When I started this newsletter in 2021, I had one simple goal:

To share actionable ideas to help you build a high-performing, healthy, wealthy life.

I had no idea that just a few years later, that simple focus would extend to reach nearly 1 million readers around the world. It's a diverse bunch, from 14-year-olds to at least one 100-year-old. People from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences. Different in many ways, sure, but all hungry for growth and self-improvement.

To say I'm humbled by this is something of an understatement.

But I'm not surprised by it.

Why? Well, I haven't missed a single send since I started it in May 2021. Two sends per week for all of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Three sends per week (plus a Saturday week-in-review) for all of 2025.

That's nearly 600 newsletters—without a single miss. Not for a holiday. Not for an illness. Not for anything.

I want you to know that when I talk about consistency and the power of showing up, you can trust me, because I live by it.

But let me be clear: The only reason I can do it is because I love it. I love writing this newsletter for all of you. I love wrestling with the ideas. I love seeing the impact they have on your lives.

I shared hundreds of ideas with you this year. Here were my 25 favorites.

The best ideas of 2025:

1. The Mountain or the Pebble

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.” - Muhammad Ali

The mountain is a visible roadblock. Intimidating. Justifiable.

The pebble is the small, silent enemy that holds you back. Subtle. Easy to ignore. Seemingly inconsequential.

The pebble might be:

• The fixed mindset you maintain
• The bad habit you refuse to break
• The self-limiting story you tell yourself
• The negative people you allow to drain your energy

A pebble may not seem like a big deal—but walk 10 miles with it in your shoe and you'll see and feel the impact of a tiny issue amplified by distance and time.

It's no big deal, until it's a very big deal.

You can't conquer your mountain until you remove your pebble.

(​read more here​)

2. Nobody Cares

A few years ago, I shared with a mentor that my book concept had been rejected by an agent, leading to my reluctant decision to pause pursuing it.

His response:

“I got this advice at an inflection point in my career, and now I think you need to hear it: Nobody cares.”

Nobody cares. Two words. The single piece of advice that changed my life...

When you're winning, when everything is going well, when you're crushing it, nobody cares.

When you're losing, when everything is falling flat, when you're down and out, nobody cares.

It doesn't mean nobody loves you. It just means nobody cares about your life as much as you do. It just means that you are in control. It's on you.

Here's the truth: Nobody is thinking about you. They're too busy thinking about themselves.

That thing you've always wanted to do? Go out and do it.

(​read more here​)

3. The Empty Boat Mindset

This is one of my favorite stories:

A monk goes out on a boat in a small lake to meditate. After a few hours of uninterrupted silence, he suddenly feels the jarring impact of another boat bumping into his.

While he does not open his eyes, he feels the irritation and anger building within him.

“Why would someone do that? Can’t they see me here? How dare they disturb my meditation?”

He opens his eyes, ready to shout at the person in the other boat, only to realize that it is empty. It had come untied from the dock and was floating in the middle of the lake.

In that moment, his anger and frustration disappears. After all, you cannot be angry at an empty boat.

The truth is that the negative emotions that grow inside you are rarely from the collision itself, but from your perception of the negative intent behind the collision.

The Empty Boat Mindset is the reminder that most of these collisions you experience in life are with an empty boat. There is no negative intent. There is no desire to harm. They are simply the random collisions of objects floating along on the lake of life.

Interestingly, when you embrace the Empty Boat Mindset, you reassume control over your own boat. You’re no longer prone to the spiraling emotional effects of chance collisions. You are a seasoned explorer, ready to adapt to whatever the seas throw your way.

So, the next time you feel a collision and find your negative emotions growing, pause and ask yourself a simple question:

Am I just getting angry at an empty boat?

(​read more here​)

4. The Last Time

Earlier this year, I had the profound opportunity to have lunch with a man named Wade Lyttal, who had lost his 8-year-old daughter, Kellyanne, in the tragic flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas.

We talked a lot about time. The time he had cherished with Kellyanne. The memories he had created with her. The precious moments. The lack of regrets because he knew he had been present in those last few months. He had really been there.

He had really loved her. And she knew that.

I got in the car after lunch, called my wife, and broke down. All I could think to say was this:

He didn’t know it was the last time. But he lived like it was.

Writer and philosopher Sam Harris once said, “No matter how many times you do something, there will come a day when you do it for the last time.”

There will be a last time your kids want you to read them a bedtime story. A last time you’ll go for a long walk with your sibling. A last time you’ll hug your parents. A last time your friend will call you for support.

All of the things we take for granted today are things we’ll wish we could go back and do. There’s a last time for all of it.

If there’s one lesson to draw from Wade, Kellyanne, and this story, it’s this:

You won’t know when it’s the last time. But you can live like it is.

(​read more here​)

5. The Say-Do Gap

If an outside observer watched you for a week, how serious would they say you are about achieving your goals?

