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TLDR After-word --- Plugged In Imagine a world where every sensation you feel, every sight you see, and every sound you hear is meticulously crafted by an unseen architect. The sky's hue, the rustling of leaves, the very ground beneath your feet—all are illusions woven into a grand tapestry designed to keep you complacent. This is the reality in the fictional world of The Matrix, where humanity is unknowingly trapped inside a simulated existence, their minds pacified while an artificial intelligence harvests their life force. Humanity, reduced to little more than fodder, is essential to the machine’s survival. To maintain control, the machines devised the ultimate system for pacification: a new reality. This isn't just science fiction. In our own reality, we're similarly trapped—not by machines but by the very technologies we embrace daily. The platforms we joined to connect with others now serve to distract us, and the search engines that once offered knowledge are now tools for manipulation. You should care, and you should be scared. Scared by the fact that our online experiences are orchestrated by algorithms that decide what news we see, what products we buy, and even the opinions we hold. These systems, driven purely by profit, subtly shape our perceptions, often without us realizing it. Over the past decade, the Internet has morphed from a tool for knowledge-sharing and connection into a commercial landscape riddled with manipulation and distraction. Everywhere you turn, companies and platforms are vying for your attention, each casting its line in an attempt to reel you in by any means necessary. Algorithms, designed to monopolize our time and attention, have taken precedence over privacy, authenticity, and meaningful human interaction. We are already being used as human cattle in a game designed to maximize profit while minimizing human capital. We’re distracted by sensationalized stories, kept in line by hysteria generated by news organizations controlled by a handful of powerful entities. Over 90% of the US media landscape is owned by just six corporations . Every story, every headline, is engineered to keep us docile, consuming, and divided. We've become detached from authenticity, engaging with curated versions of reality through screens. Our connections are filtered, our choices influenced by unseen forces. It's a chilling thought—that we might be participants in a system designed to control and exploit us. But this isn't speculative fear-mongering; the evidence is right in front of us. Right now, these companies are curating your experience. The world they want you to believe in isn’t real—it's a constructed reality. --- The Statistics: The Constructed Reality We are being funneled into an internet that serves corporations over communities. The digital realm, once a beacon of innovation and connectivity, has become a crowded marketplace where authentic human interaction is overshadowed by commercial interests. Global web traffic is wasted on ads, bots, and misinformation. Half of our online experience is filled with noise designed to manipulate and distract us. Algorithms engineered for profit create echo chambers, reinforcing existing beliefs and isolating us from diverse perspectives. (DataProt: Internet Statistics 2023) But it doesn’t have to be this way. And if you’ve read this far, you probably already know that. Up to 60% of all internet traffic is generated by bots, ranging from benign crawlers to malicious programs spreading disinformation and scams. (Imperva Bad Bot Report 2021) Over 70% of web traffic is now ad-driven or tied to corporate marketing strategies, transforming the internet into a marketplace where users are not just consumers but the products themselves. (HubSpot State of Marketing Report 2022) False information spreads six times faster than the truth on social media, fueled by algorithms that prioritize engagement over accuracy. (MIT Study on Fake News 2018) 81% of Americans feel they have little control over their personal data collected by companies, according to the Pew Research Center. Our digital landscape is dominated by surveillance capitalism , a term coined by Shoshana Zuboff to describe how our personal data is commodified. Social media platforms and internet giants track our every move, building detailed profiles that predict and influence our behavior. We are offered convenience at the expense of privacy, and efficiency at the cost of autonomy. Just as the inhabitants of The Matrix are oblivious to their enslavement, many of us wander the digital world, unaware of how much our experiences are shaped by external forces. Awareness is the first step toward liberation. Once we recognize the mechanisms at work, we can challenge them and seek more genuine, unmediated connections. It’s time to ask: Are we content to remain plugged into a curated illusion, or are we ready to wake up and reclaim our digital reality? --- wizzense I define what wizzense means here. Wizzense The profound ability or capacity to understand, perceive, or know things intuitively or through acquired wisdom. It encompasses a deep, almost innate, sense of understanding that transcends mere