Sharing what I have learned from what I have read: A blog by Joe Abittan
There are some factors within individual control that influence success. Hard work is clearly important, good decision-making is important, and an ability to cooperate and work well with others is also important for success. But none of these factors on their own are sufficient for success, at least many prominent thinkers and researchers seem to … Continue reading Luck & Stories of Success
"There is unevenness, you know, when some objects rise conspicuous above others," Seneca wrote in Letters From a Stoic. I'm pretty fascinated with a concept that is known as Tall Poppy Syndrome and is often strongly expressed in Australia and New Zealand (so I understand - I haven't been there myself to experience the … Continue reading Tall Poppy Syndrome
"For our powers can never inspire in us implicit faith in ourselves except when many difficulties have confronted us on this side and on that, and have occasionally even come to close quarters with us," writes Seneca in Letters from a Stoic. In the quote above, Seneca writes that we can never develop a … Continue reading The Value of Difficulties
Recently, Tyler Cowen released a podcast interview he did with Annie Duke, someone I remember from the days when my brother watched tournaments for the World Series of Poker. A line from the interview really stood out to me and is something I think about in my life all the time, but haven't stated as eloquently … Continue reading Focus on Process
One of the reasons I write this blog is because I believe that we need deeper conversations about minor aspects of our lives. I think we need to be more considerate about what is truly important, and we need to think more deeply about how we can remove some of the less important things, so … Continue reading Developing Self-Esteem
Inequality isn't something I have thought of at a truly deep level, but its consequences are becoming more apparent to me the more I learn about the world. I grew up believing that anything was possible for anyone, and that anyone could become president of the United States or successful in their own endeavors as … Continue reading Interconnected Inequalities
Cal Newport describes the difference between lead measures and lag measures in his book Deep Work. The lag measure is generally the thing we are working toward. A promotion, a book publication, and a down-payment are all lag measures. They follow our actions and are the outcome that we can measure for success or failure. … Continue reading Find a Lead Measure and Drive Toward It
In the past I have found it incredibly helpful to have fully planned out days. To know what I have going on, what the most important priorities are for my day, and when I am going to buckle down with focus work versus when I am going to sift through emails is a great feeling. … Continue reading What Happens When Your Day Lacks Structure
The big problem with multitasking is that our brains literally cannot do it. Our brains don't work on multiple problems at the same time, instead, our brains switch between tasks rapidly to make it seem like we are multitasking. What we are really doing, however, is inconsistently working on one task for short bursts. … Continue reading Switching Tasks
I am afraid of working in job that doesn't provide much stimulating and interesting work and which drains my time and energy for when I am not at work. I want to have something to do that keeps me engaged, rewards me for being focused and interested in the world, and which provides enough flexibility … Continue reading Competition in a New Economy