A bit about me

I’m 25 years old, born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. I’m a creator and engineer passionate about fitness, health, and performance. In my free time, I’m either training, reading, watching anime, gaming, or hanging out with friends.
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What I offer

Writing
Longer-form thoughts on training, habits, and life.
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I share my training, thoughts, and what I’m learning across social media.
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Personalized training and nutrition guidance with structure, accountability, and support that fits your life.
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Hey everyone,

I’ve been able to consider myself a minimalist for quite a few years now, and the more I embrace it, the bigger impact it’s had on my life. Minimalism isn't just about clearing out physical space - it’s about focusing on what really matters. The more I live by this mindset, the more it shapes my decisions and helps me create a more peaceful and refreshing environment.

At its core, minimalism is about keeping things simple and meaningful. By cutting out what we don’t need, we make room for what truly adds value. Imagine swimming in a pool with clear, clean water, instead of struggling in an ocean full of waves and seaweed. That’s what it feels like when we remove unnecessary distractions from our lives.

But here’s the key: we shouldn’t get rid of everything. It’s not about cutting things out just for the sake of it. It’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve us, and holding on to what truly matters.

Minimalism isn’t about having less - it’s about making space for more of what brings us joy, purpose, and peace. Let’s focus on keeping what matters, and live more mindfully.

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

For the past few weeks, I've been learning a lot about data science and machine learning. One of the topics that’s been on my mind comes from a personal project on teaching an AI to play the classic Snake game. Through this, I’ve stumbled upon some parallels between the challenges faced by the AI and the challenges we face in life.

The AI in the Snake game needs to explore to figure out what it can do, what it can’t do, and what’s good or bad for it. It needs to learn which paths lead to the food and which ones end the game, like hitting itself or the walls. The catch is that it has to decide when to stop exploring and start exploiting; relying on what it’s learned to get better at achieving its goal.

In life, we face a similar dilemma. When do we stop exploring new opportunities, and when do we commit to the ones we already know? Life, much like Snake, comes in stages: exploration and exploitation. The more we explore, the more options we uncover, but the less time we have to focus on any one of them. On the other hand, the sooner we start exploiting, the more time we have to refine and deepen our efforts; though we risk missing out on paths that might have been even better.

If you exploit too soon, you might never realize your full potential. You could end up stuck in a pattern, thinking you’ve figured everything out, while unknowingly limiting yourself. On the flip side, if you explore endlessly, you might never settle down and fully leverage what you’ve learned.

Sometimes, we need to embrace exploration, even if it means wandering for a bit. Other times, we need to commit, lock in, and trust the process. Striking the right balance is key and I think that's something we learn through following these cycles over time, getting better as we go.

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Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

Earlier this year, I quit my job as a software engineer and have spent the past few months getting back into action and reconnecting with myself after feeling incredibly burnt out and misaligned.

I spent the first part of this time figuring out who I am, what I want in life, and who I want to become. I also learned about and tried trading and explored various other ventures for a while, and eventually regained my energy, drive, and motivation. The road has not been easy. I got very sick the morning after my last day, was sick multiple times throughout this process, and struggled a lot with motivation and purpose.

Since then, I’ve realised that I really love working with data, making a difference, and using the skills and knowledge I’ve gained from studying computer science and computer engineering, as well as my experience as a software engineer for nearly two years, to solve problems. I still love technology and problem-solving, which is why I’ve discovered that data science and data engineering are the fields I’m truly passionate about. I’ve been refreshing my knowledge on various topics, working on my portfolio, and learning as much as I can to transition into this new career.

What I've come to realise is that it's okay to change directions when you know that you're going down the wrong path. Sometimes going in the wrong direction can help you see where you really need to be. If you keep driving in the wrong direction, you may be moving forward but you're moving away from where you actually want to go. If that's the case, it may be time to turn the wheel.

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

It’s been a while since my last post, and a lot has changed, but I’m back and feeling like I’ve figured life out a bit more, which is pretty cool. I’ll share more on that soon, but for now, here's a short take on grit.

It's easy to work hard at and do the things we want to do, and that is not something impressive or anything worth boasting about. It is doing the things that we don’t want to do, with just as much energy and drive, challenging ourselves to our cores and pushing ourselves to our limits that determines who we are and who we become. Life will always be filled with struggle, but it is up to us to choose what we struggle for, otherwise it will end up being chosen for us.

