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Hey friend,

Last week, we started breaking down one of the most important essays I’ve read in the past few years: High Agency by George Mack. It’s the kind of piece that gives language to something you’ve felt for a long time but maybe didn’t have words for.

If you haven’t read Part 1 of this series, hit pause and go do that first. Trust me, it’ll make this one hit way harder.

This week, we’re diving into what George calls the High Agency Software—five beliefs that high-agency people tend to install in their minds. It’s not motivational fluff. It’s how people actually move through the world when they stop waiting for permission and start thinking differently.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure where to start… this is for you.

By the end of this series, my goal is to make sure you never feel stuck and ask “how do I actually take initiative?” ever again.

read time: 4 mins

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The 5 Beliefs of High Agency Software

1. There’s No Unsolvable Problem

When you hit a wall, ask: “Does this defy the laws of physics?” If not, the problem is solvable.

The essays explores a wild story of two men—Claude Shannon and Ed Thorp—who decided they could beat the roulette wheel in a casino. Instead of saying “That’s impossible,” they built the world’s first wearable computer. It was hidden in a cigarette box and operated with their toes to track ball speed and wheel rotation. The result? A 44% edge over the house.

The takeaway: If the problem doesn’t violate physics, it’s solvable. You just haven’t found the solution yet.

2. There’s No Way

We’re conditioned to believe there’s one “correct” path to success. But look at Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—three of the greatest tennis players of all time. Each warmed up in totally different ways: Nadal was aggressive, Djokovic was calculated, Federer was chill and playful.

Same goal. Different paths.

High agency means letting go of the idea that there’s a right way—and doing what works for you.

3. There’s No Adults

We often think there’s a group of “real adults” who have life figured out.

Spoiler: there’s not.

The essays shares a list of historical icons who were messy and flawed:

• Steve Jobs delayed cancer treatment for carrot juice.

• Mozart begged friends for money.

• Nikola Tesla fell in love with a pigeon.

• Newton wrote 1 million words on alchemy.

• Napoleon may have lost a battle because of hemorrhoids.

There are no perfect gurus. Just people. And that includes you.

4. There’s No Normal

“Normal” is a trap. It’s short-term comfort that leads to long-term invisibility.

George Mack shares examples like paying the bill for everyone at a dinner or flying across the world for a friend’s birthday. People might say “you don’t have to,” but those are the stories they remember.

Being weird in the short term makes you unforgettable in the long term.

5. There’s Only Now

The essay ends with a heavy story of Kevin Smith. Kevin’s dad followed all the rules—worked a soul-crushing job at the post office and never broke the rules.

However, when his dad was on his death bed.

His final act? Screaming. Full of regret.

That moment shook Kevin. He realized there’s no prize for playing it safe. So he started chasing every creative dream.

You only get so many “nows.”

If something’s been on your heart—an idea, a project, a move—act on it.

As yours truly like to say:

Tomorrow never comes. Start Today.

Your Turn Now

If you’ve got to this point. Want you to stop what you’re doing and pick one of the 5 software lines from above and test it out this week. Not all five. Just one.

Feeling stuck on a problem? Ask yourself: does this defy the laws of physics?

Worried you're doing things the "wrong" way? Ask yourself: whose way is this, actually?

Caught in comparison or waiting for someone more qualified to come along? Remind yourself: there's no adults.

Write it on a sticky note. Say it in the mirror. Whatever it takes to get it in your system.

Reply to this email and let me know which one you’re gonna test out. Will make sure I hold you accountable.

My friend, just got back to Toronto after 3 weeks on the road. Not gonna lie being on the road was amazing but definitely missed my regular routine. Have so many exciting projects and things I’ve been building behind the scenes for this community that I can’t wait to show you. For now - just wanna say thank you. Means the world to me that you spend time each week reading this. Hope it’s been of some value to you.

Always in your corner my friend,

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