Hey friend,

I’m writing this while watching my daughter sleep on the baby monitor.

She’s 10 months old. And lately, I’ve been feeling something I didn’t expect:

Fear.

Not for me. For her.

We’re living in weird times. Not in a “haha, weird” kind of way. More like:

• Countries feel more divided than ever
• Not sure who to trust
• AI is racing forward and accelerating faster, and most people aren’t ready
• The rich are getting richer, while everyone else falls further behind
• The news feels more like a horror show than useful information

And I found myself wondering: What kind of future is she walking into?

I’m not a doom-and-gloom guy. I’ve built businesses. I love trying new things. I’m generally an optimist. But it’s hard to ignore the chaos right now: protests, polarization, platforms that pull us apart instead of bringing us together. And beneath it all is this growing sense of: us vs. them.

That’s not the world I want for her.

So I’ve been asking myself: If everything feels like it’s breaking… how do we build something better?

–

Btw - Check out AppSumo’s Sumo Day - our biggest sale of the year. VIP Plus customers get 19% off everything next 2 days only

–

Here’s what I came back to:

1. Stay curious

Try the new tools. Build dumb stuff.

Mess around with ChatGPT. Use Cursor. I made a timer app the other day - not because the world needs another timer app - but to learn and understand.

Curiosity is a superpower. Curious people always find their way forward.

2. Zag when others zig

Everyone’s chasing AI right now. Cool. Go open a bagel shop. Start a cleaning business. If everyone is going to get replaced, how can you help find jobs for those people!

People will always need food, trust, and human connection. There's a massive opportunity offline.

3. Make a plan

No plan = no peace.

This week, I literally voice-noted ChatGPT to help me write one.

Just talked out what I’m thinking and solutions and out plopped a plan. 

Here’s a sample of the plan

Even a rough outline gives your brain something to hold onto, especially when the world feels aimless.

Plans give you control and direction. If you are feeling lost, make a plan.

4. Be kind (especially to yourself)

Most of the time when I’m judging others, it’s because I’m judging myself even harder.

Lately, I’ve been learning to pause. Breathe. And go outside tech-free.

Hard to be nice to others if you aren’t nice to yourself.

5. Smile

Try it right now. Seriously. Do it. 🙂

It’s almost impossible to be furious and smiling at the same time.

Your body listens to your face. It may sound silly — but this tiny shift can change your entire day.

6. Filter the noise

Mute toxic accounts. Block distractions. I was noticing so much hatred and negative energy in me after visiting Twitter. 

Do you really need to know what Trump, Keith Rabois, or San Francisco are doing today?

Probably not.

Think of it like food. If you eat junk food, you may not be the healthiest. This is the same as the information you digest. 

Be selective what you intake. Reclaim your peace and take your power back.

I’m still worried for my daughter. And for your kids. And honestly, for all of us.

But I’m also hopeful. Because we’re not powerless. We can still build new things. We can still choose kindness. And we can create meaning — even in the mess.

That’s what I’ll teach her.

And that’s still the world I believe in.

—Noah 🌮

P.S. What’s one thing you’re doing to stay hopeful in this weird world? Hit reply. I’d love to hear it.