice and Enjoy Life Along the Way
Identified: 2022/03/21
Life is not only about reaching the endpoint.
I want to notice, enjoy, and fully experience the sweetness of ordinary life while I am living it.
If I reach the end but miss the beauty along the way, I will have missed much of the point.
Cultivate Natural Energy and Elevation
Identified: 2022/03/07
I want to feel naturally energized, clear, and alive without depending on caffeine, pressure, or artificial peaks.
I want that sense of readiness and enthusiasm to come from health, rest, alignment, and the way I live.