Be Consistent, Save Authenticity Elsewhere
Professionals value consistency. Authenticity is more for personal connections.
We want a surgeon, a broadcaster, or a musician to bring their best every time, no matter how they feel.
Sure, we understand that you might be exhausted after a long shift. But when it’s my only aorta on the line, I want you to be the reliable, top-tier surgeon that you are.
Authenticity is for friendships.
Professionals show up and do their job well, even when they don’t feel like it.
Calm Mind with Mental Ledge
Drowning is a terrible, painful way to die. It’s so distressing that feeling overwhelmed can make us panic, struggle, and forget our strengths.
This feeling can hit us even when we’re not in water. When pressures are high and time is short, we might feel like we’re drowning—losing our focus, patience, and kindness.
But “the ledge” is a mental tool that can help us break free from this downward spiral.
Imagine being in 8 feet of water. Fear can take over—until you realize there’s a ledge just inches away. Knowing you can reach it anytime helps you calm down and find your balance.
It’s not hard to picture this ledge. For example, if some parts didn’t arrive on time, but we still have a few days before the deadline, we can step back, find our calm, and adjust our plan. If a project fails, but the budget allows another try tomorrow, that’s the ledge.
The ledge is a mix of time and resources. It’s the space between stability and disaster. It provides a solid base to stand on while we think about our next move. And it gives us perspective—helping us see that even when a moment feels intense, it might not be as critical as it seems.
Good project management and taking risks means creating a ledge. When we bet everything and leave no time to adjust, we increase the risks and invite failure.
Part of successful innovation is choosing projects that won’t ruin us if they don’t work out.
And the daily challenge is reminding ourselves that the ledge is always nearby, so we can refocus and get back to being our best selves.
Scams Using Personal Info Rise
Stay alert for these scams:
- Emails containing your name, address, phone number, and other personal information.
- Phone calls from bots that sound human, pretending to be friends or well-known brands.
- Fake job offers.
- Videos with AI-generated people, made to seem like they’re just for you.
- Security alerts that are fake and dangerous.
- Links that look safe but take you to unexpected sites.
It’s disappointing that talented people use their skills to create more complex scams. It’s also frustrating when my blog emails end up in spam, but somehow spam emails reach my inbox.
October 16-2024
AI's Role in Future Connections
Back in 1995, the internet was mostly seen as a place where people could interact with online content. But over time, it became clear that the real power of the internet lies in connection—linking people to ideas, things, and each other.
Today’s AI feels similar to content creation. It can write an essay, draw a picture, or come up with a new recipe. But maybe we’re on the brink of a shift. Developers might soon focus on how AI can use its memory of past interactions to help and connect people in new ways.
(Of course, we’ve seen this before too—companies might use these connections to get us hooked, then make their services worse to earn more money. But knowing this might help us avoid it.)
Imagine a world where many people spend all day with Bluetooth earbuds, getting information directly through sound. And if our ears are connected, the AI could know what we’re hearing and saying.
We’re already living in a world where our phones and computers shape a lot of what we do and say, and the system already keeps track of this.
So, what happens when AI becomes more like a wise, patient friend? Unlike the AI in movies like Her, this one could focus more on our social connections—knowing who’s reliable, skilled, available, or in need. It would remember not just today’s events, but also yesterday’s, both for us and for our social circles.
For example, if you’re about to throw away an old board game, the AI might suggest, “Wait, your neighbor down the street is looking for something like that—should I help you sell it?”
A company looking for proposals might ask its suppliers to share details about their processes. An AI could read through the info and match up suppliers who could work together more effectively.
Your fridge knows you like organic strawberries, so it helps 100 neighbors buy an entire crop from a farmer, reducing costs and waste.
Or, if three people are leaving a conference and need a ride to the airport, the AI might suggest they share a car.
Or, as you head to a community meeting, you let the AI know you’re open to a job opportunity if anyone there is hiring.
This level of connection and data-sharing is far beyond anything we’ve seen before, raising big questions about privacy, control, and trust.
I can think of many ways this could go wrong, like how the internet has had its challenges. But as we enter the AI era, it’s important to think about how we can make these connections work for us, not against us.
Keep Your Voice Healthy Daily
Most of us talk every day, and some make a living from it.
When your voice isn’t working well, it can throw off your entire day. I’ve recorded all 25+ of my audiobooks myself. I used to finish each one in a day or two, but now it takes me months. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own struggles:
First tip: Try Grether’s pastilles—they’re amazing. They’re a bit pricey but worth it.
If you often have voice problems, consider hiring a voice coach.
For long-term issues, see an ENT specialist to check things out. Only take steroids if three doctors agree you need them.
Poor posture can also cause ongoing voice problems. A coach certified in the Alexander Technique helped me a lot. It’s non-invasive and even a little fun.
The best tip I’ve discovered recently: It’s free, easy, a bit silly, and actually works! The official name is “semi-occluded vocal tract exercise,” and there are two ways to do it:
Blowing Bubbles: Get a straw and a tall glass of water, about three inches deep. Blow bubbles gently and steadily for as long as you can. You can even try changing the shape of your mouth while doing it—it’s pretty relaxing.
Humming with Bubbles: This part is trickier but effective. Blow bubbles while humming.
[Thanks to Andrew Keltz for the tip.]
Feel better soon!
The Fine Line Between Trust and Pressure
The gap between “buy now” and “bye now” is small but significant.
When we push too hard for a sale, we risk breaking the trust we’ve built.
At first, this loss of trust might not be obvious because the focus is on pushing forward, treating people like cash machines instead of building genuine connections and offering real help.
But eventually, the trust runs out, leaving behind only skepticism and lost opportunities.
October 15-2024
The Power of a Simple "Sorry"
An AI voice mail said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand you.” Even though there’s no real “I” or genuine apology, it still made me feel better.
