Energy and Asking

Hey there,

This week we're talking energy and asking: two things you'll need to manage every day.

↩ Looking Back

The past few weeks, I've been spinning a lot of plates and moving in too many directions at once.

It reminded me of one of my favorite illustrations from Greg McKeown's fantastic book Essentialism.

Each of us has a limited amount of energy. Some might have a bit more than others, but for each of us, it's relatively consistent day to day. The real difference comes in how we spend it.

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Are we chasing every squirrel like a distracted dog, or are we directing that energy toward something that actually moves us forward?

The amount of energy for each of these circles is the same—the difference is the consistency of direction.

Where do you need to focus your energy this week to make real progress?

↑ Looking Up

James, the brother of Jesus, has a universally applicable teaching:

You have not because you ask not. I think James learned that directly from his big brother.

In the majority of situations of Jesus' ministry, he doesn't do a miracle until someone asks. He often asks people, "What do you want me to do for you?"

Sometimes it seems kind of obvious. Excuse me, Jesus, that guy is blind. I think you know what he needs.

But Jesus is teaching people to ask for what they need.

I used to get frustrated when people would ask me for favors I felt like were too big or too inconvenient. My wise wife gently reminded me, "They have the freedom to ask, and you have the freedom so say no."

Freedom to ask. Freedom to say no.

Which of those freedoms do you need to exercise this week?

↪ Looking Forward

If you focused your energy and said yes and no to the right things, what might change?

What opportunities are you missing because you're saying yes to the wrong things and running out of fuel before you get to what matters?

What are you losing because you're saying no to the wrong things (like screen-free time with people you love) so you can say yes to whatever nonsense the algorithm just served you?

This week, ask boldly. Say no kindly. Focus regularly.

Looking For a Laugh

Man, Jesus, I was really hoping you weren't gonna say that guy.

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🔧 One Useful Thing

About six weeks ago, our family stepped into the third dimension: we bought our first 3D printer.

I expected it to be fun. I didn't expect it to unlock this much creativity (Our daughter designed and printed her first 3D design yesterday—so cool).

Today's the last day of Bambu Lab's anniversary sale. They're aiming to be the Apple of 3D printing by making the kind of product that "just works." We got the entry-level A1 Mini. It costs about the same as a decent 2D laser printer… but way more fun than that dusty HP in your office. The third dimension adds a whole new layer of possibilities.

If you've been curious, this might be a great moment to jump in.

Hit reply if you want tips or need help deciding.

Wrapping Up

What one thing are you going to do this week to direct your energy in the way you want to go? Reply and let me know.

Here’s to pursuing the useful life together—with energy in a focused direction, the freedom to ask, and the freedom to say no,