Growing up, mother was tight-fisted like an immigrant. We never went out to eat. Not even ice-cream; it was always “I’ll get you a whole tub at home!”. Not even the movies; it was always: “man up, it’ll be on TV in like two years”. And we all know how two years is literally like…
Mental Tools
Don’t Think Of It As A New Year, Think Of It As A New Day…
by khatzumoto
This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series New Year’s Is StoopidNo, a new minute. No. A new second. Business author Brian Tracy once said something to the effect of (and I paraphrase): “The most successful people in our society are those who think of the longest time horizon when using money, and…
Don’t Be Humble, Do Be Scrappy, Or: How To Turn Compliments Into Something Useful
by khatzumoto
Depending on the language you’re learning, you’re going to receive compliments for your skill. Those of you who were good little children and obeyed your mothers growing up are going to turn down each compliment: “No, no; I suck; I’m terrible.” The arrogant will be insulted by the compliment. In my book, arrogance beats humility,…
How To Compete Against Yourself: Don’t Do Your Best, Do Better Than Your Personal Average
by khatzumoto
The first step is showing up. But what about after that? Do you do your best? No. Doing your best is a really bad idea. Let’s talk about world records. A world record is just a personal best. It is the best personal best of all recorded and widely recognized personal bests. The best of…
The L Word
by khatzumoto
OK, what I’m about to say is super gay. Not “gay” in terms of homosexual or minorities, but gay in terms of “lame” and “marriage equality”. So, regular gay. OK, are you offended yet? Also, women (including and limited to your mom) and Jews (including but not limited to David Geffen) and cripples. Are we…
You Have Only Three Choices
by khatzumoto
You have only three choices: Do it all Do something Do something physically easy (fun), but emotionally difficult (brave and unusual, unpredictable outcome) Do nothing Do something physically difficult (tiring), but emotionally easy (straightforward, known outcome, done before), like a machine — this is worse than doing nothing. Number 1 is righteous, but impossible. This…