The long road to self-improvement.
Overcoming obstacles is a discipline of three critical steps. It begins with how we look at our specific problems, our attitude or approach; then the energy and creativity with which we actively break them down and turn them into opportunities; finally, the cultivation and maintenance of an inner will that allows us to handle defeat … Read more
“In a world of no instructions, (The Focusing Questions) becomes the simple formula for finding exceptional answers that lead to extraordinary results. What’s the ONE THING I can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?” – Gary Keller The One Thing The focusing question is all about finding your … Read more
…The basic value proposition of Essentialism: only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contribution towards the things that really matter. The way of the Essentialist is the relentless pursuit of less but better. It doesn’t mean occasionally giving … Read more
“The way of the Essentialist means living by design, not by default. Instead of making choices reactively, the Essentialist deliberately distinguishes the vital few from the trivial many, eliminates the nonessentials, and then removes obstacles so the essential things have clear, smooth passage. In other words, Essentialism is a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where … Read more
In Austin Kleon’s excellent book (minus the poor binding) “Steal Like an Artist” the final chapter is titled “Creativity is Subtraction”. That’s it. The entire chapter is that quote. Do more with less. Can ultra-short articles rank? What about posts without images? In a world of fluff and filler, what are the least amount of … Read more
But in the taxi, Lisa didn’t know that. And to the scientists at the laboratory, the details of her trek weren’t relevant. Because for reasons they were just beginning to understand, that one small shift in Lisa’s perception that Day in Cairo – the conviction that she had to give up smoking to accomplish her … Read more
If you’re reading books, particularly non-fiction books, you should highlight them. Stick that highlighter on your desk and anytime you come across an interesting, exciting, insightful, controversial, or dubious passage bust it out and get to work. Highlighting is a more active form of reading and will help with retention. That alone makes the juice … Read more
You are, in fact, a mashup of what you choose to let into your life. You are the sum of your influences. The German writer Goethe said, “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.” 1 Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, … Read more