PDF Summary:How to Live an Extraordinary Life, by Anthony Pompliano

Most books about living an extraordinary life focus on fleeting successes or superficial motivations. But in How to Live an Extraordinary Life, Anthony Pompliano takes a holistic approach. He reveals how developing disciplined routines, embracing challenges with an optimistic mindset, and continually expanding your knowledge and perspectives are fundamental for achieving your loftiest goals.

Pompliano's blueprint isn't about short-term hacks—it's a comprehensive guide for personal growth, from developing ethical guidelines and strong communication skills to balancing ambition with fiscal prudence. With direct advice and illustrations from his own endeavors, he offers a path to break free of external validation and build a truly remarkable life on your own terms.

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Practical Tips

• Set up a "values check-in" in your calendar every month where you review your recent decisions and behaviors to ensure they align with your core values. During these check-ins, ask yourself if your actions over the past month have reflected your commitment to your values. If there's a discrepancy, plan specific steps to realign your actions with your values.
• Create a "Moral Compass Jar" where you write down daily actions that align with your ethical beliefs and drop them into a jar. This tangible collection of ethical actions serves as a visual reminder of your moral compass in action. For example, if you believe in honesty, write down a moment when you chose to tell the truth despite it being difficult, and place it in the jar.
• Use a decision-making app that prompts you to consider the ethical implications of your choices. You can design a simple flowchart that asks questions related to your ethics charter before you make significant decisions. For instance, before agreeing to a new project at work, the app could ask, "Does this align with my principle of transparency and fairness?"
• Start a 'discomfort diary' where you note down one thing that made you uncomfortable each day and explore why. This practice encourages reflection on your reactions to new ideas and situations. Perhaps a new software tool at work made you uneasy; write about it and brainstorm ways to become more adaptable to such changes.
• Implement a "Skeptic's Audit" on your personal beliefs and decisions by listing out things you strongly believe in or habits you follow without much thought. For each item on the list, research evidence that contradicts your belief or challenges your habit. This process can reveal biases and blind spots in your thinking, encouraging a more skeptical and informed approach to your convictions and routines.
• Engage in a monthly "Idea Swap" with a partner where you exchange ideas and independently research the other's concept. After a week, reconvene to present findings and insights on the feasibility and potential of the idea. This strategy allows you to benefit from another person's research skills and perspective, which can reveal new angles or considerations for your ideas.
• Create a "Perspective Shift" club with friends or colleagues where each member brings a different viewpoint on a controversial topic to discuss. The goal is not to debate but to understand and consider the validity of each perspective. For instance, if the topic is climate change, each person could explore different aspects like economic impact, scientific evidence, policy implications, and ethical considerations.

Remain open-minded and flexible in updating your opinions as circumstances evolve

While adhering firmly to your moral values, Pompliano advocates for adaptability and a willingness to reconsider your viewpoints. He recommends adopting diverse perspectives and grasping the multifaceted nature of our existence, pointing out that unchanging beliefs over time imply a lack of commitment to learning and self-improvement. He advocates for actively evaluating your viewpoints, remaining open to new understandings, and modifying your perspective when necessary. He advocates for penning your viewpoints in a manner that reflects their capacity to evolve as your insights deepen.

Other Perspectives

• Constantly updating opinions might result in a lack of trust from others, as they may perceive such a person as fickle or unreliable.
• In some cases, what one considers moral values may be based on outdated or disproven beliefs, and clinging to these can hinder progress and social harmony.
• While adaptability is valuable, there are instances where consistency in viewpoints is equally important, especially in matters of core ethical principles and personal integrity.
• Some perspectives may be inherently flawed or harmful, and adopting them, even temporarily, could lead to negative consequences.
• Learning and self-improvement can also involve deepening one's understanding of existing beliefs rather than changing them.
• There is a potential for cognitive overload when constantly seeking and integrating new understandings, which can lead to mental fatigue and reduce the quality of decision-making.
• There is a risk of over-adapting to new information or trends, leading to a loss of core identity or values.
• The process of constantly revising written viewpoints can be time-consuming and impractical, especially in professional or formal contexts where definitive positions are often required.

Adapt your viewpoint as necessary and stay receptive to modifying your stances.

