Optimize Less. Align More.

It is WayMaker Wednesday! Time to challenge your mind, reframe your perspective, and equip yourself for action.

## The Question

What have you allowed to become disguised as a priority that in reality is a distraction?

## The Thought

Avoiding stupidity is easier than chasing brilliance.
Most success does not come from genius. It comes from consistently avoiding common failures.
Instead of trying to perfect everything, ask:
What distraction can I eliminate today that would immediately increase my focus and readiness?
Do less. But do it with ruthless clarity.
Position yourself for opportunity.
Observe.
Iterate daily.
Flag what sticks.
Ditch what does not.

## Put It Into Action

Mental Model: Zero-Based Strategy

- Optimization without direction is a trap.
- Leaders often waste resources perfecting systems, habits, or strategies without asking the most important question:
- Should this even exist anymore?
- Borrowed from zero-based budgeting, Zero-Based Strategy forces you to rebuild from scratch, not legacy momentum.
- Because improvement is meaningless without alignment.
- To put it into action:
- 1. Wipe the slate clean:
- Assume nothing is sacred. Everything is on the table.
- 2. Explain the logic for everything:
- For each habit, meeting, or project, ask: If I were starting today, would I still choose to do this? Why?
- 3. Rebuild with intent:
- Reinstate only what supports your mission, long-term vision, and deepest values. Not just what is convenient or comfortable.
- This is how systems filled with friction can be rewritten to enable freedom.

*Who came to mind while reading this?
Send it to them now. Let it spark a shift.*

Forge Forward,
Jon Mayo