THE THINKER'S PLAYBOOK

Smart ways to think better + cool tech news for people who want to live on purpose and build amazing things.

Good morning, your future self is watching…

If you had to live today over and over for a whole year, would you be happy—or want to change everything? And while you think about that, something crazy is happening in tech: making apps and websites just got as easy as talking to a friend.

This week: a 4-step trick to make hard choices easy, 3 questions to upgrade your brain, the rise of "talk-to-build," and why being bored might be your secret weapon. Let's jump in.

1. The 4-Regret Test That Makes Hard Choices Easy

Stop thinking too hard. Get a piece of paper, pick one choice you can't make, and ask yourself these questions:

• Will I regret not doing this tomorrow?

• In 30 days?

• In 1 year?

• At the end of my life?

✅ The Rule: If even ONE answer makes you feel bad, it's worth trying. Four "no's"? Skip it and don't feel bad.

Your gut already knows what's right. You just need to listen.

2. 3 Daily Brain Upgrades

Think of these as quick checks for your mind. Ask yourself these every day:

1. What am I trying to get right now? (helps you focus)

2. What would this look like if it were easy? (helps you find shortcuts)

3. When did I feel most alive today—and why? (shows you where to spend more time)

Do this daily. Your brain will get better at thinking clearly.

3. Building Apps Without Coding Is Taking Over

A new way to make software—called "vibe coding"—is getting huge.

Instead of learning hard computer languages, you just tell the computer what you want, and AI makes it for you.

Why this matters:

• Anyone can build: You don't need years of study to make apps or websites.

• Developers change jobs: They focus on big ideas instead of boring, repetitive work.

• Be careful: AI-made code can have problems, so humans still need to check it.

Future software teams will work like this: AI builds, and humans design, test, and keep things safe.

4. Being Bored Is Actually a Superpower

You don't need more tricks. You need more boredom. Scientists found that when your mind has nothing to do, it starts a special mode that helps you solve problems and plan for the future.

Next time you want to check your phone? Sit still for 10 minutes. Write down any random ideas that pop up. That quiet time is where your best ideas come from.

5. 10-Minute Challenge: The "Future Picture" Trick

Want to make choices faster? Write about your life 1 year from now like it already happened.

Example: "It's July 2026. I feel proud because I finally started my side project, I work less hours, and I spend mornings walking instead of scrolling on my phone."

This trick does two things: Shows you what you really want. Makes today's choices obvious.

THIS WEEK'S ACTION PLAN

• Try the 4-Regret Test on one hard choice.

• Let yourself get bored (on purpose).

• Play with AI tools to see how much you can build just by describing what you want.

Your future self will thank you.

BONUS: Start Your Vibe Coding Journey

Ready to try "talk-to-build" yourself? Here's how to start:

Week 1: Sign up for ChatGPT or Lovable.dev. Ask it to make you a simple website about something you love.

Week 2: Try building a basic app like a to-do list or calculator. Just describe what you want.

Week 3: Share what you made with friends. Ask for ideas to make it better.

Week 4: Start planning something bigger. Maybe a website for your hobby or a tool to solve a problem you have.

Remember: You don't need to be a computer expert. You just need to be good at explaining what you want. The AI does the hard work for you.

FINAL THOUGHT

The future belongs to people who can think clearly and talk to computers like friends. Start practicing both today.

What will you build first?

Marc