In statistics, one of the first things you learn is the importance of n. The variable n, represents the size of the sample you’re studying. And the size of n has a huge impact on whether your results are significant or just a fluke. Unfortunately it’s easy to forget this lesson outside the classroom and […]
Do You Need More Effort or Better Opportunities?
One way to split up the world is to divide areas of life into those that need opportunities versus those that only need effort. For example, imagine you are writing a book. Writing a book is mostly a matter of effort. Having a stroke of creative genius helps, but ultimately finishing is about putting in […]
9 Tips for Restarting a Habit After Falling Off the Wagon
Recently, one of my friends commented that he was a regular gym-goer. Except he hadn’t been to the gym in three months. Before that point, he had been exercising regularly. A few days off turns into a few weeks and soon enough, it’s been three months. Once you’ve fallen off the wagon, it isn’t always […]
If You Aren’t Getting Hate Mail, Your Writing Probably Sucks
The most popular articles on this website are also the posts with the most negative comments. It took me awhile to realize this, but hate mail can actually be a sign you’re doing something right. Truly awful stuff gets ignored. It’s only the ideas that are new, involve risks or push boundaries that get hate […]
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.