On the other hand, the busy receptionist at the front desk couldn’t be bothered to say “I’m sorry.” Their boss was the one canceling the appointment, and I had just spent ten minutes navigating a confusing phone system to return their call. Rescheduling was a hassle, yet they didn’t offer an apology.
Sure, it wasn’t their fault—the system and the cancellation weren’t their doing.
But saying “sorry” doesn’t always mean taking the blame. It’s often just a simple way to show empathy and let someone know that you understand things aren’t perfect.
A small apology can make both sides feel better.
October 14-2024
Understanding the Levels of Insight
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Data: Basic facts or numbers.
- Information: Data with some context.
- Knowledge: Knowing how things connect.
- Understanding: Grasping the meaning behind things.
- Wisdom: Using knowledge thoughtfully.
We often focus most on gathering data, debating over information, and measuring knowledge. But maybe we should prioritize understanding and wisdom more. A concept highlighted by Russ Ackoff.
October 13-2024
Everyday Risks Explained Using Bananas
Bananas have a tiny amount of radioactivity. The “banana equivalent dose” (BED) measures this, though it’s not harmful. It helps us put risks into perspective. For example, if a new gadget exposes you to the same radiation as a banana, it’s probably safe. A chest X-ray, for instance, might be equal to eating 100 bananas. This gives us a relatable way to understand radiation levels.
Similarly, driving a car is riskier than flying. Thinking of this as a “Honda Civic dose” can help us understand the danger of car crashes.
More people get hurt by deer or moose than by sharks. So, we could think about animal risks in terms of a “Moose equivalent dose.”
And lastly, the chances of facing long-term harm from small mistakes, like wearing the wrong shoes in school or asking a silly question, are even less than getting hurt by a pumpkin. Imagining a “pumpkin equivalent dose” can remind us not to take these worries too seriously.
October 12-2024
Let AI Do Simple Tasks
First, let AI help with your work. If you don’t use it, your boss probably will.
Second, use the extra time for tasks that AI cannot handle. Focus on work that requires creativity, problem-solving, or human connection—things only you can do.
October 11-2024
Not Every Product Needs More
Every coat could use better pockets. It’s an easy way to make things better, right?
But sometimes, there are products or services that don’t need that kind of improvement. Not everything benefits from adding features.
Take the Birkin bag, for example. It’s neither affordable nor practical, but that’s part of its charm. Its value comes from what it represents, not from how useful it is.
So, it’s worth thinking: Do we always need to focus on the “pockets,” or can we sometimes let things be?
October 10-2024
Waking Up from Everyday Numbness
On TV, losing consciousness happens suddenly, but in real life, it can be more gradual. At work or in our personal lives, we sometimes stop paying attention. We stop appreciating things and making real choices.
It’s like sleepwalking through life—sheepwalking.
We don’t need a doctor to fix this. We just need the courage to wake up. Making choices brings responsibility, and with that often comes fear, but that’s okay. You can’t do meaningful work while asleep.
October 09-2024
Learning by Doing, Not Watching
Big college football in the U.S. costs over $5 billion every year, but none of these teams are coached by students.
This idea also applies to school theater directors, jazz band leaders, orchestra conductors, and even chess team coaches—though on a smaller scale.
True learning comes from doing, not just winning.
What if education focused on learning by doing? Imagine if the head of the football program taught students to coach. Or if the music director encouraged students to conduct the band.
Personally, the most valuable lessons I learned in school came from those rare times when I was given the chance to organize something, instead of just following instructions.
October 08-2024
Knowing When to Give Up or Quit
Sometimes, we just stop caring—we give up. I’ve seen it happen with a software company I once relied on. They have the money, but they’ve lost their drive. You can feel it in everything they do now. Giving up is a waste.
Quitting, though, is different. It’s about making a clear decision to move on. Quitting lets you reclaim your time and focus on what’s next. It’s better to make a choice rather than stay stuck in the middle.
October 07-2024
Character Isn’t Measured by Wealth
We often learn to connect character traits like honesty, kindness, and determination with things like wealth or status. But that’s usually not true. If we judge people based on these surface traits, we’re likely to be misled.
In any group, whether it’s a small town or a high-powered circle, you’ll likely find the same proportion of people lacking in character. In fact, wealthier people may even be more prone to selfishness.
In the end, shoplifting isn’t much different from cheating on your taxes.
October 06-2024
A New Twist On Old Calendars
Time moves forward, and we’ve always found ways to keep track of it. For decades, the page-a-day calendar was a popular way to do so (stay tuned for details about my new calendar collaboration with Debbie Millman).
First, technology made it possible to mass-produce 365 tear-off pages. Then, a culture developed that loved specific calendars featuring cartoons, brands, and hobbies. Retail stores helped sell these as the perfect gift, especially around the holidays.
The page-a-day calendar became a thoughtful, lighthearted gift, perfect for the new year.
However, times have changed. We no longer need paper calendars to know the date, and people use their devices for everything. Retail stores aren’t what they used to be, and sales have shifted mostly online, with orders coming months ahead of time.
Despite this, last year’s calendar collaboration was the fourth bestselling one the company released, and we’re back this year. Almost all calendar sales now happen online, but they remain a lovely way to mark the days and stay present.
This year, I teamed up with Debbie Millman, a talented artist and podcaster, who hand-lettered some of her favorite quotes from this blog. It’s already a #1 bestseller in a category, and the publisher prints just one batch.
Check it out and enjoy the connection it brings to your day. Thanks, Debbie!
October 05-2024
Handling Bullies with Positive Action
Standing Up to Bullies
Bullies use fear and control to make others do things that hurt them. They blame the victim, saying they wouldn’t need to be mean if others just did what they wanted. Strong bullies gather a group to help them push their agenda.
