Hola partner,
I don’t know why you’ve come. But I’m glad you’re here.
Coming to you live from Austin, Texas.
Here’s your weekly dose of Arman’s Antics — five things I’ve been exploring or pondering that will give you a good think, laugh, cry (or a nasty combination of the three).
Let’s give it up for the thirty-five new subscribers receiving this for the first time (680 total). I don’t take your attention lightly.
Fingers crossed nobody reads this, but if you do, please keep it to yourself.
Essay I wrote this week
Would you rather succeed wildly by doing what others told you to do or fail spectacularly doing exactly what you want to do?
Book I want to reread
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins.
I used to despise reading with every bone in my body.
But personal finance and investing books changed that for me a decade ago.
I’ve read many of the classics, but they all start to sound the same after a while.
Then I stumbled upon this gem. If I had to sum it up in one line it’d be — the stupidity of indefinitely delayed gratification.
Here’s the description:
…A startling new and provocative philosophy as well as a practical guide on how to get the most out of your money—and out of your life. It’s intended for those who place lifelong memorable experiences far ahead of simply making and accumulating money for one’s so-called “golden years.” In short, Perkins wants to rescue you from over-saving and under-living…
It’s hard to present a contrarian and convincing take on money.
But this book delivers the goods.
Beware: your favorite financial guru will probably hate this.
Rap freestyle I’m enjoying on repeat
My wife rolls her eyes every time she walks in on me watching yet another freestyle.
What can I say? I’m a sucker for a banger.
Enjoy.
Wasting time
Jerry Seinfeld’s secret to life is — wasting time in ways that you like.
I love that.
I often have to resist the urge to always feel like I’m doing something productive.
Why is it so hard to waste time in a meaningful way?
Not meaningful in the eyes of others. Just meaningful to you.
I love wasting time playing basketball, watching rap freestyles, and going for long random walks around the neighborhood.
But I have to remind myself that none of this time is truly wasted if I enjoy it.
What’s your preferred method of time wasting?
Random thought
They didn’t teach me how to live at school. They taught me everything else.
That’s it for the 87th edition of Arman’s Antics.
Most people aren’t curious. You’re not most people.
And now back to your regularly scheduled nonstop scrolling.
Cheers,
Arman
You’ve got to listen to the Eminem freestyles with Westwood on the BBC
Nice weekly, Arman. Thanks. I've read "Die With Zero" as well and have to agree. Anything that will nudge people toward understanding the concept of "Enough" and help them get off the 'More, more, more" hamster wheel is good stuff in my eyes.
BTW, also want to give you a high-five for completing 87 writings on Armans Antics. Many people might not appreciate the significance of this, but most people quit early (as I have done too many times to count) and never realize how close they were to fulfilling a dream. Well done!