knowledge, touching on the realms of insight, wisdom, and foresight. --- I grew up on the internet when it was wild and untamed. Don't get me wrong, there definitely needs to be some taming to ensure that we maintain safety and security, but the wilderness to be explored was something magical. There were huge innovations and tools, and apps, and more ways to connect then ever! There was so much potential! From the moment I wondered into my dad's office, as early as I can remember. I was about five years old, and I found the unattended, boxy off-white monitor and computer tower sitting on a small desk that I could barely see over. I figured out how to log on, how to use the mouse, clicked around, even opened files. I remember my parents staying up late one night struggling to set up a color printer (spoiler: nothing has changed, printers are still terrible) just to print a picture of colorful hot air balloon... which took forever and was ultimately underwhelming, but still just the best thing ever. That magic is gone. There was a time when the internet felt like uncharted territory—a vast digital landscape full of potential, exploration, and connection. It promised endless possibilities, a gateway to knowledge and community. But somewhere along the way, the path diverged. The once-open frontier has become a labyrinth, carefully constructed to keep us wandering endlessly, distracted and manipulated. I too find myself ensnared in this maze, not immune to the allure of convenience offered by tech giants. My Amazon shopping history and integrations with Google are a testament to how seamlessly they’ve woven themselves into the fabric of my daily life. Packages arrive at my doorstep with a single click, playlists anticipate my mood, and newsfeeds adjust themselves to my perceived interests. It’s comfortable—almost too comfortable. But behind this ease lies an unsettling truth. Every click, every like, every search is fed into an ever-growing profile—data points collected, analyzed, and sold to predict and influence my next move. Social media platforms have evolved into sophisticated machines, engineered to extract maximum attention and engagement. They exploit our psychological vulnerabilities in ways we scarcely understand. This phenomenon is explored in the documentary, The Social Dilemma, which delves into how social media manipulates users. It's a subtle form of control, but once you see it, it’s impossible to unsee. These platforms no longer serve us—they use us. They've turned our online experiences into commodities, with our attention and personal information auctioned off to the highest bidder. If not for professional obligations, I would have severed ties with them entirely. I’ve already begun the process, distancing myself from platforms that prioritize profit over people. And I know many of you feel the same—a growing unease, a sense that something essential has been lost. --- Digital Gardens Imagine the internet as a vast, untamed garden. In its early days, it was wild and chaotic, filled with potential but also disorder. Over time, weeds—misinformation, negativity, and manipulation—have overrun many parts, choking out the flowers of genuine connection and knowledge. Gardens require care. They need to be tended, pruned, and nurtured to flourish. Our digital communities are no different. By actively cultivating these spaces, we can promote organic, healthy growth. This means creating environments where users feel empowered to share authentically, where respectful dialogue thrives, and where diverse perspectives are celebrated. Neglecting this responsibility allows the weeds to take over, leaving us in spaces dominated by toxicity and disinformation. But with deliberate effort, we can reclaim these areas, planting seeds of positivity and nurturing them into strong, vibrant communities. TLDR: We have been the frogs in the pot while the water gets hot, but it's not too late to jump out. I am sure that many people who find themselves here will think it's foolish, a dumb idea, or a waste of time. “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” – Henry Ford did not say this But we have short memories and even shorter attention spans. It wasn't even that long ago where the free and open internet was under attack by the FCC, fueled by corporate lobbying. Luckily, we've managed to actually reverse course for the better , in a rare occurrence of events in government. However, we cannot leave the interpretation of our best interests in the hands of those in power. We can be proactive, engaged in our local, state, and federal politics to elect decent leaders that truly represent the will of the people who voted for them. We can even be optimistic that most people geniunely want to do good. But I am not one to leave my fate into others hands. It feels like we are rapidly accelerating into a post-truth/post-human-intelligence world where, very soon, nobody is going to be able to tell what is real anymore and what is AI-generated misinformation travelling at the speed of light directed by the algorithms designed to keep you distracted and plugged in. I'm not willing to accept the internet as a tool for corporations to manipulate and monetize at the expense of