🌱 Small things HUGE impact (and 2024 tracker template)

Greetings from Austin,

We’ve switched to a new email tool (can check out all past issues here).

If you’ve been around here a while, you know this newsletter is all about simple, actionable steps you can actually use. 

It’s about making connections to yourself (systems, mental models, psychology) and the world around you (human behavior, business, people). 

My brain always needs REAL examples for a concept to click. So, that’s exactly what this newsletter provides.

Each issue is digestible in 3 minutes or less. (Let’s be real, you’re busy AF.)

Let’s dive in. 

Wait.

So we’re now calling this newsletter “Making Connections.”

Okay, let’s boogie.

📈 3% Sexy

I’ll admit it. 

Sometimes (read: often) I get bogged down with how to be new and original.

But a MUCH better approach is to aim for just “3% sexy” instead.

As Todd McFarlane (filmmaker and entrepreneur) describes it:

Mobile phones were around before Steve Jobs came with the iPhone. What was his 3% sexy? Glass buttons instead of plastic ones.  (See clip here from Tim Ferriss podcast)

Legendary designer Virgil Abloh had a similar “3% rule” which he would create something new by ONLY changing a process, product, or perspective by 3%. 

Consistent, small improvements over time transform into huge improvements. (who would’ve thought?!)

🪴 2024 Tracker

A month ago, I spent hours trying to find the best Notion tracker for 2024. 

But all the videos and examples were wayyyy too complicated. I wanted something SIMPLE. 

So I made this one. 

It tracks 5 small things I want to do consistently to keep me aligned.

Simple guardrails for when I inevitably will get busy or off-track.

I also made this quick breakdown for you to set up your own.

In years past, I’ve done monthly or annually, but found the weekly system works best for me. Keeps it flexible to change as new priorities or habits may come up.

You can grab a copy of the template here to use for yourself.

🎉 Small Things, Big Impact

Here are a few small things that have made my life way better: 

☕ Wait 60 mins for caffeine
🥚 Crack eggs on a flat surface
🎁 Never show up empty-handed
✅ Define outcomes: good vs great
😃 Go first: open the door, smile, intro
🔋 Long phone charger + travel charger
🧳 Travel bags (& packing cubes) the "2-day rule"
🗣️ Tell people right when you think of them. Shoot a text, don't wait.

Or here is video if you prefer

Salud,
Mitchell

Ps. Ever laugh without smiling?