You see, there are two types of priorities in life:

1. The priorities you say you have.
2. The priorities your actions show you have.

I call the gap between the two the Say-Do Gap.

And here's the uncomfortable truth: For most of us, it's significant.

The reality of our days belies the ambition of our years.

Don't tell me your priorities. Show me. The answer is found in the action.

(​read more here​)

6. The Social Slope Effect

There is scientific evidence that your relationships impact the way you perceive challenges.

Researchers at the University of Virginia found that people perceived a hill as being less steep if they were standing at the base with a friend (vs. alone). They perceived it as being even less steep if it was a close friend (vs. a newer one).

The researchers concluded that the brain treats supportive relationships as a psychological energy resource. When you feel connected, your brain effectively lightens the load.

The challenge doesn’t change, but the perception of that challenge does.

Put simply, if you want to go far, always go together. Because challenges and struggles are inevitable, but facing them alone is optional.

(​read more here​)

7. You’re Building Your Own House

Here’s a story I’ll never forget:

An old carpenter told his boss that he planned to retire. The boss was sad to lose the carpenter, but understood. He asked if he’d stick around for one last job—to build one final house.

The carpenter reluctantly agreed, figuring he could get it done quickly. He cut corners, used cheap materials, and rushed through the work.

When the house was done, his boss arrived for the final inspection. But instead of walking the house, he reached into his pocket, and handed the carpenter the keys.

“This is your house,” his boss smiled, “My retirement gift to you.”

The carpenter was stunned. If he’d known he was building his own house, he would have done it differently. Now he’d have to live in a house he had built none too well.

The lesson: You’re always building your own house.

Every single day, the way you choose to show up in the world determines the quality of that house.

• If you choose to cut corners, use cheap materials, and rush the work, you’re the one who has to live in it.
• If you choose to nail the details, invest in quality materials, and take pride in the work, you’re the one who gets to live in it.

The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

(​read more here​)

8. The Poison Arrow Principle

Here's an old Buddhist story I think about often:

Imagine someone is struck by a poisoned arrow.

A doctor is called to remove the arrow, but the man stops him. “Not so fast! Before you remove it, I want to know who shot me. What town or village does he come from? What kind of wood was his bow made from? Was it a crossbow or a longbow?”

While he asks the questions, the poison takes hold and he dies.

This is a trap we all fall into:

We think we need more information to solve our problems, when all we really need is more action.

Never allow information-gathering to get in the way of action-taking.

The next time you're in an overthinking loop, ask yourself:

Do you really need more information, or do you simply need to act on the information you already have?

(​read more here​)

9. The Donkey Principle

There’s a story I read a few years ago whose lesson stuck with me:

One day, a Donkey and a Tiger got into an argument over the color of the grass.

"The grass is blue,” said the Donkey. "That’s ridiculous,” replied the Tiger. “The grass is clearly green.”

When the argument grew more and more intense, they decided to find the Lion, King of the Jungle, to settle the debate.When they approached the Lion, the Donkey exclaimed, “Your Highness, isn’t it true that the grass is blue?”

"Yes,” the Lion calmly answered, “The grass is blue.”Not yet satisfied, the Donkey continued, “The Tiger disagrees and argues with me. You must punish him.”

The Lion nodded, “I will. The Tiger will be punished with a year of silence.”The Donkey walked off into the jungle, celebrating his victory.

Before the Tiger turned to leave, he looked up at the Lion. “Your Highness, why have you punished me? After all, you must see the grass is clearly green.”

The Lion nodded, “Yes, of course the grass is green.”"Then why am I being punished?” asked the Tiger.

"Because someone as wise as you should never waste time proving anything to a fool.”

This is what I call the Donkey Principle:

There will be times in your life when you’re drawn into a discussion with someone who has no capacity to act in good faith. They have no intention of listening to your position or changing their mind. They just want to argue.

In those moments, you can choose to opt out. Stop justifying your position to people who show no willingness to hear it. Stop trying to create understanding with those who appear determined to misunderstand. Stop chasing rational outcomes with irrational opponents.

As the old saying goes, “Never wrestle a pig in the mud. You both get dirty—but the pig will enjoy it.”

If you argue with a fool, you become one.

(​read more here​)

And a rapid fire of my other favorites…

10. Helped, Heard, or Hugged Method

When someone you love comes to you with a problem, you ask, “Do you want to be helped, heard, or hugged?” This is a major relationship cheat code. It allows you to show up for the person the way they need, not the way that feels natural for you.

(​read more here​)

11. The Stonecutter Principle

A traveler comes across three stonecutters at a construction site and asks what they’re doing. The first one says, “I’m cutting stone.” The second one says, “I’m building a wall.” The third one says, “I’m building a grand cathedral.” Same work, very different vision. You get to choose the way you connect the actions of the days to the vision of the years. Choose wisely.

