👀Small Pivots, Big Perks

Past or Present Perks?

Just got back from my first overnight work trip since kid #2 arrived. Had to talk to the big bosses. Dedicated time at the computer early and late, plus white of the eyes meetings…reinforcement that deep focus time on work can be really valuable.

On the way home, I was crammed in steerage (status is pointless these days) where you can't open your laptop fully. No free drinks either – had to buy one like some peasant (and I did, but just 1). No big deal for a 100 minute flight.

But in my past, the perks of upgrades had me acclimated to a pre-flight drink, 2 in the air and one on the way down (good FA’s give you a plastic cup 🍷 ). I took this change as a gift…a path rarely taken.

One drink for that little endorphin hit, 90 mins of focused work closing out tasks. The plane landed early…instead of heading to my normal post-flight dinner spot to grab dinner (and wine) and bang out 1 more hour of work, I grabbed Chick-fil-A to-go and headed home unexpectedly.

The genuine smile and hug from my 3.5-year-old? Priceless. Extra bedtime reading was a welcome return. The sigh of relief on my wife's face when I walked through the door? Also priceless. And my 2.5-month-old gave me the best giggle when she heard my voice before she even saw me.

Loss of perks? Hardly (but really, it's B.S. that 2nd-highest tier can't get a free beer when you can't even book a decent seat...c'mon American).

You can't always see the difference in the road not taken. But that night, I could see two distinct paths crystal clear – one I know all too well, and one that unfolded beautifully. Both are fine, but I’d only experienced one. I learned a lot.

What's your equivalent road not taken? What path do you default to that works fine, but there's an alternative you know might be better? Take it. Try it. Learn from it.

Your Spouse's Milkshake

Not only did I get home early – I brought my wife an unexpected treat: the Chick-Fil-A Cookies n’ Cream milkshake to be specific. Picking up a gesture/gift for your spouse…obvious and easy? Yes. Executed often? You decide.

These bursts of delight don't take much time, money, or effort. Just a little execution. It's why I started Appairent, and more tactically, why Date Night Done exists.

What's your milkshake? What's your spouse's? Can you get it for them this week?

Quick 🔌 : Date Night. Done.

Tired of date night planning paralysis? DateNightDone.com is your $10 date night concierge. We handle the research, make the reservations, send you the details (or keep it a surprise!). You can get back to being busy and still have a great night waiting on the books.

Your relationship deserves better than "let's just figure it out." Stop overthinking it and start enjoying it.

The next 5 submissions this week from this newsletter get their datenightdone for free!

Something Missing From Your Calendar

Your 2026 "big ass calendar" moment. I'm about to book mine during upcoming pat leave.

Block at least 2 hours with your spouse in the next month. Get Jesse Itzler's Big Ass Calendar and start putting things for your family, your marriage, and yourself on there BEFORE it fills up with everyone else's agenda.

No, you can't know the kids' sports schedule yet. But those can bend slightly for these bigger-ticket items.

Q4 is almost here. Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, giving till you puke…then Christmas chaos. Your calendar will fill up and your year will end with zero '26 planning that currently sits in your "best intentions" pile.

Book it now.

Enjoy the Perks

Sometimes the smallest pivots – taking the direct route home, buying the milkshake, blocking the planning time – create the biggest dividends. The road not taken (yet) is full of new perks. Enjoy them!

🍻

Hat