Friday Links 08-10-24

From the Web

Working from Anywhere in the World – Chris Guillebeau has a great entry on living a digital lifestyle.  He shares some upsides and downsides.  I don’t think the best way to approach your goals is to glamorize them needlessly, but be willing to accept the benefits and costs of the lifestyle they create.

Interview with Study Hacks – Blogging friends Ben Casnocha and Cal Newport (author of the blog Study Hacks) share an interview.  Great ideas follow.  One excerpt:

Cal: What about the big question of “what should I do with my life?” As you know, my approach is sort of “there is no wrong answer, choose something and focus on it so you’ll start reaping rewards, you can always change later.”

Ben:  Your approach is similar to that great Andy Grove quote, “Act on your temporary convictions as if they were real ones, and when you realize you are wrong, change course very quickly.” The problem with what you said is “…you can always change later” is very, very hard. People have problems with sunk costs and inertia. That’s why I’m not a fan of “focus on something and start reaping the rewards.”

Cal:  Do you worry that on the other hand people get too hung up searching for some “right” path that doesn’t actually exist. Getting scared every time anything seems a little boring or annoying.

Ben: Maybe some search for the “right” path that doesn’t exist, sure. But the second thing you said, no. I think people tolerate waaaay too much boredom in their lives.

From the Archives

Stop Trying to Impress People – “Someone once told me that, “Integrity is being the same person in your house that you are on the street.” More than just integrity, I think that consistency has a huge effect on your self-image. How can you be comfortable with yourself if you feel the need to impress other people?”

From the Shelf

The Art of the Start – I recently got a chance to read this popular business book by Guy Kawasaki.  Although the focus of the book is on people starting up new companies, I think much of the advice he has can apply to people who want to work on any project.  I really enjoyed his points on giving presentations.  As I’m sure many other students can attest, the quality of most Powerpoint presentations is slightly less than zero.  Kawasaki suggests following the 10-20-30 rule: 10 slides, 20 words, 30 pt font.  Too bad most people do it the other way around with 30 slides and 10 pt font…