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This week I wrote less posts and focused on a few longer pieces. First, the longer pieces: * Finding a hobby - I’ve found in my own life that it’s important to enjoy activities for the pure joy of creativity and curiousity. When everything is tied to a financial outcome

Years ago, I was leading an engineering team on a complex project. My job was to keep the project on budget, tasks queued up, and collaborate with the client on the work. There was a lot to do, and I was new to the role. Halfway through the project, I

I’ve been thinking a lot about the book, Essentialism, lately. Thanks to a back-and-forth conversation with Saadia Carbis on Async (a podcast I highly recommend checking out), I’ve been re-evaluating what things in my life I should be saying no to so that I can

As I get older I’m finding it’s more and more important to make sure that I always have a hobby. Years ago I decided to always dosomething on the side for fun. I’d gotten to the point where I was turning my creative ideas into income streams

A funny thing happens when I save writing ideas for later. I see a great headline and scan across an article, and I immediately know that I want to take the time to digest it—and ultimately respond with my own thoughts. So I’ll come to my writing time

I love reading fiction. In fact I love reading of all types. But fiction holds a special place for me. In a great story you can get lost in the imaginary world, and connect with the crazy characters doing fantastical things. But more importantly, at least for my own development

I used to kill ideas before they had a real chance. Every spark of curiosity met the same mental gate: Is this worth my time? What’s the opportunity cost? Can I even do this? The auditor in my head would run the numbers and most ideas would die right

Kids grow up with innate curiosity. It’s the hardwired instinct that permits us to walk, talk and survive long before we get to school. And at school, the industrial imperative prizes rigor over just about everything else. Obedience, detail orientation and system compliance are the unstated goals. Curiosity is

In the latest beta of iOS I’ve noticed a new trend. Apple’s default apps include a large checkmark in the top right corner during editing. This replaces the easier-to-miss Done button. It’s a welcome change. There’s always one clear affordance to press, and there’