Living or working with bullies is tough. It stops progress and ruins the mood.
Bullies spread blame, which tears apart the community. Instead of bringing people together, they hurt those who don’t fit in.
People who are bullied often hide in fear instead of thinking about new ideas.
At their core, bullies are insecure. They can’t handle change and refuse to grow or learn.
Choosing positive, flexible, and productive ways to deal with problems is always the best route forward.
October 04-2024
Building a Brand That Matters
A logo isn’t a brand.
Many organizations think rebranding is just about updating their logo. But a brand is much more than a logo. A brand is a promise, a story, and a feeling people get when they interact with your company.
A name doesn’t define you.
Your brand isn’t your name. It’s how you make people feel and what they expect from you. Nike, Starbucks, and The Grateful Dead all have names that don’t describe what they do, but their brands are strong because of the story behind them. If your brand isn’t resonating, it’s not about the name but about the work you’re doing (or not doing).
Clarity is key.
The clearer and more specific you are about what you stand for, the more people will trust you. This may require being bold and stepping away from vague ideas that don’t resonate. Think of Batman–the Bat Signal is clear, and we know what to expect when we see it.
Understanding vs. action.
Should your name and messaging be clearer? Sure. But sometimes clarity doesn’t lead to more sales or engagement. For example, Louis Vuitton could rebrand as “Really expensive bags,” but it wouldn’t necessarily increase sales. The goal isn’t for everyone to understand your brand–it’s for the right people to understand and take action.
Spreading your message.
When people talk about your brand, do they feel smart and confident? Your brand should be easy to share and recommend. If your name or logo makes this difficult, consider changing them.
Target the right audience.
Not everyone will be interested in your brand, and that’s okay. Focus on the people who will care and take action. What do they believe? What excites them? Don’t worry about the rest.
Create urgency.
To drive change, you need to create tension. What will happen if someone doesn’t take action? What will they miss out on? Without urgency, people will default to “maybe later.”
Build a culture.
A strong brand creates a sense of belonging. It signals, “People like us do things like this.” Your goal is to create a community around your brand.
Your pitch isn’t everything.
An elevator pitch doesn’t need to explain everything. It’s just meant to spark curiosity so that someone wants to learn more. Think of it like telling a knock-knock joke to someone who’s ready to listen–it works because there’s a connection, and the conversation continues naturally.
Focus on what matters.
Logos don’t matter as much as we think. Starbucks, Neutrogena, Hermes–their logos aren’t what made them successful. What matters is doing work that people care about and share with others. Branding agencies help companies think about these big questions, but looking good is only part of the equation.
October 03-2024
Why AI Sometimes Makes Mistakes
Sometimes, AI systems give wrong answers confidently, without showing where the information came from. When people challenge them, they argue instead of explaining. Unfortunately, this is similar to how some people act. If we accept this behavior from AI, it becomes normal.
We should always check the facts and ask for proof.
October 02-2024
Embrace Change with Confidence
We’ve all been taught to charge ahead, thinking that pushing through challenges is always the best approach. But sometimes, stepping back and reassessing the situation can lead to better outcomes.
Taking a moment to gather new information and make a fresh decision isn’t a sign of failure or weakness—it’s actually a smart move. It shows wisdom, patience, and a long-term mindset.
There’s no need to feel discouraged when you need to change course. Retreating with purpose and enthusiasm demonstrates strength and a clear vision for the future.
So, remember: stepping back can often help you move forward even more effectively.
October 01-2024
The Changing Landscape of Old Media
Cable TV used to be a perfect system. There were just enough channels to air old movies and TV shows like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz, Seinfeld, and MASH for years, making them cultural staples. People could count on seeing them over and over.
But things have changed for books, music, and visual media:
- There’s endless room for everything now, all the time. Shelf space and broadcast schedules no longer limit what gets seen.
- It costs next to nothing to create and publish content. Now anyone can make a video or a song, so they do.
The result? There’s an overwhelming amount of content, and our shared cultural touchpoints are disappearing. We no longer have a common center where everyone has seen the same shows or read the same books.
This also affects the economy of media. Old classics aren’t as valuable as they once were, and it’s harder to predict what will capture people’s attention.
While there’s plenty of content, better quality is harder to come by, and navigating this landscape is more unpredictable than ever.
September 30-2024
The Endless Supply Of Content
Cable TV used to thrive on a balance: there were just enough channels to show classic movies and TV series, and just enough quality shows to fill the airtime. This allowed shows like Seinfeld or The Wizard of Oz to remain cultural staples for decades.
But now, two major shifts have changed the media landscape:
- Infinite Space: With streaming and digital platforms, there’s unlimited room for content, so everything is available all the time.
- Low Cost to Create: It’s cheaper than ever to make and share content, meaning anyone can produce a video, song, or book.
This has expanded the “long tail” of content, making it harder for people to share the same cultural experiences. The economy of media has also shifted, with attention being more unpredictable and older assets losing value.
More content isn’t hard to find, but better content is increasingly difficult to define.
September 29-2024
The Difference Between Hungry and Full
In a world driven by consumption—whether it’s the economy, marketing, or status—it’s easy to confuse two things: something that’s nearly empty (which we feel needs refilling) and something that’s not quite full (where there’s room for more).
Striving to keep something full can be motivating, but it’s not always necessary.
September 28-2024
Finding Patterns Or Embracing Chaos
Discovering a pattern in what seems like chaos is a big win. It gives us clarity and a way to make a difference.
But sometimes, the real insight is realizing there is no pattern—just random, unpredictable noise.
It takes hard work to find patterns, and it takes humility to accept the chaos when there isn’t one.
September 27-2024
The Power of Step-by-Step Thinking
I recently found out that adding “please figure this out step by step” to AI questions leads to much better, more accurate answers. This works for simple tasks, like counting letters in a word, and for more complex problems too.
