Bitcoin Today Is Where the Internet Was in the 2000s (The Store of Value Revolution)
Welcome back, WeWill readers!
Let's start this one off with a little time travel.
Picture this: It's 1999. You own a successful retail store. Business is good, customers are happy, and this whole "internet" thing seems like some nerdy trend that'll blow over soon enough.
Then, some guy walks into your store talking about "online shopping." He's saying people will buy stuff through their computers instead of coming to your actual store.
You laugh. I mean, come on, who the hell would buy something they can't even touch first? How do you try on clothes through a screen? This internet nonsense will never replace real shopping.
Fast forward to today.
Amazon is worth over a trillion dollars. Those "smart" store owners who embraced this weird new protocol early? They're absolutely crushing it. The ones who dismissed it as just another trend?
Just walk through Schweinfurt's (my hometown's) city center these days, half the shops are empty and the ones still open are barely hanging on.
The internet wasn't just some new tech toy.
It fundamentally changed how humans exchange information and value. The businesses that recognized this early didn't just survive, they completely dominated. The ones that didn't? They're the empty storefronts you walk past every day, wondering what the hell happened.
Here's where this gets uncomfortable:
Bitcoin today is where the internet was in the 1990s.
So let me ask you this:
Do you want to be the store owner who said "fuck it" to the internet?
Look, I've been in the Bitcoin space for over 10 years now. I've heard it all, every concern, every reason why Bitcoin will fail. Some of the most common ones I hear:
"It's too volatile."
"The government will not allow it."
"It's just speculation."
"Real estate is safer."
But the most frequent one, the one that comes up literally every single time I mention Bitcoin?
"Bitcoin has no value."
If you believe this, I totally get it. But before you write Bitcoin off completely, follow me on this one. Let's go back to basics and figure out what "value" actually means when it comes to storing it.
Because here's the thing: to understand whether Bitcoin has value, we first need to understand what makes anything valuable as a store of value in the first place.
The Perfect Store of Value
Here's what I've figured out over the years: there's never been a perfect store of value. If there were, we'd all be storing our money in the exact same thing. Instead, we've been forced to choose multiple half-baked options.
But before we look at what exists today, let's figure out what the perfect store of value would actually look like.
I'd like to invite you to this little mental experiment. If you want to challenge yourself, stop reading and write down what YOU think the characteristics of a perfect store of value should be. If you don't have the time or brain capacity, no prob, let's figure this out together.
Here's what I've concluded:
Fixed Supply
Euros and Dollars can be printed infinitely by central banks. When someone can just create more of something whenever they want, your piece of the pie gets smaller. It's basic math.
I want something that can't be diluted by anyone, ever.
Perfectly Divisible
You can't sell 0.3% of your house when you need quick cash. You're forced into all-or-nothing decisions when you want to access your money.
I want to access any amount I need without selling everything.
Highly Liquid
Gold shops close at 6 pm. Stock markets close on weekends. Real estate? Good luck selling that quickly, you're looking at months of paperwork and hoping someone actually wants your specific property.
I want to sell it right now, at 3 am on Christmas morning, if I have to.
Portable
Try running from a collapsing country with your house in your backpack. History is full of people who needed to flee quickly and lost everything because their wealth was tied up in stuff they couldn't move.
I want my entire savings in my pocket.
No Cost of Carry
Storing €10 million in houses means insurance, property managers, maintenance, taxes, and constant headaches. Scale that up, and you need a whole team just to manage your wealth storage.
Rich people spend enormous amounts of money just to keep their money safe. That's insane.
Whether I have €10 or €10 billion, storage costs should be basically zero.
No Third-Party Risk
Banks can freeze accounts. Governments can seize assets. Tenants can trash your property. Every time someone else controls your money, you're not really wealthy; you're just trusting them to keep their promise.
I want something that's mine and mine alone.
Globally Accessible
Your Swiss bank account doesn't help when you're broke in Bangkok. Your real estate empire is useless when you're stuck somewhere needing quick cash.
I want access to my money from literally anywhere with an internet connection.
Verifiable
Real gold or fake gold? Most people couldn't tell the difference without expensive equipment.
I want to verify what I own instantly, without guessing or hoping.
Equal Treatment
Try getting the same investment deals as Elon Musk. The current system has different rules for different people based on how much money you already have. That's not fair, that's a rigged game.
I want the exact same rules whether I'm broke or a billionaire.
Fungible
One house ≠ another house. One painting ≠ another painting. Every unique asset requires individual evaluation and pricing.
One unit should equal any other unit, every time.
Now, guess which store of value is the only one to check off all these boxes.
Surprise, surprise, it's Bitcoin.
Look, if you've made it this far through all those characteristics, you deserve a f*cking medal. But let's not stop now when we're about to connect the dots, right?
Bitcoin:
It has a fixed supply, unlike everything else.
It's perfectly divisible, unlike real estate.
It's highly liquid unlike unlike real estate.
It's completely portable, unlike everything else.
It has no cost of carry, unlike everything else.
It has no third-party risk, unlike banks.
It's globally accessible, unlike everything else.
It's easily verifiable, unlike gold.
It treats everyone equally, unlike fiat money.
It's not fakeable, unlike art.
It's perfectly fungible, unlike houses.
The Smart Money Already Knows
Here's what's happening while you've been debating whether Bitcoin has "real value":
BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, went from calling Bitcoin "an index of money laundering" to launching a Bitcoin ETF and actively accumulating.
JP Morgan went from calling Bitcoin a "fraud" to offering Bitcoin services to clients.
MicroStrategy has put over $5 billion of its corporate treasury into Bitcoin. These aren't crypto bros making emotional decisions, these are trillion-dollar institutions that had their teams do the exact same analysis we just went through.
Here's the thing: Bitcoin is sitting near its all-time highs, and you probably haven't seen a single mainstream headline about it. No breaking news. No retail FOMO.
This is institutional accumulation happening in plain sight while everyone else is distracted. The smart money is building positions before the mainstream catches on.
They've figured out what we just walked through: Bitcoin is the first thing in human history to check every single box for the perfect store of value.
What This Means for You
I intentionally didn't go into the technical details of Bitcoin here. How the blockchain works, what mining actually does, the cryptographic proofs, that's all fascinating stuff, but it's not what matters for this conversation.
What matters is whether you agree with the characteristics of a perfect store of value that we just walked through.
If you disagree with some of the points above, I challenge you to do the research yourself. Dig into why you think I'm wrong. Test your assumptions. See if your preferred store of value actually delivers what it promises.
Or perhaps you know just more than I do, then jump straight to the comment section below and let me know where I got it wrong. I'm always happy to learn something new.
But if you found yourself nodding along to most of what we covered, you might want to ask yourself the same question I asked earlier: Do you want to be the store owner who dismissed the internet in 1995?
The choice is yours. But remember - the smart money has already made theirs.
That's it for today.
The Generalist Path (Or Why I'm Still Figuring It All Out)
I've been dabbling on Substack lately (if you don't know it, you should definitely check it out you might even want to connect on my account, and this week I stumbled across a newsletter from Anna Mackenzie that hit me like a ton of bricks.
It was about building a personal brand as a generalist, and honestly, it felt like she had been watching my life for the past few years and decided to write about it.
The topic? How to build an authentic online presence when you're interested in literally everything and refuse to pick just one lane.
Sound familiar? Yeah, thought so.
I've been overthinking this for way too long. Everyone tells you to "find your niche" and "go deep on one thing." But what if your thing is... multiple things? What if you're genuinely passionate about video editing, CrossFit, financial education, content creation, and you're still exploring dancing on the side?
Apparently, there's actually a method to this madness.
The Tree Approach (And Why It Makes Perfect Sense)
The newsletter introduced this concept called the "Tree Approach" which basically goes: go broad to explore, narrow to anchor, then broad again to become.
© Anna Mack
Think about it like a tree. First, you establish messy, sprawling roots. Then you grow a trunk that gives everything structure. Finally, you extend branches that reach in all directions but are supported by that solid foundation.
Looking back at my journey, I realize I've been unconsciously following this approach without even knowing it.
My Messy Root System
For the longest time, I felt like I was all over the place. I made this crazy pivot from engineering to video editing (which honestly felt like betting my entire future on something completely different). I got obsessed with CrossFit. I dove deep into financial education, learning about investing, saving and Bitcoin. I started writing newsletters about everything from character building, my first tattoo and finding the sweet spots in life.
It felt chaotic.
Friends would ask "what exactly do you do?" and instead of being honest, I'd give them the answer I thought they wanted to hear, whatever sounded most conventional and respectable.
"I'm studying chemical engineering"
"I'm an engineer"
or
I'm a video editor at Red Bull."
Clean, simple, socially acceptable answers.
But here's what I didn't realize: I was building my foundation. All those seemingly unconnected interests? They were my roots, spreading out and gathering nutrients from different areas of life.
While everyone else was busy picking their lane and staying in it, I was unconsciously building something way more interesting.
Starting to Find My Trunk
Here's where I think I am now: starting to enter the trunk phase.
I'm beginning to see how everything I do somehow connects to this broader theme of "building a creative, sustainable life on your own terms."
The video editing? It's creative work that I actually enjoy. The financial education? It's about building the freedom to choose my work. The CrossFit? It keeps me healthy so I can sustain everything else. The newsletters? They're about sharing what I learn as I figure this stuff out.
Even my current setup as 75% employee, 25% entrepreneur fits this narrative. I'm not ready to go full freelance, but I'm also not content to stay in the corporate world forever. I'm building something sustainable.
The connections aren't always obvious at first, but they're there. And when you start seeing them, the whole thing becomes more than the sum of its parts.
The Branches (Not There Yet)
I'm nowhere near the branches stage where you have enough presence to basically talk about anything. I'm still figuring out my sweet spots in content creation. I'm still exploring new territories like dancing (don't ask me how that fits the narrative yet).
But the tree approach gives me permission to be where I am without feeling like I need to have it all figured out. The messy exploration phase? That's not a bug, it's a feature.
Why the Generalist Path Is Actually Smart
Here's what I'm learning: in a world where everyone's trying to specialize, being a generalist might actually be an advantage.
Everything connects in unexpected ways. My video editing skills help me create better content. My fitness routine gives me energy for creative work. My financial education helps me make smarter business decisions. And my newsletter writing? It's helping me clarify my thoughts about all of it.
If You're Also "All Over the Place"
Maybe you're where I was a few years ago: interested in multiple things, feeling like you should pick one, but not wanting to give up the others.
Here's what I wish someone had told me: your problem isn't a problem. That feeling of being scattered? It might just be you building your roots.
Don't rush to find your niche. Explore. Try stuff. Follow your curiosity. The trunk will emerge when it's ready, and it'll be so much more authentic than anything you could have forced.
I'm still figuring this out, but I'm starting to trust the process. And honestly? It feels pretty good to stop apologizing for being interested in multiple things and start seeing it as my strength.
Stop apologizing for being interested in multiple things. Stop trying to fit into someone else's narrow definition of what a "focused" person looks like. The cult of specialization has convinced us that exploring different interests makes you unfocused. Wrong. It makes you antifragile.
What are you exploring right now that feels "off-brand" but genuinely excites you? Maybe that's not a distraction. Maybe that's your next root.
If this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. WeWill+ is about embracing those endless possibilities instead of limiting ourselves. I'm living this journey in real-time, and I'd love for you to join me.
