Many people fail to change their habits because they focus limitations, not the opportunities that arise from those limitations. Restrictions can actually create more variety in your life. The Paradox of Choice The reason restrictions often add new variety is in the paradox of choice. The paradox is that, given more choices, people often make […]
How to Build a Solid Foundation for Self-Improvement
In the beginning of any self-improvement effort, it can be difficult to make lasting changes. You may go to the gym for a week and then stop. You might be productive for a few days, but start procrastinating when the motivation wears off. You may set a budget, only to overspend a month later. To […]
The Magic of Small Steps
Contrary to popular opinion, most great achievements did not start out with a master plan or moment of inspiration. They began as small steps. Each step was ordinary. But they accumulated into something more. More than goal-setting, courage or positive thinking, self-improvement is the magic of small steps. I’m frequently asked where I got the […]
Say Hi
The best advice I ever received to improve my social life was simply this: say “hi” to people. This one habit has made me more friends, taken me on more dates and made me happier than just about any other skill I’ve worked towards. I’m often amazed at how much friendlier the world becomes once […]
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.