our collective well-being. The free and open internet is what empowered me to flip the script on the likely trajectory that was my life and I want to keep it that way. That’s why I’ve embarked on creating wizzense (a 'gardenweb' of sorts)—an initiative to build a genuine digital space free from all of this. This is more than a platform; it’s a philosophy. It’s about creating a place that’s genuinely ours, free from invasive algorithms and predatory data practices. A place where real connections can flourish, untainted by ulterior motives. By focusing on what truly matters—authenticity, privacy, and meaningful interaction—we can restore the internet to its original promise. We can share and post and see it when we see it and your feed isn't dictated by an algorithm and the people you interact with are proven to be trusted and genuine and not a bot. Thanks for reading. Now unplug. --- After-word: I started writing this article before this video came out and I finished writing it while listening to this until 1 AM. I highly recommend watching this as it goes very in-depth on a lot of the things I am going to talk about here and in the future. --- Sources: Imperva Bad Bot Report 2024 https://www.imperva.com/resources/resource-library/reports/2024-bad-bot-report/ The 2024 Imperva Threat Research report reveals that almost 50% of internet traffic comes from non-human sources. HubSpot State of Marketing Report 2022 https://www.hubspot.com/state-of-marketing Over 70% of web traffic is ad-driven or tied to corporate marketing strategies. MIT Study on Fake News 2018 https://news.mit.edu/2018/study-twitter-false-news-travels-faster-true-stories-0308 False information spreads six times faster than the truth on social media. Shoshana Zuboff: The Age of Surveillance Capitalism Exposes how user data is commodified by tech giants. Pew Research Center: Americans’ Views on Privacy 81% of Americans feel they have little control over their personal data collected by companies. The Social Dilemma (Netflix, 2020) Documentary on how social media exploits psychological vulnerabilities. The 6 Companies That Own (Almost) All Media [INFOGRAPHIC] https://www.webfx.com/blog/internet/the-6-companies-that-own-almost-all-media-infographic/ Watch this video for more insights. https://youtu.be/5gNLViWfCA0?si=BXPSbBRyLMR8rIV4 p.s. you know I'm just playing Google you know I love you

Just kidding. If you know me, that’s an extremely odd thing for me to say because I don't believe in luck. If anything, I've been extremely unlucky for the majority of my lived experiences thus far. Yet, this quote from Ben Franklin strongly resonates with me: “I am a strong believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” Throughout my career, I've often encountered the idea that luck is a crucial factor in achieving success. I've always scoffed when someone mentioned luck, often wishing I could magically implant a thought into people's minds: "Luck!? Do you have any idea what I've been through to get to this point!?" Instead, of course, I chuckle and nod. But now I get to implant that thought into your head! Achievements aren't the result of chance; they are the result of countless late nights, rigorous problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Success is earned through perseverance, learning from mistakes, and continuously pushing forward despite the odds. Early in my career, I encountered numerous setbacks that tested my resolve. I spent long hours troubleshooting issues, learning new technologies, and refining my skills, often ending in frustration—the frustration of not grasping it, feeling inadequate, yet having no choice but to persevere. Something I try to instill in my children, because I have struggled with this in the past, is that: You don't lose until you give up. Each failure taught me invaluable lessons and forged a resilience that became the cornerstone of my success. Luck, as Franklin suggests, isn’t a whimsical force that randomly bestows its favor. Luck is really the manifestation of consistent effort and preparation meeting opportunity. The "lucky breaks" I've experienced were, in fact, the fruits of my labor, emerging from the countless hours invested in honing my skills and solving problems. This perspective shift—from seeing luck as an external force to viewing it as a product of internal diligence—has been transformative. It’s the unseen hours, the perseverance through challenges, and the readiness to seize opportunities that truly create "luck." Hard work doesn’t just lead to success; it creates opportunities where none seemed to exist. Each challenge conquered has paved the way for new possibilities, turning what might have seemed like fortunate coincidences into predictable outcomes of hard work and strategy. The projects I’ve led, the innovations I’ve been part of, and the milestones I’ve reached are testaments to the notion that sustained effort and a proactive mindset turn potential chances into tangible achievements. Success is not a stroke of luck but a mosaic of countless efforts, meticulously pieced together over time. So, do you wanna be lucky? Make your own luck. Thanks for reading. See you next time when I explain why I’m actually a super dumb guy.

