Breaking the Mold: A Journey of Cookies, Dreams, and Changing the World
Today, I found joy in the simple act of making and consuming peanut butter cookies. After weeks of cutting back on sugar, the indulgence felt like a small rebellion—a delicious reminder that we can savor what our hearts desire. As I mixed the dough, I couldn’t help but think about balance: the freedom to enjoy life’s pleasures while staying true to our goals. Tonight, I’m craving a slice of pizza, and tomorrow, I’ll cook a pork tenderloin. Meat and meals that’ll carry me through the weekend. These small choices, these moments of creation in the kitchen, spark something deeper: a reflection on how I want to live, create, and inspire.
The Young Man Problem and Finding Purpose
Lately, my mind’s been buzzing with bigger questions. I’ve been inspired by voices like Chamath Palihapitiya and Scott Galloway, who are tackling what they call the “young man problem” in society. It’s a topic that hits close to home. Too many young men are adrift, lacking direction or purpose in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. I see it, I feel it, and I wonder: could this be the next problem I tackle?
A friend, Nick, recently compared me to Charlie Kirk, noting how I can hold a room—loved or loathed, respected even in disagreement. That’s a powerful perspective. It’s rare to stand firm in your values while bridging divides, and I’m realizing that’s part of my strength. My core values—authenticity, growth, impact—anchor me in a world that’s constantly shifting. But the question remains: how do I channel this into something meaningful?
The Power of Creation and Choice
The world is changing, and people are on edge. Yet, in that tension lies opportunity. We can do so much. I wrote my first book to inspire others to make bold, different choices, but somewhere along the way, I drifted from that mission. Maybe it’s time to return—to speak on campuses again, to empower the next generation. I want to create a future where people feel energized to act, to build, to dream.
I’ve been noticing what fuels me and what drains me. The joy of creating—whether it’s a batch of cookies or a new idea—lifts me up. The process of making something from nothing is electric. I’m ready to lean into that energy, to craft an offer, maybe even use AI to get it in front of the right people. The possibilities feel endless.
Reflections on Family and Time
A chatted with my sister Kels tonight, who’s 34 and on the cusp of motherhood. It got me thinking about time and transitions. She’s about to step into a role that will demand everything she’s got. I chuckled, knowing she can’t yet grasp the energy it’ll take to raise a kid. I’d be handing my child to Mom in a heartbeat—kids need different perspectives, and parents need a break. Kels and her partner don’t venture out much, but I wonder how long it’ll be before their son, Luke, spreads his wings. It’s a gift that she won’t need to work for a few years, giving her time to embrace the wild, beautiful chaos of motherhood. Watching her journey unfold will be something special.
Playing the Long Game
At 37, I’m acutely aware that time is marching on. Do I have the life of my dreams? Not yet. But I haven’t given up, and I never will. I’m playing the long game—a decade-long vision of building, creating, and moving forward. I know I can be more focused. I can consume less, create more, publish more. I can embody the change I want to see in the world.
Every day is a chance to take action, to inch closer to my dreams. Whether it’s baking cookies, writing a blog post, or dreaming up ways to inspire others, I’m committed to the process. To keep moving forward. To infinity and beyond. Boom, baby, boom.
What’s inspiring you today? Are you creating, reflecting, or dreaming big? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how you’re shaping your future.
Connect... Gordon GordonBufton@Proton.me @GordonBufton