Learn From My Mistakes

Short story of how I break life chaos into small, solvable problems - 2 min read.

At the very beginning, he/she/they/sie/er/it/whatever (oh yes, inclusion time!) hated me so much…

This could describe several memorable people I’ve met.

A colleague.

A good friend.

Even my wife (I wish my first words to her were appropriate enough to share in this newsletter. Maybe someday, when I decide to write another edition while drunk.)

Anyway, I seem to have a gift for making unforgettable first impressions.

I’m not sure what it is exactly.

A talent?

A well-practiced skill?

Or just… anti-charisma?

But here’s the pattern: it takes time and patience for people to get along with me.

And if we do click? It’s basically emotional super glue.

My marriage (which my wife assures me is not a hostage situation) is strong evidence.

Honestly, our relationship is like a pair of Crocs.

At first: “Absolutely not.”

Then: “They’re kinda comfy though… I wear them just around the house. And maybe to brunch.”

Now: “Can I wear these to that gala dinner without ruining the vibe?”

(That last part applies more to me than the Crocs, to be clear.)

And it’s not just people or foam clogs.

This pattern shows up everywhere:

• That song you hated but now can’t stop humming (remember Bay-bee shaaark doo doo doo doo doo doo…? Sorry. Now it’s back.)

• That cringe video you said “WTF was that?” — and then watched five more times

• That “Twitter is now X” rebrand that triggered a riot — now it’s just… normal

This is the Mere Exposure Effect.

In plain English?

We tend to like things more just because they’re familiar, even if we didn’t like them at first.

It’s not logic.

It’s not taste.

It’s not even nostalgia.

It’s repetition.

Simple, sneaky, repetition.

Marketers, product designers, and politicians weaponize this effect every day:

• That logo you hated? It’ll grow on you if they just keep showing it

• That annoying jingle? You’ll sing it in the shower

• That manager who gives weekly updates in Comic Sans? Okay, maybe not that one

But once you recognize the effect, you can use it to your advantage:

• Repeat your ideas - consistently, calmly, without over-explaining

• Stop jumping ship every time things get weird. Even friendships take a few awkward dinners before they feel like home

• Learning something new is like dancing at your cousin’s wedding - awkward, off-beat, and deeply confusing at first. But then your feet figure it out

• The first week at the gym? It hurts. The second? Still hurts. The third? You’re flexing in the mirror between sets

• You don’t fall in love with beer on the first sip - especially if it’s weiss. But give it a few mornings, and now it’s your entire personality (and for those still unsubscribed - yes, that's a joke. Obviously.)

Because here’s the twist:

There’s always a second chance to make a first impression.

You just have to show up often enough to overwrite the first one.

So if people didn’t “get” your newsletter, pitch, product, or personality the first time?

Keep showing up.

Be the Crocs of whatever you’re building.

Till next time.

Our favorite digital finds

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Short & Sweet

Short articles worth your attention

Invisible Habits - 7 min read.

Most habits advice focuses on what to start doing - this one flips it. Wignall spotlights the subtle mental habits we don't even notice (like emotional avoidance and self-judgment) but that quietly shape everything. Quietly powerful stuff.

How curiosity rewires your brain for change - 6 min read.

I always thought curiosity just helped me procrastinate more creatively. But apparently, it also rewires the brain for better learning and adaptability. A short read with some surprisingly useful science behind your inner question-asker.

Tips to Maintain Your Focus, Concentration, and Discipline - 5 min read.

I opened this article while multitasking and (ironically) ended up finishing it without switching tabs. That should tell you everything you need to know.

Add this to your shelf

If you're looking for something to read, this book's worth considering

It's the behind-the-scenes story of how Netflix ditched the rules, trusted their people, and changed the way companies think about work. Fast, fun, and full of surprising lessons from the top.

A Workspace I Envy

A handpicked desk setup that caught my eye this week

I caught myself thinking - dark aesthetics are hard for me to resist. But they need an accent color. Usually orange. Did you notice the keyboard and the poster? That's what makes it pop.

Unpacking the routines of interesting people

A closer look at how fascinating people structure their day

Interesting facts:

Wellness Overload (In a Good Way): Her morning drink isn’t just coffee - it’s a ritual. She starts with hot water and lemon, then adds a powdered colostrum supplement, and finally sips on collagen coffee. It’s a vibe.

Dogs First: One of the first things she does each morning? Feed and walk her dogs. Her pets are part of her daily routine - and she's been known to call them her "children."

Chopped Salad Icon: Jennifer ate the same modified Cobb salad every single day on the Friends set for 10 years. It became so legendary that fans still try to recreate "The Jennifer Aniston Salad."

Workout Loyalist: After years of high-intensity workouts, Jennifer switched to a low-impact method called P.volve. It focuses on mindful movement, and she loved it so much she became the brand's Chief Creative Officer.

Sleep Tracker Convert: Aniston used to struggle with insomnia and sleepwalking for years. She now wears an Oura Ring to track her sleep, swears by a wind-down routine, and even partnered with a campaign to raise awareness about better sleep habits.

Watch-worthy clips

One video that got us thinking, and we think you'll like it too

Just because you cut back on sugar and eat consciously doesn't mean you're avoiding it completely - it's often hiding in "healthy" foods like grapes or apples. Old video, but still super relevant. Worth the 4-minute watch.

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