It’s no surprise this also works well with people.
When we ask a quick question, we often get a quick, memorized answer. For example, saying “Freon gas” doesn’t really explain how a refrigerator works—it’s just a shortcut. But if we ask someone to explain the steps, they engage in deeper thinking.
In teaching and design, asking for step-by-step explanations encourages better understanding. While quick responses work for routine tasks, thinking through problems carefully, step by step, leads to better outcomes when it really matters.
September 26-2024
The Two Mistakes About Skill
Activities like public speaking, leadership, and riding a bike get easier with practice and momentum.
The first mistake we make is thinking that because someone (or ourselves) struggles with something now, they’ll never get good at it. When we’re bad at something, it’s easy to notice.
The second mistake is assuming that people who are good at these skills were simply born with talent. In reality, they practiced and built up momentum over time.
There’s a big difference between saying, “This person is bad at public speaking,” and, “This person will never be good at public speaking.” Similarly, being a great leader isn’t about being born that way—it’s a learned skill.
Momentum activities stand out only when we’re really bad at them or really good at them. The same applies to you.
September 25-2024
The Effort Behind Every Grain
That bowl of rice in front of you isn’t simple—it’s expensive. Hundreds of people contributed to getting it to you. It took countless gallons of water, hours of labor, and a complex supply chain to ensure it arrived just when you needed it.
But it’s also cheap. Earning enough to buy a bowl of rice takes less time now than ever before.
It’s tempting to make it even cheaper or more convenient, but what if we focused on making it better? I could choose premium Japanese Nagano Milky-Queen rice, cook it in a pressurized rice cooker, and serve it in a handmade ceramic bowl. Yes, it costs a bit more and takes a little longer, but it’s worth it.
Better is always possible if we take the time to appreciate the effort behind it.
September 24-2024
Take A Quick Zoom Break
In-person meetings don’t have breaks every 12 minutes because it takes too long to stop and restart. But that’s not true for Zoom.
Turn off your cameras, stand up, and take a quick 60-second break. If the meeting isn’t worth coming back to after that, it should have ended already.
If you’re on the call, be present, engage, and let’s make progress. Otherwise, let’s end it.
September 23-2024
The Power of “Seems”
The word “seems” is simple, just a five-letter verb, but it invites conversation.
When we present something as a fact, we often invite disagreement. But using “seems” opens the door to curiosity and dialogue.
It encourages others to share their perspective: What are you seeing that I’m not?
September 22-2024
The Power of Deep Thinking
Philosophers might spend years focused on one complex issue—analyzing, questioning, and learning from others’ perspectives.
But this kind of deep thinking isn’t just for academics.
What problem are you working on? When will you change your mind? What can you learn or challenge?
Progress comes when we push ourselves to think deeply, question our assumptions, and stay open to new ideas.
It’s exciting when we’re on the edge of discovery.
September 21-2024
Reaching the Last 1% Challenge
The toughest challenges usually get even harder as you approach the end.
In competitive sports, 99% of training focuses on improving the last 1% of performance—a split second difference. The same goes for squeezing out the best performance from cars, grapes, semiconductors, or anything in a competitive field.
Once something is declared important and competition begins, the challenge becomes steeper and more difficult.
Normally, we think more effort equals more results, but when you’re trying to reach the absolute limit, that rule changes. In competition, the toughest part is getting that last bit of improvement.
Your choices are:
- Focus on areas where more effort brings big results and avoid competing with those who are willing to go to extremes.
- Embrace the extreme challenge, knowing your competitors will too.
While pushing limits is exciting, it’s tough to build a lasting career around it.
September 20-2024
Evolving Beliefs Over Time Naturally
Think about the things you used to believe in—completely and without question.
Over time, though, with experience and perspective, we realize that some of these beliefs were wrong or incomplete.
It’s not just childhood myths like the tooth fairy. It’s also social norms we followed, loyalty to certain leaders, or ways of thinking that we once accepted without doubt.
We’re usually pretty good at letting these old beliefs fade away quietly, without much drama. But we often replace them with new certainties, convinced they’re right.
Resilience comes from holding onto these beliefs a bit more loosely and remembering how often they change.
September 19-2024
Avoiding Unstoppable Problems
When a train is already out of control, it feels urgent—and it is. But by the time it’s running away, it may be too late to stop.
The smarter move is to avoid getting on trains that could spiral out of control in the first place.
The key to reducing risk is asking: “Can I stop this later?” If the answer is no, don’t start.
September 18-2024
The Cost of Infamy
We’ve become so obsessed with fame that we often overlook the fact that there are two types of recognition.
You can be known for positive contributions or for negative behavior, like stirring up drama, cheating, or complaining. Choosing to be infamous might get attention, but why would anyone want to sacrifice their reputation for that kind of fame?
September 17-2024
The Ever-Changing Mississippi (And Us)
There’s no water in the Mississippi River today that was there ten years ago. The riverbanks have shifted too, and the fish and silt have all moved. So what exactly is “the Mississippi River”?
It’s just a label, something we use to describe a moving, changing thing. People are like this too. What if you were only known for the best or worst thing you ever did? That’s not who you are anymore, but it’s the label we give.
We often talk about people, organizations, or brands as if they never change. But like rivers, people are always evolving. When a label stops making sense, we should be willing to change it.
Holding onto old grudges or ideas keeps us from moving forward and making real progress.
September 16-2024
Turning “Fiasco” Into Opportunity
We often hear “fiasco” paired with “total” to describe a failure, but it might not be as disastrous as it seems.
The word “fiasco” likely comes from Italian, where the loser of a game would buy the next bottle for the group (from “flask”). But the important part? There’s always another round, another game, another chance to improve.
If we let our fear of failure stop us from playing, we’ll never get the opportunity to make things better.
