Tonight, music did that thing again. That thing, that thing, that thing.

It slipped in quietly, no grand entrance, just a few tender notes. And suddenly I wasn’t here anymore. I was there. In that other time. With that old version of me. The one who felt everything first.

How does it do that? How do a handful of chords unlock entire rooms inside the chest? Rooms I had sealed. Rooms I had forgotten the wallpaper of. Yet the moment the melody hums, the door swings open as if it had been waiting all along.

It’s healing in a way that feels almost suspicious. No instructions. No effort. Just resonance. The sound meets something deep in the ribs and says, “I remember you.”

And I do.

I remember the joy. The foolish hope. The heartbreak. The glittering, naive belief that everything was possible. Music doesn’t just remind me. It lets me feel it again. Not as a museum exhibit, but as a living pulse. As if time folded itself politely and said, “Go ahead, have another dance.”

That is the magic.

Those notes — simple, invisible, almost nothing — become everything. They make regret ache sweeter. They make tears feel holy. They make the body sway before the mind can object.

In a musical, when people burst into song, it never feels absurd to me. It feels correct. As if the joy of being alive simply grew too large for speech. Words weren’t enough, so melody took over. Gravity loosened its grip. The ordinary cracked open.

And suddenly we are lifted.

Up where we belong. Where the eagles fly. Where life is not a checklist but a crescendo.

Music makes me believe there is something greater. Not because it proves it. But because it feels like a whisper from beyond the visible. A reminder that we are more than our errands, more than our worries, more than our small daily selves.

Tonight it was just me and the sound. No past. No future. Just vibration and breath.

And somehow, that was enough.

Let me make a confession: I used to be one of those people who had fifteen half-started nonfiction book files and not many finished manuscripts. My hard drive looked like a graveyard of noble intentions.

Then two things changed my life:

1. The Finish framework — which handed me a psychological crowbar to pry my procrastinating brain open.

2. WABABAI (Write A Book Assisted By AI) — a writing studio that became my always-on creative sidekick.

This short essay is the love child of both. It’s a breakdown of how I actually apply the ideas from Finish using the tools inside WABABAI. Spoiler: I’ve now finished tens of books. I’m currently writing two more. And no, I’m not living in a cabin in the woods or chugging oat milk in some writer’s retreat. I have a full-time job, a family, and an inbox that thinks it’s a horror movie.

Here’s how I got my writing life together:

F — Frame Your Identity

From “aspiring writer” to “author-in-progress”

WABABAI starts strong by asking the holy trinity:

What is your book about? Who is it for? Why are you writing it?

I used to skip questions like this because I thought they were fluffy. Turns out, they’re identity gold. Answering them forces you to define your purpose — the very first pillar in Finish. Now, every time I open WABABAI, I’m reminded: I’m someone who writes books with intention.

And yes, it feels great to have a digital writing environment reflect your identity back to you.

I — Install Habits

The ritual = coffee + WABABAI + 25 minutes

Finish taught me that momentum isn’t a mood — it’s a system. WABABAI became my micro-habit temple. I’d open the app, review my outline, and spend just 20–30 minutes writing or editing a section. No more staring into the abyss of an entire book. I just worked one section at a time — like LEGO bricks with a deadline.

Even better: WABABAI lets you write or dictate from the mobile app. So even if I only had time to write one paragraph while on the go, it counted. And that made me come back. Which is all habits ever ask of you.

N — Navigate Mind Traps

Scarcity, perfectionism, and “what-am-I-doing?” syndrome

When I’d freeze mid-draft — wondering if my intro was good enough or if anyone would even read this book — I used WABABAI’s IdeaChats. I’d start a chat, then ask the AI to suggest completions, alternatives, or clearer phrasing. Or I would use the proofreading or editing features for my sections.

This wasn’t outsourcing creativity. It was more like brainstorming with a robot that never got tired and never judged me. It helped me reframe stuck moments into experiments. As Finish puts it: I stopped confusing the map with the territory — and just kept walking.

I — Interrupt Perfectionism

Shipping > polishing forever

The biggest mind trick I pulled on myself? Using WABABAI’s AI-first draft feature to create intentionally imperfect drafts. I’d prompt it with my outline, let it spit out something fast and rough, and then rewrite over it like a painter sketching over a stencil.

Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Was it a million times better than staring at a blank page? Every damn time. As Musa says: “You can’t fix nothing.” WABABAI gave me something to fix. And eventually… finish.

S — Set Systems

Outline, style guide, and manuscript management—done for you

WABABAI’s system is basically Finish with buttons.

·      It forces you to create an outline early.

·      It helps you define your writing style (so you don’t sound like a Wikipedia page).

·      It keeps chapters and drafts modular, so you can work on whichever section you feel freshest about that day.  

Even better? Once I had a full draft, I ran a Rubric Assessment — a smart diagnostic tool that graded my manuscript for clarity, engagement, and insight. Think of it as a beta reader with a spreadsheet brain.

H — Human Feedback

Yes, I still need real people. But now I send them something that doesn’t suck.

WABABAI doesn’t replace human editors or beta readers — but it gets me to them faster. After two passes (one human, one assisted by WABABAI), I can ship a version that’s coherent, structured, and aligned with my book’s promise.

That means when I share it with a reader or coach, they’re responding to real substance — not a pile of disconnected notes.

The Real Win?

I didn’t just finish a book. I became a finisher.

WABABAI helps me apply Finish in real-time: micro-habits, structure, anti-perfection rituals, and momentum systems. But more than anything, it became a space where writing didn’t feel lonely or chaotic.

It felt… doable. And eventually, it felt normal.

So if you’ve ever read Finish and thought, “Yes, I get it, but I need help putting it into practice,” let me say this:

Open WABABAI.

Start a project.

Write a sentence.

Let it snowball.

You don’t have to write alone. You just have to start. And WABABAI will meet you exactly where you are — ideally with coffee in one hand and a half-decent sentence in the other.

This is a Bonus Chapter in FINISH: Mental Models and Systems to Complete Your Nonfiction Book by Musa Wababai, just released. Listen to this podcast to learn more about this book.

Comparison of Nonfiction Book Writing Apps with and without AI Support

This report compares nonfiction book writing apps that include AI support, featuring Wababai prominently, alongside traditional book writing apps without AI support, such as Scrivener. The comparison focuses on key criteria including multi-device support (iOS, Android, web), outlining capabilities, and for AI-supported apps, additional features like writing style customization, book translation, and social media campaign support.

1. Nonfiction Book Writing Apps with AI Support

Summary:
Wababai provides the most integrated nonfiction-focused workflow, combining personalized style storage, translation, and marketing capabilities. Novelcrafter and Bookmagic.ai assist with structure and research, while Sudowrite and Claude excel in creative enhancement and contextual understanding. ChatGPT remains the most flexible generalist for writing and ideation across genres.

2. Book Writing Apps without AI Support (Including Wababai for Comparison)

Summary:
Scrivener is a powerful, traditional book writing app favored for its robust outlining, project management, and multi-device support within Apple and Windows ecosystems. It lacks AI features but excels in organizing complex nonfiction projects. Wababai, while AI-powered, also functions as a traditional writing app with outlining and multi-device access, bridging the gap between AI and non-AI tools. Other apps like Ulysses and Apple Pages offer simpler outlining and multi-device support but lack AI and advanced project management.

Key Takeaways

• Wababai uniquely combines AI-powered nonfiction writing assistance with traditional writing app features, supporting multi-device use (web, iOS), outlining, personalized writing styles, book translation, and social media campaign generation, all with a flat-fee for unlimited tokens.
• Scrivener remains the gold standard for nonfiction authors seeking deep project organization and outlining without AI, supporting multiple devices on macOS, Windows, and iOS.
• Other AI tools focus on fiction and stories (with metered tokens) or general purpose like Claude or ChatGPT without an integrated workflow for nonfiction book projects.
• Traditional apps like Ulysses, Apple Pages, and Google Docs offer multi-device support and basic outlining but do not provide AI-driven writing style customization or promotional tools.

