Any good self-help book will tell you to be confident. Stand up straight, see past your critics and believe in yourself. I’d like to break tradition and argue the opposite. That humility is a useful tool and confidence can be overrated. Deluded by Your Own Hype Whipping yourself into a motivational frenzy may temporarily make […]
Find Your Personal Marathon
Why do people run marathons? Completing a marathon has few outside benefits. Do marathon runners finish all twenty-six grueling miles just to boast about it later? Is it trying to achieve an Olympian status of physical excellence? Or is it a mark of status, giving you pride over your discipline and ability to conquer pain […]
10 Tips for Escaping Your Comfort Zone and Having Adventures
I try not to lead a comfortable life. Hiding inside your comfort zone is a good way to prevent yourself from ever experiencing anything unique, fun or challenging. Pushing past your fears can be tricky, but ultimately, I think it’s what life is about. Getting Uncomfortable Instead of just cheery, self-help advice I’d like to […]
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 […]
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.