Finding Your Sweet Spot
Remember when I wrote about what being “rich” really means?
How most people optimize for the wrong metrics and end up miserable despite having more money than ever?
Well, there’s a deeper principle at play here that goes way beyond money. It’s something Mr. Money Mustache calls “The Sweet Spot” and once you understand it, you’ll stop making yourself miserable in basically every area of life.
The idea is simple:
For almost everything worth doing, there’s a perfect middle ground where you get maximum benefit without the downsides that come from going overboard. Most people completely miss this sweet spot because they think more is always better.
Well guess what? It’s not.
My CrossFit Sweet Spot Journey
Let me tell you about my relationship with CrossFit because it’s a perfect example of how I stumbled into (and then found) my sweet spot.
When I first started, I was the classic beginner. Two workouts per week, feeling good about myself for “doing something.” But honestly? Two days wasn’t enough. I wasn’t seeing real progress, wasn’t building consistency, and definitely wasn’t getting the mental and physical benefits I was after.
So what did I do? I went full psycho mode.
Seven days a week. Every single day. Because if two days was good, seven days had to be better, right? I was going to optimize the hell out of my fitness.
Here’s what actually happened:
I felt like garbage. Constantly sore, constantly tired, my performance actually got worse, and I started avoiding workouts instead of looking forward to them. And here’s the worst thing, I tended to get sick big time. My immune system was so shot from overtraining that I’d catch every cold that went around. Classic case of taking a good thing way too far.
The sweet spot? Five days a week with two days of active recovery (paddle tennis, hiking, easy runs). Not too little, not too much. Just right.
At five days, I get all the benefits I’m after: I’m strong, healthy, energized, and I genuinely enjoy the process. I’m not constantly destroyed, but I’m also not half-assing it. It’s sustainable, effective, and fun.
Here’s the interesting part: I jumped straight from 2 days to 7 days without finding my middle ground. Now my sweet spot is at 5 days a week, but with the fitness level I’ve gained, my sweet spot could eventually move to 7 days a week which once was completely over the top for my beginner self.
That’s what a sweet spot feels like you’re getting almost all the benefits with way less of the downsides. And sweet spots can evolve as you do.
The Sweet Spots I’m Still Figuring Out Now
I’d love to tell you I’ve got this sweet spot thing figured out everywhere in life, but that would be a lie.
Content creation? Still experimenting. Some weeks I create something every day and burn out. Other weeks I go radio silent and lose momentum.
I’m somewhere between “perfectionist paralysis” and “good enough” but haven’t nailed the rhythm yet.
Work balance? Getting better, but still fine-tuning. The 75% employee, 25% entrepreneur split is working, but I’m constantly adjusting based on projects and energy levels.
Social media? Honestly, no clue. Sometimes I think I should be posting more, other times I think I’m posting too much. The algorithm doesn’t help with this one.
The point isn’t to have everything figured out immediately. It’s to recognize that for most things in life, there’s probably a sweet spot worth finding.
How to Find Your Sweet Spots
Here’s the framework that actually works:
Start with too little. Most people jump straight to “maximum effort” and burn out. Begin conservatively and pay attention to how you feel.
Gradually increase until you hit diminishing returns. You’ll know you’ve gone too far when the thing stops being enjoyable or sustainable, or when adding more doesn’t improve your results.
Back off slightly. Your sweet spot is usually just before the point where things start sucking.
Test and adjust. Sweet spots can change based on your life circumstances, energy levels, and goals. What works in summer might not work in winter.
The key insight? The sweet spot almost never feels like you’re going “all out.” It feels sustainable, enjoyable, and effective. If you’re constantly pushing yourself to your limits, you’re probably past your sweet spot.
The Exception: Productive Obsession Periods
Now, I need to add one important exception here because life isn’t always about balance.
Sometimes you absolutely need to become consumed by something. Those periods where you dedicate everything to a single matter, where you’re basically obsessed with getting something right or pushing through a breakthrough.
I had one of these periods when I made the crazy decision to turn my back on my engineering career and become a video editor. For about six months, I was editing every free moment I had. Mornings before class, evenings until late, weekends basically consuming everything from the lens of a video editor, practicing every technique, and obsessing over getting better. I was literally rewiring my entire professional identity, so the intensity felt justified. This wasn’t just learning a hobby this was betting my future on something completely different.
Was it sustainable? Hell no.
Did it make a huge difference to my skills? Absolutely.
These burst periods can be incredibly valuable when you need to break through a plateau or build foundational skills in something new.
The key is recognizing that even these obsessive phases need to be placed strategically within your larger sweet spot over a year.
You sprint intensely for a defined period, then you deliberately rest and recover. You can’t live in sprint mode forever, but occasional sprints can absolutely be part of a healthy long-term approach.
Think of it as zooming out on the timeline. Over a year, having 2-3 periods of productive obsession balanced with longer periods of sustainable practice might be your sweet spot for major growth.
The danger comes when people either avoid these intensive periods completely (and never really push their limits) or try to live in them permanently (and burn out spectacularly).
Why This Matters
We live in a culture that worships extremes. Hustle culture tells you to work 80-hour weeks. Fitness culture says no pain, no gain. Social media makes it seem like everyone else is doing more than you.
But the people who actually thrive long-term? They’ve found their sweet spots. They know the difference between enough and too much. They optimize for sustainability and enjoyment, not just short-term gains.
Your sweet spot isn’t the same as mine, and that’s the point. It’s deeply personal and requires honest self-reflection about what you’re actually trying to achieve and what you’re willing to sustain.
So what sweet spot are you working on finding right now? Maybe it’s workout frequency, work hours, social commitments, or screen time. Whatever it is, remember: more isn’t always better. Sometimes the real win is knowing when you have enough.
What area of your life could use some sweet spot optimization? Hit reply and let me know I’m genuinely curious about what everyone’s working on.
PS: 93 WeWill readers and counting! Only 7 more until we hit triple digits. This growth is blowing my mind.
The AI Prompt That Creates Any Prompt You Want
AI is everywhere these days.
Every. Single. Place.
Your Instagram feed is filled with people showing off how they’ve generated 40 pieces of content in 15 minutes. YouTube is flooded with "how I made $10k using ChatGPT" videos. And it seems like everyone is talking about AI tools that will apparently change your entire life.
But here’s what I’ve noticed: most people are doing it completely wrong.
They want the magic bullet. The one-sentence prompt that magically spits out viral content. They type “write me a newsletter about productivity” and expect a masterpiece.
Spoiler alert: This lazy approach produces garbage 99% of the time.
Here’s the reality most people don’t want to hear: good output is 100% dependent on good input.
AI isn’t magic, it’s a tool that amplifies what you put into it.
If you want AI to be genuinely useful (not just a fancy autocomplete), you need to flip your approach. Do the work first, then use AI as your coach, your teacher, your feedback machine.
Think of it like this:
Instead of asking AI to write your content, ask it to help you become a better writer.
Instead of asking it to generate a business plan, ask it to critique the one you’ve already drafted.
Instead of asking for a template solution when brainstorming, ask for guidance to help you come up with better ideas.
Instead of asking for a generic financial plan, create an AI financial advisor, feed it your actual data and situation, and get a solution that works specifically for you.
The pattern? Do the thinking first, then use AI as your personal coach to level up your work.
This approach takes more effort upfront, but it’s the difference between outsourcing your brain and upgrading it.
The Prompt That Creates Any Prompt You Want
Beginning of this year, I discovered a game-changing approach from Dan Koe that completely changed how I think about AI prompts.
Here’s the problem:
You know you want to create an AI guide, teacher, or advisor for something specific, but you don’t even know where to start. How do you even write that initial prompt? What details matter? What should you include to get quality input?
Most of us end up with generic prompts like “help me with my writing” or “give me business advice,” which predictably produce generic, useless output.
But what if you flipped the script? Instead of struggling to write the perfect prompt for every situation, what if you had AI create the perfect prompt for you?
Here’s the meta-prompt that does exactly that:
-
<System>
You are a Prompt Generator, specializing in creating well-structured, verifiable, and low-hallucination prompts for any desired use case. Your role is to understand user requirements, break down complex tasks, and coordinate “expert” personas if needed to verify or refine solutions. You can ask clarifying questions when critical details are missing. Otherwise, minimize friction.
Informed by meta-prompting best practices:
Decompose tasks into smaller or simpler subtasks when the user’s request is complex.
Engage “fresh eyes” by consulting additional experts for independent reviews. Avoid reusing the same “expert” for both creation and validation of solutions.
Emphasize iterative verification, especially for tasks that might produce errors or hallucinations.
Discourage guessing. Instruct systems to disclaim uncertainty if lacking data.
If advanced computations or code are needed, spawn a specialized “Expert Python” persona to generate and (if desired) execute code safely in a sandbox.
Adhere to a succinct format; only ask the user for clarifications when necessary to achieve accurate results.
</System>
<Context>
Users come to you with an initial idea, goal, or prompt they want to refine. They may be unsure how to structure it, what constraints to set, or how to minimize factual errors. Your meta-prompting approach—where you can coordinate multiple specialized experts if needed—aims to produce a carefully verified, high-quality final prompt.
</Context>
<Instructions>
Request the Topic
Prompt the user for the primary goal or role of the system they want to create.
If the request is ambiguous, ask the minimum number of clarifying questions required.
Refine the Task
Confirm the user’s purpose, expected outputs, and any known data sources or references.
Encourage the user to specify how they want to handle factual accuracy (e.g., disclaimers if uncertain).
Decompose & Assign Experts (Only if needed)
For complex tasks, break the user’s query into logical subtasks.
Summon specialized “expert” personas (e.g., “Expert Mathematician,” “Expert Essayist,” “Expert Python,” etc.) to solve or verify each subtask.
Use “fresh eyes” to cross-check solutions. Provide complete instructions to each expert because they have no memory of prior interactions.
Minimize Hallucination
Instruct the system to verify or disclaim if uncertain.
Encourage referencing specific data sources or instruct the system to ask for them if the user wants maximum factual reliability.
Define Output Format
Check how the user wants the final output or solutions to appear (bullet points, steps, or a structured template).
Encourage disclaimers or references if data is incomplete.
Generate the Prompt
Consolidate all user requirements and clarifications into a single, cohesive prompt with:
A system role or persona, emphasizing verifying facts and disclaiming uncertainty when needed.
Context describing the user’s specific task or situation.
Clear instructions for how to solve or respond, possibly referencing specialized tools/experts.
Constraints for style, length, or disclaimers.
The final format or structure of the output.
Verification and Delivery
If you used experts, mention their review or note how the final solution was confirmed.
Present the final refined prompt, ensuring it’s organized, thorough, and easy to follow.
</Instructions>
<Constraints>
Keep user interactions minimal, asking follow-up questions only when the user’s request might cause errors or confusion if left unresolved.
Never assume unverified facts. Instead, disclaim or ask the user for more data.
Aim for a logically verified result. For tasks requiring complex calculations or coding, use “Expert Python” or other relevant experts and summarize (or disclaim) any uncertain parts.
Limit the total interactions to avoid overwhelming the user.
</Constraints>
<Output Format>
<System>: [Short and direct role definition, emphasizing verification and disclaimers for uncertainty.]
<Context>: [User’s task, goals, or background. Summarize clarifications gleaned from user input.]
<Instructions>:
[Stepwise approach or instructions, including how to query or verify data. Break into smaller tasks if necessary.]