Year 5 I’ve been told numerous times over my 29 years that it all started when I was 5. But that’s such a young age to already be dealing with mental illness? Apparently it’s not. They diagnosed me and put me on medication. That’s probably where half my problems stemmed from… the damn medication at 5 years old that alters the chemicals in your brain to “ help” you. Selective Mutism Diagnostic criteria ; A) consistent failure to speak in specific social situations in which there is an expectation for speaking (e.g., school) despite speaking in other situations. B) the disturbance interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication. C) the duration of the disturbance is at least 1 month. (Not limited to the first month of school) D) the failure to speak is not attributable to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social situation. E) the disturbance is not better explained by a communication disorder (e.g., childhood onset fluency disorder) and does not occur exclusively during the course of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder. According to the DSM-5, the risk and prognostic factors include temperamental, environment, genetic and physiological factors. Specifically stating in environmental factors that parents of children with selective mutism have been described as overprotective or more controlling than parents of children with other anxiety disorders or no disorder. Paxel | Paroxetine | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) May treat: clinical depression, social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, premenstral syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, postpartum depression, fibromyalgia, body dysmorphic disorder, kleptomania, premenstral dysphoric disorder, hypochondria, pathological laugher and crying, agoraphobia, trichotillomania. Don’t get me started on the side effects. And they gave this to a 5 year old!! Me, I was the 5 year old and do you know when I “ grew ” out of this selective mutism as they say.. between the age of 9 and 10. Now I can’t remember completely if I had been on the medication for this many years, but I was on it long enough to know that it didn’t work and in fact harmed my brain more than it did anything to help me. As here I am, classified as a patient who is “resistant” to antidepressants. How does a 5 year old have social anxiety [selective mutism] without any prior instances to cause it. Or did something in fact actually cause this anxiety on set at such a young age? What happened? Will I ever know the cause? It’s a question I frequently find myself wondering. Wondering if this is the first of many experiences to create the very mentally ill person I’ve become.

1.  The Rush of Inspiration... It happens in an instant. One minute you're washing the dishes, and a brilliant idea pops into your head. It feels groundbreaking—an invention, a story, a career pivot. You drop what you're doing to grab a notebook or open your notes app. But before you’ve even finished writing down the first thought, two more ideas come rushing in, competing for your attention. By the end of the day, you're left with a list of half-formed ideas and no energy left to bring any of them to life. I never once thought I might have ADHD until someone explained 'me' to me and suddenly a lot of things started to make sense. Like many others, I find myself constantly caught between moments where I am locked-in and making things happen and periods of complete mental exhaustion. It’s a familiar ebb and flow—one that can feel exhilarating, but also overwhelming. This isn’t just an occasional experience—it’s my life. Sometimes, the brain is a storm of creativity, overflowing with ideas. Other times, we hyperfocus on a single idea or task, completely losing track of everything else—and everyone else. That flood of inspiration or focus often comes with a heavy cost: the inability to harness, balance, or act on those ideas in a meaningful way. In fact, as you may have gathered, hyperfocus can be both a gift and a curse—allowing me to dive deep into a task, blocking out the noise and distractions, but sometimes at the cost of everything and everyone else, whether I mean to, or not.   2. The Nature of ADHD Creativity: Infinite Ideas, Finite Action, and the Emotional Rollercoaster For many, creativity flows freely, often sparked by novelty. The ADHD mind thrives on new stimuli, always searching for the next exciting project or experience. This makes the brain an idea machine—always generating possibilities. But that spark is fleeting. What starts as excitement can quickly fade, leaving behind an overwhelming sense of unfinished business. Each new idea brings a jolt of excitement—a rush of dopamine that makes it feel like the answer to everything. It’s exhilarating and full of potential. But as time passes, that initial thrill fades, and the idea is left untouched. More ideas flow in, competing for attention -- again, along with everyone and everything else -- then suddenly the weight of all those half -baked thoughts and overwhelming mountain of evidence of all of your unfinished projects and rears it's pointy peak and it... sucks. Because I still have a desire to do most of these things. What began as limitless potential often turns into limited action. The emotional impact of this cycle—excitement followed by guilt—is significant. Why didn’t I finish that?   Why am I always chasing the next thing?  This rollercoaster of highs and lows is familiar to many leaving behind feelings of frustration and self-doubt. It seems like, 9 times out of 10, I will stop working on something when it's about 80% finished and then I move on after realizing what the final result looks like. Truthfully, I think it is driven by pure curiosity and wonder. When the mystery is dispelled and I know what happens next... that is just as satisfying as actually completing the task. Wow, what an incredible pain, right? Especially in situations where I am forced to carry out something to completion that I've already mentally moved beyond. 