I’ve run my own business, first as a sole-proprietor for nine years, then as a corporation for four. I’ve earned a good income in that time. It’s allowed me to take on interesting projects, travel full-time and work whenever I want. To many outsiders, it looks like I’m living the fantasy you see on so […]
How to Be More Ambitious
Recently I got an email from a reader asking how he can become more ambitious. He feels like he could do more with his life, but he doesn’t have strong desires for the usual sorts of things that seem to motivate people: wealth, success, fame or prestige. I thought about this question a lot, because […]
The Hidden Connection Between Habits and Learning
Learning and habits seem like to separate facts about our psychology. Learning is about knowledge, information and skills. Habits are about routines, behaviors and actions. However, I think the two actually work on mostly the same principles of the brain, and recognizing this connection can help you both learn better and form better habits. Learning […]
Who Has Time for Hobbies?
One of the bigger lessons I got from reading Cal Newport’s recent book, Digital Minimalism, was the importance of scheduling your leisure time. Scheduling time for hobbies may sound unnecessary. Aren’t those the things you do for fun? Yet, I would wager that most of us have activities we’d like to do on the side […]
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.