My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
CEO of Your Life
Thinking of yourself as the chief executive of your personal life, with the authority and responsibility to make strategic decisions about how you spend your time and energy.
Decision Rule
Before committing time to anything, ask: 'Does this align with my life strategy and priorities, or am I just reacting to someone else's urgent request?'
How It Works
Shifts mindset from victim of circumstances to active designer of experience. Creates accountability for your choices and empowers you to prioritize based on your values rather than external pressures.
Failure Modes
Over-controlling and missing spontaneous opportunities
Becoming selfish and not considering others' needs
Analysis paralysis from trying to optimize every decision
Guilt about saying no to people or opportunities
Example Decision
“When invited to a work conference that conflicts with your child's soccer championship, the CEO of your life asks: 'What does my life strategy say about this tradeoff?' and chooses the soccer game because family time is a higher priority.”
Related Knowledge
We don't lack time, we lack a system
Time management problems are really system problems that can be solved with better frameworks and processes
Boredom is essential for creativity and development
Constantly stimulating children (and adults) may harm their creative development and problem-solving abilities
Itzler Annual Planning System
A three-step system for intentional year planning: getting light (decluttering), closing out the previous year (reflection and gratitude), and setting one year-defining goal (misogi).
Calendar as Autobiography Framework
Viewing your calendar as your most honest autobiography and highlight reel - what you put energy toward reveals your true priorities and creates the story of your life.
Create mental and physical space for the new year by eliminating clutter and unused commitments
Coming into the new year feeling light, organized, and ready to take action without the weight of accumulated clutter and obligations.
Create a comprehensive review of the past year to identify accomplishments, gaps, and lessons learned
A one-page summary of your year's highlights that makes you feel proud of what you accomplished and clear about what you want to do differently.