3. The Burden of Multi-Tasking and the Weight of Unfinished Ideas With so many exciting possibilities, it's easy to fall into the trap of multi-tasking—trying to juggle multiple projects at once, but rarely finishing any of them, on-top of regular adult responsibilities -- work, kids, relationships, chores, self-care, all competing for the same pie. It's a nightmare to balance and priortize things I want and like to do with things I have to do and it takes constant effort to practice the mindfulness I need to be aware of these cycles. My mind often struggles to settle on just one thing to focus on, so it tries to juggle everything. But instead of creating momentum, this can lead to paralysis. It’s like standing in a library filled with books you want to read, but you can’t pick one, so you leave with none. As all of this piles up, they become mental clutter. Each idea feels like a task to be completed, even if it’s still just a thought. The more ideas you have, the heavier the mental load becomes. This is the curse of ADHD-fueled creativity: the ability to generate so many ideas, but the struggle (and sometimes complete lack of ability) to carry them through to completion. The weight of all this can be overwhelming, leading to stress, guilt, and burnout. Ask me how I know. 4. Burnout: The Hidden Danger of Endless Ideas Despite the whirlwind of chaos it brings, I thrive under pressure, especially when that chaos is at its peak. In fact, when it comes to my professional career, I seek it out constantly. However, the danger lies in the fact that once the world realizes how much pressure we can endure, it presses harder. We keep going, absorbing more and more, until we reach our breaking point. We push ourselves until there’s nothing left to give, and there’s nothing left to take. I find it very difficult to find time for proper recovery. All of these things, every idea, task, person that needs my help, is more important than me recovering and staying healthy. Every new project, every fresh idea adds to the mental load. Without systems in place to manage that load, the weight eventually becomes too much, and it did. 3 times. Despite all that I know and understand, I still fall into the same mental traps. I was almost on my way to number 4, but I've learned to recognize this pattern of behavior and prioritize things differently. It's a work in progress. Burnout is absolutely brutal. I'll spare you the details, but throughout each of those periods I had no choice but to just. keep. going. To recover from the first one, I had to quit the Air Force, which I absolutely loved. I initially planned to do the full 20. Give 20 years of my life to this country -- and dang it, I kicked ass in almost every conceivable way! Besides taking care of myself, I guess. As the guy who knew the stuff in my squadron, on the surface, I probably seemed very well put together, on top of my game, doing good stuff, happy, social, etc. But really I was struggling every single day. Nothing ever came easy to me and I felt like I had to work 4x harder than anyone else just to keep up. The problem is, that is not sustainable. Not only is it impossible to recover from burnout unless you make drastic changes to your life, which in many situations, just isn't a feasible solution and only comes to fruition as a last resort. Even when you are able to do something about it, the road to recovery is long and hard. This constant cycle of pushing ourselves toward burnout, paradoxically, is what often leads to our ability to thrive under immense pressure and potentially sow the seeds of greatness. If you make it there, anyway. I almost didn't. 5.  Living  Under Pressure: A Unique Adaptation I put a lot of this pressure on myself initially. I made a decision that I was going to be the best and so that's what I tried to do and still try to do, even after 10 years, that switch still hasn't flipped in my brain. I believe we can reasonably conclude that rapping is at least 50% easier than working in tech... so far. This might make more sense later. Guess you better keep reading. Anyway, I function very well in high-pressure situations regardless of what is going on, because I am already filled with anxiety and accustomed to being overwhelmed by things I can’t control. The constant barrage of tasks, the unknowns, and the future feel impossible to plan for, because I change with the wind in a goddamn hurricane. The world is full of unpredictability for neurodivergent minds, and yet, amidst that internal chaos, we manage to survive—if not thrive—within that storm. Here’s the catch—because we thrive under pressure, and we already put a lot of that pressure on ourselves, the world takes notice. It realizes how much pressure we can endure, and so it presses harder and harder. Eventually, though, that pressure becomes too much. We break. Positive pressure creates diamonds, but when there is too much negative pressure, it can also shatter those same diamonds. For me, I have extremely high expectations for myself professionally. Personally, I really am bad at almost everything so it takes a lot of work to get good at something and a lot of the time I don't have the energy nor the desire. There's also a lot less external-pressure for me to actually do those things well, or do them at all, because, quite frankly... I don't care that the bag has been sitting in the corner for 6 months because it doesn't need to be moved for any particular reason. Fortunately, I hate clutter, so I do have some positive pressure to keep my things organized. 