Anthony Pompliano emphasizes the necessity of being adaptable and avoiding rigid thinking in distinguishing between ethical values and personal beliefs. He emphasizes the necessity of adjusting your viewpoint when confronted with compelling new evidence or shifts in circumstances.

Remain vigilant to changes in information and adapt your position as necessary.

Pompliano advocates for mental flexibility and the capacity to adapt one's perspective when presented with fresh insights or evolving situations. He narrates the journey of relocating his family twice, first leaving behind the bustling streets of New York to establish a new home in the midst of a pandemic in a city known for its beaches and sunshine, and then later demonstrating adaptability by choosing to move back as the situation changed. He emphasizes the significance of placing personal well-being above worries of outside opinions and underscores the necessity of being flexible as your life, ambitions, and environment change.

Context

• High emotional intelligence can aid in adapting to change by helping individuals manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and empathize with others during transitions.
• Adaptability in perspective can enhance decision-making by allowing individuals to consider a wider range of options and outcomes, leading to more informed and effective choices.
• Relocating can help build new social connections and support systems, which are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
• Emphasizing personal well-being supports autonomous decision-making, where choices are made based on personal needs and desires rather than external validation.
• Being flexible can reduce stress and anxiety, as it allows individuals to navigate uncertainties with a more open and adaptable mindset.

Engaging in a debate with an individual lacking rationality is futile.

While championing transparent dialogue and teamwork, Pompliano recognizes that some circumstances might necessitate alternative strategies. He imparts wisdom from a failed partnership, which suffered from mismatched expectations and dedication, highlighting his father's counsel that attempting to make sense with someone devoid of rationality is futile. Pompliano found that when fundamental convictions clash, rationality and logic often fail to bridge the gap. He suggests recognizing when individuals are entrenched in irrationality and advises readers to prioritize their own well-being by disengaging from such unproductive situations rather than engaging in futile attempts at persuasion.

Context

• Some individuals may not have developed strong critical thinking skills, which are necessary for evaluating arguments and evidence objectively.
• In a team setting, transparent dialogue can lead to more innovative solutions as diverse viewpoints are openly discussed and considered.
• Practicing mindfulness and patience to manage one's own reactions and maintain composure in the face of irrationality.
• Varying levels of emotional commitment can cause tension, as one partner may feel more invested in the success of the partnership than the other.
• Rational arguments rely on shared premises and values. When these are absent, logic alone may not be sufficient to change someone's mind, as the foundational beliefs are not aligned.
• Identifying signs of irrationality, such as refusal to consider evidence or reliance on fallacies, can help in deciding when to disengage from a conversation.
• Disengaging allows individuals to concentrate on their personal goals and values, ensuring that their efforts align with their long-term aspirations.
• In social or professional settings, knowing when to walk away from futile discussions can preserve relationships and prevent unnecessary conflict.

Pursuing excellence and mastery

In this section, the author underscores the significance of striving for outstanding achievement across all facets of existence. He underscores that achieving mastery is a steady journey, necessitating steadfast dedication, meticulous effort, and continuous improvement, recognizing that such a transformation does not happen overnight. He also underscores the significance of conveying messages clearly and simplifying intricate concepts into understandable terms.

Value simplicity as an indication of genuine comprehension.

Pompliano asserts that the ability to convey ideas simply is indicative of deep comprehension, as opposed to the habit of certain people who obscure their insufficient understanding by complicating concepts unnecessarily. He emphasizes the significance of clear and concise communication to guarantee the effective delivery of your message.

Beware of those who overcomplicate to appear more knowledgeable

The author cautions against mistaking complexity for intelligence, recognizing that individuals with a superficial understanding often use jargon and convoluted explanations to mask their limitations. Anthony Pompliano recounts his personal evolution, starting with his initial admiration for the complex terminology used by the Bitcoin community, to his later realization that their understanding was only superficial. He encourages readers to critically assess communication, asking clarifying questions and looking for signs of overcomplication as potential red flags for a lack of depth and expertise.

