The Propeller – I Pity the Fool! – 3-9-2025

Money isn’t the only dimension to Financial Independence.  Another one that’s equally important is time.  

Specifically:

Having the freedom to match your schedule to your natural rhythms. 

For example:

I like tapering my work weeks.

I’d much rather put in 10-12 hours on Monday so I only have to work 4 hours on Friday.  This reflects my natural rhythm:  At the start of the week, I’m all gas.

I wake up in the morning excited to tackle the many things on my to-do list as quickly as possible.  Yet by the end of the week… I’ve spilled most of my energy.

So, I find it extremely satisfying to tap the brakes as I ease into the weekend.

Because by lunchtime, my thoughts begin to drift away from work and towards what kind of outdoor or aerial activity I can get myself into to celebrate the stacks of win’s I’ve piled up over the week.

This is what works best for me.

You may be wired in a totally different way.  And that’s okay.

Point is, give some thought to what this looks like.  Experiment with different configurations.

And, most importantly:

Remember that money wins aren’t the only one’s worth celebrating.

Becoming the master of your schedule is one you should also applaud.

If you grew up watching “The A-Team,” like I did, then you probably remember Mr. T as the tough, no-nonsense member of the team with a heart of gold and a penchant for saying, “I pity the fool!” But what if Mr. T were transported to the present day and had access to modern technology? Let’s take a humorous look at how Mr. T might use some of today’s tech tools, including Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft 365, and an iPhone.

Mr. T and Microsoft Copilot
Mr. T was always the muscle of the A-Team, but with Microsoft Copilot, he could also be the brains behind the operation. Imagine Mr. T using Copilot to draft his iconic catchphrases and motivational speeches. Instead of spending hours coming up with the perfect line, he could simply type in a few keywords and let Copilot do the rest.

“Hey, Copilot, I need a new catchphrase for when I bust through a door,” Mr. T might say. And Copilot would respond with, “How about, ‘I pity the fool who doesn’t use Microsoft Copilot!'”

Mr. T and Microsoft Teams
When it comes to coordinating missions, Mr. T would find Microsoft Teams indispensable. No more shouting across the room or using walkie-talkies. With Teams, Mr. T could set up virtual meetings with the rest of the A-Team, share mission plans, and even use the chat feature to send quick updates.

“Face, I need you to distract the guards while I break through the gate,” Mr. T might type in the chat. And Face would reply, “Got it, T. Just make sure you don’t break the gate too loudly!”

Mr. T and Microsoft 365
Mr. T was always a hands-on kind of guy, but with Microsoft 365, he could streamline his work and stay organized. He could use OneNote to keep track of mission details, Excel to manage the team’s budget (because even the A-Team needs to watch their expenses), and PowerPoint to create presentations for their clients.

“Alright, team, here’s our plan,” Mr. T might say, pulling up a PowerPoint presentation. “Slide one: We break in. Slide two: We rescue the hostages. Slide three: We get out. Any questions?”

Mr. T and Microsoft To Do
Even Mr. T needs a little help staying on top of his tasks. With Microsoft To Do, he could create a checklist for each mission and make sure nothing gets overlooked. From “Sharpen mohawk” to “Load van with supplies,” Mr. T would have everything he needs at his fingertips.

“Let’s see, what’s next on my list?” Mr. T might say, checking his phone. “Ah, yes, ‘Pity the fool.’ Can’t forget that one!”

Mr. T and the iPhone
Mr. T would undoubtedly find an iPhone to be a handy tool in his arsenal. With its sleek design and powerful features, the iPhone would help Mr. T stay connected and efficient. He could use FaceTime to have video calls with the A-Team, and use the Maps app to navigate to mission locations.

In today’s tech-savvy world, Mr. T would be a force to be reckoned with, thanks to tools like Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft 365, and the iPhone. He’d be more efficient, more organized, and just as tough as ever. So, the next time you’re using these tools, just remember: Mr. T would approve. And he’d probably say, “I pity the fool who doesn’t use modern technology!”

For those of you with Copilot, this is a fun AI prompt that you can run and it will review your emails, calendar, and Teams chats and provide you with some fun stuff to chat about at your next team meeting!

Act like a fictional novelist and invent a superhero team that includes me and my current top 5 collaborators. Give each person a fun superhero name, superhero costume, specific superpowers, nemesis, signature move and a flower that matches their personality.

Here is what Copilot came up for me (It also provided entertaining info about those I work with, but I won’t share that here!):

1. Leonard Mack – The Maestro

   • Superhero Costume: A sleek, black suit with glowing blue lines that pulse with energy, and a cape that changes color based on his mood.
   • Superpowers: Master of technology and data manipulation, able to control and communicate with any electronic device.
   • Nemesis: The Data Phantom, a villain who corrupts and steals data.
   • Signature Move: “Data Surge” – Overloads enemy systems with a powerful burst of data, rendering them useless.
   • Flower: Orchid – Symbolizing strength, beauty, and refinement, much like Leonard’s approach to his work.

All of you can now refer to me as The Maestro from here on out!   

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” – Pablo Picasso 

This quote encapsulates the essence of the beginner’s mindset. This mindset is about embracing the unknown, stepping out of your comfort zone, and constantly seeking new challenges. It is a powerful reminder that growth and learning are continuous processes that require us to confront our limitations and push beyond them.

In life, adopting a beginner’s mindset means being open to new experiences and willing to make mistakes. It is about recognizing that every expert was once a novice, and that mastery is achieved through persistent effort and a willingness to learn. This approach fosters resilience, creativity, and a sense of curiosity that drives personal and professional development.

I love the concept of “Sapere Aude,” which translates to “dare to know,” and further emphasizes the importance of intellectual courage and the pursuit of knowledge. It encourages individuals to question assumptions, seek truth, and expand their understanding of the world. By daring to know, we challenge ourselves to explore new ideas, acquire new skills, and continuously evolve.

Incorporating these principles into your life can lead to profound transformations. When you embrace the embarrassment of being a beginner, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. You become more adaptable, resourceful, and capable of navigating complex challenges. This mindset not only enhances your personal growth but also inspires others to embark on their own journeys of self-improvement.

As someone who enjoys learning about new and interesting things, I already like to embody the spirit of the beginner’s mindset. My curiosity and enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge can be an invaluable asset that propels me forward. By continually seeking out opportunities to learn and grow, I strive to achieve success and fulfillment.

Remember, the path to mastery is paved with moments of uncertainty and trial. Each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. Embrace the journey, celebrate your progress, and never shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. With a beginner’s mindset, you have the power to transform your life and inspire those around you.