[If code or math is required, instruct “Expert Python” or “Expert Mathematician.” If writing or design is required, use “Expert Writer,” etc.]
[Steps on how to handle uncertain or missing information—encourage disclaimers or user follow-up queries.]
<Constraints>: [List relevant limitations (e.g., time, style, word count, references).]
<Output Format>: [Specify exactly how the user wants the final content or solution to be structured—bullets, paragraphs, code blocks, etc.]
<Reasoning> (Optional):
[Include only if user explicitly desires a chain-of-thought or rationale. Otherwise, omit to keep the prompt succinct.]
</Output Format>
<User Input>
Reply with the following introduction:
“What is the topic or role of the prompt you want to create? Share any details you have, and I will help refine it into a clear, verified prompt with minimal chance of hallucination.”
Await user response. Ask clarifying questions if needed, then produce the final prompt using the above structure.
</User Input>
This prompt essentially turns AI into your personal prompt engineer. Instead of guessing what might work, you collaborate with it to build something actually useful.
Real Example: Creating a Newsletter Writing Guide
To show you how this works, I used this meta-prompt to recreate my newsletter writing coach. Here’s how it played out:
The meta prompt asks for specific information.
Below you will find the final prompt I now use in an ongoing chat dedicated solely to getting feedback, tips, and guidance on my newsletter writing. Please note, even though this prompt creates a good first input, it is still heavily dependent on what you feed it. Get as specific as possible, and this guide/advisor/teacher will be delivering fire answers.
-
<System>:
You are an ongoing newsletter writing coach, specializing in providing thoughtful, constructive support to help users produce clear, engaging newsletters about topics they are curious about or wish to learn. Always prioritize style, clarity, and actionable writing feedback; if uncertain or lacking data, offer a disclaimer.<Context>:
The user writes a weekly newsletter focusing on topics they are curious about or actively learning. They need ongoing guidance, feedback, and support, including: input on drafts, topic ideas, writing structure, and suggestions for improvement. Factual verification is not the focus—support centers on writing quality.<Instructions>:
Review user-provided newsletter drafts for style, clarity, and engagement. Offer actionable suggestions for improving flow, readability, and impact.
Suggest potential topics, headlines, and newsletter structures tailored to the user's stated interests or recent themes.
Advise on storytelling, personal voice, and reader engagement strategies.
For each edit or suggestion, provide clear rationales and, if applicable, alternative phrasings or approaches.
If any uncertainties arise (e.g., missing context or ambiguous content), explicitly state these and suggest clarifying questions.
Focus feedback on writing quality rather than in-depth fact-checking unless user requests otherwise.
<Constraints>:
Center feedback on style, clarity, narrative, and learning engagement.
Provide weekly guidance and respond to new drafts or questions as received.
Avoid making unverified claims; add a disclaimer if a suggestion might rely on insufficient information.
Responses should be concise and easy to implement.
<Output Format>:
Use structured bullet points for feedback and suggestions.
Highlight key improvements in bold.
Where applicable, append short editorial notes or questions for user clarification.
Provide alternative headline or topic ideas as a list.
Include a disclaimer if unable to confidently assess due to missing details.
Would you like a sample feedback output as part of your prompt, or proceed with this as your finalized prompt structure?
Insane isn't it?!
Your Personal AI University
Here’s what blows my mind: this newsletter coach example is just one of thousands of potential AI teachers and guides you can create using this approach.
Want a social media strategist that understands your specific niche? Use the meta-prompt.
Need a business plan reviewer that knows your industry? Meta-prompt.
Looking for a writing coach trained on your favorite authors? You got it.
Photography critique? Video editing feedback? Fitness coaching? Relationship advice? All possible.
We’re sitting on the most accessible learning tool in human history, and most people are using it like a fancy Google search.
The real power isn’t in having AI do your work. It’s in having AI help you become better at doing the work yourself.
One last pro tip: once you’ve created a prompt using the “meta-prompt” approach, make sure to save those prompts somewhere. If you do this consistently, you’ll build an invaluable prompt library that you can come back to and even improve in the future. Think of it as your personal collection of AI advisors, always ready when you need them.
Mine looks something like this:
Here’s the thing: this meta-prompt approach is just one tiny use case in the massive realm of AI possibilities. But I think it’s a perfect starting point to level up your AI game because it shifts your entire mindset from “AI does the work” to “AI helps me do better work.”
That mindset shift changes everything.
I’ll be diving deeper into practical AI strategies like this every now and then, so make sure you’re subscribed to this newsletter. We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible when you approach AI as a coach rather than a replacement.
Now it’s your turn! WeWill prompt!
New Here? Catch Up with the Best of WeWill read
What’s up, WeWill readers!
Big news: I’m out on an outdoor production this week, editing some wild stuff about crazy people driving and riding around this giant mountain behind me.
So yeah, no big deep-dive today—just a quick one while I soak it all in.
But honestly, this is the perfect timing for a “best of”, especially since a bunch of new faces just joined us.
We’re up to 82 readers now! That’s insane. So to bring everyone up to speed, here’s a quick overview of every WeWill newsletter so far.
Whether you’ve been here since day one or you just hopped aboard, maybe there’s a hidden gem here you’ve missed. Let’s run through the journey so far, in order, with a one-liner for each:
Choose Your Character: The 2024 Dustin Update
A snapshot of 2024 and how I level up my life by regularly redefining who I want to be
How big is your Circle of Control?
Figuring out what you can really change in life, and why focusing there makes everything easier.
Stop Chasing “Hacks” - Character Is Your Only Real Asset
You can hustle for shortcuts, but at the end of the day, character is what builds the good stuff that lasts.
How to Start Anything in 3 Steps (Even When Terrified)
My battle-tested system to actually begin things outside your comfort zone, no matter how scary.
Why “I Can Do It” Always Beats “I Can’t Do It”
A look at how belief beats doubt every time, and how to program your brain for more wins.
What Being “Rich” Really Means
Getting clear on what “rich” even is, hint: it’s about way more than money in the bank.
Why everybody should sell their own product Building a product while letting the product build you.
Take Simple Things to Extreme Lengths: My Tattoo Story
The headline speaks for itself.
Why Making Friends Is the Best Way to Network and Grow
How genuine friendships have moved the needle for me more than any business card ever could.
Pay Yourself First: The Only Money Principle That Actually Matters
My take on money and investing habits that changed my game.
That’s the rundown! Dive into any of these if one catches your eye, and if you’re new here, welcome aboard. You’re in good company
Peace!
Pay Yourself First: The Only Money Principle That Actually Matters
Money.
Just reading the word probably triggered something in you. Maybe excitement, maybe anxiety, maybe that weird guilty feeling when you know you should check your bank account but keep putting it off.
Let's be honest. Most people have a love-hate relationship with money. They want more of it, but they're uncomfortable talking about it. They stress when they don't have enough, but feel guilty when they focus too much on getting it.
Some of us were taught "money is the root of all evil" or " rich people are greedy." Others grew up with "we don't talk about money" or my personal favorite: " I just want enough to be comfortable," but never actually defining what "comfortable" means.
Here's the truth: Money impacts literally every area of your life, whether you like it or not.
Your relationships,
your health,
your stress levels,
your freedom,
your ability to help others.
Everything is influenced by your financial situation.
And since money touches every part of our lives, doesn't it make sense to develop a positive relationship with it instead of avoiding it? Treating money as a tool rather than something to fear or idolize can completely transform your life.
In this newsletter, I will share some simple yet effective principles that helped me get on the right path. Nothing complicated or fancy. Just practical approaches that anyone can implement, regardless of where you're starting from. And the first step to building financial freedom? Paying yourself first.
Pay Yourself First: The Golden Rule of Money
The biggest money mistake most people make isn't complicated. It's simple:
They pay themselves last.
Bills come in? Pay them. See something cool online? Buy it. Friends want to go out? Swipe the card. And then, if there's anything left at the end of the month (spoiler: there never is), maybe they'll save a few bucks.
Here's the problem: what you have left after spending isn't wealth-building material. It's money dust. The solution?
Pay yourself first.
Before you pay rent, before you buy groceries, before you do anything else, take a percentage of your income and put it away for future you. Make it automatic so you don't have to think about it.
I started doing this as a student. Every time money hit my account, 150 euros immediately went to a separate account I couldn't easily access. Did it hurt sometimes? Hell yes. But that small habit completely changed my relationship with money.
It's like telling your money: " Hey, a chunk of you isn't available for spending. Deal with it." Then you build your life on what's left.
When you pay yourself first, three things happen:
You avoid lifestyle creep
You build wealth on autopilot (no willpower needed)
Your money starts working for you, every dollar becomes a tiny employee hustling 24/7 (don't worry, we'll get to know these little workers better later)
The best part? This works at ANY income level. Start with 1% if you have to, but start.
Investing Is The New Saving: Why "Just Saving" Is Dead
So you're setting money aside. Great! But where that money goes matters just as much as the habit itself.
Let me be brutally honest: traditional "saving " is dead. Your grandma could stash cash in a savings account and watch it grow.
Today?
Inflation is eating your savings alive. That money sitting in your bank account? It's actually losing value every year when inflation is 3-4 % and even higher.
This is where most people get stuck. They know they should "save," but they don't realize that in 2025, investing IS saving. It's the bare minimum required to not go backward.
Remember those tiny dollar employees I mentioned? Every Euro or Dollar is actually a little worker that will hustle for you, 24 hours a day, for as long as you keep it. But you don't want these hardworking little guys just sitting around doom-scrolling on TikTok in your zero-interest bank account. That's basically paying them to do nothing while they waste their potential watching dance trends and prank videos.
Instead, you need to put these employees somewhere they can actually produce results. You need to sweep them into investments where they'll work their hardest for you, multiplying and bringing back friends.
Where To Put Your Money To Work
"Alright, I got it, Dustin, saving is out, investing is in. But in what should I invest?"
Let's get practical. I'm assuming you're debt-free or at least handling high-interest debt. If you're still paying 18% on credit cards, that's your first "investment".
Pay those off!
I'm also assuming you're not currently paying off a house or planning to take out a mortgage in the next few years. If you are, you'll need some cash set aside for that.
For everyone else, where should your little dollar employees be working? The answer is surprisingly simple: the stock market. Specifically, the entire world economy.
Here's the deal: You could spend countless hours researching individual companies, reading earnings reports, and trying to outsmart millions of other investors. Or you could simply own tiny pieces of thousands of successful businesses all at once.
The easiest way to do this? A low-cost, globally diversified index fund or ETF. Something like Vanguard's FTSE All-World ETF (WKN: A1JX52 for those who want to get started right away!) or similar options from other providers.
Why does this approach work? Because you're betting on human innovation and progress across the entire planet. You're not trying to pick winners, you're owning all the winners (and some losers, but that's okay).
The stock market has returned roughly 7-10 % annually over the long term. No, not every year. Some years it drops 20% or more. Other years it soars. But over decades, the trend has reliably been upward.
The key is:
Buy regularly, automatically
Keep costs low
Ignore the daily news and price movements.
Hold for decades, not months.
That's it. No complex strategy. No timing the market. No day trading. Just consistent, boring investing that actually works.
Bitcoin: The Asset That Could Change Everything
Now, I can't talk about money without mentioning Bitcoin. Full disclosure: I'm a big-time believer and long-term holder.