Other Perspectives

• The ability to comprehend and articulate complex ideas is often a sign of expertise and a deep understanding of a subject.
• Jargon is often a necessary part of expert communication within a field, and its use does not necessarily indicate a lack of understanding.
• Simplification can sometimes lead to oversimplification, which can be just as misleading as overcomplication.
• Not all communication requires deep critical assessment, especially in casual or informal contexts where the stakes are low.
• Asking clarifying questions can sometimes be perceived as confrontational or indicative of distrust, which may hinder open communication.
• The use of complex terminology and detailed explanations can also be a teaching tool to gradually introduce and familiarize novices with the intricacies of a specialized field.

Strive for concise, clear communication to demonstrate your mastery

Pompliano advocates for concise and clear communication, arguing that the ability to distill complex ideas into simple explanations demonstrates true mastery. He encourages readers to sharpen their communication skills by avoiding the use of overly complicated language and jargon. He cites insights from a renowned French intellectual, who remarked that his lengthy correspondence was a result of not having enough time to write a shorter one, thus highlighting the difficulty of being concise and encouraging readers to invest time in refining their communication skills.

Practical Tips

• Start a 'clear speech' day once a week where you consciously eliminate filler words from your spoken communication. Record conversations if possible and review them to identify unnecessary words or phrases you can cut out. For instance, if you notice you often say "like" or "um," be mindful to pause instead of using these fillers.
• Keep a "One-Sentence Journal" where you write down a single, simplified sentence summarizing something new you learned each day. This habit forces you to distill information to its core message. If you learned about photosynthesis, you might write, "Plants convert sunlight into food and oxygen."
• Use a new word replacement app that highlights complex words and suggests simpler synonyms as you type, training you to choose clearer language. Imagine typing an email and the app suggests changing "facilitate" to "help" or "endeavor" to "try," helping you to naturally incorporate simpler language into your everyday communication.
• Use a text-editing tool that highlights verbose sentences in your writing. Tools like Hemingway Editor or Grammarly have features that identify lengthy or complex sentences. By revising these sentences until the tool no longer highlights them, you'll practice writing more succinctly and clearly.
• Pair up with a friend for a "communication challenge" where you both commit to trying out a new communication technique each week. For example, one week you might focus on active listening, and the next week you could work on clear articulation. Share your experiences and provide feedback to each other.

Vigorously protect your hours and focus intensely to achieve excellence in your selected pursuit.

Pompliano emphasizes the necessity of dedicated effort, unwavering dedication, and having a clear future vision to achieve remarkable success in any professional arena. Understanding the allure of instant gratification in today's world, he counsels people to adopt a more deliberate strategy, focus on consistent advancement, and maintain rigorous standards.

Ensure consistent progress and focus on quality, as this method typically results in faster achievements ultimately.

Drawing on his military experience and the establishment of his investment firm, Pompliano underscores the idea that consistent and deliberate efforts result in more rapid overall advancement. He contends that by emphasizing quality, regularity, and a systematic strategy rather than rapidity, one can ultimately achieve swifter outcomes. He emphasizes the significance of a methodical and collaborative strategy when describing the hazards of hastily entering a structure during military exercises. Similarly, he shares how adopting this mentality allowed him to successfully raise capital for his firm despite initial setbacks, emphasizing the power of persistence, a well-defined strategy, and a commitment to process over short-term wins.

Context

• Consistency helps in building momentum, making it easier to maintain progress and achieve goals more swiftly as efforts accumulate over time.
• By not rushing, one can better assess and manage potential risks, leading to more stable and reliable results.
• By working collaboratively, teams can better identify potential risks and develop contingency plans, reducing the likelihood of failure and enhancing the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges.
• This means valuing the journey and the learning that comes with it, rather than just the end result. It involves dedication to continuous improvement and refinement of skills and methods over time.
• Military training often emphasizes discipline, precision, and teamwork. These principles can be applied to business and personal development, where structured approaches and collaboration lead to more effective outcomes.

Leverage the power of habits and routines to maintain high standards

Pompliano underscores the significance of maintaining regular habits and routines to sustain high standards in all areas of life. He emphasizes the significance of establishing consistent habits, particularly for tasks that are challenging or mundane, as this frees up mental capacity for tackling more intricate challenges. By implementing automation in key habits, you can minimize the need for willpower and guarantee steady advancement toward your objective.