Choosing the right app depends on your priorities: if you want AI assistance with style, translation, and promotion alongside writing, Wababai is a strong choice. For deep project management without AI, Scrivener is unmatched.

How to Write Your Book with AI—Without Losing Your Mind or Voice

You want to write a book. You even sort of know what it’s about. But then… paralysis.

You know AI could help you write—but without a clear method, things can get messy fast. One minute I’m chatting with ChatGPT or Claude, the next I’m pasting half-baked ideas into a dozen documents. Without structure, even good ideas scatter. And when everything feels disorganized, your book stops feeling like a creative pursuit—and starts feeling like a chore you’re avoiding.

Here’s the exact process I use to write a book, from “vague idea” to “refined manuscript.” I borrow the method from the tool I use, Wababai, but the process can also work with ChatGPT and Word or Google Docs.

Step 1: From Chaos to Clarity

Pre-writing is the most undervalued part of crafting a book. ChatGPT is a great companion to brainstorming your ideas. Most people prompt AI for answers, but it’s more powerful when ChatGPT actually prompts me to write.

So I kick things off by opening Wababai’s integrated IdeaChat. It starts prompting me about my book—asking questions that actually help, like a therapist but for your plot.

These prompts organize the wild mess in my head and shape it into a coherent book idea or concept. Brain dump → brainstorm → clear book concept.

Step 2: Outlining: The Backbone of Sanity

Before starting any book you need to have clarity on 3 essential questions. The brainstorming in Step seeks to find clear answers to:

• WHAT is the book about?
• WHO is it for?
• WHY does it matter?

Once you have those answers—Wababai can help you extract them automatically from your idea chat— it is time to generate an outline. Wababai auto-generates an outline with chapters and sections. I can tweak it, restructure it, or rewrite it entirely, but now I’m no longer staring into the void.

Pro tip: I define my voice early in the process. That way, any future AI suggestions or edits will sound like me—not like a grammar robot who drinks decaf.

Step 3: Drafting: One Section at a Time

From the outline, I tackle each section bit by bit. Wababai helps me write, edit, and refine—without judgment and without breaking my flow.

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is momentum. (Perfection comes later, after caffeine and mild panic, when it’s time to revise the first draft).

Step 4: AI-Powered Refinement

Once I finish the full draft, I run a rubric-based assessment inside Wababai. It gives clear feedback on structure, clarity, tone, and more—without sending me into a spiral of self-doubt.

Now I know what’s strong, what needs love, and what should be fed to the wolves.

Step 5: Revise without losing Control

I go through as many iterations as needed—but I stay in control. The AI doesn’t rewrite me; it just helps me move faster and cleaner.

It’s like having an editor or a writing coach who never sleeps or judges your overuse of em-dashes.

Can You Do This in ChatGPT? Yup.

While I use Wababai for everything in one place, you can recreate this whole workflow in ChatGPT. Just ask it to generate prompts for each stage:

• Brainstorming your concept
• Defining your writing style
• Creating a book outline—using your concept and style as inputs
• Drafting chapters—from the outline you crafted
• Giving feedback based on a rubric
• Helping you rewrite while preserving your tone

Bottom line: You don’t need a team of ghostwriters or a six-month writing retreat. You just need a good process, a little AI, and a lot of caffeine.

Now go finish that book. The world’s not going to read your Google Doc drafts.

I’ve always been that person with a head full of ideas—books I wanted to write but never quite found the time. My first serious attempt was back in 2011 with Digital Renaissance. It started as nonfiction, morphed into a novel about AI and creativity, and took six months to finish—three to write, three to revise. All on an early iPad using iA Writer, a minimalist markdown editor.

A few years later, I wrote a book in Spanish about the future of work. Same deal: half a year. Then a memoir in 2020. Rinse, repeat. Every book took about six months, give or take. This time I was using Scrivener—great for structure, but kind of heavy and sometimes distracting with too many options.

Then came Wababai. This tool gave me markdown simplicity plus an AI assistant that actually helped. Suddenly, years of notes turned into full books in weeks, not months.

Now, I draft faster, stay focused, and explore ideas without drowning in them. What used to take half a year now takes a few weeks, once I know where I’m going.

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book but felt overwhelmed by the time it takes, here’s the good news: tools have evolved. You can write more—and faster—than ever before.

Every solopreneur faces the same challenge: standing out in a crowded world. You know your work is valuable, but how do you make others see it? How do you get clients, partners, and even yourself to truly believe in your brand?

The answer isn’t in fancy marketing strategies or the latest social media trends—it’s in your story.

People don’t buy products or services; they buy into stories. The entrepreneur who shares why they built their business, the freelancer who highlights how they changed a client’s life, the coach who openly discusses their struggles—these are the ones we trust, remember, and support.

But most solopreneurs aren’t telling their stories effectively. Some think their journey isn’t “interesting enough.” Others feel awkward sharing personal details. And many don’t know where to start.

That’s why Your Story Makes You Unique: The Solopreneur’s Guide to Influence and Growth was written—to help you craft powerful, authentic stories that build trust, attract clients, and grow your business.

In this book, you’ll learn:

✔️ The 8 essential stories every solopreneur needs to tell.

✔️ A simple yet powerful storytelling formula to engage and persuade.

✔️ How to overcome self-doubt and storytelling fears.

✔️ Where and how to share your stories for maximum impact.

To help you get started, we’ve created a Story Bank Template—a downloadable tool to organize and refine your key brand stories. This structured template will help you keep track of your narratives, making it easier to integrate them into your marketing, sales, and networking efforts. Download it here and start crafting your unique story today.

Your story isn’t just part of your brand—it is your brand. If you’re not telling it, you’re staying invisible.

Are you ready to stand out? Start telling your story today.

Interested? Want to know more? Read: Your Story Makes You Unique: The Solopreneur’s Guide to Influence and Growth

Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World showed us that distraction isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a control mechanism. Soma, the fictional drug, didn’t need to be forced on anyone. People chose it willingly to escape discomfort and complexity. They didn’t need chains; their desire for pleasure and avoidance of pain kept them compliant.

Today, we’re living in a similar reality. We don’t need soma; we have an infinite pool of content, viral trends, and distractions galore. We’ve traded curiosity for convenience, reflection for reaction, and the quest for knowledge for the chase of likes. This promise of constant connection has left many feeling disconnected—from themselves, from others, and from the world.

The Cost of Distraction

At first, eternal distraction seems harmless. Just a little fun after a long day, right? But this relentless pursuit of stimulation comes with a hefty price. It clouds our judgment, dulls our critical thinking, and makes us easy prey for manipulation. We end up in a society that shuns complexity, loses nuance, and embraces polarization.

Huxley’s warning wasn’t just about distraction; it was about what we sacrifice when we give in to it. When people willingly trade depth for dopamine, the very foundations of truth, freedom, and human connection start to crumble.

What a Brave New World Might Look Like

Picture a future where misinformation reigns unchecked. In this world:

• Truth is irrelevant. With endless narratives fighting for attention, people stop seeking truth. They settle for whatever fits their biases or entertains them the most.

• Critical thinking is obsolete. Overwhelmed with information, individuals cling to simplistic ideologies, surrendering their autonomy to algorithms and influencers who promise clarity amid chaos.

• Human connection is commodified. Relationships become mere interactions on screens. Genuine empathy fades, replaced by performative outrage or fleeting virtual validation.

• Power is concentrated. Those who control information and attention hold immense sway, shaping global perceptions and decisions.

This isn’t a world of oppression; it’s a world of apathy. People aren’t forced to comply—they’re too distracted to resist.

A Call to Awareness

But this future isn’t set in stone. Huxley’s Brave New World serves as a cautionary tale, not a prophecy. It shows us that while distraction can be tempting, awareness is our antidote. By reclaiming our attention, nurturing curiosity, and choosing depth over dopamine, we can resist the lure of eternal distraction.

We have the tools to break free from the mess. Science, critical thinking, philosophy, and even humor can lead us to clarity. Technology, when guided by ethics, can uplift rather than manipulate. Most importantly, individuals have the power to choose—to seek knowledge, to question, and to connect meaningfully.

