David Chen's transformation story begins with a spreadsheet...
"I'm an engineer. I track everything. So when I analyzed my 'Flea Treatment Time Audit,' I nearly had a breakdown.
6 years of data showed:
- 72 applications completed
- 11 applications forgotten (and infestations)
- 216 hours total time invested
- 84 arguments with my wife about whose turn
- 23 rushed trips to pet stores
- $3,847 spent
But here's what killed me - the mental bandwidth. Some part of my brain was ALWAYS tracking 'when is Max due?'
Even on vacation. Even during my daughter's recital. Even at 2 AM.
I wasn't a dog owner. I was a flea treatment administrator.
Then my brother visited from Sweden. I was marking my calendar when he asked what I was doing.
'Monthly flea reminder,' I explained.
He laughed. 'Monthly? I put Bruno's collar on at New Years. I'll think about it again NEXT New Years.'
I thought he was joking.
He showed me a photo from his phone. January 1, 2024. Bruno getting his collar. The next photo? January 1, 2025. New collar.
TWO PHOTOS. In two years. While my phone had 200+ flea-related reminders.