Yesterday I got my grades for my final classes. It makes me think about my time in university, and how lucky I’ve been to have had a great experience. During the last few years, I’ve been able to: Study abroad, in the south of France for 11 months. Compete internationally in academic competitions. Volunteer, helping […]
You Can’t Set Goals to Fix Your Flaws
I used to think with enough hard work and ambition, you could achieve the things you want. I don’t believe that anymore. Instead, I believe you can only achieve goals from pursuits you enjoy. Self-improvement works best when it maximizes who you already are–not trying to erase every flaw you see in yourself. Over 90% […]
Loneliness and the Unconventional Life
Ben Casnocha recently wrote a great article entitled, “Unconventional Lives and the Challenge of Loneliness”, where he discusses a common drawback to breaking free of the crowd: loneliness. Chris Guillebeau has posted similar observations about a life of constant world-travel at The Art of Nonconformity. Is loneliness just the price you need to pay for […]
How to Meet Interesting People
It’s important to meet like-minded people, who share your goals and can support you towards them. But what if everyone you know is, well… boring? A reader recently commented that most of the people he knows are boring. He found it difficult to connect when so many people lack ambitions, a passion for life or […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.