andrewbgould

[andrewbgould]

5 Top Diets Explained — and How to Choose the Right One for You.

Let’s be real: trying to eat healthy these days can feel like a full-time job.

Everyone’s pushing something: Keto will "melt the fat." Vegan is the key to glowing skin. Intermittent fasting? The "shortcut to weight loss." Meanwhile, you're just trying to figure out what the heck to eat for lunch.

Here’s the truth: Most diets can work — but only if they work for you. Your lifestyle. Your taste buds. Your sanity.

So, let’s skip the buzzwords and break down 5 of the most popular diets — what they are, why they might work, and why they sometimes don’t.

🥗 The Mediterranean Diet AKA: The “I still get to eat bread” diet

What it is: Think olive oil, veggies, grilled fish, a glass of wine, and nothing too extreme. Inspired by people who live forever on beautiful islands.

Why people love it: It’s backed by real science, not TikTok trends.

It helps with heart health and inflammation.

It’s actually enjoyable.

Real talk: If you hate cooking or seafood, this might feel more like a Pinterest fail than a lifestyle shift.

Great for: People who want a long-term, flexible way of eating that doesn’t suck the joy out of food.

🥓 Keto AKA: Carbs are the enemy (but bacon is your best friend)

What it is: Very low carb, very high fat. The goal is to push your body into “ketosis,” where it burns fat instead of sugar.

Why people love it: Fast weight loss (at least at first).

No calorie counting — just carb dodging.

It kills cravings for some people.

Real talk: It can feel super restrictive. And if you love bread or fruit? Good luck. Also, “keto flu” is a real thing and it’s… not fun.

Great for: People who want structure and don’t mind giving up carbs (and can live without bananas 🍌).

🌱 Vegan AKA: Plants over everything

What it is: No animal products — that means no meat, dairy, eggs, or even honey.

Why people love it: Ethical, environmentally friendly, and animal-approved.

Can help with weight loss, energy, and digestion.

Forces you to eat more veggies (which, let's be honest, we all need).

Real talk: It takes effort. You’ll read more food labels than ever. And you have to be mindful of nutrients like B12, iron, and protein.

Great for: People who care about animals, the planet, and don’t mind planning ahead.

🍖 Paleo AKA: The “eat like your ancestors” diet

What it is: You eat what early humans ate — meat, veggies, nuts, fruit. No grains, dairy, or processed foods.

Why people love it: Super clean and simple.

No processed junk.

High in protein and fiber.

Real talk: No bread. No beans. No cheese. It’s not easy for everyone, especially if you like things convenient or plant-based.

Great for: People who love meat, hate processed foods, and don’t mind meal prep.

⏰ Intermittent Fasting (IF) AKA: The “not eating is the diet” diet

What it is: You only eat during specific windows of the day (like 12–8pm), and fast the rest of the time. You can pair it with any diet style.

Why people love it: Simple: fewer meals, fewer decisions.

Helps with weight loss and energy levels.

Doesn’t focus on what you eat — just when.

Real talk: It’s not for everyone. Some people feel great; others feel like they’re hangry zombies by 10 a.m. Also not ideal if you’ve struggled with disordered eating.

Great for: People who want simplicity, hate constant snacking, and like routine.

So… Which One Should You Choose? Let’s make it easy:

✨ If you want something balanced and delicious: Mediterranean 🔥 If you love structure and fat-filled foods: Keto 🌍 If ethics or the environment matter to you: Vegan 💪 If you're going clean and primal: Paleo ⏳ If you like rules but hate calorie counting: Intermittent Fasting

But here’s the real question you should ask:

👉 Can I stick with this for 6+ months — and still feel like myself?

If the answer is yes, go for it. If the answer is ugh, it’s not your diet — it’s your red flag.

Final Thoughts Don’t pick a diet that punishes you. Pick one that supports you.

And remember: you don’t need to be perfect. You need to be consistent. Small, sustainable changes beat crash diets every time.

The best diet is the one that fits your life — not the other way around.

[andrewbgould]

Why Productivity Tips Sometimes Backfire — And What You Can Do About It.

Ever tried a productivity hack that was supposed to change your life — and instead, it just made you feel worse?

Same.

There’s a strange irony in the world of productivity: the more obsessed we become with optimizing every second, the more burned out and overwhelmed we tend to feel. We download the apps, follow the 5 AM club advice, color-code our calendars… and then wonder why we’re still exhausted and behind.

The truth is, productivity tips can backfire — not because they’re useless, but because they’re often used in the wrong way, or by the wrong person.

Here’s why that happens — and what actually works.

You’re Not a Machine — So Stop Acting Like One A lot of productivity advice assumes we all operate the same way. Spoiler: we don’t.

Maybe you’ve seen someone swear by waking up at 5 AM, journaling, running 10 miles, and meditating before breakfast. But you’re a night owl who does your best thinking at 10 PM and hates mornings with a passion.

Trying to force yourself into someone else’s routine is like wearing shoes that don’t fit. You can do it — but it hurts.

✅ Instead: Figure out when you feel most focused and energized. Build around that. Productivity isn’t about copying someone else’s rhythm. It’s about knowing your own.

The More You Optimize, the Less You Actually Do Ever spent hours setting up a to-do app — only to never actually use it?

That’s optimization overload. We fall in love with systems and hacks and forget the goal: getting stuff done. Sometimes, productivity becomes the ultimate procrastination tool.

✅ Instead: Pick one or two simple tools or habits and stick with them for a while. Most people don’t need a new app — they need to start.

Productivity Can Make You Feel Guilty — Not Empowered Here’s the dark side nobody talks about: the guilt.

You start the day with a perfectly crafted to-do list. By 6 PM, half of it is untouched. Now you feel like a failure — even though you worked your butt off.