Context

• Athletes and high performers often rely on routines to ensure consistent performance levels, as routines help in maintaining focus and discipline.
• Small, consistent actions compound over time, leading to significant progress and improvement in various life areas.
• Establishing routines can help optimize time usage, ensuring that more time is available for strategic thinking and creative endeavors.
• Various apps and technologies can assist in habit automation, such as habit-tracking apps, smart home devices, or digital assistants that provide reminders and track progress.

Concentrating on personal development rather than how others see you.

The book motivates people to concentrate on personal development and chase their unique vision of a remarkable life, instead of concerning themselves with the opinions of others or what society deems normal. He emphasizes the significance of being in the company of driven and encouraging people who can assist in realizing one's utmost capabilities.

Anchor your sense of self to your personal identity rather than to external symbols of achievement.

Pompliano underscores the necessity of constructing your sense of self upon a robust base of self-esteem and individual principles instead of shaping your identity through external accomplishments, positions, or material belongings. He cautions about the danger of anchoring one's self-perception to professional roles, physical assets, or marital standing, acknowledging that such elements are impermanent and susceptible to loss, which could result in a sense of aimlessness and disorientation.

Do not base your self-esteem on your career, material belongings, or personal associations.

Pompliano emphasizes the significance of grounding one's sense of self in the respect and acknowledgment tied to one's own name, instead of relying on ephemeral markers like job titles, possessions, or one's place in social hierarchies. He believes that anchoring your self-worth to external factors can leave you vulnerable to unforeseen dangers and may impede your quest for new opportunities and readiness to embrace risk. He shares an anecdote from his personal experience, supporting his partner's decision to depart from a prestigious role at a well-known business magazine in pursuit of a more fulfilling career, highlighting her courageous choice to forge her own way and reputation.

Other Perspectives

• Basing self-worth solely on one's name and the respect it commands can lead to an overemphasis on personal branding and reputation management, potentially overshadowing the importance of genuine personal development and ethical behavior.
• Personal associations often involve relationships and networks that can offer support, validation, and a sense of community, which are important components of a healthy self-concept.
• Embracing new opportunities can sometimes mean leaving behind a role or position where one has accumulated significant expertise and influence, which could be seen as a loss rather than a gain.
• There may be a mismatch in the definition of what constitutes a "courageous decision," and what one partner views as courageous, the other might see as reckless or unnecessary.

Design a life path that guarantees independence by steering clear of commitments that bind you to other people.

The writer suggests that grounding your identity in something more profound than just your moniker and independent of the desire for outside validation enables you to forge a distinct path and sculpt the contours of an exceptional life. This cultivates an independent spirit and diminishes the compulsion to adhere to the norms imposed by society. He encourages readers to embrace their individuality and pursue their own definition of success, unburdened by the weight of external labels and expectations.

Context

• Practicing mindfulness and cultivating self-awareness can help you stay aligned with your goals and values, ensuring that your path remains true to your authentic self.
• In modern times, digital nomads exemplify living outside societal norms by rejecting traditional work environments and embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes freedom and flexibility.
• Many influential figures throughout history, such as artists and innovators, have achieved extraordinary success by rejecting societal norms and following their unique visions.
• Peer pressure and social circles can reinforce external labels, making it challenging to break free from expected roles or behaviors within a community.

Associate with individuals who exhibit determination and excel in their pursuits.

Pompliano underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with motivated and supportive people who inspire you to reach for your loftiest goals. He encourages fostering deep, genuine friendships with driven individuals who share your values and aspirations.

Seek out "compounders" who are relentlessly focused on self-improvement

Pompliano underscores the significance of surrounding oneself with individuals dedicated to the ongoing improvement of their mental acuity, physical health, economic security, and social relationships. Anthony Pompliano believes that being in the company of a driven and progress-oriented group can elevate your own standards and inspire continuous self-improvement. He recounts a story about a companion skilled in compounding, with whom he exchanges and assesses concepts, highlighting the advantages of reciprocal relationships and the inherent inspiration derived from surrounding oneself with individuals of similar mindsets.

Context

• A group of "compounders" often provides a safe space to experiment with new ideas and take risks without fear of judgment, fostering innovation and personal growth.
• This encompasses overall well-being, including fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle habits. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are crucial components of maintaining physical health.
• This theory posits that people learn from observing others. Being in a group of high achievers can provide models of success to emulate, enhancing one's own learning and growth.
• These relationships often involve shared learning experiences, where individuals exchange insights and strategies, accelerating the learning curve for everyone involved.

