How to use Roam Research: a tool for metacognition
Roam Research is a new kind of knowledge management tool. Learn how to use it for journaling, note-taking, goal-tracking, task management, and more.
Knowing when it’s time to quit and move on
Whether you have a job and a few side projects or you are a full-time entrepreneur, chances are you consider your work a part of your identity. “What do you do?” is one of the most common icebreakers when we meet new people. Certain jobs are thought to breed certain mindsets. Some are considered—rightly or … Read More
Why most strategies fail
You have a plan. It sounds like a good, solid plan. You’ve written it down. You’ve even asked for feedback. You’re ready to execute. Then, down the line, something goes wrong. Despite all your effort and care, the painstakingly crafted strategy doesn’t seem to work. What happened? The reason why most strategies fail is they’re … Read More
How to decide what to work on next
Many people manage their tasks using a to-do list. Everything they need need to work on at some point ends up on that list, and they measure their productivity by looking at the number of tasks completed in a certain amount of time. While I’m a big fan of checklists—which have a clear objective—I don’t … Read More
Is there a limit to the human brain’s capacity?
The human brain is a fascinating machine. The complex interactions in our mind shape our thoughts, memories, feelings and dreams, and ultimately make us who we are. Is there a limit to what this wonderful machine can accomplish? Is the human intellect capped to a certain level? If we project ourselves in, say, a thousand … Read More
How to overcome writer’s block
I have been writing on this website almost every weekday for the past few months. Sometimes, it comes easy—I feel inspired, the words flow, and everything just clicks. But other times, I stare for a while at a blank page, unable to start writing. Writer’s block is commonly described as a creative slowdown, which is … Read More
30 life lessons I learned before turning 30
I just turned 30. As someone who suffers from time anxiety, I thought it would bring the usual mix of stress and depression I usually experience around birthdays. But, somehow, this year is different. I feel calmer, more confident, and more excited about the future. To some who are younger than me, thirty years may … Read More
2019 Year in Review: Growth versus Goals
The end of the year is usually a time for reflection, gratitude, and planning. With our inboxes quiet and our schedules free of meetings, we can afford to take a moment and think about what we achieved and what’s next. It’s my second year writing an annual review, and I want to make it more … Read More
Noterday: letting go of yesterday
“If your yesterday was much better than your today, then today you will most probably walk around in your yesterday.” Mehmet Murat ildan, Turkish playwright and novelist. I love playing with words. They’re living vessels of what it means to be human. Some words feel so natural we never stop to question their meaning. Take … Read More
Planner or pantser: what’s your productivity style?
More than 80% of Americans want to write a book at some point in their lives. If you’ve ever tried to write the first draft of a book, you likely fall between one of two categories: planner or pantser. Planners outline their novel before writing it. Pantsers “fly by the seat of their pants”—they let … Read More