We turn productivity into a morality contest: “If I didn’t finish everything, I’m not doing enough.” That’s toxic.

✅ Instead: Measure progress, not perfection. Did you move forward today? Did you show up? That counts. Guilt is not a productivity tool. Grace is.

You Can’t Hack Your Way Out of Burnout No hack can fix a broken system. If you’re mentally exhausted, emotionally drained, or dealing with stuff under the surface, no app or Pomodoro timer is going to save you.

You don’t need better discipline. You might need rest. Or therapy. Or boundaries.

✅ Instead: Ask yourself, “What’s really draining me?” Sometimes, the best productivity move is permission to pause.

Being Busy ≠ Being Purposeful You can check a million boxes and still be heading in the wrong direction. That’s the trap.

A productivity system should move you closer to something that matters — not just help you run faster on a treadmill going nowhere.

✅ Instead: Regularly ask, “Is this getting me closer to the life I actually want?” Let that guide your priorities.

Here’s the Bottom Line: You don’t need more hacks. You don’t need to wake up earlier or hustle harder. You need clarity on what matters — and the permission to make it your own.

Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most — and still having a life outside your to-do list.

So the next time you feel like a tip is backfiring, don’t blame yourself. Pause. Reevaluate. And remember: you’re human, not a robot. Start there.

[andrewbgould]

What’s Hot in Open Source? 10 Projects Everyone’s Talking About.

Let’s be honest: Open source is no longer just a corner of the internet for hardcore hackers and hoodie-wearing devs in dark rooms.

In 2025, open source is culture. It’s powering your apps, building your AI, running your code — and shaping the future of the web.

Best part? It’s being built by regular people with laptops, passion, and late-night coffee habits.

If you want to see where the tech world is heading, look at what the open source community is obsessed with right now.

Here are 10 of the most talked-about, starred, cloned, and loved open source projects — and why they're getting so much hype.

🥁 1. Bun – JavaScript, But Supercharged Node js walked so Bun could absolutely sprint.

What’s the buzz?

A lightning-fast JavaScript runtime

All-in-one: package manager, bundler, test runner

Built from the ground up for performance and simplicity

If you’ve ever felt like your JS tooling was slow, clunky, or too scattered — Bun is your new favorite toy.

⚙️ 2. Zig – The “C Replacement” That’s Actually Enjoyable Zig is becoming the language for devs who want control without chaos.

Why it’s trending:

Safer and more readable than C

Zero hidden behaviors

Cross-compilation is dead simple

More and more projects (like Bun) are using Zig under the hood — and developers are falling hard for its no-nonsense elegance.

🧠 3. Open Interpreter – Your Terminal Just Got a Brain Imagine asking your computer to "rename all these files, zip them, and move them to Dropbox" — and it actually does it.

That’s Open Interpreter.

Why devs love it:

Natural language meets command line

Executes code, automates tasks, writes scripts

Feels like pair programming with ChatGPT — but local

Total game changer for productivity nerds, automators, and CLI lovers.

🤖 4. Auto-GPT – The Rise of Autonomous AI Agents Remember when AI just answered questions? Now it thinks ahead.

Auto-GPT is an experiment gone viral — and it’s only growing.

Why it matters:

Gives large language models goals — not just prompts

Executes tasks, adjusts plans, loops intelligently

Wildly unpredictable, but wildly powerful

This is the stuff of future startups. And yes, it’s still open source.

🧵 5. Tauri – Finally, a Desktop App Framework That Isn’t Bloated Electron apps are powerful… and heavy. Tauri is the fix.

What devs are saying:

Uses Rust for secure, fast backends

Integrates with your favorite front-end frameworks

Tiny file sizes, way faster load times

From indie devs to full-stack teams, everyone’s jumping on board.

🔗 6. LangChain – The Toolkit for Building Smart, Context-Aware Apps Want to build your own AI assistant, chatbot, or tool that thinks? LangChain is your new best friend.

Why it’s still dominating:

Lets you chain LLMs, tools, and logic together

Powers everything from research agents to customer support

Works across GPT-4, Claude, Mistral, and more

It’s basically the foundation of any next-gen AI app in 2025.

🧩 7. Nix / NixOS – The Package Manager That’s Finally Cool Nix has been around for a while — but now? It’s having a full-blown renaissance.

Why developers are obsessed:

Perfectly reproducible dev environments

Declarative system configs

No more “it works on my machine” drama

If you’ve ever nuked your setup with one bad install, Nix is a lifesaver.

🧬 8. DuckDB – The SQLite of Analytics Say hello to the tiny, blazing-fast SQL engine built for serious data work.

Why it’s trending:

Runs analytics queries locally — with insane speed

Perfect for devs, data scientists, and anyone working with big CSVs

Doesn’t need servers or setup — just works

It’s like having a personal warehouse engine in your laptop.

🕹️ 9. Godot – The Free Game Engine That’s Beating the Big Guys Indie game devs are rallying behind Godot — and for good reason.

Why it’s blowing up:

Fully open source, no licensing mess

Lightweight, cross-platform, and beginner-friendly

A true alternative to Unity (especially after the pricing drama)

It’s not just for games — people are building apps, tools, and even UI frameworks with it.

🔐 10. Turbopack – The Successor to Webpack (But Not Painful) Built by the Vercel team, Turbopack is a next-gen bundler that makes building modern web apps feel sane again.

What makes it great:

Insanely fast

Designed for React, Next js, and modern workflows

Incremental, efficient, and easy to plug in

If you’re tired of waiting for your site to build — this is your upgrade.

🎯 Final Thought: Open Source Is Where the Future Happens First All of these projects have one thing in common: They’re made by real people who just want better tools.

