God Doesn’t Make Duplicates
Today’s note is lighter in length, heavier in truth. Capacity isn’t about doing more. It’s about knowing who you are.
A Thought on Capacity
Some people can handle many things. They juggle businesses, family, passions, and problems, and still find the energy to start again the next day. Others, when immersed in one project, are consumed by it entirely. Their focus is singular, deep, and unwavering.
Neither is better. Both are powerful in their own right.
Capacity is deeply personal. It can’t be copied. It’s not something you learn in school or read in a book. It’s wired into you. And the moment you start measuring your output against someone else’s capacity, you lose sight of your own rhythm.
Think of a farmer. Some enjoy the idea of farming, the landscape, and the lifestyle. And then there are farmers. It's not what they do, it's who they are. They feel the land, they know the weather without checking the forecast, and they recognize the flock by memory. You can teach someone how to manage a farm, but you can’t teach someone to miss their sheep when they’re away. That comes from the core.
Now flip the lens, look at someone like Richard Branson. Virgin Records, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Galactic, and 397 other ventures. He didn’t stay in his lane. He built a freeway of ventures. That kind of breadth takes vision, but more than that, it takes capacity. And a rare ability to compartmentalize and deploy attention precisely where and when it’s needed.
For me, I've always played out of my lane. Not out of arrogance, but out of necessity.
When I enter a new space, I evolve. I learn. I absorb until my skillset matches the challenge in front of me. It’s how I’ve been able to squeeze two decades of business experience into half the time. And it’s why I’m building nine new companies in the next 12 months aimed at localized issues in South Africa, each aimed at solving a problem I can’t ignore.
And here’s the truth: hustle culture sells you the idea that you have to be everything to everyone. It’s a trap. Most people wear burnout like a badge of honor. But the real flex? Knowing your design and operating inside it.
I’m teaching my kids this early:
God created you as uniquely as you could possibly be. You weren’t made to copy someone else’s life. You were made to live your own, fully.
So, whether your gift is depth or breadth, own it. Stop apologizing for how you were made. Build your life around your capacity, not someone else’s expectations.
Because the world doesn’t need more generalists pretending to be specialists or vice versa.
It needs people who show up as themselves.
Consistently. Quietly. Powerfully.
“The man who clears a path isn’t always the one who walks it. But he changes the map forever.”
3 Things Worth Sharing
1. Market Insight: Trump’s Tariff Cuts Spark Shipping Sector Surge
President Trump's recent decision to reduce tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30% has led to a notable rebound in the shipping and retail sectors. Companies like ZIM Integrated Shipping and Old Dominion Freight Line have seen stock surges. This 90-day tariff reduction, effective until August 14, marks a significant de-escalation in the U.S.-China trade tensions. Retail giants such as Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot are poised to benefit from resumed shipments and inventory restocking ahead of key sales periods. Markets are reacting positevly.
2. Tech & Defense: Saudi Arabia's $600 Billion Investment Commitment
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, President Trump announced a historic $600 billion investment commitment from the Kingdom. The sweeping deal includes a $5 billion energy investment fund, a $5 billion fund for advanced aerospace and defense technologies, and a $4 billion global sports initiative. This move strengthens economic ties and represents a new era of partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
3. AI Breakthrough: Google DeepMind's AlphaEvolve Revolutionizes Coding
Google DeepMind has introduced a groundbreaking AI tool named AlphaEvolve, designed to tackle complex mathematics and computing challenges. This advanced agent demonstrates capabilities in solving intricate mathematical problems and designing sophisticated algorithms, representing a significant leap in AI's problem-solving potential. AlphaEvolve builds on DeepMind’s history of innovation in the AI space, including earlier breakthroughs such as AlphaGo and AlphaFold. The new tool exemplifies how AI can efficiently handle abstract reasoning tasks that traditionally required human intelligence, hence expanding the boundaries of what AI can achieve in scientific and technological applications.
What I’m Watching
In the latest episode of The Shawn Ryan Show, Tom Homan, the U.S. Border Czar under President Trump's second administration, discusses his extensive experience in immigration enforcement. Homan shares insights into the challenges of border security, the strategies for increasing ICE detentions, and the importance of enforcing immigration laws to protect national security. His candid conversation with Shawn Ryan provides a deep dive into the complexities of U.S. immigration policy and the measures being taken to address them.
Question I’m Pondering
What are we pretending not to know?
In a world flooded with information, it's easy to overlook inconvenient truths. Are there areas in our lives or society where we're choosing ignorance over action?
Until Next Time
This week’s edition was a bit more concise, think of it as a quick breath between deep dives. Next week, we’re back to full programming, and I’m excited to share something special:
“100 Ways to Live a Better Life”
A curated, no-fluff guide split across 10 categories.
We’ll kick things off with Finances.
Until then, stay sharp, stay grounded, and remember:
“The man who clears a path isn’t always the one who walks it. But he changes the map forever.”
—JVH
P.S. If you enjoyed this, share it with someone who thinks like you.
Check out other things I’m busy with:
We Edit Podcasts — A full-service B2B podcasting agency that helps brands turn listeners into customers.
Hunting Portal — Your next hunting adventure starts here. Outfitters, taxidermists, gear heads, and more.
Halalisana — We help township-based businesses grow, scale, and thrive in South Africa. We offer conferencing, co-working, and a coding academy.
More will be revealed soon.