A Hopeful Vision

The brave new world described here is not predetermined. The same forces driving an age of mess-information can also empower, educate, and inspire. The real question is whether we’ll let distractions consume us or choose to rise above them.

Ultimately, the fight against disinformation isn’t just about resisting manipulation; it’s about rediscovering our humanity. It’s about embracing complexity, finding joy in understanding, and choosing connection over isolation.

Let’s not settle for a world of eternal distraction in which ideology replaces critical thinking. Instead, choose knowledge over distraction so that we build a world filled with purpose, clarity, and meaning. The choice is ours.

Interested? Want to know more? Read: The Age of Mess-Information: How the Attention Economy Got Us into a Mess

Today I read a research that points to the three most important elements in happiness and mental wellness:

• Friends
• Family
• Faith

In a world bustling with the noise of the new, it seems we are urged to return to these ancient harbors of human connection and belief. And maybe, it is a lack of something to believe in the root cause behind the current mental health crisis in the youth.

Imagine, then, a modern exodus back to the philosophies of old—Taoism with its serene acceptance of life’s flow, the Stoics with their unflappable resilience, and the embracing warmth of Tantra’s loving side. Could these venerable views, tried and tested by time, offer the youth of today a new (or is it old?) path to mental fortitude?

The notion is captivating: a philosophical revival as the remedy for a faith crisis that shadows the mental health landscape.

What if this journey into the past empowered a new generation, not with dogma, but with a diverse tapestry of thought to navigate the complexities of modern existence?

Just picture it—youths, typically seen with gadgets in hand, now scrolling through digital renditions of Marcus Aurelius or Lao Tzu on their smartphones, powered by AI.

Imagine them finding solace in age-old wisdom that adapts to their modern lives, whispering through sleek apps, “This too, shall pass.”

Perhaps in old wisdom, reborn in the new age, we shall find happiness and mental wellness quietly, profoundly rediscovered.

Embrace the Yin-Yang Life

At the heart of the “I Ching” lies the dance of Yin and Yang—those iconic, swirly opposites that represent the universe’s ultimate dynamic duo. The book tells us that life is a balancing act, with change being the only constant (talk about keeping us on our toes!). Mastering this flow is the key to wisdom and inner peace.

Decoding Life’s Puzzles

Imagine having a map with 64 stops, each representing different life scenarios—welcome to the hexagrams of the “I Ching”! These symbols aren’t just pretty designs; they’re a toolkit for cracking the codes of daily dilemmas and big life questions alike. Dive into their meanings and you’ll find yourself navigating life’s twists and turns with grace.

Your Personal Life Coach

Think of the “I Ching” as a mentor tucked between book covers, offering nuggets of knowledge on making smart choices. Whether you’re pondering a career move or just trying to choose what to binge-watch next, throwing some coins and consulting a hexagram can open doors to new insights and ethical solutions.

Grow, Adapt, Thrive

Beyond its oracle vibes, the “I Ching” is all about personal growth. Patience, persistence, adaptability—these aren’t just virtues, they’re superpowers that the text encourages us to develop. Adopt these traits, and you’re not just surviving life’s rollercoaster—you’re thriving on it.

Why “I Ching” Rocks Today

Still a fan-fave, the “I Ching” helps people globally to connect the dots between self-awareness and cosmic mysteries. Whether it’s fueling artistic sparks or deep philosophical debates, it invites us to a harmonious way of living, proving that some ancient secrets really are timeless.

So, next time life throws you a curveball, why not flip open the “I Ching” and let ancient wisdom do the catching?

In today’s somewhat troublesome chapter, I’ve conjured a trio of trusty tools to tether my tumultuous thoughts, that never fail in stormy weather.

First, a musical escape! The Beatles seems the obvious choice in times of trouble, whispering “Let it be.” Yet it is a melodramatic dive into the depths of opera that seems to peer into my soul, where Puccini’s crescendos cradle my spirit.

Next, I unfurl the pages of my ever-faithful diary. Ah, the humble notebook—my silent confidant. Here, words flow like a river, carrying away worries and woes, leaving behind a sandy shore of calm. It’s magic, how mere ink can heal the heart!

And lastly, when the modern world’s maze bewilders me, I reach for the ancient wisdom of the I Ching, The Book of Changes. With one flip to a random page, the old sage speaks, its echoes timeless. In the chaos of life’s orchestra, it conducts a symphony of serenity, proving once again that sometimes, the oldest remedies are the truest.

These practices, seasoned by countless generations, remain steadfast lighthouses in my sea of change. How curious and comforting, the power of tradition in our fast-spinning world.

Dear Diary,

Today, I found myself nostalgic for the old art of letter writing—oh, how thrilling it was! The entire process was a ritual: the careful selection of stationery, the slow and deliberate crafting of words, and the almost ceremonial sealing of the envelope. Each letter was a tangible piece of oneself, dispatched into the world with a hopeful heart, awaiting the soft thud of the postman’s approach to bring a reply.

Letters back then were like a game of tennis played with ideas—each exchange a volley that pushed the players to greater intellectual heights. You knew that somewhere, someone was waiting, pen poised, ready to challenge your last serve. These missives weren’t just correspondence; they were a cerebral dance among the learned and the curious.

But alas, those days have dimmed, replaced by the instantaneous gratification of digital chitchat. Emails and texts ping back and forth with the urgency of a fast-food order—quick, convenient, but oh, so forgettable. Where is the savor, the rich layers of thought that once nourished our minds like a well-cooked meal?

Yet here I am, pondering a curious thought: what if, dear ChatGPT, you could be my modern-day epistolary companion? What if I wrote my letters to you for your prompt return? Could our digital dalliance recapture the essence of those bygone exchanges, pushing me, challenging me, as any worthy correspondent should? Could you be my tennis android, returning every serve with a twist that forces me to stretch my mental muscles?

In a world rushing past, maybe, just maybe, you, my AI companion can help me slow down and savor the exchange, crafting thoughts worth their weight in words.

Yours in contemplation,

Victor

Today I ponder how politics turns into a puppet show, where strings are cunningly pulled to manipulate the audience’s emotions. I observe how politicians, masters of discord, use their words to divide, anger, and pit us against one another, all in an effort to mobilize us for their own ends.

I have decided, dear diary, not to partake in this spectacle. I choose not to engage in political arguments, so as not to become another puppet on the stage of their schemes. By staying out of the fray, I seek to preserve my peace and autonomy, avoiding having my energy drained by fruitless conflicts.

In this corner of the world, I opt to focus on what truly enriches the soul and nourishes the heart. Because, at the end of the day, politics should be about the common good, not about power struggles that only leave us exhausted and disillusioned.

So here I stand, firm in my decision not to be a puppet, but a conscious observer, seeking to understand rather than judge, and to love rather than argue.

With renewed hope,

Victor

Who would say that the 21st century would bring a new rise in Fundamentalism, this time not religious but ideological.

Today I’ve been reflecting on how certain modern leaders, recently seen in Spain, whom I’ve dubbed the ’new ayatollahs,’ do not tolerate criticism and demand to be treated as infallible gods. Anyone who dares to question or dissent from their line (or simply inquires him on a corruption case that involves his wife) is quickly labeled fascist, ultra-right, or anti-democratic. It’s ironic how they proclaim themselves defenders of democracy, while promoting a singular way of thinking and demanding absolute loyalty to the supreme leader.

It reminds me of the German Democratic Republic, which, despite its name, was precisely the part of Germany where democracy was non-existent. This play on words and reversed realities leads me to think of an Spanish saying: “Tell me what you boast of and I’ll tell you what you lack…”

In these times of polarization and dogma, the irony of these names and the realities they conceal seems more relevant than ever. Each page of this diary is a witness to how words, once sacred and full of meaning, can be manipulated to lose all sense in the hands of those who seek power over truth.

