Storytelling is a big part of having interesting conversations. It’s always nice to have a healthy background of personal anecdotes and interesting quips to keep any interaction flowing. Collecting life stories also makes you a more interesting person. Interesting people often aren’t unusual in their lives, but they have unusual stories to tell. Some people […]
How to Use Your Blog to Make Friends Online
My e-mail address book is filled with friends. Many, I’ve never even met before. I’ve used my blog to connect with hundreds of people and I’ve formed strong bonds with dozens of them. Blogging isn’t just a tool for posting your thoughts or picking up measly AdSense checks. It can be a tool to boost […]
Do You Need to Be a Competitive Jerk to Succeed?
Competition doesn’t motivate me. I can’t be the only person who feels this way, but looking around I feel I can’t be in the majority. Business, sports and life seem to be dominated by people who thrive on conflict with other people. Do you need to be a competitive jerk to succeed? I’ve found competition […]
10 Must-Have Steps to Getting Honest Feedback
People are too nice. You’re worried about rejection and criticism? I think it is more important to worry about the opposite, that people aren’t giving you the honest feedback you need. Even when most people do give criticism, it is usually worded to be as unoffending as possible, often omitting true feelings. I’ve delivered speeches […]
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.