The Definition of Failure
We have been told that the difference between success and failure lies in achieving goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Notice how this definition omits any consideration of whether your work feels intrinsically right. This paradigm is based on a finite game, a game played to win and which ends once the […]
What Money Can Never Buy
Anything created by money alone is not a real solution. It’s a hack. A quick fix. Real solutions are only produced through sweat and tears. Progress must be earned. It cannot be bought. History is filled with examples. The first modern aircraft did not come from any of the well-financed attempts. To the contrary, it […]
How to Stop Suffering in Comfort
A conqueror once invaded a village and imprisoned most of its men. Among the villagers were four philanthropists. The first philanthropist went to the conqueror and said, “I understand the men do not have clean water, so I would like to donate purified water to the men.” And he was granted that. The second philanthropist […]
How to Avoid the Quantification Bias from Ruining the Quality of Your Decisions
Consider the story of James, who from an early age was obsessed with projecting an image of success. After graduating from an elite college, he worked in a high-paying corporate job he didn’t particularly enjoy. The salary allowed him to pay his sister’s medical bills, something that mattered to him deeply. As James climbed the […]
The Hidden Cost of Trading Time for Money
Choosing your work is about engaging in work that recognizes the irreplaceable nature of time. Let’s examine the value of time by considering a few scenarios. What’s the difference between someone who goes on a luxurious vacation — first-class flights, five-star hotels — but spends their time feeling miserable, whining, and bitterly moaning about petty […]