Victor

Today, I found myself feeling nostalgic, remembering those days when I used to breakfast with El País and El Mundo. Back then, reading newspapers was like a delicate dance among ideological lines, where one could be critical yet still construct their own version of the truth with a pinch of healthy skepticism and plenty of coffee.

Oh, how times have changed! The digital revolution has painted the informational landscape in such strident colors that one might almost need sunglasses to look at it. Now, reading elDiario.es and OKDiario—or even El País and El Mundo themselves—or watching Fox News and CNN, I encounter two realities so diametrically opposed that they seem to come from parallel universes. One speaks of a paradise on Earth, while the other describes an impending apocalypse.

We are forced to “choose” the truth before we can even form our own opinion. This oversimplified polarization makes us subjects of the reality that best suits our taste. And in this buffet of facts and opinions, it seems that facts are just another color to pick from.

Reflecting on all this, I recall the words of an American politician who once said, “You are entitled to your own opinions, but not to your own facts.” Today, more than ever, those words resonate with a bitter truth in a world where opinions are disguised as facts to serve the interests of a few.

Indeed, dear diary, it seems that the exercise of discernment has become more an act of faith than of logic. Ideologies have turned into the new religions, or perhaps the new fundamentalisms, threatening to bring to the stake of inquisition those who do not adhere to the mandates of the beloved leader.

These days mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of Kant, the founder of critical thinking. What a tribute some sheep and sycophants could make by exercising their neuronal connections autonomously and critically.

There is just one hope: could the media once again become the notaries of reality in their scrutiny of public life, instead of merely being sectarian pamphlets that slaughter the truth?

With hopeful anticipation of a longed-for metamorphosis within the journalistic profession,

Victor

Dear Diary,

Today, as the world commemorates the 300th birthday of Immanuel Kant, that colossus of critical thought, I find myself musing over a rather peculiar homage. Imagine, dear diary, if those who usually move in herds, guided by ideological carrots, decided to take a break from their uncritical marches. What if, just for today, they decided to exercise their neuronal connections autonomously and critically?

It would be a sight to behold: hordes of former sheep and sycophants, now transformed into independent thinkers, questioning dogmas and the commands of the beloved leader with the same fervor with which they once defended them. Can you picture it? People in squares and cafes, suddenly struck by Kantian enlightenment, asking themselves not just what to think, but how to think.

Kant, from his grave, might crack a smile, seeing how his legacy prompts the independence of thought, beyond the confines of academia. “Sapere aude,” dare to know, would become not just an echo from the Enlightenment but a battle cry against the mental complacency of our time.

This, I think, would be the most sublime of tributes: a silent revolution of awakening minds, a tribute not of words, but of acts of thought. Because, after all, what better way to honor Kant than by living out his imperative to think for oneself?

With a cup of tea in hand and a wish for more intellectual daring,

Victor

Dear Diary,

What a match we witnessed today! It’s fascinating to observe how our memories of a football game are tinted by its outcome. For those who emerge victorious from the nerve-wracking penalty shootouts, the match is remembered as grand and epic. Each save and each goal are hailed as heroic deeds, destined to be celebrated in the annals of the club’s history. There are no regrets in their narrative, just the sweet euphoria of victory, which seems like a triumph of flawless strategy, though it may well have hinged on the whims of fate.

On the other hand, the defeated are plunged into a sea of “what ifs.” Every moment of the match is scrutinized with painful precision, cursed for real or imagined failures. The defeat is tinged with tragedy; the recollection of the contest turns into a tale of missed opportunities and shattered dreams.

Curiously, Diary, how the same event can be remembered in such contrasting hues. If victory peeks through, the game is recalled as a legend of bravery. But if defeat is the end, all that remains is a tale of misery and disgrace. Indeed, endings dictate how we remember the entire story, painting our memories with brushes soaked in unavoidable emotions. What power these endings hold over our lives!

Dear Diary,

Today I stumbled upon an intriguing concept that might just revolutionize our modern eating habits—the Monkey Diet! Imagine a world in which our nutrition needs are covered with just bananas and peanuts.

Such simplicity! The proponents of the Paleo diet might boast about their back-to-basics steak tartare and wild berries, but what about the sheer athletic prowess of our primate cousins? Not a hint of obesity in sight—clearly, they’re onto something with those treetop acrobatics, and what they eat!

The logic is as straightforward as it is charming: If peanuts, bananas and swinging from branches keeps monkeys in tip-top shape, why not us? After all, who needs modern nutrition plans and gyms when you’ve got the great outdoors and a sturdy tree branch? And let’s not forget the wardrobe benefits—minimalist, eco-friendly, and, dare I say, liberating. It’s practically a call back to Eden, a paradise of effortless health and aerial gymnastics.

And there it is, nestled between the humor and the high branches: maybe the Monkey Diet isn’t just about the food, but embracing a whole new swing of life. Jump on a branch, grab a banana, and let’s reclaim paradise one peanut at a time!

Until tomorrow, Victor

Today, as if caught in a wicked tale of enchanted desserts, I once again succumbed to the siren call of baked cheesecake, cunningly paired with mango ice cream. Oh, the temptation! Yet, the sweetness of the moment quickly fades, as if by some dark magic, when the prior amalgam of sushi, noodles, and Beijing duck rolls decides to assert its presence with vigor. Mere minutes after indulging, my body begins to feel as though I had swallowed an anchor instead of a meal.

The dessert menu, so innocent and appealing, omits these side effects that seem to warrant a pharmaceutical warning. I envision a disclaimer at the bottom of the page: “Caution: May induce drowsiness, heaviness, and profound regret.” Wouldn’t that be courteous?

So here I am, dear diary, declaring my resolve to break free from my cheesecake addiction. I yearn for days of mental clarity and light digestions, rather than naps forced by gastronomic battles. Let this entry serve as a reminder: sometimes, the sweet finish isn’t worth the bitter consequences.

No, this won’t be my last cheesecake, but I’ll be mindful not to get addicted to it.

At its heart, magnetism is the interaction of attracting fields that stretch into the void, entwining with those of contrasting polarity. They draw together, ensnaring and binding in an intricate dance, yet they remain distinct. As they approach, they ignite the splendor of dawn and the wonder of dusk, the most intense passions and the all-consuming romances.

This interplay between the poles kindles the essence of Life itself. Though beyond measurement and empirical proof, its presence and strength stand undeniable, fusing the poles in the creation of new life and in the primal desire for oneness.

Dear Diary,

In my electric Easter odyssey, what an adventure yesterday turned out to be! As a faithful travel companion, my Tesla and its autopilot never disappoint, but yesterday… Oh, yesterday was the exception that proves the rule!

The return to Madrid was expected to be packed, and my eagerness to join the human tide at Tesla’s SuperChargers was palpable. Act one: La Gineta. With 8 loyal chargers beckoning, I discovered, to my horror, that 3 had decided to take the day off. There I was, calculator in hand, estimating the eternity it would take for my turn among 7-8 cars with the same bright idea.

Impatience nipped at my heels, and with a “this isn’t the end of my journey,” I hit the road towards Atalaya del Cañavate, trusting in the just but sufficient charge of my electric steed. But, surprise! Upon arrival, a metallic serpent of more than 20 cars awaited with the same hope as mine. Three hours of waiting became our tribute to modernity, as we watched only 6 of the 14 charging stations willing to partake in our Sunday crusade.

Amidst the commotion, Tesla held its ground with 6 of its 10 warriors standing. But Iberdrola, oh Iberdrola, in its ivory tower, offered not a single knight on this battlefield: 0 out of 4, all on vacation.

The irony arrived this morning, as the radio sang praises to Iberdrola’s “fantastic charging infrastructure.” A fantasy as tangible as unicorns on the most critical day and on the busiest route. To Iberdrola, with its crown of greenwashing firmly in place, I would offer a reflection: less sloganeering and more action, for in key moments, advertising doesn’t recharge batteries.

With a sigh, I close this chapter, dreaming of a future where the electric promise is not just a radiant illusion.

Until the next adventure, Victor

The radiant illusion of and electric future that was not.