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

I've recently caught myself stuck in a perpetual cycle of preparation.

We can often find ourselves in the process of starting, but never really taking any action. Perpetually planning for the big day that we start doing, when we're fully equipped and all-knowing. That day will never come though, and we'll never be as prepared as we hope to be. But that's okay.

Having a good enough basis to get going on something is far better than preparing without end because planning can only get us so far. When we are stuck in the process of starting we may still feel like we’re making progress or getting things done, but most of the time it's just an illusion or a lie we tell ourselves to avoid the pain of actually taking action - the pain of actually doing the thing that we are afraid of.

We are afraid because it might be difficult, we might not feel like we know what we’re doing, and we might be afraid of what other people might think or say. But in the end, the only way to really get going, and get good, is to actually get started and start taking the actions we need to move us forward.

We can prepare to start with the best equipment, skills, and methods, knowing everything there is to know, everything that could possibly go wrong and how to fix it, all until the heat death of the universe - or we can just get started with the minimum that we need and figure the rest out as we go. That way we’ll at least have something to show, and something to be proud of: the ability to take action.

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

Life can feel quite stormy sometimes. Just like weather patterns, life can be unpredictable, challenging, and always changing. There are times when it's sunny and bright, and everything seems to be going our way. But there are also times when we're caught in a storm, battling the elements and struggling to stay afloat. The key to weathering these storms, as in life, is not to curse the wind or the rain, but to adapt and prepare accordingly. Just as we would dress for the weather, we can equip ourselves with tools and strategies to navigate life's challenges.

Just like we check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, we can also prepare ourselves for life's challenges. This could mean equipping ourselves with knowledge and skills, building a support network, or setting aside time to take care of ourselves. And when the storm hits, we can lean on these resources to help us weather it. It's not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.

When we're in the midst of a storm, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But just as we wouldn't step out into the cold without adequate clothing, we shouldn't face life's challenges without protecting ourselves. This could mean reaching out for support, practicing self-care, or simply reminding ourselves that it's okay to feel what we're feeling. The storm doesn't care about our feelings, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't.

After every storm, there's the promise of brighter days ahead. It's important to remember this during life's most challenging times. It's okay to trust in the process, and to believe that things will get better. Life's storms may be unpredictable and challenging, but they also provide opportunities for growth and resilience. It's not about avoiding the storm, but about learning to weather it.

No matter how severe the storm, sunny days are always just around the corner. Embrace the storm, prepare and protect yourself, and trust in the brighter days to come.

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

Something that I’ve been thinking about recently is just how much journaling has changed my life. In the fast-paced world that we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of ourselves and where we’re going. We often find ourselves going through the motions without taking the time to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and emotions. However, daily self-reflection is a powerful tool that we can use to positively change the course of our lives. Making dedicated time for ourselves to do reflection allows us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, learn from our experiences, and make conscious choices that align with our values and goals.

We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.
- John Dewey

Daily self-reflection is more than just a fleeting moment of introspection. It is a deliberate practice of examining our thoughts, actions, and emotions on a regular basis. By dedicating time each day to reflect, we create space for self-awareness and personal growth. We allow ourselves to pick up on patterns that we wouldn’t have noticed otherwise, and we can assess what the energisers and the energy drainers are in our lives, as well as which areas we could still use some improvement in. Doing this allows us to align our actions with our values, adjust what we give our focus and energy to, and lead a more fulfilling life. Having a dedicated space to record our thoughts and experiences, and being able to review those over time is invaluable. We not only allow ourselves to track our progress and achievements, but we develop a powerful cycle of transformation.

Daily self-reflection allows us to learn from our experiences, gain self-awareness, and make conscious choices that align with our values and goals. By taking the time to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and emotions, we can cultivate personal growth and lead more fulfilling lives. When we embrace the power of daily self-reflection, we unlock our true potential. When was the last time you allowed yourself to truly reflect, and what did it do for you?

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

Back in 2021 I started trying out cold showers for the first time. I actually managed to build up a daily streak that I was quite proud of. I’ve recently gotten back into it, and I’ve managed to take one every day so far this year. It’s not only good for your hair, skin, mood, circulation, and immune system, but it also makes you feel pretty elite. This last point is what I want to talk a little more about.