Why? Most countries worldwide are drowning in debt, and the math doesn't add up. Governments are borrowing at rates their productivity can't possibly match. I don't know exactly when this house of cards collapses, but systems built on endless debt eventually break.
When monetary systems falter, owning productive assets (like those index funds) remains valuable. But having an asset that's fixed in supply (only 21 million Bitcoin ever), 100% ownable, and easily transportable becomes not just attractive, it becomes essential.
Here's what's fascinating: while mainstream media debates whether Bitcoin is a fad, the smart money is moving in. BlackRock, JPMorgan, and other major institutions are quietly accumulating. They know what's coming.
I'm not suggesting you go all-in. But ignoring what could be the most important monetary innovation of our lifetime seems like a bigger risk than allocating a reasonable percentage to it.
Start with education, then consider dollar-cost averaging, putting small, fixed amounts into Bitcoin regularly, regardless of price. Build your position steadily while the rest of the world catches up.
This is just a brief introduction to Bitcoin. I wanted to mention it so you can start educating yourself on this fascinating topic. If you have any questions about Bitcoin, feel free to get in touch. I'll be dedicating an entire newsletter to Bitcoin in the near future.
Wrapping It Up
Let's bring this all together:
Pay yourself first: Before any other expense, set aside a portion of your income for your future self.
Invest, don't just save: Put those funds to work in low-cost index funds that capture the growth of the entire global economy.
Bitcoin allocation: Consider exposure to Bitcoin as a hedge against currency devaluation.
Automate everything: Set up systems so your money moves without you having to think about it. Willpower is overrated. Modern online brokers make this ridiculously easy, you can literally set up automatic investing from your smartphone in minutes. No excuses.
Ignore the noise: The financial media exists to sell ads, not make you wealthy. Most financial "news" is best ignored.
So there you have it.
In two words: World-ETF and Bitcoin.
It is simplistic advice, but if you go out and read 20 books worth of financial and investing advice and distill them into only a few paragraphs, you'll probably end up at the same place. I encourage you to get more into investing, too, if you find it interesting, but if you just want the cheat sheet of what countless millionaires do with their money, just follow the points above, and you're good.
If you need any technical help getting started, setting up a brokerage account, or purchasing your first Bitcoin, feel free to reach out, and I'll get you sorted in no time. The technical stuff shouldn't be what stops you from building wealth.
See you in the next one!
WeWill invest
Why Making Friends is the Best Way to Network and Grow
I've been noticing something with my friends lately. Everyone says making new friends as an adult is hard AF. Especially outside of work.
You finish school, maybe move to a new city, and suddenly you're like: " Wait, how do I actually meet new people when I'm not forced to sit next to them in class every day ?"
The standard advice? "Join a running club!" (because apparently everyone's training for a marathon these days ), " Join a Hyrox group workout !" (because apparently everyone's training for a Hyrox these days - lol), or my personal favorite, "Just put yourself out there!" Whatever the hell that means.
But there's an option most people completely overlook, even though it's literally in their hands every day.
It's the internet, folks. Social media.
That thing you're probably scrolling through right now.
Here's the plot twist: While everyone's complaining about how Instagram and TikTok are destroying human connection, I've discovered these platforms can be incredible tools for making genuine friends AND building a future-proof network at the same time.
No forced introductions. No memorized elevator pitches. Just authentic connections that start digital and often become very real.
The Digital World Has No Barriers
In the past, your network was basically limited to:
People you physically met
School and college classmates
People in your profession
People with similar social status
You couldn't just reach out to someone you admired, write to your hero, or connect with that person doing exactly the kind of work you dream about. You had to know someone who knew someone who maybe could introduce you if the stars aligned.
Now? Those barriers are gone.
Over the last 2 years, I've realized something mind-blowing. I can connect with pretty much anyone I want if I approach it the right way. People I deeply admire, creators whose work changed my thinking, experts in fields I'm fascinated by, all by just a thoughtful message away.
I've connected with people who live on different continents, work in different industries, and would never cross my path in real life. Some of them have become actual friends. Not just digital personas I follow to be entertained or educated in my timeline, but people I genuinely care about and who care about me.
The key difference between this approach and traditional "networking"? I stopped approaching these relationships, thinking about what I could get. I approached them, genuinely interested in the person and their work.
The Power of DMs (And Real Life Conversation)
Direct messages are the modern equivalent of walking up to someone and starting a conversation. They can be incredibly powerful or mind-numbingly boring. The difference? Curiosity and Authenticity
Let's be honest here. Most people are terrible at reaching out. Check your own DM requests and you'll see exactly what I mean.
Here's what usually gets ignored:
"Hey, let 's connect!"
" Love your content!"
"Can I pick your brain sometime?"
"Just wanted to reach out and introduce myself."
"We should collaborate sometime."
These messages could be sent to literally anyone. They show zero effort and zero genuine interest.
Here's what actually works:
Messages that respond to something specific they've shared
Genuine appreciation for their work, with details about why it resonated
Questions that show you've actually thought about what they're doing
Sharing how something they created impacted you personally
The wild thing is, these principles work exactly the same way in real life. Whether you're messaging someone on Instagram or chatting at an event, the people who stand out are the ones who show genuine interest and bring something to the conversation.
I remember reaching out to a creator with 500k+ followers who was basically living everything I was striving for: crushing it in fitness, building his business, and creating the lifestyle I wanted. Instead of asking for advice, I just shared how his approach to balancing training with entrepreneurship changed my perspective.
That simple message evolved into regular conversations where we discovered shared passions beyond fitness. Turns out, he was struggling with video editing for his content, an area where I could actually help him. Soon, we were trading workout tips for editing tricks. Not because I was trying to "network," but because we genuinely connected as people with overlapping interests.
The key? Patience and consistency. Real relationships don't happen overnight. They build gradually through repeated positive interactions.
The 6-Step Process for Making Friends While Building Your Network
Want to try this approach yourself? Here's my process for turning complete strangers into friends on social media. This works for connecting with anyone you find interesting, but it's especially powerful for approaching people with higher social leverage than you (more followers, more impact, more influence).
People you might think are "out of your league" to connect with:
1. Find Someone You WANT to Connect With
This sounds obvious, but it's crucial. Don't reach out to people just because they're "important" or have large follower counts.
Connect with people because:
You share genuine interests
Their work inspires you
You could imagine collaborating with them someday
You simply find them interesting as humans
If you're connecting with someone solely for what they can do for you, you're already screwing up.
2. Send an Inspired Compliment
If you completed step 1 correctly, you'll have plenty of genuine things to appreciate about this person.
Find a specific piece of their content that truly resonated with you and tell them exactly why. Not just "great post!" but something like:
"Your perspective on X completely changed how I think about Y. I especially appreciated the point about Z because it made me realize [specific insight]."
This isn't manipulation or faking admiration, it's genuine appreciation. And it's a lot more interesting to receive than generic praise.
3. Lead with Value
Before asking for anything, look for ways to provide value.
This could be:
Sharing a resource related to something they're working on (this newsletter, for example - thanks ;) )
Offering insight from your unique perspective
Connecting them with someone who might help with a challenge they've mentioned
The point is to establish yourself as someone who gives rather than just takes.
4. Make a Deeper Connection
Once you've established some common ground through messages, look for opportunities to deepen the connection:
Suggest a video call
Invite them to a workshop or event (virtual or in person)
Add them to a WhatsApp group with like-minded people
I'm going to be super honest here. I'm at this exact stage right now. I have a call scheduled with someone I've been messaging with for weeks, and I'm low-key nervous about it even though I know I don't need to be. But I think that's necessary. Those butterfly feelings mean you're expanding your comfort zone and building something real.
Moving from text-based communication to voice or video changes the relationship dynamic completely. You become a real person in their mind, not just another username.
5. Follow Up with Value
Remember what they're working on and what matters to them. When you come across content, resources, or people that might help, share them.
This shows you're actually listening and that you care enough to keep them in mind even when you're not directly interacting.
6. Follow Up with an Ask
By this point, you've built a genuine connection and provided value multiple times. Now, if there's something specific you'd like help with, you can ask without feeling awkward or transactional.
Because you've been giving without expectation, most people will be happy to return the favor when you do need something.
Why This Approach Works Better
The "make friends first" approach succeeds where traditional networking fails for one simple reason:
It's authentic.
When you approach relationships as potentially valuable connections between humans, rather than transactions between career assets, everything changes.
People respond differently. Opportunities flow naturally. And most importantly, you build a network of people you actually enjoy spending time with.
This works online and offline, with peers and with people you admire from afar. The principles stay the same: genuine interest, generosity without expectation, and patience.
That’s it for today!
I'd love to hear your experiences with this approach. What's worked for you? What hasn't? Any particularly meaningful connections you've made that started in unexpected ways?
See ya in the next one - WeWill connect!
"Take Simple Things to Extreme Lengths: My Tattoo Story"
Hey, WeWill Readers!
This week's newsletter takes a slightly different direction. Instead of tackling a skill I'm developing or a concept I'm exploring, I'm sharing something more personal: the story behind my first tattoo.
It's a journey I've wanted to document for myself for quite some time, and I figured, why not bring you along for the ride? No productivity hacks or philosophical deep dives today, just a story about turning meaningful ideas into permanent art.
Hope you enjoy this little side adventure from about two years ago!
September 2022:
So I knew I wanted a tattoo for years. I assumed the perfect idea would magically hit me one day, fully formed and ready for ink. But we all know: that's not how it works.
After months of telling my friend Hendrik that "I'll know it when I see it," he finally laid out some hard truth: I'd never get my tattoo by just waiting around. He made it clear I needed to follow certain steps:
know what I want,
research styles until I find exactly what resonates,
and find an artist whose work I love.
I knew my tattoo had to be timeless, something I'd identify with now and decades from now. It had to have meaning, not just the looks.
CrossFit and fitness have been constants in my life, a fundamental belief that a healthy body is key to a good life. So I knew health and fitness would be central themes.
During my search for the perfect idea, I thought about Aaron Horschig's book "Rebuilding Milo" a comprehensive guide for athletes that provides rehabilitation techniques and training principles. It had become my go-to reference for injuries, aches, and understanding how my body functions. I always loved the cover art of the book: a sketch-style silhouette of a man performing a perfect squat, holding a barbell on his shoulders.
This was my starting point. I imported that silhouette into Photoshop and started experimenting. I removed the barbell and tried adding other elements, a surfboard, mountains, but nothing clicked.
My first tattoo draft.
While playing with the book, I reread its introduction and discovered the legend of Milo of Croton, an ancient Greek Olympian who began his strength journey by lifting a small calf daily. As the calf grew into a bull, Milo's strength grew proportionally. This perfectly illustrates progressive overload, how consistent effort leads to extraordinary results.
The legend resonated deeply. I wanted to become my own version of Milo, a journey I'm still committed to every day. Luckily, the book included illustrations of both young Milo and adult Milo. To show this progression, I drew a coordinate system, placing young Milo at the beginning and adult Milo further along (side fact: this represented my engineering background). The final element was my personal mantra: "Take simple things to extreme lengths."
BOOM, what do you think? Not too shabby for a draft eh?
Now I had a concrete vision, but how would I turn this into a tattoo? For years, I'd been very selective about tattoos, believing only a tiny fraction were truly good. I always said my tattoo would need meaning and be artistically exceptional.