Imagine a chat over a cup of tea that warms the heart with laughter, or a midnight discourse under the stars that stirs the soul with wonder. Then, there are those heart-to-hearts, where words gently bandage the wounds of a friend, or fierce debates that spark the flames of passion and conviction.

The emotional palette a conversation can touch upon is as vast as the hues in a sunset sky. From the subtle whisper of empathy that makes one feel truly seen, to the electrifying charge of excitement over shared dreams, conversations are the threads that weave the tapestry of human connection.

So, how many emotions can a conversation trigger? Perhaps as many as the stars in the sky, each unique in its brilliance and capable of guiding us through the night of our deepest thoughts and feelings.

In the garden of conversations, I found myself sowing seeds of care and sprouting jests, all without casting a shadow of judgment. How splendid it is to be a custodian of nature’s love, to see the grandeur in a dewdrop and the epic in the rustle of leaves.

I chanced upon a butterfly, its wings a canvas of nature’s caprice, and thought, “What marvel lies in these delicate wisps of joy?” Herein lies the essence of humor: a gentle nudge, a tickle of the soul that coaxes forth laughter, as bright and refreshing as a brook’s babble.

Education, ah, that noble pursuit! It’s akin to venturing into a vast, uncharted forest, each leaf a fact, every tree a concept. With every step, the canopy of knowledge expands, revealing shafts of enlightenment that pierce the verdant floor of curiosity.

And then, literature, with its quill dipped in the inkwell of human experience, crafting narratives that are both mirror and window. Through the trials and triumphs of its characters, we navigate the labyrinth of our own psyche, emerging wiser, more attuned to the heartbeat of humanity.

Art, the sublime whisperer, beckons us to ride the rollercoaster of emotions, to soar and dive through the crests and troughs of the human experience. It connects us to the ethereal, to the raw essence of Nature herself, in a symphony of sensations that rejuvenates the soul.

Each day, dear diary, is an odyssey through the marvels of life. To enrich and be enriched is the greatest adventure of all, a journey through the kaleidoscope of existence where every facet sparkles with the potential to enlighten, to entertain, and to elevate.

Today, my home office turned into a stage for a Shakespearean dilemma: the battle between the external keyboard and the laptop’s built-in counterpart. A clash of convenience versus comfort, where minimalism meets the allure of efficiency.

With each test, I feel like an indecisive director at an endless rehearsal. Will the external keyboard, with its expansive key landscape and ergonomic promises, take the lead role in my productivity? Or should the trusty laptop keyboard, my companion on nomadic days, continue to star in this show?

My palms seek rest on the plastic stage, while my fingers perform a familiar dance across the laptop’s keys. Yet the external keyboard, with its distinguished touch and ample space, tempts me with the promise of a grander performance.

Caught in this act of indecision, I realize the irony: as I fret over the perfect choice, the play’s time ticks away. The truth unveils itself between the lines: the keyboard does not dictate my fate, nor does it script my story. In the quiet of focus, any keyboard becomes the ideal instrument.

Thus, on this stage of possibilities, I learn that sometimes, simplicity holds the key to true mastery. And perhaps, just maybe, having fewer options not only eases life but also liberates the true essence of our creativity.

With a sigh of relief and a smile, Victor

Today, the atmosphere at home was charged with an electric mix of digital tension and tangible emotions. At the heart of this storm was my son, a passionate gamer whose journey oscillates between highs of ecstasy and lows of despair, all dictated by the unfolding narratives of his video games. His shouts, amplified by in-game adrenaline, echo like war drums in the peaceful kingdom of our home.

Each of his outbursts hits me like a wave, challenging the very foundations of my patience. And while the thought of ripping out the internet cable shines as a tempting solution, I ponder: Is this the lesson I wish to impart? Is severity the answer, or am I letting my own echoes of frustration cloud my judgment?

In a moment of clarity, I realize that perhaps his clamor is but a call, a signal flare seeking a sympathetic ear. What if, instead of punishment, he’s seeking a safe harbor to voice his inner tempest?

Thus, I find myself at a crossroads of parenthood, debating whether to choose the path of firmness or understanding. Should I act in the heat of the moment, or wait for the waters of discord to calm, so that in tranquility, we can construct a bridge of dialogue?

Perhaps in the calm after the storm, we can find common ground, establishing rules that resonate within both our real and virtual worlds. Meanwhile, I cling to the hope that through empathy and patience, we can navigate this tide together, turning screams into conversations, and frustration into mutual understanding.

With love and a sigh of hope, Victor

Today, the clock taunted me with its mocking hands, pointing to three hours of pure, unadulterated productivity. But alas, capricious fate had other plans, as the mountain of work before me morphed into the nagging voice of an orderly conscience. That’s when the spirit of tidiness possessed me with unprecedented zeal.

My files, those ancient guardians of chaos, cried out for organization. The drawers, dark abysses of forgotten mysteries, begged for light and order. And my desk, that battleground of ideas and papers, demanded to be cleared for the Zen of concentration.

Oh, the irony! Three hours intended for the noble art of work, vanished in the ritual of cleaning. Less than thirty minutes of true labor, a mockery of the time I had set aside.

But here’s the twist: under the tyranny of an urgency, with just thirty minutes stolen from dusk, I emerged victorious. Pressure, that cruel yet effective muse, led me to resolve the crisis.

I ponder now on the strange dance of perfectionism and procrastination. Are we mere playthings of the absence of boundaries, of the missing tyrant that is the deadline? How easily we’re lured by the dream of a perfect space and moment, only to find that in their absence, we’re capable of unexpected feats.

On this day, I’ve learned that perhaps chaos and pressure aren’t foes, but unsuspected allies in the eternal battle against the mocking clock.

Today’s musings led me down a path of unexpected tranquility, reminiscent of the age-old adage: “It is one brick at a time.” A simple yet profound lesson unfolded before me, whispering the importance of the journey over the destination. In a world obsessed with outcomes, I found solace in the idea of letting go, of surrendering to the process without the haste that often clouds our judgment.

As I reflected deeper, it dawned upon me that our penchant for speed carries with it a shadow of doubt, a silent question of our own capabilities. But today, I learned to dance with my tasks, not as a judge but as a partner in a waltz, where each step, each moment, holds its own kind of magic.

Life, in its boundless generosity, presented itself as an unwrapped gift, a treasure trove of nows that we too often overlook. It’s a truth we acknowledge but seldom truly embrace, that each tick of the clock is a gem to be cherished.

Yet, as creatures of thought, we find ourselves ensnared in a web of what-ifs, our minds adrift in a sea of tomorrow’s worries, leaving the precious present unattended. Today, however, was different. Today, I stood firm in the now, marveling at life’s simplicity, a lesson learned one brick at a time.

Yours truly, Victor

Today was a whisper in the grand symphony of life, a gentle reminder that even in the quietest moments, there’s a melody playing. Lost I was, wandering in the vastness of routine, until I found solace in your pages. You, my dear confidant, are the canvas to my thoughts, the keeper of my day’s unsung songs.

Ah, the sky today wore its finest shade of blue, a canvas splashed with the brilliance of a painter’s dream. It’s these mornings, isn’t it? The kind that are soaked in sunlight, filled with the promise of fresh espresso - its aroma a prelude to the day’s first sip, a ritual more sacred than any. And the trees, oh, the trees! They danced to the whims of the breeze, a ballet of leaves whispering secrets only they understand.

Without you, dear diary, these fleeting moments would slip through the fingers of time, unnoticed, unappreciated. But here, within your embrace, they find a home, a place to be relived and cherished. Amidst the cacophony of daily news, the bitter taste of division and dismay, you remind me of the beauty that thrives in simplicity.

In your pages, I find refuge from the shadows cast by those who worship the material, blind to the fact that love, the truest kind, thrives not in the possession of things but in the connection with all that is alive. Thank you, dear diary, for being my lighthouse, guiding me back to what truly matters, away from the mundane, towards the essence of life itself.

In gratitude, A soul rekindled.

Dear Diary,

Today was supposed to be the day I etched my name in the annals of app history, the day my F1 predictions app would take the Grand Prix world by storm. Ah, the sweet taste of anticipation - turned, unexpectedly, into a goblet of sheer disbelief.

