Encryption is a process of scrambling information otherwise readable information. Without the right decryption key, encrypted data is just gibberish. Only with the right key can you unlock the correct information and get what you want. The way you look at the world is similar to encrypted information. With the right key, you can transform […]
Responses to When You’re Happiest
Last week, I asked you when you were happiest. As I expected, I got a wide range of answers. I’d like to share some common themes in your answers, my personal answer to this question and what I learned from reading through your responses. Happiness through Activity A number of you mentioned that you are […]
When Are You Happiest?
Today I’d like to get your feedback on a question: when are you happiest? I want to avoid biasing the results by putting qualifiers on what “happiest” means, so I’ll let you decide. I’m assuming that none of us can maintain a persistent state of absolute bliss. This must mean there are some sections of […]
How to Stop Making Excuses
“I don’t know how.” “It probably wouldn’t have worked anyways.” “I’m too busy.” How often do you catch yourself making excuses. Instead of doing something, you come up with ways to explain your inaction. Excuse-makers are usually seen as weak, lazy or cowardly. I believe this is an unfair generalization. We all make excuses once […]
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.