Not billion-dollar budgets. Not boardrooms. Just brilliant builders sharing code, learning in public, and pushing tech forward.

If you’re watching these projects, you’re not just following trends — You’re watching the next wave of innovation unfold in real time.

💬 Want to get involved? Star a repo. File an issue. Share something cool. Open source isn’t just code — it’s community.

And it’s never been a better time to join in.

[andrewbgould]

Scientists Uncover What Came Before the Big Bang.

Okay, hear me out.

We’ve all been told the Big Bang was the beginning of everything. Time. Space. Matter. Life. You. Me. All of it — bursting into existence 13.8 billion years ago.

But now?

Scientists are poking at that sacred starting point and saying:

“What if it wasn’t the beginning after all?”

Yeah. Let that settle in for a second.

Because if they're right… the story of our universe just got way bigger than we ever imagined.

🧠 First of All: The Big Bang Wasn’t a "Bang" Not in the way you think.

There was no boom in the middle of space. There wasn’t even space yet.

The Big Bang was more like a moment where reality expanded from almost nothing into everything, all at once. Space itself stretched. Time turned on. The universe blinked awake.

For years, that was page one of the story.

But what if that was page two?

🕳️ Scientists Are Looking Back Even Further Thanks to new physics theories, quantum mechanics, and brain-breaking math, scientists are beginning to map out what may have come before the Big Bang.

And spoiler: it’s not empty darkness.

It's wilder than fiction. More spiritual than science. And weirdly… kind of comforting.

Here are the three biggest ideas:

🔁 The Universe Might Have “Bounced” Into Existence Imagine this:

The universe wasn’t born. It rebounded.

This is called the Big Bounce theory.

In this idea, the universe goes through infinite cycles — expanding, collapsing, rebounding. Over and over. Forever.

So the Big Bang? It wasn’t a beginning.

It was a cosmic exhale… after a collapse we’ll never remember.

🌊 We May Have Emerged from a Quantum “Sea” Before time, before matter, before everything — there may have been a chaotic, buzzing sea of tiny, unpredictable particles.

No up, no down, no cause, no effect. Just endless possibility.

From that, one fluctuation — one quantum whisper — became our universe.

In other words: the Big Bang might have been a random roll of the cosmic dice.

And yeah — this also opens the door to infinite other universes we’ll never see.

A multiverse. And we’re just one lucky bubble inside it.

💻 This Might All Be a Simulation Okay, pause.

It sounds like sci-fi, but many respected scientists have said the math checks out:

The universe could be a simulation. The Big Bang? Just the moment the “program” started running.

And whatever (or whoever) hit “start”? That came before.

A future civilization? A creator? A machine?

No one knows. But if this is a simulation… you’re part of it. And so am I.

And that raises a whole different set of questions.

🌠 So… Why Does This Matter? Because for the first time, science is getting close to answering the oldest question humans have ever asked:

“Where did we come from?”

Not just biologically. Not just spiritually. But cosmically.

And it turns out, the answer might be:

We came from something far bigger than we can see — and maybe we’re part of something that never really ends.

🧡 Final Thought: You’re Made of Stardust — and Mystery Here's the most beautiful part:

No matter which theory is true… You are the product of a universe that defies logic.

A universe that may have existed forever. Or restarted itself. Or spontaneously chose you from quantum chaos.

And yet… here you are.

Breathing. Thinking. Reading this. Alive in a cosmos that’s still figuring itself out.

Isn’t that kind of perfect?

[andrewbgould]

You Deserve to Be Someone’s Oxygen, Not Their Afterthought.

Let’s just say it out loud:

You’re tired of being the one who always cares more.

The one who sends the “Did you make it home safe?” text. The one who remembers birthdays, little wins, and hard days. The one who keeps showing up — even for people who don’t notice when you’re gone.

And somewhere deep down, you’ve started wondering…

Is this just what love is supposed to feel like? Because if it is, it’s exhausting.

💔 Here’s the truth: You’re not asking for too much. You’re just asking the wrong people.

You’re not “too sensitive,” “too intense,” or “too available.” You’re just offering oxygen to people who treat your presence like background noise.

But you?

You were never meant to be an afterthought.

You’re meant to be a constant. A calm. A breath of fresh air in a world full of chaos.

🔁 What It Feels Like (And Why It Hurts So Much) You don’t want fancy. You want effort. You don’t need a lot. Just someone who:

Texts back like they mean it

Remembers what matters to you

Shows up without needing to be begged

You’re not looking for attention — you’re craving connection. But when you constantly end up on the sidelines of someone else's life… it chips away at you.

You stop trusting your worth. You start questioning your energy. You wonder if maybe you are asking too much.

Let me say this louder:

You are not too much. You’re just not being met.

🫶 Real Love Feels Like Air — Not Anxiety When you find the right people, you won’t have to beg. You won’t have to explain why you need reassurance. You won’t feel like a placeholder.

They’ll make space for you. They’ll protect your peace, not disturb it. They’ll remind you that love isn’t supposed to be confusing or conditional.

To them, you won’t be a "nice-to-have." You’ll be essential.

Like oxygen. Needed. Noticed. Non-negotiable.

🌱 Start With You You can’t make someone see your worth. But you can stop lowering your standards just to be seen.

So here’s your gentle nudge:

Stop shrinking to fit inside someone else’s comfort zone.

Stop loving people in the hope they’ll finally love you back the way you deserve.

Stop being available to people who only remember you when they’re bored or broken.

You are not a backup plan. You are not someone’s second choice.

You are the main character. The light. The lifeline.

Start loving yourself like that’s true. Because it is.

✨ Final Reminder (From Someone Who’s Been There): If someone makes you feel like you’re asking for too much… They’re not your person.