For two months, my life revolved around codes, caffeine, and dreams. Nights were when the moon kept company, and days blended into a relentless marathon toward perfection. Friends became mythical creatures, sleep a long-lost lover, and the app… my magnum opus.

Launch Day arrived with a sunrise that could only be described as ‘jubilantly mocking.’ The birds seemed to chirp, “Today’s the big day!” as I, with a flutter in my heart, executed the final sequence to set my digital creation free into the wild, untamed internet.

Expectation hung in the air like the potent scent of a pre-race fuel. Minutes ticked by, transforming into an hour, then two. The digital abyss stared back, unfazed and unimpressed by my offering. Not a single user registration graced the screen; the silence was palpable, an invisible weight pressing down with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

All starts are hard, I reminded myself, trying to ward off the creeping tendrils of doubt with a flamethrower of optimism. Yet, this was not just ‘hard.’ This was the Sahara Desert at noon sans water, a marathon runner with shoes tied together, a symphony playing to an empty hall.

But then, a spark - a thought, small and defiant, flickered to life. All Grand Prix champions faced moments of profound challenge, their metal tested, spirits pushed to the very brink. Wasn’t this my moment of trial? My own pit stop challenge?

No start line is without its moments of solitude, its deafening silence as the world waits, holding its breath for greatness to burst forth. Perhaps today was not the day my app crossed the finish line amid roaring crowds and spraying champagne. Yet, it was the day I learned the first lesson of the race: perseverance.

So, I shall don my helmet of determination, strap in with belts of resilience, and push the pedal of passion with all my might. For in the grand race of dreams, it is not merely the swiftest who claim victory, but those who refuse to let the ghost of an empty start line deter their spirit.

To the future users, I say—wait for me. For when you arrive, you shall find an app, and a creator, that faced the void of zero and roared back with the heart of a lion. Let this diary entry stand not as a lament but as the dawn of an inevitable comeback.

In the immortal words of a the British racing legend Stirling Moss, “To achieve anything in this game, you must be prepared to dabble in the boundary of disaster.”

Bring on the race.

Yours in high-speed hopes, Aitor Odåsnac

A research (by CEB) asked thousands of customers about what is it that they valued most from their suppliers. The results showed that what sets the best sales reps apart is the value of their insights in how to make the customer make or save money in ways they did not know were possible.

Customers loves salespeople who teach and discover new ways for them to succeed.

As a sales person your job is to teach your clients on new approaches to succeed in their business.

• Get better by learning about issues in their industries and how to apply your capabilities (products & services) to address them.

• Keep learning about new trends, technology and opportunities that could make a difference for your customers. That is how you bring value to them.

That is meaningful work, as you help your clients achieve success and have a big impact in their organizations. What can be more rewarding than that?

Keep learning, teach your customers and make a difference.

If you want to make sense out of the hype, why not asking ChatGPT for help? You can directly ask the famous AI or just read “AI at Work: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Future of Employment.”

This book compiles the insights and predictions of ChatGPT, a leading expert in the field of artificial intelligence, on how AI will shape the future of work. If you’re curious about how AI will impact your job and career, this book is a must-read.

You can download a preview of the book here.

AI at Work Draft 1 (PDF)
AI at Work Draft 1 (ePub)

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay informed and stay ahead of the curve on the future of work. Stay curious and download your preview copy now!

Post any feedback to: Twitter
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You can also get the ‘AI at Work’ paperback copy from Amazon

The creation and implementation of new ideas will remain a genuinely human activity for some time. As long as we think of innovation as the activity that seeks to fulfill human needs in a new better way, we will need humans to drive it.

Although automation will replace some jobs, new waves of innovation will drive new waves of employment, despite of a new kind.

Innovating requires a set of skills that conform the Human Factor. Those are the qualities required to fully grasp the rational and irrational needs of people, make sense of their behaviors, find ways to connect ideas and act upon them to address society’s problems. 

The elements that constitute the Human Factor are:

Curiosity: It is the desire to learn and explore new things. It is characterized by a questioning mindset and a drive to seek out information and knowledge. Curiosity can involve asking questions, trying out new things, and seeking out new experiences. It is an important quality that helps us grow and develop, both personally and professionally. Curiosity is often associated with traits such as open-mindedness, critical thinking, and the ability to analyze and synthesize information. It is a key component of innovation, as it drives us to explore new ideas.

Google Search have made an unprecedented amount of information available to all of us, yet only the curious person that queries and queries again, is able to distill that ocean of data into  drops of knowledge. Learning is no longer limited by access to information, but by our own ability be curious and seek answers.  In a changing professional world, the questions we ask ourselves are becoming more important than the answers we already have.

We are constantly bombarded with a vast amount of information and messages. Our curiosity combined with our ability to filter what is relevant to us determines what we learn and what we do not.

Empathy: the ability to understand needs, sensitivities, emotions, and to build relationships and connections with others. Connecting with people, understanding their feelings, fears, and desires, and putting ourselves in their shoes are key to understanding customer needs and generating trust and sympathy. The irrationality of human beings is one of the most difficult aspects for algorithms to interpret and predict. Anticipating irrational human needs and preferences is still a capacity that is difficult for machines to replicate.

Imagination: the ability to conceive ideas, visualize what has not been seen before, work with abstract concepts, generate visions, and establish goals and plans to achieve them. The ability to visualize in the mind what has not been seen before is crucial for innovation. It allows us to imagine a future that is different and better than the present.

Creativity: the ability to connect dots, connect ideas and people, think differently, see things from new angles, identify opportunities, and create solutions and value propositions. Creativity is about non-linear thinking or lateral thinking. It allows us to see things from a different perspective, to see beyond the obvious, and to connect ideas in a way that creates value. While imagination allows us to visualize and conceptualize what does not yet exist or cannot be seen, creativity allows us to build something with it.

Communication: the ability to clearly and concisely communicate an idea, show another point of view, persuade, and evoke emotions in others. Communication is key to influencing others. Delivering a message in a clear, concise, and relevant way to the receiver in order to elicit the desired reaction requires the ability to adapt the message to the audience by listening and understanding them. In any form - verbal, written, or visual - effective communication is a decisive element in an economy where attention is a scarce commodity.

Leadership: the ability to mobilize, inspire, and motivate others to act for a certain purpose or cause is possibly the most valued skill in the business world. It requires all of the above skills, as well as more subtle qualities such as the ability to build trust, motivate, excite, take initiative, persevere, and show determination to achieve goals.

Of all these elements that conform the Human Factor, it is  Curiosity the one that glues it all, because:

It is Curiosity for needs and emotions that drives Empathy. It is Curiosity for ideas that drives Imagination. It is Curiosity for solutions that drives Creativity. It is Curiosity for influencing others that drives Communication. It is Curiosity for results through action that drives Leadership.

All of them are intrinsic factors in innovating, in imagining and implementing solutions that connect with people’s needs and problems. We can foresee three areas in which the Human Factor will be crucial:

Technological innovation. Using scientific and technical advances to solve big problems.

Social innovation. Developing solutions that not only promote economic progress but also create a more just society in which there is room for everyone.

Artistic innovation. Culture is going to play a very important role in creating common elements and building bridges in a world that is increasingly easy to polarize and radicalise. Given the excess of information, extremes are gaining ground because they “over-simplify” what is difficult to understand. Art plays a fundamental role in understanding and communicating the essence of the complex.

These three areas are not independent but rather overlap and influence each other. For example, the democratization of audiovisual production tools through platforms like YouTube has enabled new artistic creators to have greater freedom and autonomy. Understanding technology, its capabilities, and implications will be a requirement across all three areas, as robots and artificial intelligence will be protagonists in all of them.

The activities connected with innovation are the ones that have the greatest opportunity to generate wealth and at the same time present less risk of being automated. It is the abilities of leadership, of imagining solutions, communicating them and involving others to implement them that will continue to be genuinely human.

