I never really got into martial arts as a kid for a few reasons – the first is that my primary interest in martial arts was learning how to be a ninja, and the second is that I hated the rigors and discipline that is the basis of martial arts. […]
Month: June 2021
Cruise Control
Cruise control (and more recently, auto-pilot) are great options when your primary goal is to maintain the status quo. You’re on a long stretch of highway and want to maintain a certain speed, or you’re looking to maintain a specific route. But when there’s lots of uncertainty, or missing lane […]
Bifurcation
I’ve recently learned from Margo Aaron that good copy bifurcates, which is a fancy word that means to divide or fork into two paths. Basically, what this means is that good copywriting lets you know whether or not it is for you or not for you. So if you’re looking […]
The Great Equalizer
People try to exert status in all sorts of ways. Having their admin bring you coffee. Driving a sports car. Accessorizing with designer watches and handbags. Lifting tons of weight at the gym. Casually mentioning the Amazon best-seller book they wrote. Even if they’re smarter, more conventionally attractive, wealthier, more […]
The Best Restaurant in the Universe
Figuring out what the best restaurant is in an entire country is a downright ridiculous feat. Even figuring out the best restaurant in a city is pretty silly goal. Because if you’re not clear on what metrics you’re using to evaluate, there will be tons of dissenting opinions, and they won’t […]
Good Enough
When evaluating work, “Good enough” is an interesting choice, as depending on the context, it could be necessary, an insult, an easy way out, and/or compassionate. Maybe the project is over-budget and past it’s due date. Good enough lets you ship and move on. Maybe the work is under par, […]
Short Term vs. Long Term
We often tend to think of decision making through a “short term vs. long term” framework, but I think it’s really “immediate term vs. short term.” Life is too unpredictable to make many accurate long term decisions, and those types of decisions are ones that are made over long discussions […]
Question Ratios in Conversation
When you’re the type of person to ask questions all the time, you may come off as impersonal or deflective. When you’re the type of person to never ask questions, you may come off as unconversational or alternatively the type of person who can’t shut up. The hard part is […]
For Yourself or For Others
If you’re creating something – whether that’s sales copy, a new video game, art, a book, whatever – it is helpful to know if it’s for you or for other people. If it’s for other people, hopefully you’re taking the time to make sure that these people want what you’re […]
Commute or Road Trip?
Both the daily commute to work and the fun-filled road trip with friends are basically long car rides. However, the context and mindset makes all the difference. What stories are you telling yourself about an unlikable task or situation that you’re in? Does it make sense to reframe them, or […]