Doing difficult things can be quite daunting since they require extra energy and effort, which can often feel overwhelming. There is a way to make this process easier and more manageable though. By purposefully engaging in challenging activities, we can affirm to ourselves that we are capable of overcoming obstacles, and that the experience is not as bad as we may initially perceive it to be.

When faced with a challenging task, the hardest part is often getting started. We tend to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the endeavour. But by embracing the "flinch" of starting, we can break through this initial barrier and pave the way for progress. One effective way to practice this is by taking cold showers every morning. The act of willingly subjecting ourselves to the discomfort of standing under cold water not only invigorates our senses, but also trains our minds to overcome the initial resistance. By conquering this small discomfort, we can build the mental resilience needed to tackle other difficult tasks in our lives.

When we willingly put ourselves through challenging experiences, we prove to ourselves that we are capable of achieving more than we thought possible. This newfound confidence spills over into other areas of our lives, enabling us to take on bigger challenges with a sense of self-assurance. By consistently pushing our boundaries and embracing difficult tasks, we expand our comfort zone and open doors to personal growth and success. We develop resilience and perseverance, and we become more adaptable. This enables us to navigate through challenges with ease and make progress towards our goals and dreams.

Doing difficult things is an essential part of personal growth and achieving the things we want. By purposefully engaging in challenging tasks, we affirm our capabilities and realise that the initial struggle is often just a flinch. Embracing the discomfort and taking the first step is the hardest part, but once we overcome that barrier, we gain momentum and pave the way for progress. So, the next time you’re faced with a difficult task, take a deep breath, embrace the challenge, and let the water flow. You'll be amazed at what you’re actually capable of.

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

Lately, I've been taking a closer look at the tools I rely on in my life and questioning whether they truly serve me.

In the big picture of human creativity, tools are like the threads that connect innovation, efficiency, and progress. Each tool, carefully made and cleverly designed, just serves a purpose into helping you do something. Whether it's a physical instrument, or a mental framework, tools are the means through which we navigate and accomplish tasks. They extend our abilities and facilitate our endeavours, but they are just a means to an end, not the end itself.

In our pursuit of success, it's important to question the beliefs we hold and challenge their validity. Will you really be less productive if you aren't using the same keyboard as someone successful that you saw online? If you aren't following the same morning routine? These beliefs may have been influenced by external sources or societal expectations, but it's crucial to evaluate whether they truly contribute to your personal growth and effectiveness.

Equipment, routines, and habits are just tools for helping you achieve or do something. They should serve as aids, not constraints. It's essential to regularly assess whether they are still serving their intended purpose or if they have become hurdles in your progress.

As we navigate through life, we must embrace adaptability and be open to trying new tools and approaches. Just as a carpenter selects the right tool for each task, we should be willing to explore different methods and discard those that no longer serve us. Identifying and replacing ineffective tools, will enable you to optimize your efforts and make progress towards your aspirations.

What is a tool you’re using right now, that no longer serves its purpose? It could be a physical tool that has become outdated or inefficient, or it could be a mental tool, like a belief or habit, that no longer aligns with your goals or values. What can you do about it?

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld

Hey everyone,

Something that I’ve been thinking about recently is the concept of metamorphosis.

Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death.
- Anais Nin

Change is often hard and painful, but enduring it can reward us with coming out on the other side as a butterfly, revealing a beauty which has always been within us. Just as a caterpillar can transform into a butterfly, we too have the innate ability to undergo profound changes and emerge as a new and improved version of ourselves.

At times, the idea of change can be daunting, much like the caterpillar enclosed within its cocoon, wrestling with the discomfort of transformation. Yet, it is in these moments of challenge that our potential for growth is most potent. As we embrace positive changes, be it in habits, mindset, or actions, we are essentially breaking free from the confines of our own cocoons.

In the realm of self-improvement, each decision to be kinder, more patient, or to pursue personal goals is a symbolic shedding of the old and an embrace of the new. Regardless of what you have said or done, you can decide to change right now, in this moment. The transformative journey may have its challenges, but it is precisely through overcoming these challenges that we become stronger.

If you liked this, feel free to share it with a friend. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Let’s chat! If this was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Best regards,
Jacq van Jaarsveld