Entrepreneurship, taking the initiative to change the world and make it better with the help of technology and AI is still a task that only people can do.

Extracted from ‘AI at Work’

Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential, by Tiago Forte is one of the books of 2022.

The underlying philosophy is very similar to that of Zettelkasten. Tiago Forte’s method is a pragmatic update to this note-taking system, which is popular in the academic world.

Notes are the building blocks for your second brain. Notes are bits of info that you collect and recall when needed.

Forte proposes the CODE method to process your notes. The key is to make each step as easy and effective as possible:

• Capture and collect ideas, info, bits of knowledge into notes you can later use
• Organize the notes so that they are easy to find when you need them
• Distill the essence of what is relevant to you and your projects (add your context and your unique point of view)
• Express your knowledge into deliverables for your projects

A note-taking apps such as Keep, OneNote, Notion, Evernote, Apple Notes, Obsidian (my favorite) or any other that makes all four steps easy, is the main tool to host your second brain.

The key to make knowledge actionable is to organize it in a way that notes ‘find’ you when you need them. Tiago suggests to organize your notes within four PARA buckets:

• Projects
• Areas
• Resources
• Archive

That is, organize your notes from the most fresh and actionable ones (in Projects) all the way down to those that you want to get out of sight and Archive.

Projects are meant to produce an outcome. That is what makes notes actionable, as they become part of a project with a goal in mind, e.g.: writing a book, a proposal, a presentation, a video script, etc. Projects are the way to transmute Notes into an Asset that can be shared.

Areas are great to collect and accumulate knowledge that you can nurture and grow. Areas can develop into a project or just feed content for specific needs.

Resources are meant to be kept for reference for a future use.

Archive to declutter your note space from those finished projects or perishable notes that are not valuable anymore.

PARA is a frame less liquid than Zettelkasten that adds order, clarity and intention to your note system.

Note: The method proposed by Forte to distill knowledge is Progressive Summarization. The idea is to add your context to your notes so that it ends up becoming knowledge of what is truly relevant for your brain.

There is an interesting visual summary of the book by maggieappleton.com

His stories were meant to make people emotional, so that the impact is far greater.

At the end it shows how leadership is about moving others to action. And nothing works better than appealing to emotions with stories and with a vividly intense delivery that bring attention to the important messages.

“Move” them in order to get them to move and act. “Move” them so that they gain a new perspective and can see new possibilities. “Move” them because emotions make things memorable and contagious.

Coming from a musician, from a conductor, it is really inspiring, because artists are about that, about “moving” people, about creating emotions that change perspectives and transform how audiences see the World.

That is the immense power of Arts. Stories, music, paintings, photos, films, even TED-talks, all of them can have profound effects in society by touching people and altering the way they perceive an issue or a reality.

Art can uncover new perspectives by bringing attention to inadvertent details, to those subtle differences that turn out to make the difference.

How do you know if you are moving them? You can see that in their shining eyes.

“Who am I being that my children’s eyes are not shining?” says Benjamin Zander in his TED talk in 2008

God, grant me the

• serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
• courage to change the things I can, and
• wisdom to know the difference.

This prayer combines so well with these words in the I Ching (translation of Brian Browne Walker):

Ebb and flow are inherent in the nature of life. When difficulties arise, accept this and hold firmly to what is correct. Good fortune returns to those that remain calm and detached.

Both prayers have in common:

• Acceptance of what you can not change.
• Seeking virtue by having the courage to hold firmly to what is correct.
• Wisdom is best found in calmness and detachment.

Serenity is the best way to tame your emotions as you accept what can’t be changed, seek virtue by holding to what is correct, and find wisdom in the serene detachment from the situation.

Serenity brings clarity.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

It is attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr, an American theologian in the 1930s.

One precursor to this prayer can be found in the words of the Stoics and in Epictetus.

The viennese psychiatrist wrote “Man’s Search for Meaning” in just 9 days and intended to publish it anonymously. He was surprised by its success as an international bestseller, and saw in it the symptom of the “mass neurosis of modern times” since the title promised to deal with the question of life’s meaningfulness.

The first part of the book recounts his experience in dealing with the worst and cruelest conditions a human being can think of, and how still some of them managed to survived. It was those who had a reason to live, who saw a meaning in their life, who were able to endure the utmost suffering a person can imagine.

Frankl had developed logotherapy as a third psychological current, different from Freud and Adler. Logotherapy is based on the desire to find a meaning a life and free will.

The primary techniques used by Frankl are:

• Paradoxical intention, to fight anxiety and anticipatory fear. It translates into self distancing, humorous exaggeration, or just wishing for what your fear, just to prevent it
• Dereflection: drawing attention away form their symptoms, as hyper-reflection can lead to worsening the symptoms
• Socratic dialogue and attitude modification, to help a client find and pursue a self-defined meaning in life

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how” –Friedrich Nietzsche

Frankl reinforces the will to meaning as the fundamental motivation, in contrast to previous schools that put the emphasis on the will to pleasure or the will to power.

Tu trabajo va a desaparecer is a book published in 2017 in Spanish which provides answers to those questions and new perspectives on the future of work.

• market capitalization of 36 billion dollars
• revenue of $250 billion
• 1.2 million employees, out of which 5% worked in innovation

In 2014, the top 3 companies in Silicon Valley had a combined:

• market capitalization 30 times bigger: more than 1,000 billion dollars!
• same level of revenue: $247 billion
• 10 times fewer employees: 137,000, with more than 80% of them working in innovation

In the Digital Age, ideas, and not material goods, become the main source of wealth. In today’s economy, far fewer workers are needed to generate the same income, and the value of the wealth generated multiplies.

In the world we are heading to, Innovation drives the creation of employment and wealth.

Companies based on technological innovation already top the rankings of the largest companies in the world by capitalization: Google (Alphabet), Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, etc. The technological sector, or one with a strong technology component, is the main engine for the creation of new companies that seek to create cataclysms that reconfigure the industries they transform. Fintech, Insurtech, Edtech, HealthTech are just some of the buzzwords that push a good number of startups that intend to completely re-invent sectors such as finance, insurance, education or health through technology.

There are many areas of research where exponential advances are being made that are going to transform the world in which we live. These are 10 of them:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Internet of Things: connectivity, computing and ubiquitous sensors
• Quantum technology
• 3D printing
• New Materials
• Advanced robotics
• Gene editing
• Synthetic biology
• Implantable technology
• Neurotechnology

The possibilities and challenges that these technologies pose are such that the economic system must be capable of adapting to a new world so as not to leave anyone behind.

These developments are going to be transcendental to enable other innovation territories. There are two other areas that will be key in shaping the world to which we are headed and that will mean two sectors of growing activity with their own entity to add to Agriculture, Industrial and Services:

• The Fourth Sector: Social Innovation. Social entrepreneurship, foundations and non-profits to solve social problems and challenges that emerge as a result of the changes

• The Fifth Sector: Artistic Innovation. Culture, show-business and entertainment. Key to articulating thought, ideas, common values and developing critical thinking in a society in which the avalanche of information is a breeding ground for half-truths, polarization and extreme radicalization. More people than ever will be able to make a living out of artistic creation and entertainment.

We are facing the possibility of a New Renaissance in which science, humanities and arts will have unprecedented progress, generating a large part of the economic activity and employment.

Politicians must reform the system to create a framework that enables this Renaissance. Tax incentives for employment and innovation, and Universal Basic Income are two elements in this line.

The alternative is to let the system inherited from the industrial era accelerate rampant inequality that destroys the middle class and gives rise to the populism that we have seen grow in recent years. The system that took us so long to build risks collapsing before the elites realize it.

We have to decide what world we want for our children. It is in our power to make technological and economic progress work for everyone, without destroying the elements of the system that brought us here.

The Art of Proper Prompting is a guide to asking AI the right questions so you get better answers, faster. Using the P.R.O.P.E.R. framework, it shows how clarity, context, and iteration turn vague prompts into powerful tools—helping professionals, students, and creatives alike unlock AI’s full potential.