September 15-2024
Discover New Skills This August
August is the perfect time to pick up a new skill! Just an hour a day for the month, and you could learn something that lasts a lifetime. Sure, beach reads are fun for relaxing, but using this time to gain a new skill could be even more rewarding.
I’m excited to share that my new Strategy course is now available, and you can get it for 30% off this week with this special link. I’ve tested it with over 300 people around the world, and the feedback has been incredible. With more than 40 video lessons, this course is also the foundation for my new book, which will be out in October.
If you’re interested in marketing, I’m also offering a special August discount on my most popular course, the Marketing Seminar, which has already helped over 9,000 students on Udemy.
In addition, I have a shorter course available on value creation—how to figure out which projects are really worth pursuing. You can also check out my other top 8 courses here.
Learning opens up new possibilities. Once we understand how things work, we can make the world a better place.
September 14-2024
Avoiding Risky Schemes and Manipulation
New ideas don’t get accepted by everyone right away. A few brave people try them first, and the rest of us watch to see if they work. This happens with technology, trends, and even food.
Ideas spread from person to person, but those who like things to stay the same often wait until they feel like they have no choice but to change. For example, it took the telephone over 40 years to reach a million people. Today, ideas spread faster, but they still don’t happen instantly.
This process is usually slow and based on individual choices, which eventually lead to larger changes.
Some ideas, though, need everyone to adopt them all at once. Things like nuclear power plants or laws can’t be tested individually and then shared. These types of changes come from committees or authorities who make decisions for the group.
Innovators often work hard to show why their ideas are good, making arguments about how the changes are productive, fair, or even magical. Sometimes these arguments work, especially when committees are focused on real change.
But two words can stop big changes in their tracks: “risky scheme.” Not all innovations are great, and they deserve to be questioned.
When someone calls a new idea a “risky scheme,” it raises alarms. “Risky” means it might fail, and many people avoid change because it comes with uncertainty. Waiting often feels safer. “Scheme” suggests the person promoting the idea might have a hidden agenda. If we think they’ll benefit more than we will, it feels like we’re being tricked.
No one wants to be deceived, and no one wants to be part of a bad deal. That’s why it’s important to recognize when something really is a risky scheme, especially if it seems too good to be true. It’s better to question these ideas and avoid being manipulated.
September 13-2024
The Misconception of Bigger Is Better
IBM, AT&T, and Microsoft spent huge amounts of money fighting efforts to break them up. Ironically, breaking up might have helped them. IBM never recovered, and Microsoft is still trying to.
A single computer company, phone company, or search engine can’t stay on top forever. If these companies had chosen to split themselves up, customers and shareholders would have benefited. But a few people at the top were focused on maintaining a false idea of size, wasting resources along the way.
A company is more than its executives. The benefits it brings should reach beyond just the top leadership. In the short term, staying big may seem rewarding for management, but in the long run, agility, serving customers, and being productive are more valuable.
When companies prioritize being big over being effective, they lose what made them successful in the first place. Management takes over, and the focus shifts away from customers and innovation. Instead of dominating industries, companies would be better off becoming smaller, more agile, and focused on serving people.
The same principle applies to smaller businesses. Whether it’s a restaurant or a real estate firm, when a company focuses on monopolizing instead of serving, they miss out on real opportunities for growth and value.
September 12-2024
Noise Happens, Silence Takes Work
When a group of people gathers, creating noise is simple. It only takes a few voices or distractions to cause chaos.
But silence is harder. It demands everyone be on the same page, working together in harmony.
September 11-2024
Focus On What Really Matters
There’s a big sale on band saw blades, and one of them is a great deal—except it only fits the saw you owned years ago.
The people who moved in next door to your old house are throwing a loud party.
Someone with the same name as you just won the lottery.
These situations feel close, and they grab our attention, but they’re really just distractions. We tend to get caught up in things that seem relevant, but we do better when we focus on what actually matters.
September 10-2024
The Technology We Didn't Expect
In old sci-fi movies from the 1950s, people imagined a future with flying jetpacks, invisibility cloaks, and ray guns. But what we ended up with is something very different, and far more powerful—a small device we carry in our pockets every day.
This little gadget connects us to billions of people. It can tell us where we are, where we’re going, and store all our contacts. It gives us access to all the world’s knowledge, and it can even understand and talk back to us in our own language. It has a camera that’s better than most, a video recorder with editing tools, and even acts as a universal translator. It can check our heart rate, show us live prices, help us find things in stock, play audiobooks read by actors, and identify songs, plants, or animals.
We can also see reviews for local places, check out a doctor or lawyer’s reputation, and track where our family and friends are. Plus, with just a tap, we can get a ride anywhere.
And yet, most of us use this incredible device to argue online or watch silly short videos.
September 09-2024
Stopping Fires Before They Start
Running into a burning building is brave work, but preventing fires before they happen is just as crucial and often more effective.
While firefighters save lives in the heat of the moment, fire inspectors work behind the scenes to make sure buildings are safe. Their job is all about ensuring that fires don’t start in the first place. It’s less flashy, but it keeps a lot more people safe in the long run.
September 08-2024
The Surprising Link Between Mediocrity and Perfectionism
It might seem strange, but mediocrity and perfectionism are more alike than you think. Both are ways to avoid real challenges.
When we deliver work that’s just okay, we can hide behind the idea that we were just following the guidelines. If it’s not great, we can blame it on the system or the culture.
On the other hand, if we keep delaying our work because it’s not perfect yet, we’re also avoiding the real issue. We can always find something to tweak or improve, which means we never actually finish.
The goal is to set a clear standard for what’s acceptable and then meet it. Finish your work when it’s good enough (and you get to decide what that means). Aim for quality, but remember, finishing and shipping are key.
