Field Notes: IX
Being multi-interested, becoming THE Guy, and knowing you'll make it
A Line to Live By
“Don’t be afraid. You’re going to make it, but you’re always going to feel as if you’re not. That’s the fun, you see!”
— Alan Watts
Some of the best memories stem from achieving things you originally thought to be out of reach.
Feeling inadequate or underprepared is never enjoyable in the moment, but try to retain perspective of what it can mature into.
Field Insight
When it comes to initiative, there are two types of people:
Those who make the effort to bring things into the world
Those who wait for somebody else to create, hoping they’re included
Initiative spans domains. High performers at work often know how to throw a party. People who are enjoyable to work with are usually enjoyable to be around. Every group has someone with seemingly endless initiative and good energy.
I first saw Cole Jaczko call that person THE Guy, and I love it. This is my take on THE Guy.
THE Guy is easiest to define as the person you want planning your bachelor party. The moment you say the word, plans are in motion. People are coordinated. Momentum builds. And it somehow stays fun the whole time.
For whatever reason, there’s a negative connotation attached to being THE Guy. Maybe because it takes effort. Maybe because people grow dependent on that energy. Maybe because of the leftover idea that caring too much makes you a “try hard” who “needs to chill.”
Ignore that.
Nobody is born feeling like THE Guy. As the Watts quote suggests, even when you’re doing it right, you often feel like you’re not quite there. That’s part of the deal.
But anyone can become THE Guy with intention and consistency.
Some of the most rewarding periods of my life were when I embodied this role. Trips planned. Parties thrown. Projects executed. My life improved, and so did the lives of the people around me.
Yes, it required effort. But initiative compounds quickly. Start showing up with energy in one area of life, and it spreads everywhere else.
Be THE Guy. For yourself, for your friends, and for the people around you. The world needs more positive catalysts. You won’t regret it.
The Rub
I struggle with having more ideas than I know what to do with.
A common pattern for me looks like this:
Idea → Analyze → Analyze → Analyze → No tangible outcome
I get so focused on picking the right thing that I end up picking nothing at all.
One of my goals this year is to continue performing well in my 9–5 while also creating something I can put my name on. I’ve researched several directions, but I know this to be true:
A good plan executed beats a perfect plan untouched.
I recently watched a video that reframed how people with many interests can succeed in today’s world. If you deal with the same tension, it’s worth your time.
Provisions
A Watch
A sharp perspective on how multi‑interest people can build momentum without paralysis.
A Listen
Stand by Me — Taylor McCall
Front‑porch energy. A beer, good friends, and shared memories at the end of a long day.
Fuel: Protein Pint
Thirty grams of protein, only fifteen grams of sugar. For reference, the Ben and Jerry’s pint in my freezer has over one hundred grams of sugar. For all of the clean eaters who still enjoy some dessert, this might be your new best friend. I’ve found them at most major grocery shop chains: Vons, Safway, Ralphs, etc.
A Workout
In the spirit of training for HYROX, here’s my favorite workout from the past week:
3-4 Rounds
800m run
25 Wall Balls (20lb medicine ball)
10 kettlebell push press
10-12 pull ups
15 burpee broad jumps
Rest 60-90 sec
The wall balls to push press is an absolute shoulder killer.
Moment From the Road
I spent most of Sunday hiking up the coast with my brother and my friend Andrew. Football and swimsuits in tow. No agenda.
It was a reminder not to overcomplicate life or plan yourself out of living it. Sometimes all you need is open space and a couple of good friends.
Something to Chew On
Where in your life would embodying THE Guy make the biggest difference?
How might taking more initiative create more opportunity, more fun, and more fortune—not just for you, but for the people around you?
I want to be The Guy in my family. Both the family I was born into and the future family I will make.