I turn 40 today. I'm excited about:

“I’ve gotta fuckin do it.” Tossing and turning all night, I couldn’t sleep. (I wish it was because I was thinking about 🎅.)

But what was keeping me up a week ago was NOT thinking about Santa and reindeer coming.

(I’ll share below.)

But first—

Today I turn 40.

Birthdays tend to prompt people to reflect back on their year.

Even more so for a birthday at the end of a calendar year, when people generally think of New Year's resolutions.

Plus, it's another decade for me. Big one.

My first 4 decades have been quite varied.

I've lived in 14 homes across 6 states.

I've worked for many employers in many roles (investment associate, project manager, software engineer / manager, etc) across many industries.

I've run multiple businesses.

I simultaneously feel proud about what I've experienced and the people I've met…

And also disappointed that I haven't accomplished more or achieved more momentum.

The widespread experiences make me who I am.

But I expected by now I'd have built something lasting.

The moment of clarity I had while tossing and turning was my decision about my focus for 2024:

🟢 I got laid off this month, but I don’t want to interview for a new job.

🟢 Instead, I want to focus on building a following. I regret not prioritizing it years ago.

🟢 I’ll be writing a twice-weekly newsletter. 104 issues in 2024.

🟢 I’ll publish posts like this on LinkedIn to grow the newsletter.

🟢 I don't have much more of a plan.

That's right.

I'm likely insane.

Foregoing good stable income to try yet another profession.

I just know:

Investing in oneself is the best kind of investment.

Learning how to DESERVE people's attention will be valuable no matter what.

As I attract more subscribers, the attention and momentum will compound.

Having massive distribution will bring opportunity.

I will OWN my results.

Farmers get rewarded for patiently planting seeds. 🌱

I've been massively inspired by John Lee Dumas and Kate Erickson Dumas (see their book), Daniel Vassallo and Louie Bacaj of Small Bets, Justin Welsh, Dan Koe, Elle Griffin (

The Elysian

), and others.

Writing this post makes me more nervous than it should, given that practically nobody will read it.

But honestly it's scary to be jumping into the unfamiliar.

To be a beginner yet again.

In the coming days, I'll be sharing more of my reasoning for this decision, plus my plan about what to study, what to test, what to help people with, and how to gain traction.

If you're curious to follow along, I recommend both ways:

► Subscribe at WorkLessProfitMore.com

► Click the bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile to get notified about posts.

It's gonna be a wild ride!