Cutting The Noise
The Preparation - Entry #8: Becoming an Entrepreneur
This was the last week of the year and the stretch into New Year’s. Instead of forcing a reset or chasing resolutions, I spent time cutting things out.
There are a lot of things in modern life that feel mandatory but aren’t necessary. Notifications. Background noise. Low-value obligations. I’ve been more deliberate about eliminating the things I feel like I have to do and redirecting that energy toward the things I actually need to do.
That also means making space to do nothing sometimes. Real nothing. No scrolling. No half-watching something with a phone in hand. Just sitting long enough for my mind to slow down. That boredom has been missing, and bringing it back has been more useful than adding any new habit this week.
Preparation Cycle Progress
On the Atlas Foundry side, I’ve released several Growth Guides over the past few weeks. They aren’t motivational pieces or abstract philosophy. They’re built to be used.
I’ve started treating becoming a better father the same way I treat any other skill. You don’t improve by accident. You improve through attention, direction, and reps.
First comes awareness. Noticing where things are working and where they aren’t. Then comes direction. A plan, a framework, or at least a clear target. Finally, repetition. Showing up again and again, even when it’s inconvenient or imperfect.
Each Growth Guide focuses on a specific area: presence, responsibility, tradition, leadership at home. They’re meant to help you train one piece at a time instead of trying to overhaul everything at once. That feels more honest and more sustainable.
Skills, Hobbies, and Life
We’re in Mexico for a few weeks as a family. The trip started slowly after all of us came down with the flu, but we’re past that now.
Today we spent time at the beach walking the shoreline and picking up shells together. No schedule. No rushing. Just being outside and letting the day move at its own pace. Those moments matter are critical for overall wellbeing.
I’ve kept up daily Spanish practice, even if sessions are shorter. I’m also easing back into workouts after being sick. Adjusting intensity, but not skipping entirely. Progress still counts, even if it’s miniscule.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks are about staying steady. Enjoying the trip without overplanning it. Keeping basic habits in place. Continuing to cut noise and focus on what actually matters.
No big declarations. No artificial urgency. Just clear priorities and consistent effort where it counts.
That’s a solid way to start the year.