I’ve run my own business, first as a sole-proprietor for nine years, then as a corporation for four. I’ve earned a good income in that time. It’s allowed me to take on interesting projects, travel full-time and work whenever I want. To many outsiders, it looks like I’m living the fantasy you see on so […]
How to Be More Ambitious
Recently I got an email from a reader asking how he can become more ambitious. He feels like he could do more with his life, but he doesn’t have strong desires for the usual sorts of things that seem to motivate people: wealth, success, fame or prestige. I thought about this question a lot, because […]
New YouTube Videos and Podcast Episodes
I’ve been experimenting with recording videos as companion pieces to my regular articles. You may have noticed some of them embedded at the bottom of my most recent articles. If you’re interested in getting my videos on YouTube, please subscribe to my channel. I’m still early in this experiment, but the more views/subscribers, the more […]
Is Ambition a Good Thing? Thoughts on Striving Without Selfishness
Ambition is a concept that gets mixed reactions. Some people see it as the essence of progress, virtue and character. Those with ambition take action, set goals and build meaningful things. Without ambition, nothing would get done. In this sense, ambition is synonymous with vision, the opposite of laziness. Other people view it as the […]
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.