Book planning

I have written some 2500 blog posts, but the idea of a book is eluding me.

Since "plans are worthless, but planning is everything,"
I am metaphorically throwing a napkin in the Internet trash pile.
Here are some chapter ideas.

Expect them to change and evolve.

Part I: Foundations

Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Age

We’ll explore how civilizations before us grappled with human challenges—like ambition, conflict, and purpose—and learn how that same wisdom can guide us as we juggle digital notifications and never-ending deadlines. By reframing old truths through a contemporary lens, we discover how core human principles endure even in an era of smartphones and machine learning.

The Stoic Mindset and Adversity

Here, we delve into “Amor Fati,” the Stoic call to embrace one’s fate wholeheartedly. Inspired by Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, I examine how we can welcome adversity as a catalyst for growth rather than a source of despair. Through personal stories, we’ll see how Stoic acceptance doesn’t mean resignation but a method to transform obstacles into stepping stones.

Zen in Motion—Active Meditation & Daily Rituals

Not everyone finds serenity by sitting quietly in a temple. Sometimes, clarity emerges in action. Drawing from my “active” meditation practices, we’ll explore how daily rituals, mindful breathing, early-morning journaling, or simply being present in nature anchor the mind in hectic times. Blending Stoic calm with Zen spontaneity, this chapter reveals how subtle shifts in perspective can turn the ordinary into sacred.

Part II: Stoic Leadership: Purpose & Clarity

From Tactical to Strategy: Delegation & Vision

In these pages, I recount how a staff sergeant chastised me for focusing on tactical chores like sweeping wire clippings off a floor instead of strategically leading my team. This anecdote illustrates a more profound leadership truth: the best leaders rise above micromanagement and cultivate a broader vision. By letting go of tasks that don’t require your unique skill set, you have free energy for strategic thinking, guiding people, and creating an environment where everyone can excel.

The 15-Minute Rule: Small, Intentional Steps

This habit was born out of sheer necessity when time felt scattered across too many demands. Every quarter-hour became a checkpoint: “Am I using time wisely, or simply drifting?” In this chapter, I share how this simple tactic fosters alignment between daily routines and long-term goals—whether you’re balancing parenting with a coding sprint or squeezing in a critical meeting during a hectic day. It’s about achieving consistency by mastering the small increments that shape our broader journey.

Micro-Pivots and Mentorship

I lingered too long in purely technical roles, missing out on leadership growth.  Drawing on real-life stories, we’ll see how small shifts in responsibility and viewpoint can drastically accelerate personal development, creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire teams.

Part III: Thriving in High Technology

Staying Human-Centered in an Age of AI

Working in high technology taught me that chasing cutting-edge solutions can overshadow the human core. In this chapter, I describe how humility and empathy should guide innovation. Whether you’re an engineer or an executive, these reflections ensure we don’t lose sight of the people behind each line of code or mechanical part.

Creating Personal Moats: Continuous Learning

As technology changes by the hour, our real edge lies in a mindset of perpetual learning. We’ll cover how learning creates personal “moats” that keep you relevant and inventive. Drawing on my approach of continuous study, I show how staying curious in a hyper-specialized world becomes a form of intellectual self-defense.

The Power of Relationships

Over a career including hundreds of meetups and conferences, I’ve witnessed the difference between shallow, transactional networking and genuine human connection. When your network is built on sincerity rather than quick gains, opportunities often arise in ways no algorithm could predict.

Part IV: Work and Personal Life

The Active Lifestyle

This chapter dives into how regular forest walks, skiing, diving, or a day of sailing fuel creativity, reduce burnout and ground us in the present. 

Coworkers, Family and Friends, and the Art of Compassion

Stoicism is often misunderstood as emotionless. We will meditate on cultivating patience and empathy at the office and home. 

A Philosophy for Modern Era: Reinventing Yourself Over Time

We explore the gentle art of micro-pivots in personal identity, balancing forward momentum with timeless values. By embracing discomfort and uncertainty as catalysts rather than threats, you cultivate an adaptable worldview that thrives across careers, decades, and the ever-shifting demands of life.