You’re receiving this monthly newsletter because you’ve been a valuable part of my life in some shape or form (or I’d like for you to be 🙂). See this video for context.
Let’s catch up sometime :)
What I’ve been up to 🌱
It was a big month in the world of AI, and for PokerGPT. OpenAI released their Assistants API which makes it a lot easier to segment and build AI “assistants” that feed into your model. I’ve worked a ton with this, and with Vellum, over the past month to refine our model for PokerGPT - making it more specific and concise with its recommendations to users. I also ran a beta and gathered lots of helpful feedback that will be influential in the next steps of this platform.
Soft launching a fun side project with Ying and Brandon at Ying’s 23rd birthday party at the end of November! What a great way to celebrate someone (Ying) who’s been such a meaningful connector in all of our lives. We set out to build myrel (our project) to help us and our users maintain better relationships, especially the IRL ones. DM if you want access to the beta :) Oh and Ying recently launched her own Substack if you’re interested in reading some very thoughtful reflections - would highly encourage all of you to do something similar too!
The poker continues! I’ve been playing 1/3 at VClub as well as at the home game I host with Karist - it’s been cool learning a lot more about myself through this beautiful game, as well as meeting some very interesting people along the way.
What I’ve been thinking/learning about 💭
Consistency with Goals. In November, I reflected a lot about how consistent I was with my goals, and what the contributing factors are for when I don’t hit them. A lot of times, life gets in the way and forces us to do a quick eval on whether X goal is obtainable given our circumstances. The concept of ABC goals was something I discovered after trying to find some answers for this. ABC goals are different levels to the same goal that you want to hit (eg. going to gym every day). The C goal is when life comes at you and it’s so hard, you can still attain this (eg. gym for 10mins daily). The B goal is your baseline, and what you want to consistently be aiming for (eg. gym for 30mins daily). The A goal is when you’re feeling your very best and the cards just seem to be in your favour (eg. gym for 45mins+ daily). Instead of a binary go/no-go on your goals, you can now analyze which of the three options may be your best approach given your circumstances, giving you some more consistency with your goals.
Being present in the moment. I’ve always been someone who places a lot of value in the future - where I’m going to take X or when I travel to Y. I very much struggle with being in the moment and appreciating it. I came across a quote that said “If this isn’t nice, what is?” - a simple question that I find myself asking more and more to really reflect on what I’m currently doing, and in a way finding joy in the little things. Like this newsletter - written 17 days late, on the 2nd floor of an ophthalmology clinic at 4:52pm on a Sunday. It’s raining, but it’s kinda nice how I’ve somehow managed to create a digital archive of my months and how I’m continuing that for November (even though it’s 17 days late).
Lmk if you are (or know someone who is) working on or thinking about the above!
What’s next for me ⚡️
Wrapping up the busy month of December with work and school (final exams).
Taking some time off at the end of the month to be with my family in Florida!
Thanks for reading this month’s update. Would love to hear how I can help you this month (maybe I can make some intros, work through some thoughts with you, or otherwise). See you next month 👋
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The concept of ABC goals was really interesting!! Definitely something I’m going to try out in 2024 with my personal goals (such as reading, exercise and writing). Thanks for sharing Brandon!