Your person will breathe easier just by being near you. They’ll treat your heart like it matters. They’ll choose you — fully, clearly, loudly.

Not because they have to. Because they can’t imagine not.

[andrewbgould]

The AI Illusion: What We're Not Seeing.

Let’s talk about something nobody really wants to admit:

AI isn’t just changing the world —

It’s quietly changing us.

Not in a movie-villain, robot-uprising kind of way. Not yet, anyway.

But in a way that’s quieter… subtler… and way more personal.

And most of us? We’re not even seeing it.

🪞 The Mirror We Didn’t Know We Were Looking Into AI isn’t magic. It’s not sentient. It’s not “thinking.”

It’s just reflecting us — at scale.

Our content

Our biases

Our behavior

Our data

It doesn’t create culture. It copies it.

So if it feels like AI is getting eerily good at sounding human?

That’s because it’s watching us. Learning us. Mimicking us. And feeding it right back to us.

The real illusion? Thinking it’s neutral. It’s not. It’s us — on autopilot.

🧠 What We’re Gaining vs. What We’re Losing AI is amazing. It saves time. It boosts productivity. It connects dots we wouldn’t even see.

But let’s be real for a second:

What are we trading for that convenience? Are we thinking less because AI thinks faster?

Are we writing less from the heart because AI writes “better”?

Are we slowly outsourcing our intuition without noticing?

And maybe the scariest question:

What happens when we start sounding more like machines than humans — and call that "efficient"?

💭 The Danger Isn’t AI Taking Over The real danger? We stop showing up.

We let AI:

Finish our thoughts

Choose our words

Curate our feeds

Predict our next move

And slowly… We forget how to do it ourselves.

We stop asking: “What do I really think?” “What would I write here?” “Does this even sound like me anymore?”

📱 We’re Not Seeing the Slow Creep The shift doesn’t feel dramatic. It feels helpful. Easy. Convenient.

And that’s exactly why it’s dangerous.

Because one day, you wake up and realize:

You haven’t written something original in months

You’re Googling things you already know

You’re letting a tool tell your story — instead of living it

We’re not being replaced. We’re being rewritten.

🧬 Don’t Let the Algorithm Become Your Identity Here’s the truth:

AI can generate ideas. But it can’t care. It can’t bleed. It can’t doubt itself at 2 a.m. It can’t dream something into existence out of nothing but hope.

Only you can do that.

AI can imitate you. But it will never be you.

🛑 Pause. Before You Hit “Generate” Before you copy-paste the output. Before you let the tool take over.

Ask yourself:

Is this really me?

Would I say this out loud to someone I love?

Is this just fast — or is it true?

Because the world doesn’t just need smart content. It needs honest content. Human content.

🗣 Final Thought: The Future Is Still Ours — If We Claim It AI is not the enemy. But disconnection is.

So use the tools. Train the models. Automate the boring stuff. Just don’t forget to show up as a human in the places that matter.

Because in a world full of flawless algorithms and fast answers…

Your messy, honest, imperfect humanity? That’s the one thing that can’t be automated.

[andrewbgould]

The Freedom of Earning Less: My Decision to Limit My Income.

Here’s a truth bomb: For years, I thought success meant more money, more hustle, and more stress.

Spoiler alert: It didn’t make me happy.

So I did the unexpected. I decided to earn less — on purpose.

Sounds wild? Yeah, but hear me out — because this choice gave me something way better than a bigger paycheck: freedom.

Why I Said “No Thanks” to More Money We’re all told that more money = a better life. But more money for me meant:

Endless grind

Burning out

Missing out on what actually matters

I realized that chasing more was stealing my time, my peace, and honestly, my joy.

So I asked myself: What if I stopped chasing? What if I just lived?

What Happened When I Started Earning Less I Got My Time Back I stopped living for work and started working to live. Mornings sipping coffee, afternoon walks, dinners with friends — real moments I almost forgot existed.

Stress? Way Down. No more biting my nails over deadlines I didn’t care about. I worked on projects that felt meaningful — and that made all the difference.

I Built Real Relationships When I wasn’t “always busy,” I actually showed up for people. Friendships got deeper, family got closer.

Joy in Simplicity Turns out, happiness isn’t about fancy things. It’s about being present and grateful for what you already have.

How I Made It Actually Work It wasn’t magic. It was choices:

Budgeting like a boss — knowing what I need, not what I want.

Saying “no” without guilt (so freeing!).

Choosing work that aligns with my values.

Creating small income streams that don’t drain me.

Could You Do This Too? If you’re exhausted by the hustle culture, feeling like you’re running on a treadmill that never stops, maybe it’s time to rethink the “more money = better life” story.

Imagine earning less but living so much more.

Here’s the Real Talk You don’t have to chase a giant paycheck to live a rich life. Sometimes the richest thing you can do is choose what matters, and protect your peace like a treasure.

For me, limiting my income wasn’t giving up — it was gaining back my freedom.

And honestly? It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

[andrewbgould]

How to Create a Solo Business in 48 Hours on a Zero-Dollar Budget.

Alright, listen up!

You want to start your own business but no money is sitting in your bank account. You’re thinking, “How the heck do I even start?”

Well, guess what? You can start a legit solo business in just 48 hours without dropping a single cent. No fancy office, no expensive website, just you, some hustle, and smart moves.

Sounds wild? Let me show you how.

Step 1: Pick Your Idea — Keep It Simple, Keep It Real (Hour 0-2) Don’t overthink this. What can you do right now that people actually need?

Can you write? Design? Teach?

Got a skill or hobby that others want?

Maybe you’re that go-to for advice or coaching?

Pick something you’re decent at and excited about. Your “perfect” idea can wait — this is your launchpad, not your forever plan.