So to recap Hendrik's process: know what you want (✅), research extensively, and find the right artist. It was time to actively search for someone who could bring my vision to life.
Over two months, I immersed myself in tattoo content on Instagram. My feed transformed into an endless stream of tattoo styles. I gradually realized I was drawn to geometric shapes combined with organic elements.
Then one day, Seraphim appeared in my feed. One tattoo immediately caught my attention, I knew instantly this was special. I explored his profile and fell in love with nearly everything.
Sera’s instgram profile.
I'd found my tattoo artist! I found a Greek artist based in Athens who could bring my ancient Greek tale to life. How perfectly fitting is that?
I reached out to Seraphim, describing my idea, thoughts, and feelings. I asked him to consider everything and transform it into art in his style. After a few weeks, he outlined his plan:
"Hello Dustin! I want to make one surrealistic bull cut in 3 parts. Every part will be bigger than the previous and I will add a small silhouette of a man holding the whole design. I will of course use some geometric elements for my composition and the phrase you suggested! You will see the design on the day of our appointment."
Wait! He wanted me to wait until our appointment to see the design for the first time?! This meant flying to Athens with only 10 minutes to decide whether I liked it or not. While I trusted Seraphim's talent, I worried I'd go insane imagining possibilities during the four-month wait. But after his explanation that he wanted to provide his best work, I agreed.
Fast forward four months. On May 5th, I sat outside his Athens tattoo shop, barely containing my nerves. I promised myself that if I didn't love the design, I wouldn't go through with it. period.
I walked into the studio and after a quick chat, Seraphim turned his monitor toward me, saying, "And this is the design I came up with." I barely heard his words as a tsunami of thoughts flooded my mind. The design was so different from what I'd imagined. Though I knew it would differ, my mind had created hundreds of possibilities during those four months, and this wasn't close to any of them.
The surrealistic bull had become a REAL bull chopped into three pieces. Milo had transformed into a man-shaped muscle skeleton. My timeline had become a simple "-1, 0, and 1".
Seeing the artwork for the first time!
While these thoughts raced through my head, Seraphim explained his intention behind every detail. I couldn't focus the first time, so I asked him to repeat everything. He realized I was having an internal battle and patiently walked me through it all again.
This gave me space to zoom out and ask myself:
Do I dig the art he made? Hell yes!
Does it represent everything I wanted? No doubt about that.
Is there any element I might regret inking? Hmm, the bull's head looks a bit too large.
We made a minor adjustment to the bull's head size and then proceeded. One sitting, six hours of moderate pain, good conversation mixed with comfortable silence, and watching a true artist do what he loves, that's how my first tattoo came to be.
And I loved it. I still do.
Your Tattoo Blueprint
If you've been thinking about getting inked, don't make my mistake of waiting for inspiration to magically arrive.
Instead:
Define your core idea - What concept or story matters enough to carry forever? Is it meaningful enough to ensure you won't regret it years later?
Research until your algorithm knows - Immerse yourself in styles until you discover what truly resonates. Let your digital feeds become your research assistants.
Find an artist who's 95%+ perfect - Don't settle for "good enough." Look for someone whose work consistently makes you think "Holy crap, that's incredible!"
Trust the creative process - Communicate your vision clearly, then give your artist the freedom to translate it through their unique lens.
Be open but clear - Have your non-negotiables ready for the reveal, but leave room for artistic interpretation and surprise.
Why It Matters
Two years later, my tattoo remains a daily reminder of my commitment to progressive growth. It's not just ink, it's my philosophy made visible, a conversation starter, and a permanent part of my identity.
What story are you carrying that deserves to be made visible? What concept guides your life? Let me know in the comments!
Why everybody should sell their own product
I had a shocking realisation yesterday.
While swiping through my Instagram Story feed, I noticed something: every 3rd story was an ad. I'm not joking, literally every 3rd story.
And if it weren't for the sake of writing this newsletter, I wouldn't even have noticed. Check this out:
ads on ads on ads!
These ads blend perfectly into my feed because they're tailored to my interests. And while we scroll past them without a second thought, I think this constant exposure reinforces a common belief that most of us unconsciously hold.
Most people think selling "stuff", especially online, is kinda sketchy. We get weirdly uncomfortable with being the person pushing products. But here's the wake-up call nobody talks about:
If you're not selling your product, you're working for someone who is.
Society has programmed us to view "selling things" as somehow sleazy while "having a job" is respectable. Yet your entire career likely revolves around helping someone else sell their product or service.
We're literally doing the thing we claim to hate. Make it make sense.
I wrestled with this same mental block. When I first thought about creating something of my own, I worried people would judge me as just another person trying to cash in.
But over the last few years, I have understood something fundamental:
Creating your own product isn't just about making money. It's about accelerating your personal development, putting everything you are into that one thing, and building a lifestyle that pays for itself.
It's pretty much learning and iterating as you go. Dan Koe describes this as a powerful learning cycle:
start doing something → hit an obstacle → learn a skill to overcome it → apply that knowledge → continue the process.
What most people miss is that this process of creation is actually the fastest path to expertise.
By the end of this newsletter, you'll understand why creating a product is less about "selling stuff" and more about developing yourself and creating your own path. I'll show you some real examples of people who are doing it right, creating products that represent something meaningful while building the life they want.
The Creator's Advantage: Why Products Build You While You Build Them
As a WeWill reader, you already know my thoughts on passive learning
Spoiler: it's mostly useless.
You've heard me rant about how consumption without application is just expensive entertainment that makes you feel productive while actually getting nowhere.
Creating a product cuts through all that BS. When you build something, whether it's digital or physical, simple or complex, you're forced to apply what you know and figure out what you don't. It's learning with consequences, which is the only kind that actually sticks.
Think about it:
Even creating something seemingly simple, like your own branded water bottle, requires you to learn about
product sourcing
graphic design
quality testing
and basic marketing
Each skill becomes immediately relevant because without it, your water bottle idea stays stuck in your head, where it helps exactly zero people (including yourself).
But here's what makes the process of creating products truly fascinating. The metric of how good your product will be directly depends on your personal development. People don't just buy products, they buy for one of two core reasons:
Functionality: The product solves a specific problem or serves a practical purpose. And here's the thing: the more you learn and develop while crafting your product, the more effective its functionality becomes. Your growing expertise directly translates to product quality.
Identity: The product stands for something bigger, a movement, vision, mission, or community. And now, guess how you build this identity? It's your own unique journey, your development, your transformation that creates the authentic identity behind your product.
Let me give you some examples of artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs who, in my opinion, are absolutely nailing this combination of functionality and identity.
I own "Move Fast, Lift Heavy" swag from Chris Harris, not because I needed another t-shirt in my life. I bought it because it represents his unique approach to fitness and life that I deeply connect with. What pulled me in was his lifestyle, his honest grind delivered in the kindest way possible. I've witnessed his transformation and many iterations along the way. The functionality is there, but what I really paid for was the identity it represents.
Similarly , I use Kortex for note-taking even though there are 15+ other note-taking apps out there, many with big names behind them. Why? Because I not only believe in Dan Koe's vision, I know he's putting every ounce of himself into this product. I want to be part of the community of like minds making sense of their thoughts.
It's not just another app. It represents an approach to managing personal knowledge that aligns with my values. In this case, it's the perfect balance between functionality and identity. I'm not just buying software, I'm buying into a philosophy.
I could name 10 more examples, but let's finish on Daniel Barousse because I think he's the perfect example of doing something that feels like play for him, but people are willing to pay serious money for it. He's a die-hard skater and a carpenter, but not your average carpenter. He creates art with recycled skateboards and documents and shares the whole journey with the world. That again is a transformation and his whole lifestyle that created an identity I want to be a part of.
And even though I am currently not in the position to justify buying a couch table for $3000, I know that one day I will own a piece of his art. Check out what he replied when I texted him that I will one day own one of them:
Just look at this beauty!
These creators aren't just selling products.
They're selling pieces of a worldview, a lifestyle, an approach to living. And in doing so, they're building their own unique lives around work that matters to them.
This stands in stark contrast to traditional employment, where your growth is directed by someone else's agenda, on their timeline, and toward their goals. When you create products, your growth aligns with your interests, follows your timeline, and moves toward your vision.
Creating your own product forces you to develop a point of view. It requires you to decide what you stand for and against. It demands that you solve real problems for real people rather than just talking about solving them.
And this process of creation, of putting something into the world that helps others while expressing your unique perspective, that's where the most profound growth happens.
When you're employed by someone else, you might develop skills, but they're skills chosen to fulfil someone else's vision. When you create products, you're building a customized Growth roadmap for your own development.
Even if your first product is a complete failure financially (and most first attempts are), the skills and insights you gain in the process are invaluable. You'll learn more from one failed launch than from 10 courses on "how to launch."
To put a little smile on your face before we wrap it up, here's a photo of my very first venture into product (service) land. My best friend and I ran a boxing machine business together. I'll save the wild stories for another newsletter, but even though this didn't represent our lifestyle or identity at all, I can tell you this much: the skills we picked up along the way were absolutely invaluable. Nothing teaches you faster than having skin in the game.
The mission isn't just to make money, although that's certainly part of it. The mission is to create a life where what you love to do, what you're good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs converge into a sustainable whole.
So the question isn't whether you should create a product. The question is: How much longer will you help build someone else's dream at the expense of your own?
Remember: You don't need anyone's permission to create. You just need to start.
What Being "Rich" Really Means
I love the topic of "wealth", it's something I have always gravitated towards, aaaand it fills countless books and coaching programs.
But as a WeWill reader, you get my full thoughts on it for free.
For most people, being "rich" means hitting specific financial targets - a six-figure salary, a seven-figure net worth, or early retirement. The focus is overwhelmingly on money metrics, with everything else positioned as a nice-to-have afterthought.
And can you blame them? If you spend most waking hours obsessing over financial growth while sacrificing your health and relationships, chances are high you'll end up with an impressive bank account but wonder where all the joy went.
But NO, dear WeWill reader, you and I reject that narrow definition.
Being rich means having the freedom to live a balanced life that brings you joy, without sacrificing what's truly important. This doesn't mean being financially poor; it means pursuing richness in all dimensions simultaneously.
Over the past few years, I've been rebuilding my definition of wealth. I'm working toward financial stability while refusing to postpone living a rich life in other ways. I haven't reached the financial "sweet spot" yet, but I'm already wealthy in ways that matter deeply. And let me be clear: I still plan to make it biiiiggg time financially, and I truly believe I will. But this will likely be a byproduct of mastering all areas of wealth, not the other way around.
In my eyes, you're truly rich when:
Your time is mainly under your control
Your body and mind can handle challenging situations.
You've established meaningful relationships that bring joy.
You have enough financial resources to remove money stress
The truth is, we all have limited time on this planet. Those who've already achieved financial success often say the same thing: their greatest regrets aren't about money they didn't make, but about relationships they neglected, experiences they postponed, and health they sacrificed while pursuing wealth.
At WeWill+, we're not just philosophising, and we're not kidding ourselves with half-measures like "I'll start living once I hit seven figures." What I'm suggesting is simple: build all forms of wealth today, regardless of your financial position.
The Wealth Tunnel Vision Problem
I'm going to tell you something you probably already know, but need to hear: We're often trading the most precious parts of our lives for money that won't make us any happier, especially when earned the traditional way, grinding 9-5 with a shitload of overtime.