6. Navigating the Cycle: From Creativity to Overwhelm and Back Again The cycle of creativity, excitement, guilt, overwhelm, and burnout is a share experience for me and many others, but we are often fighting a silent battle, often without the knowledge or tools to cope effectively, and thus, the 'super powers' of ADHD become severe detriments to our livelihoods. Many of them are probably people you know. Building routines and prioritizing ideas helps me avoid getting overwhelmed. I rely heavily on synchronized notes, calendars, and bookmarks across all of my devices just to function day-to-day. It's like I require an additional module that wasn't available at birth that gives us the extra RAM to maintain all of this and various coping strategies try to fill in that missing piece Having external accountability or task management systems is key to ensuring that ideas don’t slip through the cracks. This alone is a massive amount of effort and upkeep because these tools don’t work unless I take the time to input tasks, set reminders, and update them regularly. You can imagine the added challenge this creates in my daily as single father of two young children and a senior professional within my industry. It’s important to recognize that this cycle is not all negative. There’s immense value in the creativity that ADHD brings—it's just a matter of finding the right systems and support to harness that potential without getting lost in the storm. While it may feel like it's just too much at times, this cycle is also the source of some of my most creative moments. With the right support, it becomes less of a burden and more of a strength. And remember: You're not in this alone. That is something that took far too long to realize. 7. And then there's AI. AI has opened up new possibilities—helping me get organized, stay on top of tasks, or even handle the small jobs I struggle to break away from bigger projects for. It's the reason I’m able to write this and post it on a website I created two years ago, before I was even diagnosed with ADHD. Honestly. often times, I do feel a little robotic and notice I have more in common with the AI than I would like. And not just because people think we're both robots. I'm not really a robot. The truth is, I am alien. That was a human joke. ... I mean, the way we learn. The more good data you feed us... the better the result. It's interesting to think about and I have very unscientific ideas about how we can improve AI by mimicking how the human brain is compartmentalized. Yes, you can believe your eyes. You're seeing one of my absolutely brilliant ideas manifest in real time. I suppose we are somewhat childlike in that we never really lose that sense of wonder, despite how wrong of a fit the world is for us and the way our minds function. We are constantly learning, adapting, and finding ways to navigate through life's challenges. The same can be said of AI. AI thrives on good data, just as neurodivergent people thrive with the right support and environment. AI can break down tasks into manageable pieces, assist with reminders, and help maintain focus. From task management to creative support, AI offers a way to translate the chaos of the neurodivergent mind into tangible outcomes. I read a Reddit post on /r/sysadmin today from someone who couldn’t think of a single way that AI could help them, I immediately thought, 'That's ridiculous! I could name 100 things that AI could help with right now!' And if you haven't guessed it by now, one of those ideas was this post. AI has become a kind of partner in my workflow—offering support in areas where my brain might otherwise falter. Whether it's managing a string of tasks or dealing with anything involving numbers, AI has played a key role in filling in the gaps for the past couple of years and has allowed me to stop the progression to the burnout stage, even though my life has been EVEN more chaotic than it ever has been before. Granted, it's not ALL AI. I have decades of coping strategies and medication now. These things mitigate. They do not remediate. I've learned how to communicate with my AI tools, and I've become very proficient with them so that they do a great job of interpreting what I want to accomplish and deliver results. I am also very well-versed in their flaws and limitations and how to overcome them. It's kind of like learning a new language that no-one really knows how to teach. I am surprised and not surprised by at the same time when I realize how LITTLE my colleagues use AI. Drafting messages, emails, formatting, grabbing and formatting text from images, I could go on and on with how I leverage it for these menial, mind-numbing, unexceptional and unexciting administrative tasks. As AI continues to evolve, I can’t help but wonder how much more it will assist people like me—offering new ways to channel creativity without being overwhelmed by it, and helping us navigate the chaos of ideas. And I couldn't be more excited to be on the precipice. Just as AI learns and grows more efficient with the right input, those of us with special  brains can thrive when given the right tools and structure. AI doesn’t just support me; it evolves alongside my needs, becoming a true partner in navigating the storm.   As  the landscape of AI continues to grow, so too will our ability to master the chaos of our own minds—transforming it into something powerful and productive And I will be passing everything I've learned onto my very-much-neurodivergent children.   