Not the “read books and feel productive” type of learning — but the kind where you build, break things, fix them, and slowly realize you’re getting better at something you didn’t even plan to master.
This year, I spent a lot of time getting deep into vibe coding and creating system processes with AI. Not just playing with tools, but actually building things that work. Internal platforms. Custom systems. Software that supports traffic sources I already use instead of forcing new workflows just because a tool exists.
That part has been huge.
I’ve helped companies build internal platforms that optimize how they operate, track, and think. At the same time, I’ve been building my own systems for my own use cases. That’s important to me — because I don’t really believe in building software purely based on what I think other people want.
I build what I need first.
In 2026, I’ll slowly release the products I’ve been working on. Not big launches. Not hype cycles. Just build, release, feedback, and improve.
That’s the only way I know how to do it properly.
I don’t know what others will need until they actually use it. So I’d rather ship something useful, see how it’s used in the real world, and then refine it. Slow releases beat perfect plans.
Learning to Work With Systems (And People Who Are More Detailed Than Me)
One big lesson this year was learning how to work with teams that are more systematic and more micro than I am.
I naturally operate in ‘fluid flow mode’.
I see the big picture, connect ideas fast, and move quickly. Others are far more structured — gritty with details, edge cases, documentation, and step-by-step execution. I’m systematic to a point, but I’m not obsessed with every tiny detail.
And that’s okay — as long as you recognize it.
This year taught me that the real progress happens when flow thinkers and system thinkers work together properly. Not fighting styles, but letting each person do what they’re best at.
That’s something I’m getting better at.
The Word “Entrepreneur” (And Why I Never Chased It)
One recurring conversation I had this year was about entrepreneurship.
A lot of people take the word by definition, not by action.
Someone takes a loan, starts a business, and suddenly they’re labeled an entrepreneur — even if they’re stuck working inside it, paying debt, and unable to step away.
That’s not entrepreneurship to me.
If you can’t remove yourself from the system, you don’t own a business — it owns you. Too many people are essentially beggars with better branding, chasing the title instead of the ability to earn freely. Remember the goal is to exit, if you can’t exit without you in the picture then are you an entrepreneur?
Hustler mentality. Which is not bad, but a hustler is very different from an entrepreneur. Yes, an entrepreneur hustles but creates mechanisms to step away. The ability to clone one self into multiple people and SOPs.
I never wanted to be an entrepreneur.
I was given the title after the fact.
I focused on earning, building systems, and creating leverage. The label came later. And I think that difference matters more than people realize.
Watch me and Mark Joyner discuss what Entrepreneurship is >>
I’m a Builder — and AI Made That Even More Fun
At the core of everything, I’m a builder.
I like creating. I like turning ideas into something real. And vibe coding made that faster and more fun than it’s ever been.
Being able to go from idea to a working product in 1–2 days still feels unreal sometimes. Tools like Lovable, Claude Code, Gemini, and others removed a lot of friction that used to slow things down.
Even hiring a developer for 5k a month is not needed, well they are needed after the fact for security but initially no.
Right now, I honestly think Gemini is going to win a big part of the AI race. They have insane resources and no debt. That matters long-term. The integration they have with their products is what will make Google Gemini win.
I still use OpenAI, just not as much as before. In my experience, OpenAI is still far better at analytics and structured reasoning. Gemini feels stronger for scale and infrastructure, especially with their api.
Each has its place — and knowing when to use what is becoming its own skill.
Taxes, Money, and the Parts No One Likes Talking About
2025 also came with some friction — especially around business taxes.
That’s on me.
It’s frustrating to work hard, build things, and then watch a big chunk disappear. But that’s life. And avoiding it doesn’t make it better.
I need to be more strategic financially. That means talking to more lawyers, more accountants, and actually planning instead of reacting. Taxes aren’t optional — but bad planning is.
That’s a skill I’m actively improving.
Trading, Markets, and Reality Checks
Trading this year was bumpy.
I tend to let things sit and not pay enough attention, which works sometimes and hurts other times. I know I need to spend more time on charts instead of assuming long-term patience fixes everything.
Bitcoin has been a bummer this year too. A lot of people are down — financially and mentally.
I’ve talked to past affiliates who are now looking for work again or jumping back into affiliate marketing because markets feel unstable. That alone says a lot about cycles, leverage, and dependency.
That topic deserves its own post.
Brazil, Travel, and Slowing Down a Bit
I traveled to a few more places in Brazil this year, but not enough.
That’s something I want to change.
In 2026, I want to explore at least one new place per quarter. Brazil has so much to offer — different vibes, different energy, different pace.
I love it here. The people, the interactions, the randomness. Read why I stopped being a digital nomad >>
I spent New Year’s in Porto Alegre. It was fun, but also a slower city. That experience alone reminded me how important planning is — not just for work, but for life.