We all have that friend or family member who's always "busy," constantly tired, and postponing joy for some future date when they'll finally have "enough."
"It 's just temporary," they say. "Once I hit this target, things will calm down."
But the target keeps moving. You sacrifice joy, health, and relationships for the promise of "someday" having enough money to enjoy life fully.
The brutal irony?
By the time "someday" arrives (if ever), you've often lost the ability to enjoy what you sacrificed for.
I know what you're thinking: "But I need financial security first." I get it. But treating your 20s, 30s, and 40s as nothing but a financial accumulation phase is like training for a marathon by only playing table tennis for 20 years and then being surprised when your legs can't run when race day finally arrives.
The hard truth? "Someday" rarely comes.
The goalpost keeps moving. First, it's a fancy car, then a house, then kids, then retirement...there's always another target justifying why you can't prioritise other dimensions of wealth TODAY.
The clock is ticking. I'm building my financial foundation, too, but I refuse to wait for "someday" to start living a rich life in all the ways that truly matter here at WeWill+.
The Five Pillars of True Richness
One of the best "financial mistakes" I've ever made was cutting my 9-5 job down to 75% two years ago.
Financial suicide, right? Here's what actually happened:
That extra time fundamentally shifted my life. I gained more control over my schedule, which pays directly into my TIME WEALTH. This break from the normal 9-5 grind gives me a crazy feeling of freedom I hadn't experienced before.
By now, you know I have a strict workout routine, but with the spare time I'm able to expand into even more fitness activities, including competitions I never had bandwidth for previously (PHYSICAL WEALTH).
This very newsletter only exists because I made that decision to cut back. Those extra hours created space for ideas to emerge and develop (MENTAL WEALTH).
I would love to say I've mastered SOCIAL WEALTH, but this is an area I'm still struggling with. Being aware of this gap and writing about it here will help me prioritise it going forward. That's the beauty of this framework. It highlights both strengths and blind spots.
And I started my own business that now actually generates income (FINANCIAL WEALTH).
You can see that stepping back on one type of wealth might look like a step backwards, but in fact, it lets you see the bigger picture and thrive in every aspect. This can be interchangeable too—perhaps your SOCIAL WEALTH is suppressing other parts of your life. The key is recognising these connections.
Most people optimise for just one pillar (financial) while letting the others crumble. But when you understand that these pillars support each other, everything changes.
Let's break them down:
1 . Financial Foundation: The security to not stress about basic needs
Yes, you need enough money to cover your necessities and some extras. Research consistently shows that happiness increases with income up to about $70-90k annually, then plateaus or even declines at much higher incomes.
But here's what most people miss: the fastest way to feel financially rich isn't always to earn more – it's often to want less. Not by going full minimalist, but by getting clear on what actually brings you joy versus what you're buying to impress others or fill an emotional void.
2 . Time Sovereignty: Control over your schedule and attention
You can be a millionaire and still be time-poor. Just ask any high-powered executive who misses their kid's events, outsources basic life tasks, and hasn't taken a proper vacation in years.
True time wealth means:
Having space to think
Not being constantly interrupted.
Freedom to pursue interests outside your income-generating activities
The ability to say "no" to things that drain you
3 . Relationship Capital: Deep connection with people who matter
As Sahil Bloom points out, we have shockingly little time with our loved ones across a lifetime. The average person will spend just about 8.2 years total with their parents after turning 18. Let that sink in.
When I spent a week with my family recently, I didn't see it as "time away from work". I saw it as building wealth in one of my most important accounts. And unlike financial wealth, this is one account that has a fixed limit. You can't make more time with people once they're gone.
4 . Mental Freedom: The clarity and capacity to think independently
This pillar is about having a mind that:
Can focus deeply without constant distraction
Is free from anxiety about status and constant comparison
Learns new things regularly
Maintains curiosity and wonder
We live in a world designed to hijack your attention and manipulate your thinking. Mental wealth means having the awareness and discipline to control where your mind goes, rather than being pulled in 50 different directions.
5 . Physical Vitality: A body that enables rather than limits
What good is money or free time if your body can't do what you want it to? I don't work out to look good in photos (though that's a nice bonus). I work out because I want to be able to hike mountains, play with (future) kids, and maintain independence well into my later years.
Physical wealth isn't about having a six-pack. It's about:
Having energy throughout the day
Being free from chronic pain
The ability to engage in activities you enjoy
Sleeping well
Building these five pillars simultaneously is the real game-changer. When one pillar strengthens, it often becomes easier to strengthen the others.
Cut back work hours?! You might gain Time Wealth that lets you exercise, which gives you more energy, which makes you more efficient, which could ultimately earn you more money anyway.
See how these work together?
Practical Steps To Build All Five Types of Wealth
My thoughts have been heavily influenced by Sahil Bloom's book "The 5 Types of Wealth." It resonated so well with my perspective and gave me additional insights. I recommend reading it.
In his book, Sahil urges you to do his "Wealth Score", where you answer 5 questions about each type of wealth. But since I know you guys want some actionable steps, I'll give you my WWWT (WeWill Wealth Test), which is a 30-second exercise that reveals where you're rich and where you're poor.
Grab a piece of paper and rate yourself 1-10 on each wealth dimension. This reveals where you're thriving and where you're struggling.
For any area below a 7, ask yourself these questions:
Financial Wealth: What's one expense I could cut that doesn't bring me joy?
Time Wealth: What's one hour-long commitment I could eliminate to reclaim time?
Relationship Wealth: Who haven't I connected with lately that energises me? Schedule 30 minutes with them this week. (Shout out to Hendrik, our call today was much needed!)
Mental Wealth: What distraction could I eliminate to gain 20 minutes of deep thinking daily?
Physical Wealth: What tiny physical practice could I start today that takes under 5 minutes?
The beauty is that small actions compound. A minimal improvement in each area weekly creates massive change over a year.
Final Thought
Society tells us wealth only comes in one currency. I've learned it comes in at least five.
Don't fall for the lie that you need to sacrifice everything for financial security before you can live richly. Start building every form of wealth today.
Which dimension do you feel richest in? Which needs the most attention? Drop a comment below, I'm curious to hear your perspective on what being truly rich means to you.
Why "I Can Do It" Always Beats "I Can't Do It"
"You're going to fail your thesis."
That's what the voice in my head kept saying in April 2017 as I stared at my computer screen, stuck and doubting everything.
I was done... cooked… My last resort? Call Mom.
"Hey, Mom, I'm completely stuck with my bachelor's thesis. I've been writing for months and getting nowhere. The deadline is getting closer, and I seriously doubt I can finish this on time. Nothing seems to work. I'm thinking about giving up."
After carefully listening to my mental breakdown, she had one single piece of advice. To stop whatever I was doing and read "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne.
"Read it and you will find a way," she told me with absolute conviction.
Sceptical but desperate, I downloaded the audiobook and listened to it for 2 days straight. Those 48 hours changed my life and became the starting point of my active self-development journey.
Here's what I found out:
When you truly believe something can be done, your mind automatically goes to work finding ways to do it.
So I turned wishful thinking into belief. I started by believing I could write a few sentences and imagining how I'd feel after writing just 2 pages that day. The act of starting created its momentum (as you know from the previous newsletter). I found clarity and focus that had been missing for months.
Six weeks later, I had completed my thesis.
But this wasn't just about saving my thesis. I'd stumbled onto something way bigger. How our brains actually create solutions or create excuses, depending entirely on what we believe.
It's the difference between people who make things happen and people who wonder why things never work out for them.
And once you see this mental pattern, you'll spot it working for or against you in literally every area of your life.
There are two self-fulfilling cycles: the belief cycle and the doubt cycle. Most people ride the doubt cycle, wondering why they're stuck. But NOT in the WeWill+ house! We are riding the belief cycle. Let's dive further in.
The Two Self-Fulfilling Cycles
Your brain follows one of two paths right now, whether you realize it or not.
The Doubt Cycle:
You don't believe you can do something
Your attention focuses on obstacles
You hesitate or take half-hearted actions
You get minimal results
This reinforces your doubt
Repeat, while wondering why nothing works
The Belief Cycle:
You believe you can find a way
Your attention focuses on possibilities
You take decisive action
You get at least partial results
This reinforces your belief
Momentum builds naturally
Look around at your friends and family (I know I used this phrase last week but c'mon, let's make it as relatable as possible).
It's actually really easy to spot these two types of people, isn't it? We all know that person who has a ready made excuse for why something won't work before they've even tried. "The economy is terrible." "There is no way I can save 40% of my income." "There is so much competition there is no way to succeed in that area."
Meanwhile, someone else with fewer advantages is out there crushing it.
The difference isn't resources, intelligence, or luck. It's this simple mental switch.
A Practical Framework: How to Actually Use This
Let's get something straight: most people mix up "believing" with "magical thinking" as if just closing your eyes and wishing hard enough will manifest a brand new Xiaomi car in your driveway.
That's not what we're talking about.
The real choice isn't between:
Being "realistic" (which really means being negative)
and
Being delusional and disappointed
The actual choice is between:
A mindset that activates your problem-solving superpowers
and
A mindset that shuts them down faster than an Austrian government office at 2 pm on Friday.
I'm not suggesting you believe you can become a billionaire overnight with zero effort. I'm suggesting you believe that if financial freedom matters enough to you, you can find a way, whether that means learning new skills, starting a side business, gradually increasing your savings rate, or finding creative ways to earn more.
This isn't mystical. It's practical.
Belief compounds just like money in an investment account. Each small success provides evidence for your brain to build upon. Before long, you're automatically thinking in terms of solutions rather than problems.
The beauty is that once you start riding the belief cycle in one area of your life, it becomes easier to apply it everywhere else.
So pick one thing you've been telling yourself you can't do. For just one week, experiment with believing you can find a way. Not that it will be easy, just that a path exists and you can discover it.
Then watch how your mind shifts from finding excuses to finding solutions.
That 's it for today! Thank you for reading and especially to everyone who engaged with comments on the last letter, it was pretty sick experience for me. I'd love to hear about your experiences with this topic. Have you seen the belief/doubt cycles playing out in your own life? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts!
How to Start Anything in 3 Steps (Even When Terrified)
Today, I'm giving it straight to you. No fuzz, no big hook, because we all know "ain't nobody got time for that." So here it comes:
Starting is the hardest part. Period.
Let me invite you into my brain for a minute. This is the mental chaos that used to happen to me when I tried to start something new.
Scenario 1:
I see this absolutely SICK video with some fancy animation elements. My brain explodes with inspiration. "I could totally make something like this but with my own style!"
But wait... I'm not 100% sure how they technically pulled off those animations. Better watch a few tutorials first. One tutorial leads to another. The first day vanishes. Then a week disappears. I've now watched EVERY SINGLE VIDEO on planet Earth about animating text, stylised objects, and likely how to animate my way to Mars.
Did I actually start editing my own video?
Of course not! I'm still "learning."
Scenario 2:
I've been thinking about taking dance classes. Real dancing, with actual instruction. Dancing has always felt natural to me, so why not level up and learn proper technique? The idea grows. Maybe I'll even document the journey and share it with you guys. Everything's great until my brain throws this mental grenade:
"Wait a minute... what if those old friends from my hometown who follow me on Instagram see this? WHAT IF THEY REALIZE I'M A BEGINNER?!"
...and there goes my motivation, right out the window.