September 07-2024
Might Be Your Best Bet
We often face multiple-choice questions where the options seem clear-cut. Do you want A or B? The choices seem straightforward, but the real issues are the ones you don’t see coming.
For instance, if a developer presents you with six different website designs, they might be overlooking bigger questions about the site’s structure, maintenance, and whether it’s truly the right solution for your needs.
Similarly, when a bank gives you three borrowing options, those choices are likely selected to benefit the bank more than you.
Sometimes, it’s exhausting to make decisions when every option seems to require endless thought. In these cases, choosing “None of the Above” might be the best way to ensure you’re addressing the real issues and making the best decision.
September 06-2024
Why Long-Term Thinking Benefits All
We’re all a little selfish. We do things to survive, reach our goals, and feel good about our place in the world.
But short-term selfishness is something we aim to grow out of. It’s running a red light because we’re in a rush, dumping waste in a river to save money, or cheating to get ahead. These actions might give us quick wins, but they don’t help us in the long run. If everyone plays the short-term game, we all end up worse off.
Short-term selfishness is against things like the minimum wage because it focuses on immediate costs. Long-term thinkers, however, know that supporting such measures creates more value over time.
Being long-term selfish means setting up an environment where everyone thrives—and that ultimately benefits us too.
September 05-2024
Chasing Dreams or Setting Goals?
Tim Brownson shared an interesting poll from Great Britain: one in four people believes they could make it to the Olympics if they trained for the next four years.
That’s a bit unrealistic. But this kind of thinking is common because it’s easy to say, “I could do that” when we know it’s not likely. Even if we had the skills, time, and resources, the chances of making it are like winning the lottery. Since the odds are so low, it feels safe to dream without actually trying.
But what if we spent the next four years focused on something achievable? We could write a symphony, start a small business, improve our health, deepen our relationships, or learn a new skill.
Someone will win the lottery, but it’s probably not going to be us. Instead, we can focus on goals within our reach.
September 04-2024
Why Important Work Matters Most
The difficult tasks we face each day can feel overwhelming. It’s the heavy lifting, urgent problems, or risky work that demands a lot from us.
Then there’s the important work—the kind that provides value to others, the reason you’re paid. This work solves customer problems.
Take this simple example:
The important part of running a ketchup business is getting shelf space, promoting your product, and delivering on your promises to customers and distributors.
The hard part? Actually making the ketchup, which involves dealing with heat, machinery, and supply chains.
Both are necessary, but you don’t always have to do the hard part yourself. You can buy ketchup from someone else and focus on the important things, like building a trusted brand and offering products that are easier to make but just as valuable.
It’s easy to confuse hard work with important work. Sometimes, we might trick ourselves into thinking the difficult tasks are essential, but in reality, that can keep us stuck.
Focus on what’s important. Don’t get sidetracked by unnecessary hard work.
September 03-2024
Gaining Skill Through Hard Tasks
Yesterday’s post was a bit too simple. While it’s true we can add more value by focusing on meaningful work, it’s important not to overlook the lessons that come from doing the hard, repetitive tasks.
By embracing the tough, routine parts of a job, we gain experience, humility, and new skills. It teaches us just how challenging these tasks can be and opens the door for innovation.
Mastering these skills and showing up consistently not only builds a strong foundation but also allows us to see opportunities that others might miss.
September 02-2024
The Tension Between Art and Business
The struggle is real.
In his diary on September 5, 1983, Andy Warhol wrote about a call from Jean-Michel Basquiat. Basquiat was worried that his fame might be short-lived, that he’d be a “flash in the pan.” Warhol reassured him, but then felt nervous himself. What if Basquiat couldn’t pay the rent for the building he rented from Warhol?
It’s a common concern. Publishers, promoters, and even family members wonder the same thing. The best of them recognize the tension and find a way to live with it.
There’s always a conflict of interest. As Fred Wilson says, if there’s no conflict, there’s no interest.
September 01-2024
Controlling What You Can Control
No matter how hard you try, you can’t change the direction of the wind. But that doesn’t mean you can’t become a skilled sailor.
Similarly, while you can’t control everything around you, there are things you can change like the atmosphere in your home, workplace, or community. It might feel as uncontrollable as the wind, but since these conditions are influenced by people, they can be adjusted by people too.
It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But knowing change is possible is the first step toward making it happen.
August 31-2024
Clear Writing for Every Job
We don’t expect everyone to design bridges, write poetry, or perform heart surgery. We leave those jobs to the experts.
But many jobs come with an unwritten requirement: writing. Whether it’s memos, proposals, or instruction manuals, writing is often part of the job, even if it’s not in the official description.
Take a simple example: the local supermarket is reducing its hours for the summer. They put up a notice that’s 100 words long when it could’ve been much shorter.
Or consider the emails and texts sent to residents where I live. They’re often too complicated and hard to understand, though the message could be delivered more clearly and effectively with simpler words.
There are two solutions:
Improve your writing. Even if you’re a doctor, manager, or teacher, if writing is part of your job, you need to be good at it.
Use tools like AI. If your writing doesn’t require a personal touch, you can now paste it into tools like Claude.ai, ask it to simplify the message, and let it make the communication clearer and more effective.
This way, you can focus on the other parts of your job without worrying about complicated writing.
August 30-2024
How Anonymity Shapes Online Behavior
I recently saw this anonymous quote: “The offline world is full of sticks, but the internet only has carrots.”
When people gather, it often brings out the best in them.
However, when these groups are anonymous, temporary, and loosely connected, the opposite can occur.
And let’s be honest, angry mobs never help anyone.
August 29-2024
Writing Skills for Non-Writers
No one asks you to design a bridge, write a sonnet, or perform surgery unless you’re trained to do it.
But many jobs include an unstated requirement: writing. Whether it’s memos, proposals, or manuals, writing becomes a part of the job.