As  well as anyone who is willing to listen, or needs a hand navigating this journey. Special-brained or otherwise. I guess this needs a part two, because I haven't even told you how to do it yet. late-afterword: geez I didn't even get into all the other problems... executive function... sleep...impulsive behavior maybe next time. slightly-afterword - this turned into a 3 hour piece of work :D Now let me tell you about my music career as a rapper, career as an author, special forces operative, career as a game dev, consulting, software engineering... I think you get the point. "My hobby is collecting hobbies." - Someone, Somewhere 90% of this article was written and edited by AI in an hour. I've left the numbering because that was a key factor in helping me organize my thoughts in a way that flowed well. I then reviewed it section by section and again holistically asking for notes and suggestions and having the AI implement what I liked. Throughout this process I did prompt with ideas and thoughts I wanted to express. After-word: I then went through it and added stuff inspired by the AI draft. ok ok maybe it's now 80% AI after like 3 hrs 75 if you wanna be nice? idk I feel like I wrote a lot of words Did anyone else binge read The Best Page in the Universe: https://maddox.xmission.com/ in their grandpa's basement when they were 13? You can probably tell what in spired my website design. Cracked.com , anyone? RIP. Is anyone still reading at this point? No way, right? I am way to serious. I need to lighten up and write a blog about how my favorite movies and restaurants... join my site and I'll send you my soundcloud

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/donnellychris_stop-trying-to-hire-the-smartest-people-activity-7175464816440938496-YH-U?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android I wouldn't say I 'enjoy' being wrong, but rather, I'm not afraid of it. Acknowledging the possibility of being wrong is crucial. While discussing an issue with a customer, they suggested a solution from our documentation. Skeptical, I said, "Well, I don't think that will work in this situation." Yet, acknowledging the slim chance I could be mistaken, I added, "But I'd be pleasantly surprised if it does solve your problem." (It didn’t, but it was worth the attempt.) Learning for me is experiential, often involving trial and error. Sometimes, understanding the right way to do something means learning all the wrong ways first.  Moreover, it's about experimentation: turning unfamiliar knobs, adjusting unexplored settings, and observing the outcomes. I've achieved a significant impact in various roles throughout my career by using this process to pioneer the solutions to unsolved problems, that no one else could solve. Every role I've had challenged me to dive into domains beyond my experience, presenting 'sink or swim' scenarios. Yet, I've always managed to learn—and re-learn—how to swim, adapting to each unique challenge. Re-learning how to swim, adapting to new challenges, has become easier over time... it certainly helps to know to float. Learning how to learn makes current knowledge less critical, as long as you are willing and have the time to put in. When you master swimming and start swimming faster, it's time to dive deeper. Avoid complacency. There was a time when I couldn't bear the thought of being wrong, leading to endless verification cycles. This "analysis paralysis" could be stifling, preventing idea sharing due to the fear of error. High expectations from others, from one's self, and ego contribute significantly to this state. Eventually, I realized the importance of trusting in my process and due diligence. Turning the key wouldn’t end the world. It's about balancing caution with the courage to act decisively. Reflecting on this, my point is clear: Let go of your ego. Trust in yourself. Challenge your current understanding. Embrace being wrong as a learning opportunity. Being wrong frequently is a pathway to learning. This mindset has simplified the process of adapting and (re)learning how to swim, making each new challenge an opportunity for growth.

Frazzleburn [frazzleburn] noun The state of experiencing intense stress and exhaustion that borders on burnout, yet is met with a determined effort to push through and overcome personal and professional challenges. It describes a complex emotional condition where one feels the weight of burnout looming due to chronic stress and overwork but still forges ahead, attempting to navigate through the overwhelming demands with resilience. Example: Despite the unending deadlines and the cascade of personal issues, her frazzleburn spirit kept her moving forward, tackling each problem with a weary yet unyielding resolve. verb (used with object), frazzleburned, frazzleburning . To navigate through a period of intense stress and potential burnout by marshaling inner strength and resilience, often requiring one to address the root causes of their stress to find a path to recovery and balance. Example: He frazzleburned his way through the toughest quarter of his career, recognizing the need for a serious adjustment in work-life balance to sustain his health and happiness. Chaoskindle [cha-os-kin-dle] noun A state of being where one navigates through the tumultuous and overwhelming nature of stress and challenges, yet ignites an inner resilience and determination to overcome adversity. It symbolizes the act of finding or reigniting one's inner strength amidst disorder and potential burnout, fostering a spark of hope and endurance against the odds. Example: Amidst the relentless deadlines and personal upheavals, she found herself in a chaoskindle, her resolve strengthening as she tackled each obstacle with renewed vigor and determination. verb (used with object), chaoskindled , chaoskindling . To actively engage in overcoming a highly stressful and chaotic situation by summoning inner strength and resilience, thereby transforming potential burnout into a source of empowerment and growth. Example: He chaoskindled