In this post I’m going to share a trick I’ve used to double the work I’ve managed to get done, while working fewer hours. Without it, I’m certain I couldn’t have finished the MIT Challenge. Before I share the method, however, I’m going to tell you why it works. First, I want you to ask […]
Why Focus (not Effort) is the Key to Getting Stuff Done
Around the time I started this blog, I was obsessed with habits. The psychology is fascinating and the idea that you could reprogram your behavior was compelling. After all, how much could you accomplish if you never failed to act on what you planned? The science of behavior change makes it exciting too: operant and […]
Why You’re Lazy (and How to Fix It)
After spending a year working through MIT’s computer science curriculum independently, I’ve gotten quite a few comments from people claiming I must have extraordinary self-discipline. I let that vanity sink in a bit, but then remember I procrastinated for a week to pack for my last trip, ending up doing it all last minute. The […]
The MIT Challenge is Complete
After 11 months and 26 days, I managed to finish the last project and exam for the MIT Challenge. That makes 33 classes for which I passed the final exams and did the programming projects. As I share in the video, I’ve learned a lot in the last year. But more than just my learning, […]
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.