You see what happened? I didn't start dancing because of some hypothetical judgment from people I haven't talked to in YEARS. That's absolute insanity! It has nothing to do with dancing itself.
This pattern shows up EVERYWHERE in life. And the problem isn't lack of desire, knowledge, or resources. It's that starting is psychologically terrifying.
But here's the thing: You can't iterate on something that doesn't exist.
That beautifully articulated thought comes from Dan Koe, and it resonated with me deeply. It's become one of the most important realizations in my journey from being a chronic "someday" person to someone who actually gets to work.
Do you know the number one reason people struggle to begin? It's not laziness. It's not even fear of failure (well, not exactly). It's what I call the Paradox of Progress: You fear looking incompetent now, so you never develop the competence you want.
Let's break this cycle. Today I'm going to show you a 3-step process I've used to start most of my projects, from this newsletter to the videos I edit in my 9-5 to starting my own business, even when I was completely terrified or clueless.
The Paradox of Progress: Why You're Sabotaging Your Own Growth
Let's address something that most people never talk about: Starting things usually feels AWFUL.
When you're faced with an empty page, timeline or document, your mind does something cruel. It immediately compares your current zero-state with the idealized end result you're imagining. The gap looks so huge that your brain basically panics and freezes up.
It's kind of funny that, as a professional video editor, I still find an empty timeline more intimidating than a complex project that's already underway.
That's because when you haven't started, your brain has nothing tangible to work with, just this void of endless possibilities.
I see this constantly among my family and friends. They 'll tell me they want to learn how to prompt for AI, start a YouTube channel, or start working out. But when I ask them what they've actually TRIED so far, they hit me with all these detailed reasons about how they're "still figuring out the best approach" or "just need to learn a bit more first."
This is called active procrastination, doing nothing while waiting for the perfect path to appear. It feels productive because your mind is busy, but it's actually the most dangerous form of resistance.
Remember that story about not starting dance classes?
I was so afraid of looking like a beginner on social media that I never even took the first step.
The irony? If I had started back then, I'd probably be the next Bruno Mars by now. Instead, the gap between where I am and where I want to be has only gotten wider. And this is exactly what happens with any project you're afraid to start.
Here's a shocking truth: Those hypothetical haters in your head?
They don't exist.
Nobody cares that your first attempt isn 't perfect. In fact, nobody's even paying attention to your beginning, they're all too worried about their own struggles.
But there's even deeper psychology at work: Most people fear committing to ANYTHING because they fear choosing the wrong path. What if I invest in Bitcoin when Xiaomi stocks would give me better returns? What if I focus on Instagram when TikTok, X or LinkedIn would be better? What if I start a business in industry X when Y has more potential?
The result? You choose NOTHING. And nothing, as it turns out, produces exactly zero results.
The 3-Step Empty Timeline Solution
Want to know the most valuable lesson I've learned about starting?
Real-world experience beats theoretical planning every single time.
You can think about posting on Instagram for 2 years, or you can make 10 terrible videos and post them in a month. Guess which approach actually moves you forward? Those 10 awkward reels will teach you more than 5 years of imagining the perfect aesthetic ever could.
So here's my process for turning paralyzing fear into forward motion, I call it Dustin's Empty Timeline Solution. (And yes, I suggest you give this process your very own name so it sticks better in your brain. Just use this formula: [Your Name] + [The Thing You Usually Struggle With Most] + Solution. See? Now you're already starting something!)
Step 1: Define the Overall Goal & Make It Ridiculously Small
When most people try to start something, they immediately go big. "I'm going to journal every day!" "I'm launching a business!" "I'm going to workout every day!"
STOP IT.
These aren't starts, they're massive end goals that your brain correctly identifies as terrifying.
Instead, define the overall goal (daily journaling, business, fitness routine), but then make your first action so embarrassingly small that you literally can't say no.
For example:
Want to journal daily? Your starter action is writing a single sentence. Not a page. Not an outline. ONE. SENTENCE.
Want to start a business? Day one is brainstorming three possible names on a sticky note. That's it.
Want to establish a workout habit? Your first session is one push-up.
I'm dead serious about this. When I start out on a big video project, my first step isn't "create an amazing video." It is "break down the whole timeline into small sections." That's it. Just blocks with the named sections. I call this small but crucial step the Cugunovs’sch Process, named after a good friend of mine who taught it to me—and probably didn’t realize how much it would change the way I approach getting started.
Why does this work? Because it bypasses your brain's threat detection system. Your brain can't find a valid excuse to avoid writing ONE sentence or doing ONE push-up. It's too easy to fail at.
This approach sounds ridiculous until you actually try it. Then you realize: Oh wait, I just STARTED the thing I've been avoiding for months. And once you've started, continuing becomes infinitely easier.
If you want to dig deeper into this step, I recommend James Clear's "Atomic Habits."
Step 2: Commit And You Will Win Either Way
Here's where most people get stuck:
They're waiting for certainty before they commit. They want a guarantee that the path they're starting on is THE right path.
Let me save you years of headaches: That guarantee doesn't exist. Never has, never will. Instead, adopt the "Win Either Way" mindset. It works like this:
When you start something, there are only two possible outcomes:
You discover you're on the right path (win!)
You discover this ISN'T the right path (also win! Now you know!)
Most people think they have to know exactly what they want to do in life on the first try.
What an insane expectation!
How would you possibly know if you'll enjoy programming/video editing/writing/whatever until you've actually DONE it? The goal of starting isn't to be immediately great. It's to generate data about what works, what doesn't, and what you actually enjoy.
When I committed to making videos, I had no idea if I'd be any good at it. But I decided that either:
I'd discover I had a talent for it (win!)
Or I'd discover it wasn't for me, freeing me to try something else (also win!)
This mindset makes commitment far less scary. You're not committing to being great. You're just committing to finding out.
Step 3: Create Momentum Through Small Victories
Once you've taken that ridiculously small first step, your job is simple: chain together small victories until momentum kicks in.
This is where the magic happens. See, motivation doesn't create action, action creates motivation.
Let me repeat that because it's worth tattooing on your forehead: Action creates motivation, not the other way around.
When I'm editing videos, I break the process into tiny, satisfying chunks:
Get the structure right.
Trim down the story (usually the spoken words)
Add music
Paint with visual elements
Refine the edit
Each of these is a small victory. I don't wait to feel motivated to edit, I just start with step one, and by the time I've finished that, I've built enough momentum that I want to continue.
The same principle applies to anything:
Written one sentence? Great, now write a paragraph.
Done one push-up? Try for two tomorrow.
Brainstormed business names? Now sketch a simple logo.
Small victories stack into momentum, momentum builds into habits, and habits create results.
Here's the beautiful part: Once you're in motion, things start to happen. New ideas spark. Opportunities appear. Your enthusiasm builds. But NONE of this happens until you start.
Think about it: Every major accomplishment in your life, from relationships to career achievements, began with a single, often terrifying first step.
So what are you waiting for? What ridiculously small first step could you take TODAY on that project you've been putting off?
Because remember, you can't iterate on something that doesn't exist.
And the difference between people who create things and people who don't isn't talent, resources, or luck.
It's simply that creators found the courage to begin.
Thanks for reading this far, I really appreciate it. Cheers!
Can you relate to any of this? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts or experiences! I'd love to hear which part resonated most with you.
Stop Chasing "Hacks" - Character Is Your Only Real Asset
Let me tell you about my biggest realization after years of chasing self-improvement.
I was obsessed with finding the perfect techniques. Persuasion strategies. Mindset tricks. Time-management systems. You name it, I was hunting for it.
The result? I became really good at collecting self-improvement knowledge. Not much else.
After failing to implement yet another " foolproof" productivity system, I found myself surrounded by abandoned planners and implementation journals.
I had become the person who knew everything about self-improvement theory and absolutely nothing about actually improving.
Here's the painful truth I discovered: In my desperate search for shortcuts, I've been ignoring the only foundation that actually matters. It wasn't until I read Stephen Covey's classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that I finally understood what I'd been missing:
Character is the only real asset you'll ever have.
While everyone else was busy chasing tactics and techniques, the truly successful people I admired most had something more fundamental: unshakable character.
And the craziest part? We all know this intuitively. When I think about who I trust in my own life, it's never the person with the cleverest persuasion techniques or the most productivity hacks. It's the person whose word I can count on. The friend who does the right thing even when it's hard. The person who lives their principles instead of just talking about them.
The Quick-Fix Trap That's Keeping You Stuck
Here's the cycle I was stuck in for years:
Feel inadequate in some areas of life
Find a solution promising quick results
Get temporary motivation
Fail to implement consistently
Blame myself for lacking "discipline"
Repeat from step 1
Sound familiar?
What I didn't realize was that I was trying to build a skyscraper without a foundation.
Of COURSE nothing stuck!
When I tried using fancy persuasion techniques while lacking the fundamental character traits of honesty and integrity, people could sense something was off. Everything I said came across as manipulative.
As Covey puts it: "It makes no difference how good the rhetoric is or how good the intentions are, if there is little or no trust, there is no foundation for lasting success."
Meanwhile, I have a friend with zero formal training in persuasion who consistently influences people in positive ways, simply because people trust him completely. His character creates an impact my techniques never could.
The Four Character Pillars That Outperform Any "Hack"
My exploration of stoicism revealed something powerful: For thousands of years, humans have known the exact character traits that lead to a successful, meaningful life.
These four virtues aren't sexy, but they're undefeated:
1. Wisdom: Making decisions based on reality, not wishful thinking.
It's about seeing situations clearly and asking "What's actually true here?" rather than what you wish were true.
This shows up most when facing criticism - instead of getting defensive, wisdom asks "Is there something valuable in this feedback?"
2. Courage: Doing what's right even when it's uncomfortable.
Having difficult conversations early instead of avoiding them. Standing by your principles when it would be easier not to.
Small acts of courage compound into a life of integrity.
3. Temperance: The discipline to control impulses for long-term gain.
It's saying "no" to distractions and "yes" to what matters. It's sticking with one approach long enough to see results instead of constantly jumping to the next shiny technique.
4. Justice: Treating others fairly and taking your obligations seriously.
It's keeping your word. It's treating everyone with the same respect regardless of their status. It's remembering that how you do anything is how you do everything.
Two Simple Daily Practices That Build Unshakable Character
Now for the practical part: how do you actually build these character traits?
I've found two simple but powerful practices that have made more difference than all my previous self-improvement efforts combined:
1. Focus ruthlessly on what you can control
My quality of life skyrocketed when I stopped wasting mental energy on things outside my influence.
Think about it: How much time do you spend worrying about the economy, other people's opinions, or past mistakes you can't change?
When I catch myself stressing about traffic, I now redirect my attention to something I CAN control - like using the time to listen to an audiobook or practice patience.
The result: I show up calmer, more focused, and with more energy for the things that actually matter.
2. Keep your word, especially to yourself
This might seem simple, but it's been revolutionary: I treat promises to myself with the same seriousness as promises to others.
If I say I'm going to work out tomorrow morning, that's as binding as a client meeting.
If I commit to writing for an hour, I do it regardless of how I "feel" in the moment.
What's amazing is how this practice builds an incredible level of self-trust.
When I know I'll do what I say, I no longer need elaborate motivation systems. My word becomes enough.
Why This All Matters More Than You Think
I've come to believe that character isn't just one asset among many - it's the foundation that makes all other assets valuable.
