The Challenge of Doing It Yourself

One of the hardest things for someone skilled in a service is doing that same service for themselves. It’s easy to help others with their needs, but when it comes to applying that expertise to your own life, the task often feels more daunting. I’ve experienced this firsthand.
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Why I Started ACA

A few weeks ago, I launched ACA (Access Control Art) with a clear mission: to share tips and tricks that anyone could use to help themselves. I’m not talking about complicated strategies; I’m talking about the simple, everyday things that can make a big difference. Whether it’s a quick productivity hack, a way to better organize your time, or even a small shift in mindset, these are things anyone can do.

I started this with the belief that if I could reach enough people, at least some of them would find real value in what I was sharing. We’re all looking for ways to make life a bit easier, right?
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Awesome (person)

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The Response and My Reflections on AI

To my surprise, I was immediately met with over 20 responses, all identical: "Awesome, Bert!" Now, don’t get me wrong—I was grateful for the positive feedback. But it also gave me mixed feelings. It made me reflect on how AI has impacted digital conversations. We’re living in a time where it’s so easy to fire off a quick reply or hit a like button without much thought. Has technology made our interactions more superficial?

These responses felt like a perfect example of that. They were supportive, yes, but they also felt a bit automated, like there was no real engagement behind them. It got me thinking about the value of genuine human interaction in the digital age. Are we losing something important as we rely more on technology to communicate?
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Staying Committed Despite the Challenges

But let me get back on track. Despite these initial mixed feelings, I’m committed to continuing with ACA. I believe in the importance of helping folks figure "it" out—whatever "it" may be for them. As a work-from-home dad, I know it’s going to be a challenge to post regularly. Balancing work, family, and this new project isn’t going to be easy, but I’m determined to make it happen.

In the time I’ve spent contemplating this post, I’ve realized that I want to approach writing here as if I’m having a direct conversation with you all. No pretense, no filters—just me sharing my thoughts and experiences in the hope that they’ll resonate with someone out there.
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Why I’m Writing This Way

I’ve always believed that authenticity is key. When you speak from the heart, people can tell. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to sound perfect, but I’ve found that being real is what truly connects us to others. So, moving forward, that’s how I plan to write these posts—as if we’re sitting down for a cup of coffee, just talking things over.

I hope this free-flowing thought process helps guide some of you to better decisions. Life is full of challenges, but it’s also full of opportunities to grow and learn. If something I share here helps even one person make a positive change, then it’s all worth it.
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Final Thoughts

So, as I wrap up this post, I want to leave you with this: keep on dancing, folks, and keep on doing. Life’s too short not to embrace every moment, even the challenging ones. We’re all in this together, and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey with you.

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