Hi, I'm Jonathan Goodman.
I write about habits, exploration, and the reality that transformational change requires bouts of unhinged intensity.

I've spent 15 years exploring the worlds of fitness, business, and travel to gain a unique approach for helping people with messy lives follow through on improving their habits.

That experience taught me that the biggest obstacles aren't usually a lack of effort, but nice-sounding soundbites on social media unrealistic for real humans with competing priorities.

The central theme of my work, and the crux of the title of my recent book Unhinged Habits, is this challenging question:

What if being consistent isn’t actually the key to transformative growth?

Lots of people are consistent, yet few get ahead. Have you thought about that? I don’t know a single person who has achieved anything meaningful in work, family, or health based on pure consistency. In every case, there were bouts of almost (unhinged) intensity interspersed.

Like cardio and weights, of course, it’s not a one-or-the-other thing—you need both. Consistency is for maintaining, intensity is for transforming.

I'm happily married to an incredible woman and together we have three children. Our home is Toronto and we live abroad for 4-6 months every winter. This year we are in Indonesia and Japan for three months each.

5 Reps Friday is my weekly newsletter exploring simple ideas for ambitious people who want progress without unnecessary complexity. It’s for readers who value strength, clarity, and habits that align with how life is actually lived. Each issue shares concise insights meant to compound into greater wealth, freedom, and purpose over time.

My newest book, Unhinged Habits, is about break bad habits and build your rich life. 

It is a book about setting yourself up for a bright future without missing the magic in the present through transformational improvements in the golden three: health, money, and relationships.

Once done, you will have practical frameworks to identify what truly matters and the courage to eliminate the things, people, and committments that are holding you back.

The book will be published with HarperCollins on January 27, 2026.

Pre-order on Amazon now

Learn about the 3-Book Bonus.

My earliest work lives at theptdc.com - home to my original blog and podcast. Together, they form a long-running archive of essays and experiments on performance, discipline, and sustainable progress. It's where many of the ideas I write about today were first tested in the real world, with people who needed results, not theory.

Thank you for your interest. Here are a few of my short essays that will introduce you to my mindset and work.

2025 Annual Letter - Focus, Tradeoffs, and Capping Downside Risk

55 Rules for Humans

My Book Launch Bombed

A Half-Empty Cup

I write books that explore how habits form, why change requires more than consistency, and what actually helps people follow through over time.

Unhinged Habits A look at how habits really work — beyond discipline, hacks, or rigid routines.

The Obvious Choice A marketing book about making better choices and not feeling like you have to win the internet or build a big following in order to get customers––getting back to basics.

Ignite the Fire A practical guide to building a sustainable personal training business, focused on systems, client relationships, and long-term career growth.