APR 29, 2026

INSIDE: Spending High-Key, Maxxing, and Productivity.

TODAY I WILL:

Let momentum build, not break it.

Today’s chat is a little grounded, a little futuristic—and definitely not business as usual.

• Beets aren’t just for salads anymore.

• Climbing the ladder isn’t the goal it used to be.

• Your next drink order just got easier.

• Feeling numb to the headlines? You’re not alone.

• AI is starting to influence what we wear.

Shake it to the max… or don’t.

If your feed has been overrun with protein-forward recipes, jaw exercises, and fiber-tracking spreadsheets, you might be stuck on the “maxxing” algorithm. You’ve probably heard of looksmaxxing, proteinmaxxing, fibermaxxing, and a dozen more—essentially self-optimization as an extreme sport. Looksmaxxing is the most talked-about (and arguably most dangerous) of the bunch; the practice of aggressively pursuing physical attractiveness through everything from skincare routines to cosmetic surgery has some very controversial evangelists. 

Between September 2025 and early 2026, conversations about looksmaxxing exploded to over 806,000 mentions across social media, with 84% of tracked sentiment negative. At its most benign, it looks like wellness culture (eating well, hitting the gym, etc). But a 2025 survey found that nearly half of looksmaxxing participants under 24 were already considering surgical procedures like jaw surgery or hair transplants, and experts have flagged links to body dysmorphia when appearance becomes the primary measure of self-worth. 

But even the less intense maxxing trends carry a cost. The problem is the all-or-nothing mindset that maxxing imparts. The implicit pressure is that you need to make a daily effort to solve some aspect of your life that probably isn't all that bad to begin with. Are you really going to skip the table pancake at brunch because it doesn't fit your proteinmaxxing goals? 

Instead try this: Doing your best changes day-to-day, which means maybe some days you can max. On other days, feel free to half-a*s it. Showing up imperfectly and consistently beats an optimized routine you'll abandon after two days. The only thing worth maximizing right now might just be cutting yourself some slack.

Looking Low-Key, Spending High-Key

Luxury isn’t disappearing, it’s just getting quieter. Instead of obvious logos, flashy labels, or trend-driven splurges, more people are putting their money toward pieces that feel elevated but understated. Think better fabrics, stronger construction, improved fit, timeless design, and items that hold up over time without announcing themselves. There’s also a cultural fatigue around performative wealth. In a time when many people are more conscious of debt, rising costs, and economic uncertainty, obvious displays of spending can feel outdated or tone-deaf. 

Status used to be something worn outwardly. Now, it’s increasingly about comfort, durability, craftsmanship, and the confidence of owning something because you appreciate it, not because everyone else recognizes it. A perfectly cut coat, premium bedding, quality cookware, or a leather bag with no visible branding can feel more luxurious than something loud and expensive.

It also connects to a more practical mindset. Buying one well-made item that lasts for years often feels smarter than cycling through cheaper replacements that wear out quickly. In that sense, silent luxury sits at the intersection of aspiration and efficiency. It’s indulgence with logic attached. Consider this your sign to invest in the coat, not the logo.

Beyond the Hustle: Unlearning Productivity

Productivity has been the default measure of success for a long time. But more people are starting to question what that actually means—especially when it comes at the expense of rest, creativity, and overall well-being.

Unlearning productivity doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means redefining success in a way that feels sustainable. Making room for breaks, boundaries, and a life outside of work is becoming just as important as hitting goals or checking things off a list.

A meta-analysis found that short “micro-breaks” during the workday can improve well-being, reduce fatigue, and help maintain performance. In other words, rest is not the opposite of productivity… it can be part of it.

This mindset is also tied to the growing idea of time affluence—the feeling of having enough time for what matters. Studies have linked it to greater happiness and life satisfaction.

Instead of asking How much did I get done today? try asking:

• Did I protect my energy?

• Did I make space to think creatively?

• Did I connect with people I care about?

• Did my schedule support the life I want?

Try this today: Take one 10-minute break without multitasking. Go outside, stretch, walk, or sit quietly with no screen. Notice how you feel afterward.