To find a satisfying career and a satisfying life, you should work towards the intersections of the ikigai diagram, seeking as much overlap as possible. Now let’s zoom in on the “what you’re good at” section of the diagram. Odds are, you’re not just good at one thing. And that’s great because, to have a successful career, you probably need multiple strengths. Perhaps if you’re a violinist or a chess… Read More »Combine Your Strengths
There’s a common saying, often attributed to Winston Churchill,* that goes like this: “If you’re going through Hell, keep going.” Let’s unpack that piece of wisdom because there’s more to it than you might think. Imagine a person walking through a desert, trying to get from one side to the other. It’s painfully hot. They’re thirsty and exhausted. Stopping won’t do them any good. The only way to get out… Read More »If You’re Going Through Hell, Keep Going
I often write about self-perception – the idea that your brain is always watching what you do for clues about how to feel and what to think. This means your actions influence your thoughts and emotions just as much as the other way around. And in this dynamic, actions speak louder than thoughts, which is great because so many of our thoughts are unhelpful or just plain wrong. Thus, we… Read More »When No One Is Watching
A common question I get asked by coaching clients is, “What’s the best system for _______?” The blank is things like keeping track of your tasks, eating well, studying, and exercising. The answer is that there is no best system for anything. There are many good systems, but none are perfect. Which systems will work best for you depends on many factors, and you’ll sometimes need to adjust or replace… Read More »A System vs. The System