Step 2: Who’s Your People? Get Really Clear (Hour 2-4) Who needs what you’ve got? Who are these people? Imagine them. What keeps them up at night? How does your business make their life easier?

Get crystal clear. A fuzzy target = zero sales.

Write a one-liner that says exactly why you’re their best bet.

Step 3: Build Your Online Home — For FREE (Hour 4-12) No cash? No problem.

Use free sites like Carrd, Wix, or Google Sites to make a simple page.

Grab Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn profiles and make ’em pop.

Canva is your new best friend for logos and graphics — even if you’re NOT a designer.

Make sure it’s easy for folks to see what you do and how to reach you.

Step 4: Shout It Out (Hour 12-24) You’ve got a biz — now tell the world.

DM friends, family, old colleagues — ask them to spread the word.

Join online groups and forums where your people hang out (but don’t be spammy!).

Post your story, your why, and what you’re offering on socials.

Remember: People buy from people they trust. So be real, be YOU.

Step 5: Sell Your Stuff — Make Saying YES Easy (Hour 24-36) Make it dead simple for people to say yes:

Clear prices, no confusion.

Throw in a free trial, discount, or bonus to sweeten the deal.

Use PayPal, Venmo, or Stripe to collect money quickly.

Deliver fast and overdeliver on quality.

Your first happy customer is pure gold — treat them like royalty.

Step 6: Listen, Learn, Level Up (Hour 36-48) After your first wins:

Ask for feedback (the good, the bad, the ugly).

Use that intel to make your biz better.

Show off testimonials like trophies on your site and socials.

Keep it real and keep improving — all without spending a dime on ads.

Pro Tips for Keeping the Ball Rolling Automate boring stuff with free tools (hello, scheduling apps!).

Binge free courses and YouTube tutorials to get smarter daily.

Network like it’s your side hustle (because it is).

Bottom line? You don’t need a fat wallet or perfect plan to start your solo business.

All you need is a little grit, some hustle, and a 48-hour plan.

Your business launch is waiting — are you ready to hit GO?

[andrewbgould]

Make Every Beat Count: Life’s Clock Is Always Ticking.

Hey — real talk for a sec:

Your heart is beating right now. Yep, that little thump-thump inside your chest? It’s your life’s clock ticking. And no matter what you’re doing, that clock isn’t pausing for anyone.

Crazy, right?

We all get 24 hours a day. But how many of us actually feel the seconds slipping by?

Here’s the truth nobody tells you: Life doesn’t wait. It won’t hit pause for you to feel ready, to be perfect, or to have everything figured out.

And your heartbeat? That’s the universe whispering, “Hey — this moment matters.”

So, how do you make every beat count?

Stop scrolling for a sec. Look around. Breathe. Feel. You’re here. Now. This is your life — not some distant “later.”

Chase what lights you up, even if it scares you. That dream, that passion, that tiny idea — give it some love. Big moves start small.

Reach out. Text that friend. Call your mom. Say “I love you.” Connection is everything.

Take that leap, no matter how messy it gets. Growth is ugly sometimes — but it’s the only way to get closer to who you wanna be.

Find the good in today. Gratitude turns the ordinary into something magical. Even on rough days.

Because at the end of the day… It’s not about how many beats you get — it’s about what you do with each one.

Will you spend them waiting for “the right time” that never comes? Or will you choose to live?

Your heart is ticking right now. That’s your cue to stop overthinking and start doing.

Make your next beat count — because no one else will.

If you needed this today, share it with someone else who’s stuck in “someday.” Let’s remind each other that the time is right now.

Life’s clock is ticking — let’s live like it matters. ❤️⏳

[andrewbgould]

One Question That Instantly Shuts Down Toxic Thoughts.

Ever catch yourself stuck in a mental black hole of negativity? You know—the one where your brain won’t stop whispering cruel things like:

“You’re such a failure.”

“Why even try? You’ll just mess up.”

“Nobody really cares anyway.”

Yeah, that annoying, toxic voice inside your head? It can wreck your day, your mood, and your confidence. But here’s the thing: it’s lying. Most of those thoughts aren’t true.

And there’s ONE question that you can ask yourself in that exact moment—something so simple, it almost feels like cheating. But it works like magic.

The Question That Changed Everything for Me: “Is this thought actually true?”

Pause. Breathe. Ask yourself: Is this thought a fact? Or just your fear, doubt, or past baggage talking?

Spoiler alert: 90% of the time, it’s not true.

Why This Works Our brains are wired to believe every single thought as gospel. But thoughts are just that—thoughts. Not facts. Not reality.

When you stop and ask yourself, “Is this true?” you’re basically pulling the emergency brake on your runaway brain. You get to step back, see the thought for what it really is—just a story you’re telling yourself—and decide if it deserves your attention.

How to Use It (Without Feeling Like a Zen Master) Catch Your Toxic Thought You know the ones—the “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never make it” loops.

Ask: “Is this thought true?” Be honest. Could you prove it in a court of law? (Hint: probably not.)

Challenge It If it’s not true, flip the script. For example: “I always mess up” → “I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also learned and grown.”

Repeat Often Your brain loves negativity like candy. It takes practice to change the habit.

Real Talk Example You’re about to send a message or talk to someone new, and boom—“They’re gonna think I’m annoying.”

Stop. Ask: “Is this true?”

Nope. You’re probably just nervous. And guess what? Most people are way too busy worrying about their own stuff to judge you harshly.

Bottom Line: You don’t have to let toxic thoughts run your life. That simple question—Is this thought true?—is like a mental reset button. It helps you kick the crap thoughts to the curb and see things clearly.

Try it next time your brain gets loud. It’s like hitting “mute” on negativity—and honestly, your sanity will thank you.