Eliminate uninteresting acquaintances from your social network to create space for remarkable individuals.

While recognizing the significance of nurturing connections, Pompliano advises readers to assess their social networks with a discerning eye and to prioritize individuals who lead lives that motivate others, by creating distance from acquaintances lacking similar enthusiasm. He clarifies that "boring" doesn't necessarily imply negative qualities but rather refers to individuals who lack ambition and a drive for continuous growth. By creating an environment with individuals who inspire you to pursue a meaningful and fulfilling existence, you can cultivate the right conditions for an exceptional life journey.

Context

• Different cultures have varying expectations about social relationships. Understanding these norms can help in making informed decisions about which connections to maintain or let go.
• Inspiring individuals can provide emotional support and encouragement, helping you navigate challenges and setbacks with resilience and optimism.
• Being around enthusiastic people can boost your mood and motivation, as emotions and attitudes are often contagious.
• Building a network of motivated individuals can open up opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and support, which are essential for personal and professional growth.
• Positive social interactions and relationships are strongly linked to higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness, contributing to a more fulfilling life experience.

Building a remarkable life by engaging in meaningful experiences and practicing fiscal prudence.

The book highlights the significance of expanding one's outlook by traveling and embracing a prudent financial management strategy. Pompliano recommends seizing opportunities to immerse oneself in various cultural experiences and develop financial habits that enable the achievement of one's goals, resulting in a life marked by freedom and fulfillment.

Embrace the transformative impact of travel to broaden your viewpoint.

Pompliano encourages people to seek out travel and novel experiences to broaden their viewpoint and enhance their comprehension of global diversity. He is of the opinion that by delving into diverse cultures, you can escape the confines of your familiar environment, question your preconceived notions, and cultivate a more sophisticated perspective on global matters.

Delve into diverse cultures to enhance your comprehension of global perspectives.

Pompliano underscores the value of travel experiences that enable genuine connections with diverse cultures, advocating for journeys that extend past the usual tourist destinations to gain a deeper understanding of the customs and ways of life of local people. In his narrative about his trip to Nigeria, he underscores the vivid disparity between challenges such as poverty and corruption and the young generation's eager adoption of new technologies. Pompliano's disturbing encounter with a corrupt police officer emphasized the value of experiencing a variety of circumstances and broadening his perspective beyond the familiar confines of his homeland.

Practical Tips

• Engage with international students or communities in your area by offering language exchange or hosting cultural exchange meetups. This provides a platform for firsthand stories and personal interactions that can broaden your perspective and understanding of different cultures.
• Create a virtual book club focused on reading and discussing literature from diverse cultures. By selecting books from authors around the world, you can gain perspectives on life experiences vastly different from your own. Discussing these books with others can deepen your understanding and challenge your preconceptions.
• Volunteer with community-based organizations during your travels. Seek out non-profits or community groups that welcome short-term volunteers. This could range from helping in community gardens to assisting in local schools. Volunteering allows you to work alongside residents, understand their challenges and aspirations, and contribute positively to the community you're visiting.
• Create a 'day in the life' video exchange with someone from a different background using social media platforms. You can connect with someone from another country or with a different day-to-day life and agree to share videos documenting a typical day for each of you. This visual exchange can offer a vivid window into another person's world, challenging your preconceptions and expanding your worldview.
• Engage with technology-driven charity initiatives to directly support communities in need. Find charities that provide technological education or resources to underprivileged areas and contribute through donations or by raising awareness. For example, you could participate in a crowdfunding campaign for a startup in a developing country that aims to solve local problems through tech solutions.
• Volunteer in a role that exposes you to a different slice of life, such as working at a legal aid clinic, a homeless shelter, or a refugee support center. Through direct interaction, you'll encounter a range of narratives that challenge your usual environment and preconceived notions. Reflect on these experiences in a journal, focusing on how they change your understanding of societal structures, including law enforcement and justice.

