Normally I don’t like just posting someone else’s work, but I saw this image the other day and found the model it suggests so simple and useful I couldn’t help posting it. I’ve found and often say the people who succeed use the word “failure” like other people do, but it doesn’t mean the same thing to them. It means something positive. Not even a necessary evil, but part of[…] Keep reading →

I watch my share of television. I eat my share of unhealthy food. I find plenty of ways to waste my time. But I’m decreasing those things all the time. I think a lot of people decide what to do or not based on the thing or activity in question. Will that chocolate cake taste good? Will I enjoy watching that show? Do I want to go to that party?[…] Keep reading →

[This post is part of a series on “Mental models and beliefs: an exercise to identify yours.” If you don’t see a Table of Contents to the left, click here to view the series, where you’ll get more value than reading just this post.] This series covered a lot about flexibility with your beliefs — the ability to try out believing something new and letting the new belief crowd out[…] Keep reading →

[This post is part of a series on “Mental models and beliefs: an exercise to identify yours.” If you don’t see a Table of Contents to the left, click here to view the series, where you’ll get more value than reading just this post.] Do you ever hold back from trying to learn something because you know you’ll have to try several times to get it right? Are you afraid[…] Keep reading →

A reader wrote this testimonial. As I wrote him personally, I am honored and flattered that this material was useful for someone to improve his life with — including asking for and getting a position he wanted at work with more creativity and responsibility, taking on leadership roles, and improving his regular habits. I’m sharing it here in addition to my testimonial page because by describing his background and specifying[…] Keep reading →

[This post is part of a series on “Mental models and beliefs: an exercise to identify yours.” If you don’t see a Table of Contents to the left, click here to view the series, where you’ll get more value than reading just this post.] Though this series covers models and their importance, one of their most important properties is that they inherently have flaws and inconsistencies. Flawed as they are,[…] Keep reading →

[This post is part of a series on “Mental models and beliefs: an exercise to identify yours.” If you don’t see a Table of Contents to the left, click here to view the series, where you’ll get more value than reading just this post.] Do you work hard to improve your life — studying hard, working long hours, being patient with a significant other, etc? If you’re always pushing, when[…] Keep reading →