In the year 2000, I aced the written portion of my college entrance exams. Then I ignored the result, shrugged my shoulders, and plowed my way toward a degree in engineering anyway.
It turns out I’m not very good at math.
At the University of Wisconsin, I worked at a newspaper, majored in journalism, and graduated with honors in 2005. But I missed the signs again, pursuing design and web development instead of writing.
Only in 2014, after years of incidental writing experience, did I recognize my superpower. My teammates noticed too, telling me: “Hey, you’re pretty good at this.” I guess they’re right. I am pretty good at writing. And the best part is, I really really like doing it.
Since then, I’ve written two books and dozens of articles. I’ve done copywriting, ghostwriting, editing, and content strategy. My best work blends personal experience with scientific research and reader anecdotes to illuminate surprising truths, share proven advice, and encourage people to rethink the ways they spend their time.
Here are some of my favorite examples.
Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day
Contains almost everything I know about slowing down, finding focus, and making time in daily life. You can read Make Time in print or ebook format, or listen to Jake and I read it as an audiobook!
Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days
Sprint is not just about the 5-day Design Sprint method that I helped develop at GV. It’s about replacing the crazy defaults of modern work with a process that’s focused, face-to-face, and thoughtful.
The Most Effective Way to Manage Your Inbox Is Also the Easiest
Medium, February 2020
Use a Calendar to Make Every Day Your Ideal Day
Medium, August 2019
What Quitting My Job to Live on a Sailboat Taught Me About Fulfillment
Medium, February 2019
Feeling Busy and Distracted? It’s Not Your Fault
Make Time, February 2019
It’s More Important Than Ever to Ignore the News
Make Time, August 2018
Notifications Suck, But Infinity Pools Are a Really Big Problem
Make Time, January 2017
Sprints Are the Secret to Getting More Done
Harvard Business Review, March 2016
Make Time, March 2016
Medium, December 2015
Not Every Product Needs to be Beautiful
WIRED Magazine, May 2015
Understanding Entrepreneurial Design
Wall Street Journal, February 2014
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