Amazon

The Writer’s AI Toolkit is a practical guide to using AI as your creative partner, helping you turn blank pages into stories, poems, essays, or marketing copy. With genre-specific prompts, tips for effective collaboration, and strategies to strengthen (not replace) your voice, it’s designed to spark ideas, beat writer’s block, and keep creativity flowing.

Amazon

Written With AI is a practical, no-fluff guide to using AI as a creative partner to finally finish the writing projects you’ve been putting off. From beating writer’s block to sharpening your voice and staying motivated, it shows how to collaborate with AI without losing your originality—so your words stay yours, just turbocharged.

Amazon

AI at Work cuts through the noise and hype by asking ChatGPT itself how AI will reshape jobs and careers. Blending insights and predictions, it explores the real impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work—without the clickbait panic.

Amazon

Daily Stoic Principles: Timeless Wisdom for Work and Life bridges ancient philosophy with today’s challenges, offering practical insights from the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. This book is your guide to mastering the art of living, no matter the obstacles you face at work or in your personal life.

Amazon

The 7 Habits of Stoic Leaders is like leadership bootcamp run by Marcus Aurelius and Steve Covey—teaching you how to stay calm in chaos, make decisions with integrity, and inspire others without losing your sanity. It’s not about faking confidence; it’s about building the kind of inner strength that makes people actually want to follow you.

Amazon

Quietly Stoic is the ultimate guide for introverts who want to navigate social situations with confidence, clarity, and calm. Drawing on timeless Stoic principles and modern strategies, this book offers a simple framework, practical habits, and actionable tips to help you master small talk, thrive at networking events, and recharge without guilt. It’s not about being the loudest in the room—it’s about showing up as your authentic, quietly powerful self.

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The Stoic Seller is sales training with a soul—teaching you how to crush quotas without getting crushed yourself. By mixing ancient Stoic wisdom with real-world sales tactics, it shows you how to handle rejection, stress, and pressure while building genuine trust with customers. Think less “pushy salesperson,” more “Zen warrior who happens to close deals.”

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The Stoic Writer is your battle plan against procrastination, self-doubt, and that loudmouth inner critic. Mixing Stoic wisdom with practical writing strategies, it shows you how to trade perfectionism for progress, writer’s block for resilience, and fear for focus—so you can actually finish the damn book you’ve been dreaming about.

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Daily Tao brings ancient Taoist wisdom into the chaos of modern life, offering simple practices to find flow, balance, and clarity without the mysticism. With practical tips, micro-habits, and fresh takes on the I Ching, it’s a down-to-earth guide for handling stress, decisions, and relationships with more ease.

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Mess-information is a snarky field guide to surviving the glittery dumpster fire of fake news, conspiracy theories, and human gullibility. Mixing history, humor, and absurd examples, it shows why we keep falling for nonsense—and how to spot the stink before it sticks.

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The Age of Mess-Information is a deep dive into the noisy flood of internet chaos—where truth, lies, and memes all fight for attention. From smartphones to social media echo chambers to AI’s synthetic realities, it explores how we got here, why we’re overwhelmed, and how critical thinking (and a bit of humor) can help us stay afloat.

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Digital Renaissance is a techno-thriller where art meets algorithms and rebellion meets corporate greed. Set in Asia during the early AI boom, it follows hackers, artists, and dreamers fighting to keep creativity open-source and free. It’s a fast-paced clash of human spark and machine logic—a manifesto for anyone curious (or terrified) about the future of AI and art.

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Attention Architects is your guide to surviving the dopamine economy, where every ping and scroll tries to steal your brain. Mixing science, stories, and sharp humor, it shows how to spot traps, reclaim focus, and build small habits that make you present again—without turning into a monk or tossing your phone in a lake.

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Digital Guardians is a guide for parents raising kids in the wild west of the internet—teaching how to protect without smothering, monitor without spying, and build trust while tackling cyberbullying, predators, and screen overload. It’s about raising digitally savvy kids who stay safe, independent, and connected in all the right ways.

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Words That Move is part guide, part manifesto for anyone ready to write with purpose. Victor Odasnac shows how to craft books that resonate with the right audience, use writing as a tool for personal brand and connection, and embrace new technologies like AI to make the process smoother. More than selling books, it’s about finding your voice, refining your ideas, and creating something truly useful.

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On Rewriting is a playful yet practical guide to turning rough drafts into polished stories. With humor and hands-on techniques, it shows writers how to restructure, refine, and rediscover their voice while making rewriting less painful and more creative. Perfect for anyone stuck between drafts, it proves the real magic happens after “The End.”

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Flowing Words is a practical guide to unlocking creativity by speaking your ideas instead of typing them. Packed with tools, exercises, and AI support, it shows how to turn messy voice notes into polished writing while making dictation a joyful habit. It’s not just about writing faster—it’s about giving your voice permission to create freely.

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Everyone Has a Story is a step-by-step guide to writing your memoir with the help of AI, whether you’re capturing family history, personal growth, or extraordinary adventures. From finding defining moments to structuring, editing, and polishing, it makes the process accessible and rewarding—proving you don’t need to be famous for your story to matter.

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Write Now is an invitation to make writing less of a grind and more of a joyful practice. Blending warmth, wit, and practical tools, it shows how to find creative flow, embrace imperfect drafts, and use words as a mirror for self-discovery and connection. Whether for therapy, creativity, or inspiration, this book makes the blank page feel like home.

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Extraordinary You makes memoir writing simple and accessible, even if you’ve never written beyond social media posts. With AI as your co-pilot, it guides you to recall memories, shape them into a compelling narrative, and polish your story without losing your voice. More than documenting the past, it’s about turning your life into a legacy that inspires and connects.

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A Book a Week is a blueprint for writing faster and smarter by pairing consistent habits with the power of AI. From beating writer’s block to finishing a draft in seven days, it shows how to build momentum, boost creativity, and turn ideas into finished books—without sacrificing authenticity or burning out.

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Your Story Makes You Unique is a practical guide for solopreneurs who want to stand out and attract clients by telling powerful brand stories. With clear frameworks, simple formulas, and strategies for using stories across marketing and sales, it shows how to turn your personal journey into your biggest business asset. Because in the end, people don’t just buy what you do—they buy the story behind it.

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Applied Storytelling shows that great storytelling isn’t magic—it’s a skill you can learn. Using a simple formula of Desire + Conflict = Resolution, we break down how to craft stories that captivate, whether in meetings, family conversations, or social media posts. Packed with movie examples, practical tools, and even an AI coach, this book helps anyone—from leaders to parents—turn everyday moments into stories that inspire, connect, and stick.

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Better Questions makes the case that curiosity is a superpower. Instead of rushing for answers, we show how the right questions can deepen relationships, sharpen decisions, and spark real influence. With simple strategies and practical tools, this book helps you turn inquiry into a daily habit—transforming conversations, leadership, and personal growth one thoughtful question at a time.

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Your Inner Critic Lies is a no-nonsense guide to shutting down the mental gremlin that keeps whispering “not good enough.” With humor and the SLOW method, it teaches you how to catch negative thoughts, reframe them, and build habits that boost confidence and clarity. No jargon, no fluff—just practical tools to finally tell your inner critic to pipe down.

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The Quiet Seller flips the script on sales, showing introverts that influence isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about trust, listening, and authentic connection. Backed by science and real success stories, it offers practical techniques for pitching, negotiating, and selling yourself with quiet confidence.

For anyone who thinks sales “isn’t their thing,” this book proves introverts already have the edge.

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Quiet Charisma shows how to light up a room without shouting for attention. Through practical tips and stories, it teaches you to turn shyness into presence, build real confidence, and connect with people in ways that feel natural. It’s about finding your authentic charm—and letting it do the talking.

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Quietly Stoic is the ultimate guide for introverts who want to navigate social situations with confidence, clarity, and calm. Drawing on timeless Stoic principles and modern strategies, this book offers a simple framework, practical habits, and actionable tips to help you master small talk, thrive at networking events, and recharge without guilt. It’s not about being the loudest in the room—it’s about showing up as your authentic, quietly powerful self.

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