[andrewbgould]

Stop Feeling Everything: Reclaim Your Power Now.

Hey, can I be real with you for a second?

If you’re like me—or like a lot of us—you probably feel everything. Every heartbreak, every injustice, every drama. You soak it up like a sponge. And yeah, it’s exhausting. Like carrying around a backpack full of bricks, but the bricks are feelings that don’t even belong to you.

Why do we do this? Because we care. We want to be kind, understanding, empathetic. But here’s the catch: when you feel everything, you start to lose yourself. Your head spins. Your heart hurts. And you wonder—when was the last time you actually felt calm?

Spoiler alert: It probably hasn’t been in a while.

The Problem with Feeling Too Much Feeling deeply is a beautiful thing. But feeling too much? It’s like emotional overload. It’s not strength—it’s chaos. You get caught in a whirlwind of other people’s pain, stress, and drama. And before you know it, your own energy, your own happiness, your own peace? Gone.

You don’t mean to do it, but suddenly you’re burnt out, anxious, and kinda lost. You want to help, but you’re drowning.

So what do you do?

Reclaim Your Power by Choosing What to Feel This isn’t about shutting down or becoming a cold robot. It’s about choosing what deserves your energy—and what doesn’t.

Think of your emotions like your phone’s battery. You wouldn’t leave your screen on full brightness all day, right? You’d manage it, charge it, protect it. Your emotional battery deserves the same respect.

Here’s how to start: Set Emotional Boundaries It’s okay to say, “I care, but I can’t carry this for you.” You’re not abandoning people—you’re protecting your own heart.

Take Breaks From The Noise News, social media, gossip—they’re emotional vampires. Take real breaks. Your peace depends on it.

Practice ‘Emotional Separation’ Imagine a shield between your feelings and everyone else’s. Breathe. Write. Meditate. Stay grounded in your truth.

Focus on What Lights You Up Spend your energy on things and people that fuel you. Your goals, passions, joy—protect those fiercely.

Redefine Caring Caring doesn’t mean drowning in everyone’s emotions. Sometimes the kindest thing is to stay calm and steady—not get swept up in the chaos.

The Truth: You Are Allowed to Protect Yourself You are not a garbage bin for the world’s pain. You are a human being with limits, feelings, and a right to peace.

So next time you feel overwhelmed by all the feelings, remember: you can stop. You can step back. You can reclaim your power and still be deeply, beautifully human.

[andrewbgould]

Become the Man No One Can Break: Build Discipline Daily.

Let’s be honest:

Most days, you won’t feel like it. You’ll be tired. Unmotivated. Distracted. Pulled in a hundred directions.

And that’s exactly when it matters most.

Because anyone can push when they’re fired up. But becoming the man no one can break? That takes discipline on the days no one claps for you.

💥 Motivation is a spark. Discipline is the fire. Let’s kill a myth real quick:

“I just need to find motivation…”

No. You don’t.

Motivation is like a drunk friend: fun for a minute, but you can’t rely on it. Discipline? That’s the quiet, steady force that gets up when it’s dark, tired, and no one’s watching.

Discipline doesn’t care if it’s raining. Discipline doesn’t need a hype video. Discipline shows up—because you said you would.

🧱 You Don’t Build Discipline Overnight. You Build It Daily. Here’s the secret nobody wants to say out loud:

You become unstoppable by doing boring things over and over until they stop being hard.

You train when you’re tired. You eat clean when no one’s looking. You say no when it’s easier to give in. You work in silence when others are scrolling.

That’s not just “grind.” That’s character being built in real time.

🚫 It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Ownership. Some days you’ll fall short. That’s life. But you don’t lie to yourself. You don’t blame the day. You get back up.

Because every time you keep your word to yourself—no matter how small—you build something.

And every time you break it, you chip away at your own belief.

That’s the real flex: being the kind of man who does what he says—especially to himself.

🔁 Daily Discipline Looks Like: Waking up early because you said you would.

Training your body because your mind depends on it.

Working through resistance because “I don’t feel like it” is not a strategy.

Saying no to distractions, comfort, and shortcuts.

Doing the hard thing over and over… until it’s just what you do.

You don’t need permission. You don’t need perfect conditions. You just need to do it anyway.

⚔️ Be the Man No One Can Break He’s not loud. He’s not desperate for attention. He’s not looking for applause.

He’s dangerous in the best way. Not because he’s flashy. But because you can’t knock him off center.

He’s consistent. He’s self-led. He’s unshakable. And that’s who you’re becoming—one disciplined choice at a time.

🎯 Real Talk: You don’t need more tips. You need more reps.

Reps of keeping your word. Reps of getting back up. Reps of doing the thing—especially when it’s not fun.

Want peace? Power? Self-respect?

It’s built in the boring, quiet, unseen moments.

So no, this isn’t sexy. But it is how you become the man no one can break.

[andrewbgould]

You Don’t Need Money to Succeed Just These 8 Free Life Essentials.

Let’s get real:

Not everyone starts with money. Not everyone gets connections, clean starts, or second chances.

But what if I told you the things that actually create success— don’t cost a single cent?

Because they don’t. Here are 8 free life essentials that will take you farther than money ever could.

Discipline No one sees it. But it’s there in the 5 a.m. wakeups, the quiet “no’s” to things that don’t align, the decisions that feel boring but build you.

Discipline doesn’t show off. It just wins in silence.

Gratitude Some people wake up angry about what they don’t have. Others wake up grateful for what they do—and somehow, those are the ones who keep rising.

Gratitude shifts your focus from survival to growth. From scarcity to possibility.

You’re not stuck. You’re starting.

Curiosity You don’t need to have all the answers— Just the courage to ask better questions.