(​read more here​)

12. Costs of Entry

Every single thing you want in life comes at a cost. There is always a cost of entry. An unavoidable price you must pay to achieve the things you say you want. A lot of problems in life arise when you’re simply unaware that the struggle you’re facing is actually the cost of entry. You waste energy complaining about it—or worse, trying to avoid it—but in doing so, you hold yourself back from what you’re truly capable of.

(​read more here​)

13. AI’s Tragedy of the Commons

The Tragedy of the Commons describes a situation where individuals acting rationally in their own interest collectively degrade a shared system. I think this mental model applies directly to AI, with nations, companies, builders, and individuals all racing for short-term advantage, and thereby increasing the risk of profound long-term costs that compound for everyone. The challenge ahead isn’t slowing progress, but redesigning incentives so long-term stewardship becomes the rational choice.

(​read more here​)

14. Amor Fati

Amor Fati is a Latin phrase that translates to a love of one’s fate. It’s not a mantra of passive acceptance, but one of embrace and action. Embrace of the fate beyond your control, and action to shape that which is within it.

(​read more here​)

15. Bought vs. Earned Status

Bought Status is the improved social positioning garnered through acquired status symbols. Earned Status is the real respect, admiration, and trust received through hard-won treasures. Focus on what must be earned, not what can be bought.

(​read more here​)

16. Locus of Control

Your locus of control shapes how you experience life. An external locus attributes outcomes to forces outside your control; an internal locus focuses on agency, effort, and response. This doesn’t deny randomness, it just acknowledges it without surrendering responsibility. The more control you reclaim internally, the more resilient and adaptive you become.

(​read more here​)

17. The Margin of Freedom

Expectations are your single greatest financial liability. Your expectations for what you need to be happy will steadily increase if you don’t keep an eye on them. The changes are subtle enough that you won’t notice them in the days, but they’ll have a dramatic impact in the years. Your Margin of Freedom is the buffer you intentionally create between your reality and your expectations. It’s a powerful tool for happiness and fulfillment.

(​read more here​)

18. Turn Every Page

Legendary biographer Robert Caro received this advice from a mentor early in his journalistic career: “Turn every page. Never assume anything. Turn every goddamned page.” Here’s the uncomfortable truth: If you’re half in, you’re actually all out. Even 90% in gets you nowhere. There’s something magical in that last little bit, simply because so few are willing to do it. True mastery isn't about talent—it's about courage. The courage to turn every page.

(​read more here​)

19. The Two Wolves

There are two wolves fighting inside you. One is bad: Anger, fear, hate, jealousy, and envy. One is good: Hope, kindness, joy, love, and optimism. The one that wins is the one you feed.

(​read more here​)

20. Zone 2 Public Speaking

If you want to improve your public speaking, do a practice session while engaged in Zone 2 (light/moderate) cardio. It simulates the heart rate increase that will take place when you’re in the big moment, so you’re prepared for it when it comes. Practice the way you’ll play.

(​read more here​)

21. The Streetlight Effect

A drunk man is searching for his lost keys under a streetlight. A cop walks by and asks what he’s doing. “Looking for my keys,” the man replies. “Did you lose them here?” the officer asks. “No, but this is where the light is.” We tend to search for answers where it’s easiest to look, not where the truth actually lives. Real progress requires stepping outside the light, toward uncertainty, friction, and harder questions.

(​read more here​)

22. The Hidden Debts of Life

When you take on a financial debt, you get a short-term benefit (the cash) and a long-term burden (the repayment with interest). As it turns out, this general tradeoff can be seen in a variety of contexts beyond the financial. When you avoid hard conversations, skip workouts, or procrastinate on important work, you’re taking on a debt. The bill will eventually come due.

(​read more here​)

23. Age Quod Agis

Age quod agis is an ancient phrase that means do what you are doing. It’s a reminder that presence isn’t passive—it’s a form of discipline. Fragmented attention dilutes results; focused attention compounds them. Doing one thing fully is a competitive advantage in a distracted world.

(​read more here​)

24. The IKEA Effect

In 2011, a group of behavioral scientists coined the term IKEA Effect to refer to a cognitive bias where people place significantly more value on things they put effort into creating. We ascribe value and meaning to the things we work hard for. So, why do hard things? Because nothing feels better than a hard-earned win. Nothing. Hard things are good for the soul.

(​read more here​)

25. The Spiral Path

One of my favorite quotes comes from Siddhartha by Herman Hesse: “We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.” What if your path is a spiral? What if you're not really going in circles, but going upwards? What if things are exactly as they are meant to be?

(​read more here​)

The Best of 2025

2025 was a transformative year in my life.

In the year ahead, you can expect more of the same from me—actionable ideas to help you build a high-performing, healthy, wealthy life.

I am so thankful to each and every one of you for gifting me with your precious time and attention. I hope that I have been able to bring value to your life in return. The future is very bright.

With love and best wishes for a healthy, joyful 2026,

Sahil