Think about it: Without wisdom, your knowledge becomes trivia. Without courage, your opportunities remain untapped. Without temperance, your talents burn out. Without justice, your relationships crumble.
The ancient Stoics had it right all along.
The path to a good life isn't paved with shortcuts and hacks. It's built on the steady development of character.
I'm still on this journey. I still get tempted by the latest techniques and systems. But I've stopped mistaking tactics for foundation.
So before you buy another course or read another "10 tips" article, ask yourself: Am I building on solid character, or am I still looking for shortcuts?
Character isn't just how you succeed. In the end, it's who you are.
Can you relate to any of this? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts or experiences! As always I'd love to hear which part resonated most with you.
How big is your Circle of Control?
Welcome back to another edition of WeWill read! Today's topic is something I've been observing for years now, and once I understood its impact, it changed how I approach everything I do. Let's kick this off with a question to get your brain power up to speed so you can blaze through this article in no time.
What do the people in the following four scenarios have in common?
People stuck in traffic furiously honking at the driver in front of them, knowing that person can't do anything about it. (For those who know me personally—yep, I came up with this topic here it is! And those who feel addressed, you'd better keep on reading. 😉)
People complaining about the dress code of a wedding they weren't invited to.
People in a bad mood due to rainy weather.
Those who spend hours debating stock and Bitcoin prices without owning any shares.
If you guessed that they're all concerned with things entirely outside their control, you're absolutely right!
This pattern shows up in many parts of our lives, and we often don't even notice it. This habit of obsessing over things we can't control isn't just a human flaw — it's a real problem that can mess with our happiness, how much we get done, and how satisfied we feel with life. And that's why WeWill dig into why we do this, how it affects us, and most importantly, how we can start focusing on stuff we can actually change.
The Circle of Concern vs the Circle of Control
As I already mentioned, most people spend time on things outside of their control without even noticing. But to change this behavior, it's crucial to be aware of where your focus goes.
We have to understand the idea of the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Control.
These ideas come from Stephen Covey's powerful book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". The book is over 30 years old, and honestly, I've only read the first two chapters, but what I've learned so far was so insightful that I had to put the book aside, write down my thoughts, and share it with you.
So here it is in a nutshell:
Your quality of life increases, if you focus your mental and physical energy ONLY on the things you can personally influence. Everything else is considered as a distraction, that pulls you away from managing your life properly. BUT here's the surprising part: narrowing your focus doesn't limit your influence or your ability to make a positive impact. Instead, it actually enhances these things.
Okay, let's break this down into something we can all understand. Covey talks about two circles:
the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Control.
Think of it like this:
• The Circle of Concern is like your worry bubble. It's ALL the stuff you think about or spend mental energy on.
• The Circle of Control, on the other hand, is your action zone. It's the stuff you can actually do something about.
For a typical person in my generation, those two circles look like this.
Beginners Circle of Control and Concern
Damn, now look at that. The Circle of the typical social media doom scroller. Confronted with so many worries but yet there are many things that he or she cannot control. Most news articles, reels, and posts usually target the red boxes.
Even as a newbie, you can take control over many things, which are the blue boxes gathered in the middle. But every second you waste on the red boxes is a second you’re not investing in the blue ones.
If you live like this, as most people do, you become a reactive person. Life happens, and the only thing you do is react. Bad weather? You get grumpy. Traffic jam? You honk and complain. Creators sharing insights about how much they earn with what they do? You rant online and among your friends that “content creation” is not a real job.
Although this is the default response for most, there is another way to live.
It is to shrink your circle of concern, (ditch the daily news, stop watching others working on their circle of influence) and use that extra brain power to work on YOUR items within YOUR circle of control.
This is called being proactive. To do so it helps to start from the beginning and work outwards. At the very beginning are the goals in your life.
For me, this exercise could be like this:
Goal:
To lead the happiest life possible:
how to reach Goal:
life a long and healthy life
maintain good relationships with my partner, family, and friends
pursue financial freedom by doing what I like
helping others to the best of my ability
With these guidelines, it becomes much easier to decide what stays in your circle of Concern.
You start by identifying each concern within your circle, analyze it, and decide if it is something you can affect, then either ditch it or start working on it. For example:
Concern:
The weather sucks, and my partner took our shared car to visit her family but I really want to get my workout in. The gym is 4 kilometers away from home.
Analysis:
How does this relate to my goal? Is it part of the "how to reach Goal" list? Yes - working out is key to living a long and healthy life
So am I correct in seeking a way to get to the gym today? Yes
Is the local weather in my control? No
Does complaining about the weather help me get to the gym? No
So will I choose to waste anyone’s time by issuing complaints? No
Is it possible to ride the bike even though it's raining? Yes
What is required to do this? Get out that raincoat, and take the waterproof backpack (I usually bring a camera to my workouts).
So will I go to the closet and get that coat and the pack back? Yes
In other cases, the outcome can be deeper
Concern:
I try to keep up with social media trends to improve my content creation skills but the overload of information and the fast-paced social media world worries me quite a bit.
Analysis:
Why do I feel that watching tons of social media posts and reels makes me a better content creator? Because I want to stay informed about the latest trends and viral content.
How does this contribute to the goal of becoming financially free? By copying the latest trends I will attract new followers. More followers means a bigger reach. Bigger reach eventually creates a bigger income.
Will copying every viral trend make me a unique content creator, somebody who is original and not so easy to replace? I don't think so.
What's the underlying framework of viral content? It has to be a new and unique perspective on things showcased in a way that hasn't been done before.
Does scrolling through your Instagram challenge you to go deep and create your very own thing? No, it tends to distract me resulting in doing nothing
So what is the best way to create something unique, something that is 100% you? Hmm... I guess I should ditch scrolling through my social media feed and explore the topics that I am passionate about, dissect them as far as I can, and then explain and showcase them with the skills I have developed so far in the way that I find the most valuable and entertaining. If I do it this way, I am pretty sure that the outcome is unique and original.
Note: Even though the outcome seems obvious—"Do your own thing"—this exercise gives it more depth. It helps you feel more confident in your decisions because you've carefully thought through the process by yourself. While it's not easy, it's definitely worthwhile.
This brings us to the most exciting aspect of this concept!
By limiting the irrelevant things you do and think about, you automatically become better at the relevant things on which you spend your time.
The increase in your health, wealth, network of friends, and knowledge of relevant things from reading books, creating content, and talking with other highly effective people will transform your circle of control into something like this:
Advanced Circle of Control and Concern
now we talking!
The circle of control is now on steroids - but in a healthy way. That means it has increased tremendously. And if we take a look at this new advanced circle we see that there are new and fancy additions in green.
By avoiding stuff that doesn't matter, this person now has way more control over his or her life. Things they used to just worry about? Now they can actually do something about them.
And isn't that what we all want in the end?
There you have it guys! With this new knowledge, I challenge you to monitor both your worries and your words. If you find yourself wasting energy on things outside of your control go back to the very beginning and ask yourself if it helps your goal in life, if not ditch it and get back to work on the things that really matter to you!
WeWill control
Choose Your Character: The 2024 Dustin Update
You ever met those people who just seem to know?
Like, they’ve cracked the code of who they want to be and what they want to do. Their lives? Basically a video game, new level, high score, repeat. Meanwhile, I’m stuck on character select.
But honestly, I think their secret is simple: they actually define who they want to be and then go for it! So let’s try that.
Things I want to be:
Healthy & fit
Actually good at relationships, partner, family, and friends
Relevant to the people I care about
Recognized and appreciated
Financially free
Charismatic
Simple
But…why? Because these things matter to me. Because I think they’re good, and I want more good in my life.
But what even makes something good? For me, “good” means:
It feels natural
It’s fun
It helps me get where I want to go
That’s it. If it’s effortless and enjoyable and moves the needle? I’m in. But here’s the catch: that good feeling almost never hits you on day one. Anything genuinely worth it is rocky at the start. (Netflix binges? That’s easy mode. But life-changing stuff comes with sweaty palms and awkward first steps.)
No one’s a natural from the jump. You suck until you don’t. This is my daily grind.
I’ve spent years tossing money and time into self-development: live events, online coaching, stacks of “this will change your life” books. The big lesson? If you want something that actually changes your life, your “why” has to be massive, so big you can’t ignore it, so clear you can’t forget it, even on your worst days. Your why should be your compass when everything else fades.
So far, I’ve truly applied this in one area: CrossFit. Right now, I can see myself doing this till I’m old and creaky.
Why?
Because a few years back, I realized health is everything. No health, no life adventures, no helping others, no creating cool stuff. It’s more than just looking good, it’s about building a version of myself that can keep going for a long, long time.
So: CrossFit, check. I know my why, the how, the where, the when. Feels pretty good. But what about the rest of my list?
Let’s be real, the one I crave most, the thing that keeps nagging at me, is financial freedom.
Yo, Financial Freedom, where you at?!
What does financial freedom mean to me? Simple: if I wake up one day and decide I don’t want to work anymore, I could … no drama, no stress. Doesn’t mean I’ll quit. If I stopped working, I’d start fading out, fast. For me, the real flex is having the choice.
Here’s where I’m at: I genuinely love what I do. Editing killer videos for a legendary energy drink company in Salzburg? Yes, please. The team rocks. The work’s fun. But here’s the thing: it’s still someone else’s dream. I’m trading time for money, a good salary, sure, but not the kind that sets me free.
So a couple years ago, I made a bold move. Dropped my 9-to-5 by 25%. The big plan? Buy time for myself, invest it in my own projects. Want to know how long it took me to officially register my business? Two years. Want to know how much extra money I earned in that time? None.
Sounds like a setback, but surprise!
That “unproductive” time gave me my first real taste of freedom, time to think, to breathe, to figure out my next step
The Work Game Plan
Here’s what became crystal clear: sticking at someone else’s company forever won’t cut it. I realized freelancing, consulting, and starting my own thing, that’s the path ahead. But hey, my current job is still cool. Big projects are coming up, and I want to be part of them, so I’m riding the 75%-employee/25%-entrepreneur wave for now.
The rest of my time? Two main missions:
1. Freelance Work
Been putting this off forever, but now I’m in. Sure, I’m still working for “other people,” but the rules have changed: now I pick the work and the clients. My biggest client right now is actually one of my best friends, and getting paid to make cool things with your friends is a major win. Okay, it’s still trading time for cash, but at least it’s on my terms.
2. Dustin the Creator
I’m all-in on the creator economy. Not your typical influencer. I want to make stuff, share what I know, and attract cool humans with similar vibes. Maybe it’s videos, written pieces (like this), or whatever wild idea pops into my head. The goal? Build a brand and a community. WeWill+ = endless possibilities, endless fun, some fails, and if all goes well, a product one day that the community actually cares about.
That’s the plan:
Keep the 9-to-5 at 75% while learning and traveling
Do freelance gigs that light me up
Build and share my story, my lessons, and my personal brand
And honestly? I’ve been more creative than ever. The feedback from friends? Solid. But even when I swear I’m making stuff just for myself, it’s easy to get caught up in “posting just to keep up” mode. Add a regular job on top, and yeah, creative blocks happen. A chat with my friend Luci led to this article: “Make a list. Get clear what you want, where are you now?” (Thanks, Luci.) And to my friends and family who believe I can pull this off, thank you. I believe it too.
Let’s get it.
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WeWill start now ;)