Curiosity will open doors that degrees won’t. It will teach you more than school ever could.

Curious people evolve. And evolving people succeed.

Grit When life gets hard—and it will— You’ll need more than talent.

You’ll need that stubborn, fire-in-your-chest kind of grit. The kind that says: “I’m not done. Not yet.”

That’s not something you’re born with. It’s something you build.

Kindness Kindness doesn’t make you soft. It makes you strong in all the right places.

It builds bridges. Opens hearts. Leaves legacies. It’s the trait people remember long after the résumé is forgotten.

In a world full of sharp edges, be soft—and powerful.

Self-Awareness You don’t need to know everything. But you do need to know yourself.

Your strengths. Your triggers. Your blind spots. Self-awareness turns chaos into clarity.

You can’t grow what you won’t own.

Focus Everyone is busy. Few are focused.

Focus is doing less, better. It’s saying “no” to good things so you can say “yes” to the right things.

And the best part? It costs nothing—but buys you everything.

Faith In God. In yourself. In the process. Pick one—but believe in something.

Faith is what keeps you standing when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. It’s what whispers, “Try again,” when fear says, “You’re done.”

You don’t find it in a store. You find it when you’ve got nothing left—except belief.

Real Talk? You don’t need to come from money. You don’t need a perfect past. You don’t need permission.

You need discipline. gratitude. grit. curiosity. kindness. self-awareness. focus. and faith.

If you’ve got those? You’re already richer than you think.

Success isn’t what you own. It’s who you are when no one’s clapping yet.

If this hit home, share it. Someone out there needs to be reminded that they already have what it takes. 💙

[andrewbgould]

Being a Father Is Easy Being a Dad Takes Heart.

Let’s be real:

Becoming a father? That’s biology. Being a dad? That’s love in motion.

You can become a father in a moment. But being a dad—that’s something you do every single day.

The Title Is Free. The Role Is Earned. “Father” is a word on a birth certificate. “Dad” is the guy who shows up.

Not just for birthdays or holidays, but for the hard stuff:

Homework meltdowns.

Middle-of-the-night fevers.

Heartbreaks you wish you could fix with duct tape and a hug.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

What Kids Remember Isn’t What You Think They won’t remember the job title on your LinkedIn.

They’ll remember:

How you held their hand in the parking lot.

The way your face lit up when they walked into the room.

That silly dance you did in the kitchen, just to hear them laugh.

They don’t need a provider. They need a protector. A comforter. A rock.

They need you.

Being a Dad Means Showing Up—Especially When It’s Hard Sometimes it’s thankless. Sometimes it’s exhausting. Sometimes you’re giving 100% and wondering if anyone even notices.

But they do. Even if they don’t have the words to say it yet.

One day, they’ll remember how safe it felt when you were around. They’ll remember that you were always there.

That matters more than anything.

It’s Not Just DNA—It’s Heart. You don’t need to be biologically related to be a dad.

You just need to care. To love. To stay. To choose the role—over and over again—when it’s not easy, not convenient, not celebrated.

Fatherhood is a title.

But being a dad? That’s a legacy.

So Here’s to the Dads… To the ones who show up even when they’re tired. To the ones learning as they go. To the ones healing their own childhood by loving better this time.

You’re not just raising a child.

You’re shaping a future. You’re building a heart. You’re making someone’s safe place.

And that… That makes you a hero in a thousand small, quiet ways.

Being a father is easy. Being a dad takes heart. If you know one—tag him. Text him. Thank him. 💙

[andrewbgould]

The Surprising Truth About Financial Freedom: It Still Feels Like Work.

Let’s be honest—we’ve all fantasized about financial freedom.

No alarm clocks. No meetings. No begging for PTO to take a Tuesday off. Just sipping coffee slowly while the world rushes by, your passive income quietly stacking in the background.

But here’s the plot twist no one tells you: Even when you "make it"… it still feels like work.

Wait, What? Isn’t That the Whole Point? That’s what I thought too.

For years, I hustled. Budgeted like a monk. Invested every spare cent. Watched YouTube videos about dividend portfolios like they were Netflix thrillers. The dream? Build enough income streams to finally escape the grind.

And then, one day, I got there.

Not yacht-rich, but free. Bills covered. Clock-out-for-good kind of free.

You know what happened next?

I woke up the next morning and thought, "Okay… now what?"

The Freedom No One Warns You About It turns out financial freedom doesn’t feel like the end. It feels like a blank page.

No boss, no meetings—but also no structure, no direction. And let me tell you, that’s both thrilling and terrifying.

Yes, you can travel. Yes, you can sleep in. But those things stop feeling exciting once they become your norm. You don’t actually want to do nothing. You want to do something meaningful.

And meaningful still feels like work.

You Don’t Retire from Purpose We think we want to be “free from work.” But what we really want is to be free from meaningless work.

Once money isn’t the motivator, you start asking better questions:

What do I actually care about?

What am I building?

Who am I helping?

Financial freedom gives you the privilege of choosing your work—but it doesn’t take away the need to do it.

The Emotional Plot Twist Here’s another thing no one tells you: Leaving the rat race doesn’t mean leaving your identity crisis at the door.

If your whole sense of self was tied to being “on the grind,” stepping away can feel like losing part of yourself. You spent years chasing freedom. Now you have it, and you’re still not satisfied.

That’s not failure. That’s being human.

So What’s the Real Goal? Not to do nothing. Not to retire at 35 and move to Bali (though you can).

The real goal is this:

✨ To work on things you care about, with people you like, without the constant pressure to survive. ✨

It’s not about escaping work. It’s about making work optional—and meaningful.

In the End… Financial freedom isn’t overrated. It’s powerful. But don’t expect it to feel like a permanent vacation.

