Category Archives: Self-Improvement

When To Finish

Posted on October 11, 2011 by AJ Kessler

We talked last week about the importance of quitting.  Now, not paradoxically, we should talk about when to finish. Mastery is important.  It not only makes you a master of something, it teaches you how to learn and it builds … Continue reading →

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How To Set A Goal

Posted on October 10, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Most people set horrible goals. Because of this, they never even get close to reaching them. “Lose 10 pounds.” “Earn $100,000 next year.” “Spend more time with my family.” If you set goals like this, you have a 0% chance … Continue reading →

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The Necessity of No

Posted on October 9, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Most people saw the iPad as a revolutionary, unexpected device.  Some people thought it would never sell, or that it was a useless, stupid device. But, journalists and people on tech blogs and forums had been clamoring for Apple to … Continue reading →

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Quit

Posted on October 8, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Stephen Dubner, author of Freakonomics, also runs podcast by the same name.  He recently put out an episode titled “The Upside of Quitting” that was full of interesting thoughts.  Full transcript here, and my favorite quote below. “A quitter never … Continue reading →

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How to Earn Their Trust and Stop the Nagging

Posted on October 7, 2011 by AJ Kessler

There’s generally a big lag time between the time you make a change and the time that change is recognized. You undoubtedly noticed this as a child.  You demonstrate you know something, or know how to perform some task, but … Continue reading →

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Embracing Death

Posted on October 5, 2011 by AJ Kessler

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these … Continue reading →

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How To Not Care When The Shit Hits The Fan

Posted on October 4, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Successful people plan.  People who don’t plan rarely become successful.  You might hit the lottery, but if you want to succeed, you need a plan.  Easy enough. But one plan is probably not enough.  Now, someone who makes a plan … Continue reading →

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Why Do We Do It This Way, Again?

Posted on October 1, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Two newlyweds were spending their first Christmas together.  Wanting to celebrate properly, the new wife asked her mother for the famous Christmas Ham recipe.  The husband was excited. He watched as the wife prepared to dutifully follow the recipe.  Curiously … Continue reading →

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Stop: You Don’t Know His Motivation Until You Ask

Posted on September 29, 2011 by AJ Kessler

A friend of mine once bought a house for roughly half of what it was worth.  The market was still booming.  The seller certainly could have gotten more.  Why would anyone make such a terrible deal? John G. emailed to … Continue reading →

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On Being Too Good

Posted on September 28, 2011 by AJ Kessler

When Roger Bannister broke the 4:00 barrier, a wave of runners suddenly poured through the hole he had smashed.  Before Bannister, a sub four minute mile was unthinkable.  After Banister, well, who cares if you ran a 3:59?  So did … Continue reading →

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The Secret To Success Is Failure

Posted on September 27, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Dominic Randolph is the headmaster at an elite New York prep school.  His clientele is made up of offspring of New York’s elite, a group of rich and powerful people who fork over $38,500 for pre-kindergarten.  These kids, you might … Continue reading →

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Test Your Way To A Raise

Posted on September 25, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Testing is fundamentally important to increase your odds of success.  Yes, you may have been born an athletic freak.  You may write a screenplay that strikes the right tone at the right time and is wildly successful.  You may come … Continue reading →

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Relationship Rot

Posted on September 23, 2011 by AJ Kessler

More pithiness from Seth Godin: Most partnerships don’t end up in court. Most friendships don’t end in a fight. Most customers don’t leave in a huff. Instead, when one party feels underappreciated, or perhaps taken advantage of, she stops showing … Continue reading →

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Identifying Bias: It’s Not Just Bribes That Motivate

Posted on September 22, 2011 by AJ Kessler

I was reading the comments on this CNN article, titled “Experts Caution Against Stem Cell Treatments Abroad.”  They’re pretty typical of CNN comments: CorrDNEqCaus All I’m reading here is, “Don’t trust these treatments until we’re able to provide them and … Continue reading →

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The Scary Truth About Happiness

Posted on September 21, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Unfortunately, you can’t buy happiness, because happiness doesn’t come from doing things that make you feel good.  Happiness doesn’t come from laying on the beach, or vacationing in Europe, or shopping, or eating, or drinking, or partying, or fucking.  Happiness … Continue reading →

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