For example, my local supermarket is reducing its summer hours, and the sign announcing it is 100 words long—far too much. And the building managers where I work often send confusing emails, when clearer and simpler language would be much more effective.
You have two choices:
The traditional option: Get better at writing. Even if you’re a doctor, manager, or teacher, writing is still part of your professional role. And if it’s important, you should aim to improve.
The modern option: If the writing doesn’t require your personal touch, copy your text, paste it into a tool like Claude.ai, and ask it to rewrite it—clearer, concise, and more positive.
Then, you can get back to what you do best.
August 28-2024
The Power and Pitfalls of Anonymity
I recently found an anonymous quote that said, “The offline world is full of sticks, but the internet only has carrots.”
When people gather in groups, it often brings out their best qualities.
But when those groups are anonymous, open to anyone, and temporary, things can go the other way.
In fact, mobs have never helped anyone.
August 27-2024
Making Customer Data Work for You
In a small business, a freelancer knows each customer personally—by name, their preferences, and how much they buy.
In big businesses, advanced software and data experts work to boost profits by analyzing customer behavior.
Most businesses, though, fall somewhere in the middle.
We may not think of our customer list as a spreadsheet, but it is. You might know details like names and purchase history, but often the customers who grab your attention are the loud ones or the ones who left unhappy. However, they may not be the most important or profitable in the long run.
Tools like numerous.ai can help make sense of all this data. They can analyze email lists, predict customer loyalty, and spot trends, helping you focus on what really matters.
At big companies like Amazon, this data is often misused to manipulate customers. But in a small organization, it can be a game changer, allowing you to make meaningful improvements for your customers.
It’s worth the effort, and if you’re not doing it yourself, you can hire someone who can. In fact, this kind of work can even become a business on its own.
August 26-2024
Fear Isn’t As Bad As Memory
I once lost a file that I remembered as containing some of my best work—sharp, clear, and powerful.
When I found it, though, it wasn’t nearly as good as I’d imagined. In fact, it wasn’t very useful at all.
Interestingly, the opposite is often true with things we fear. When the things we dread finally happen, they’re usually not as terrifying as we imagined them to be.
August 25-2024
The True Cost of Ads
Google became incredibly successful by perfecting sponsored search results. The idea was simple: the companies who wanted attention the most would pay for clicks. If their ads weren’t relevant, they’d waste money, and the market would balance itself. We accepted this because Google also gave us accurate organic results alongside clearly marked ads.
But now, hotel listings and platforms like Yelp and Amazon don’t hide the fact that money drives their search order. Instead of giving us what we need, they show us what makes them the most profit.
With small smartphone screens and quick decisions, ads blend in more than ever. This not only makes the user experience worse but also adds extra costs for businesses, which ultimately leads to higher prices for us.
We’ve been accustomed to free media for decades, but the internet’s drive for maximum profit has blurred the line between ads and content. It costs us time, trust, and money. After all, if something is “sponsored,” is it really a result?
August 24-2024
Embracing Help to Drive Change
When you’ve got a list of tasks to complete, it might seem easier to ignore the question, “How can I help?” and just keep working. Doing it yourself feels faster than organizing others.
But if your work is part of a bigger mission, a project that aims to create change, accepting help is far more effective.
When tackling a project, a key part of the process is bringing others on board to figure out how to achieve the change you’re after.
August 23-2024
Climbing the Hardest Part of the Journey
The last stretch of the trail is often the toughest, but without the long, winding climb before it, there wouldn’t be much of a mountain to conquer.
Highlight reels and stunning photos usually skip over all the hard work.
The truth is, just showing up and putting one foot in front of the other is what gets people to the hardest part. And those are the ones who make it to the top.
August 22-2024
Embracing Help to Drive Change
When you’ve got a list of tasks to complete, it might seem easier to ignore the question, “How can I help?” and just keep working. Doing it yourself feels faster than organizing others.
But if your work is part of a bigger mission, a project that aims to create change, accepting help is far more effective.
When tackling a project, a key part of the process is bringing others on board to figure out how to achieve the change you’re after.
August 23-2024
Write for One, Not Everyone
It’s easy to feel like you should write for everyone.
But the truth is, not everyone is going to read your work—someone specific will.
Do you know who that person is? Can you picture them clearly?
What did they believe before they found your work? What are their desires and fears? What has inspired them to act in the past?
Focus on the people you’re writing for. Forget about everyone else.
August 21-2024
Stepping Back for Greater Success
Moving into your child’s college dorm won’t make the experience better for either of you.
A wise founder steps away when the company is ready to do even better without them.
The idea that stepping down equals failure causes a lot of harm. If you truly care about the mission, sometimes the best thing you can do is set up a system that allows it to thrive on its own.
August 20-2024
Professions Then and Now: Embracing Change
Pharmacists once mixed medicines by hand.
Opticians crafted lenses from scratch.
Lawyers began writing with a blank page.
Graphic designers relied on hand-drawing skills.
These professions are still important, but none are the same as they were 30 years ago.
Are you resisting this change, or are you embracing it and leading the way?
It seems unlikely we’ll ever return to the old ways.
August 19-2024
When Words Hide True Emotion
When someone who isn’t an expert shares a strong opinion on a complex issue, their words might not always mean what they appear to. What they might really be expressing is worry, fear, confusion, or a need for comfort.
Responding with logical arguments won’t address these underlying emotions. If the argument seems ungrounded or doesn’t lead to a clear conclusion, it might not be intended as a productive debate.
Instead of focusing solely on the surface-level discussion, try to understand the emotions and needs behind the words. Often, people are more interested in having their feelings heard than in making a logical point.
August 18-2024
Bringing Back Delight in Tech
Salt is essential for survival—without it, we can’t last long. But herbs? You can go a whole month without them and still get by. They’re not a necessity, but they add flavor, delight, and satisfaction to food.
