From the Web How to Learn Without Memorizing – My new article for Think Simple Now has had a lot of attention through Twitter. From the Archives Don’t Burn Your Ships – The ship-burning attitude is stupid. While it may increase your motivation to continue, it reduces your motivation to get started. And, as Woody […]
Why I Hate Self-Help Platitudes
One of the most delightfully frustrating experiences I get is receiving book review requests. Normally, I don’t mind receiving these requests. If your book is brilliant, I’m more than happy to promote it without any compensation. However, I’ll often get press release emails for books which advocate an idea I’ve explicitly argued against on this […]
Fitness is an End Unto Itself
I don’t exercise to look good naked. I don’t exercise to be healthy. I don’t even exercise to have more energy. In fact, I try to ignore these things as much as possible. Fitness has stopped being a worthwhile goal, in and of itself, in our society. Frankly, I think that’s a big reason why […]
Friday Links
From the Web Is the 30-Day Trial bogus? – Some new research suggests 30 days isn’t long enough. One of the ways around this I suggest in How to Change a Habit is to have an additional 90-day period where you commit to the habit, without requiring perfect attendance. The problem with 1% – My […]
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.