Expect it to feel like a second chance at doing work on your terms.

And honestly? That’s way better.

[andrewbgould]

Why Getting Up Early Isn’t the Secret to Being Productive.

Let’s be real: we’ve all seen those “rise and grind” morning routine videos. You know the ones—someone’s pouring lemon water at 5:02 a.m., journaling gratitude by 5:15, and already answering emails while the rest of us are still tangled in our sheets.

But here’s the truth nobody talks about: Waking up early isn’t a magic productivity switch. And it’s definitely not the secret to success.

Wait… Isn’t Early Rising the Key to Winning at Life?

We’ve been sold this idea for years—that if you want to be productive, you have to get up before the sun. And sure, it works for some people. But productivity isn’t about copying someone else’s schedule. It’s about knowing yourself, your energy, and what actually works for you.

Because if you're exhausted, cranky, and running on four hours of sleep just to make it to your 5 a.m. “miracle morning,” that’s not productivity. That’s burnout in disguise.

You’re Not Lazy—You Just Have a Different Rhythm

Science backs this up. We all have different chronotypes—natural body clocks that influence when we feel most alert. Some people crush life in the morning. Others do their best thinking at 10 p.m. Neither is better. They’re just different.

So if mornings feel like a fog and your brain doesn’t really boot up until noon? That’s not a flaw. That’s biology.

Sleep > Hustle

Let’s not forget the big one: sleep matters more than your wake-up time.

Not getting enough sleep to squeeze in a “productive” morning routine? That’s like skipping breakfast so you can sharpen your knives—you’re running on empty just to look ready.

Good sleep = better focus, clearer thinking, stronger decisions. Period.

The Real Secret? Design a Day That Works for You

Want to be productive? Start here:

Figure out when your brain is naturally most active (morning, midday, night).

Build your most important tasks around those high-energy hours.

Respect your need for rest, not just results.

Stop measuring your worth by what time you wake up.

Because you’re not more valuable if you rise early. You’re more valuable when you’re functioning at your best—whatever time that happens to be.

TL;DR:

Waking up early doesn’t make you productive. Understanding your energy, protecting your sleep, and working smarter does.

Let’s stop shaming people who don’t love 5 a.m. starts and start celebrating productivity in all its forms—yes, even the night owl kind. 🦉💻

[andrewbgould]

5 Things Every New Salesforce Admin Should Know.

So… you just became a Salesforce Admin? First of all—congrats! 🎉 Second—buckle up. You’ve just entered one of the most powerful, versatile, and occasionally overwhelming platforms out there.

Whether you're feeling excited, confused, or straight-up panicked (been there!), here are 5 things I wish someone had told me when I started my admin journey. These tips will save you from frustration, earn you instant respect, and set you up to actually thrive in your role.

Learn the Data Model Like It’s a Map to Hidden Treasure 🗺️ Salesforce is built around data—objects, fields, and relationships. If you don’t understand how they connect, everything feels random.

Standard Objects = Salesforce out-of-the-box (Accounts, Contacts, Opportunities)

Custom Objects = Built for your unique org needs

Relationships = How data is connected (and what it means when you change it)

🔍 Pro Tip: Open up Schema Builder and explore it like you’re in a video game. It makes the abstract stuff visual and clickable, and it helped me connect the dots FAST.

Permissions Are Where the Chaos Begins (or Ends) 🔐 It’s not just “can a user log in?” It’s what can they see, do, or accidentally delete?

Profiles: Define basic access

Roles: Define what records users can see

Permission Sets: Give extra powers (without turning your org into a security nightmare)

🛑 Lesson Learned: One time I gave someone too much access and they deleted 200 records thinking it was a test environment. Now I use Permission Sets very carefully.

Flows Are the Future—But Test Before You Impress ⚙️ Automation is amazing until it breaks… everything.

Flows are your best no-code friend (goodbye, old Workflow Rules)

Automate tasks, send emails, update records—all without writing a line of code

⚠️ Warning: Automating everything sounds cool until you forget to test and realize you just updated 3,000 records incorrectly. Use Sandbox. Always.

Reports & Dashboards = Instant “You’re a Genius” Moments 📊 The fastest way to win love from your team? Build them a dashboard that answers a question they didn’t even know they had.

Use custom report types to unlock the data people really want

Group your reports like a story, not just a spreadsheet

Make your dashboards visual, not just “boxes with numbers”

💡 Real Talk: My first dashboard got shown in a leadership meeting. I had no idea. That was the day people stopped calling me "just the CRM person" and started calling me "the one who makes things actually make sense."

Trailhead Is Basically the Netflix of Salesforce—But Educational 🧩 Trailhead isn’t just another boring training site. It’s gamified, hands-on, and low-key addictive. You can earn badges, show off your skills, and actually get certified.

🔥 Start here:

Admin Beginner Trail

Flow Basics

🎓 Bonus: Once you’re ready, go for the Salesforce Admin Certification (ADM-201)—it’s your golden ticket.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not “Just the Admin”—You’re the Heart of the Org ❤️ Being a Salesforce Admin isn’t just clicking buttons or resetting passwords. You’re literally the person who keeps data clean, processes efficient, and users productive. You're the connector between technology and people.

Some days, you’ll feel overwhelmed. Others, you’ll feel like a wizard.

But every day, you’re learning a skill set that companies desperately need.

✨ Quick Checklist for New Admins: ✅ Explore Schema Builder ✅ Learn Profiles vs Roles vs Permission Sets ✅ Play with Flows (in Sandbox!) ✅ Build a dashboard that answers one big question ✅ Earn your first Trailhead badge

Tag a new Salesforce Admin and share this with them. We’ve all been there—and the journey is so much better when we help each other out.

Let’s grow together. 🌱