In the digital world, we often strip interactions down to their bare essentials. We remove anything that doesn’t seem strictly functional, much like omitting herbs from a dish. The first few times you interact with AI, it’s impressive, but eventually, it feels a bit hollow.
That’s where a skilled user experience (UX) designer steps in. They bring back the herbs—the small, thoughtful touches that create engagement, surprise, and a richer experience. It’s these subtle elements that make digital interactions feel more human and memorable.
August 17-2024
Save Your Confidence for Later
Here’s a simple but powerful habit to try…
The next time things are going well—whether you’re about to launch a project, just had a great meeting, or are simply enjoying a sunny day—grab your phone and take a walk.
Open an audio app, hit record, and spend twenty minutes talking. Share what you’ve learned, what you see around you, your hopes, and the changes you want to make. Outline your goals and the steps you’re planning to take to achieve them.
Then, save that recording.
One day, when you need some encouragement or guidance, you’ll have the perfect message from your past self. It could turn out to be the most valuable audiobook you own.
August 16-2024
The conspiracy of mediocrity
We often sacrifice quality for convenience. We know toasting the bread makes a sandwich better, yet we skip it to save time. This is solo mediocrity—common and often unnoticed.
But mediocrity becomes a real problem when more people are involved. Take a freelancer offering cheap, uninspired work; they find clients who are okay with just “good enough.” Or a small company, worn down by constant pressure, starts cutting corners and catering to the mass market’s lower expectations.
These situations are only possible because many people choose to settle. In a large company, it might take 30 or 50 people quietly agreeing to let things slide before a once-great product becomes ordinary. But if just one or two stood up and said, “not on my watch,” the decline could be stopped.
This conspiracy isn’t secret or well-planned. It’s simply the result of short-term market pressures causing people who once cared deeply to care a little less.
The challenge is in recognizing when we’re letting it happen—and choosing to resist.
August 15-2024
Practical approaches for more effective teamwork
Give credit where it’s due, and take responsibility for your actions.
Set clear timelines and stick to them.
Create a clear plan or spec, and improve it as needed.
Agree on a budget upfront.
Keep an organized calendar.
Let go of grudges.
Communicate openly and kindly.
Show your progress.
Share your worries and concerns.
Make promises you can keep.
Do the necessary research or reading.
Talk about people only when they’re present.
Seek out those who are more skilled for specific tasks.
Share information freely.
Clean up after yourself—and help others too.
Celebrate wins publicly, but offer criticism privately.
Be present and active in meetings, especially the ones you organize.
Ask questions when you’re unsure.
Repeat what you heard to ensure understanding.
Be on time.
Use simple courtesies like “please” and “thank you.”
Offer and maintain dignity in all situations.
Ask “what if” and “why” to encourage curiosity.
Don’t tolerate bullying or toxic behavior.
If solo work is best, do it; otherwise, collaborate and ask for help when needed.
Support those you believe in with genuine enthusiasm.
Choose your team wisely, and invest in their growth.
Always strive for improvement.
These are straightforward actions that can help you thrive both individually and as part of a team.
August 14-2024
Compared to perfect
Striving for perfection can be useful—it gives us a clear goal to aim for and a way to improve our work. It’s like a guiding star that pushes us to do better.
However, constantly comparing ourselves to perfection can lead to ongoing dissatisfaction. While aiming for perfection can inspire us, it’s important to remember that perfection is impossible to achieve.
What we create or have may not be perfect, but it could still be exactly what we need in the moment. Instead of getting stuck chasing perfection, sometimes it’s best to appreciate what’s right in front of us.
August 13-2024
Empathy at a distance
It’s not easy to feel empathy, especially for people who are different from us. That person on the “other side”—whether in beliefs, background, or experiences—can be tough to understand. Their struggles and perspectives might seem foreign.
Even the person you’re close to, who you think you know so well, is going through things you may never fully grasp.
Empathy takes effort, but it’s worth it. It helps us connect, build trust, and create a sense of community. Despite how challenging it is, practicing empathy is the foundation of stronger relationships and understanding.
August 12-2024
Feeding the algorithm
A marketing consultant might tell you to post three times a day on LinkedIn, even if the content isn’t great. An SEO expert might advise you to fill your website with keywords and spend heavily on link-building. Job seekers are often instructed to make their resumes AI-friendly, checking off every possible requirement.
This approach—focusing on feeding the algorithm—can work if you’re one of the few doing it or if you’re able to stay ahead of everyone else. But there’s a catch: algorithms change, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be the one who benefits.
The alternative? Step out of your comfort zone. Instead of trying to please the algorithm, focus on creating meaningful, remarkable work. Let others chase scale. Find ways to stand out by being generous, unique, and authentic. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that feeding the algorithm is the only way to succeed.
After all, algorithms are designed to control the crowd. If you’re always following the crowd, you’re likely being controlled.
So, when you post on social media or any platform, ask yourself: Are you working for the algorithm, or are you focused on serving the people who truly matter—the ones who want to join you on your journey?
August 11-2024
The bitterness Loop
When we feel entitled, it often leads to bitterness. This is because bitterness thrives on finding more reasons to be upset, overshadowing other feelings.
Instead of focusing on what’s wrong and fueling our bitterness, we should redirect our energy towards positive actions. We can combat bitterness by working on solutions, building connections, and looking for ways to improve situations. Simply seeking more reasons to be bitter only makes the problem worse.
August 10-2024
A Labor of Love
It’s wonderful to have the means to work on something that brings us true happiness. If you’re fortunate enough to experience this, it might be wise not to mix it to make the most money possible.
Trying to turn something you love into a money-making venture can sometimes detract from the joy it brings. Focusing on just one—either the pleasure of the activity or its profit potential—often means sacrificing the other.
August 9-2024