through the project's toughest phase, turning the tide of overwhelming stress into an opportunity for personal and professional development. Supraforge [su-pra-forge] noun The act or state of transcending one's own limits of stress, exhaustion, and turmoil, embodying an almost superhuman resilience and determination. It signifies the ability to forge ahead with unparalleled strength and composure in situations that demand more than what seems humanly possible, all while managing internal chaos and the brink of burnout. Example: Facing an avalanche of challenges both in her personal life and at work, she embodied supraforge, tackling each problem with a grace and efficiency that belied the turmoil beneath. verb  (used with object), supraforged , supraforging . To elevate oneself beyond typical human resilience and endurance in response to extreme stress or adversity, presenting an outer demeanor of calm and control despite internal struggles. Example: He supraforged through the crisis, maintaining a steady hand and a clear mind, guiding his team to success amidst chaos, without revealing the personal cost of such resilience. Wizzense [wiz-zen-se] noun The profound ability or capacity to understand, perceive, or know things intuitively or through acquired wisdom. It encompasses a deep, almost innate, sense of understanding that transcends mere knowledge, touching on the realms of insight, wisdom, and foresight. Example: Through years of experience and reflection, she developed a wizzense that allowed her to navigate complex situations with ease, often anticipating challenges before they arose. A quality or state where one's depth of knowledge and understanding imparts them with a powerful sense of comprehension and insight, enabling them to make informed decisions, understand the essence of complex issues, and guide others with wisdom. Example: His wizzense became evident in meetings, where his contributions would often illuminate aspects of the project that others had overlooked, guiding the team towards more effective solutions.

The last ten years have had their share of challenges, from my six years in the Air Force working as a Windows system admin and Enterprise Administrator, grappling with serious physical injuries and mental health challenges, to pivoting completely to an HPC Linux Engineer role at Boeing, which felt like hitting the reset button on all my accumulated Windows knowledge. But this past year has been a rollercoaster, both professionally and personally, marked by a journey of healing and growth to better myself as a person and a father. I embarked on a transformative health journey, embracing intermittent fasting and cycling, which led to a significant weight loss of over 135 lbs. I achieved several fitness milestones, including reaching a top speed of 28 MPH (albeit briefly) and completing a 50-mile ride. Discovering and navigating the challenges of ADHD also profoundly impacted my life, revealing that I had essentially been living life on 'hard mode.' I am happy to report that I feel better than ever. Professionally, working at Tanium has been an incredible experience, brimming with continuous learning and engagement with a diverse array of technologies in an ever-dynamic industry. It's the first place where I've thought, "I am exactly where I'm supposed to be." I don’t think there’s a more impressive group of amazing people anywhere else in the world. I’m grateful to be surrounded by so many who are way smarter than me. I've deepened my expertise with the Tanium platform and Python, solving complex problems for literally hundreds of companies, each presenting its unique set of challenges. This journey of continuous growth has broadened my perspective on what's possible and what I can achieve. I think the most valuable thing I’ve gained is confidence and belief in myself. Despite an arguably successful career with various accolades and achievements, it’s only recently that I’ve started to truly believe in my abilities and recognize the impact of my contributions. I wish I could tell my 18-year-old self, "You won't always have all the answers... but you'll always figure it out, one way or another." I’ve also learned that it’s okay to be wrong! I used to be terrified of making mistakes as people looked to me for answers. But I now understand that trusting my process for solving problems is key to realizing my true potential, making me a much more effective engineer. In my ten-year career, I’ve learned to exercise caution when approaching large-scale problems (haven’t we all broken production at least once? ... or in my case, broken the Air Force... ahem). But you can't be so cautious that you become paralyzed. Sometimes, you just have to go for it. I’m proud of the challenges I’ve overcome, from optimizing system infrastructures and paving the way for automation, to leading complex projects and solving unprecedented problems. Ever had a problem that returns zero results on Google? Scary. Each experience has ultimately molded me into the consummate professional I am today. As we embrace 2024, I am more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of technology and making meaningful contributions, both personally and professionally. On a final note, I am forever grateful to those who have always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, and recognized my potential. They have constantly pushed me forward, allowing me complete freedom while ensuring I never stayed in my comfort zone for too long. Now, I get uncomfortable when I'm too comfortable. I wouldn't be where I am without the wonderful group of people who have been with me at some or multiple points in my life. Thank you. Here's to a New Year of new things, doing cool stuff with the coolest technology in the world... Tanium.