There’s a story I’ve always liked — two bricklayers, same job, two wildly different worldviews. One says he’s stacking bricks. The other says he’s building a cathedral.

Both are right, but only one walks home fulfilled.

Today’s reflection from Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff isn’t a productivity hack or a new workflow. It’s a reminder to shift the lens. Most of what we call “ordinary” is only ordinary because we’ve stopped paying attention. The sunrise doesn’t owe us novelty. That song you’ve heard a hundred times still holds magic. That weekly ZAO Fractal call? It might just be the foundation of a future institution.

I’ve been thinking about this in the context of our day-to-day in The ZAO. It's easy to see these meetings, newsletters, group chats, and Twitter posts as “just more bricks.” But if you zoom out a little, you’ll see it too — we’re building something rare. A cathedral of culture. A foundation of collective memory. Every vote, remix, onboarding session — these aren’t chores. They’re chisels in the marble.

So today, take a second and look for the miracle in what’s already in front of you. The ordinary is extraordinary when you remember to look twice.

And if you’re around, we’re stacking some bricks together tonight —
ZAO Fractal #51 at 6PM EST in the Discord. Bring your voice. Build the future.

– BetterCallZaal on behalf of the ZAO Team