You know flying in planes pollutes. You know your pollution hurts others. You want people to pollute less, knowing they’ll have to change their behavior. The question is if you would pollute less yourself if you had to change your behavior. Most people think of themselves as caring about others and willing to sacrifice for some greater good. Consider these two options: Option 1: You fly to some destination you[…] Keep reading →

I grew up analyzing and planning. I achieved a lot—a PhD, playing at nationals, the MBA, and a bunch of other things. I get more done now. More importantly, I enjoy what I do now more. It’s more attuned to my values. Instead of analyzing and planning so much, I figure out ways to start doing things. Back then I would have worried about doing things wrong, which kept me[…] Keep reading →

David Allen’s book Getting Things Done pointed out to me that the mind isn’t very good at remembering important things or making difficult decisions. Rather, when it has to, it devotes more attention to those tasks than you want it to. For example, say you want to read a chapter of a book and want to remember to call someone important immediately after. Part of your mind will distract your[…] Keep reading →

We all have Habits we don’t like that we want to break Habits we think we’ll like that we want to start Foods we want to avoid Foods we want to eat more of Skills we want to learn All sorts of things we want to change about our lives… BUT WE DON’T CHOOSE THEM. The classic case is the chocolate cake in front of us that, when it wasn’t[…] Keep reading →

My Inc.com post today, “A Simple Way To Simplify Your Life,” begins The Simplest Way to Simplify Your Life This one step, iterated, will simplify your possessions and keep it that way. Books started the process, which expanded to everything. I viewed books like everyone else: they showed people who I was, they added to my home, were useful for reference, etc. I went through an experience that changed that.[…] Keep reading →

I pointed out to a friend that he interrupted me nearly every time I spoke. He apologized and added, “I will never do it again.” I believe he felt sincere when he said it, but I work in developing people and I’ve heard people say similar things too many times to expect he could do it. More importantly, I know the difference in mental states between saying “I will never[…] Keep reading →

The other day I was interviewed for a podcast (I’ll link to it when they edit and post it). The interviewer asked me how I accomplished so much. I told him and his listeners to look up sidchas on my blog. Everyone who aspires to greatness knows the importance of building discipline, integrity, dedication, and other skills. I accomplish things by acting by my values. I practice with small challenges[…] Keep reading →