Seek out unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences to create lasting memories

The author encourages readers to embrace unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences when traveling, prioritizing authentic encounters and personal growth over curated tourist attractions. Anthony Pompliano recounts a personal story about his journey along the route of the original Greek marathon, driven by its historical significance rather than a quest for athletic accomplishment. By choosing pursuits that align with your values and enthusiasms, you can create lasting memories, enhance your understanding of the world, and craft a captivating narrative of your life.

Context

• Travelers often find more authentic and uncommercialized experiences, gaining insights into the true essence of a place.
• Stepping outside your comfort zone by trying new activities or learning a new language can lead to self-discovery and increased confidence.
• Engaging in pursuits that reflect your values can help you connect with like-minded individuals, fostering meaningful relationships and a sense of community.
• Engaging in novel activities often requires full attention, promoting mindfulness and a deeper presence in the moment.
• Navigating unfamiliar situations can enhance problem-solving skills, as individuals learn to adapt and find creative solutions in diverse contexts.
• Unique experiences often evoke strong emotions, which can make your life story more compelling and relatable to others.

Cultivate a sound financial perspective that emphasizes saving and the allocation of funds for investment purposes.

Pompliano underscores the significance of cultivating a sound financial perspective to attain liberty and fulfill your aspirations. He underscores the necessity of maintaining expenditures below what one earns, consistently setting aside some of your earnings, and selecting investments judiciously to build wealth.

Develop the practice of expending fewer resources than your income to establish lasting wealth.

Pompliano emphasizes the significance of living within one's means as a fundamental strategy for accumulating sustainable wealth, highlighting the prudent financial behaviors of his wife on a limited budget in comparison to a young entrepreneur who displayed an illusion of affluence through accruing debt. He underscores the importance of diligently tracking your spending to make certain it does not exceed your income and to avoid the temptation of financing a lifestyle beyond what your financial accomplishments can presently support. Pompliano believes that understanding this essential idea is the foundation for establishing financial freedom, which in turn allows for choices to be made that are consistent with one's own values instead of being driven by the need to pay off debts.

Practical Tips

• Create a visual spending tracker by using a clear jar and colored pebbles to represent different spending categories. Each time you spend money, place a pebble in the jar corresponding to the category. This tactile method helps you see and feel your spending, making it more real and potentially curbing unnecessary expenses.
• Start a "Lifestyle Audit" by tracking every expense for a month and categorizing them into 'needs' and 'wants'. At the end of the month, review your 'wants' spending and decide which items you can eliminate or reduce. For instance, if you find that you're spending a significant amount on dining out, you might choose to cook more meals at home.
• Create a values-based budget template to align spending with personal beliefs and goals. Start by listing your core values and then design a budget that prioritizes expenses and investments that reflect those values. For example, if environmental sustainability is a key value, allocate funds to purchase eco-friendly products or invest in green energy.

Recognize the significance of divesting profitable assets when the timing is optimal.

Pompliano acknowledges the inherent difficulty of consistently making successful investment decisions, recognizing that some investments will inevitably lose value while others appreciate. However, he underscores the necessity of withdrawing from lucrative endeavors to actualize profits and tap into significant monetary assets. He employs the phrase, "Each of my affluent friends left their investments earlier than would have been ideal," to emphasize the common error of clinging to investments longer than necessary out of avarice. He counsels his adherents to favor securing a steady return rather than chasing the utmost earnings, underscoring that realizing profits through sales can cement one's economic benefits and aid in avoiding possible subsequent losses.

Context

• Personal or business liquidity needs might necessitate divesting assets to free up cash, making it important to plan divestment around these requirements.
• Shifts in government policies and regulations can impact market conditions and investment strategies, adding another layer of uncertainty.
• Innovations can lead to the appreciation of investments in certain sectors, while rendering others obsolete, causing their value to decline.
• Regularly reviewing and adjusting investments ensures they align with evolving financial goals, such as retirement planning, purchasing property, or funding education.
• A well-diversified portfolio requires periodic rebalancing, which involves selling some assets to maintain an optimal risk-reward balance.
• Attempting to achieve the highest possible earnings often requires precise market timing, which is notoriously difficult even for experienced investors.
• The proceeds from selling profitable investments can be reinvested in other ventures, potentially leading to compounding growth and further wealth accumulation.
• Timing the sale of investments can have significant tax consequences. Understanding capital gains taxes and strategically planning sales can optimize after-tax returns.