It’s far too easy (and common) to turn to—and often rely on—these authority figures for advice, feedback, and solutions to important life issues. But an impressive title—and even years of experience in a given field—does not guarantee the best result. Instead of relying on statistics, facts, mathematical formulas, and professional opinion to verify or guide our own personal inklings, we should take a bold step forward and test our own theories, absent from external judgment, direction, or the likelihood of success. Read More →

I never set out to get perfect grades. In fact, I clearly intended to place business and personal preferences as a priority. This was rather unusual in undergraduate school. My competitiveness kept me striving for good grades, but my lack of time kept me focused on effectiveness. Unexpectedly, this illogical amalgamation served me well.

Truthfully, I don’t believe I could have earned the grades I did following conventional college advice. In fact, I believe that doing less, studying less (see tips 1, 2, and 3 in Part 1) and applying these 10 tips, contributed most to the outcome. And perhaps even more satisfying is knowing that these lessons can be applied in the professional world very well. Read More →

This week marks an important milestone in my life. I am no longer a full time student of conventional education. Elation abounds. It’s back to business full time.

Anyone who knows me or reads my blog will know that I often wrestle with the concept and quality (return on time and money) of conventional education. Looking back, however, I did learn some key things – it just so happened that the majority of my most valuable “education” took place outside of the traditional curriculum. Read More →

It’s incredible how many opportunities there are to increase our productivity once we demand it of ourselves. And with the right strategies, doing more does not always need to be a compromise between work and fun. Read More →

Most people draw distinctively different lines between business and their private lifestyle. Personally, I see many striking similarities. As CEO of your life, it’s time to start thinking like one (and no, demoting yourself is not option). View yourself as a venture capitalist… your next great investment? You. Read More →

Education is important, but it’s our definition of education that has become convoluted and misleading. Consequently, our “educational” institutions have drifted further away from the course of our emerging world. Academics have arguably become a parallel reality increasingly detached from the “real world.” Yet, the inefficiency of conventional education continues because of the society’s symbolic perception of value. Read More →

Unemployment continues to be a serious issue and many of us are hoping for things to change. However, as basic education expands and improves worldwide, more and more people are qualified to competently perform the majority of jobs available. Thus, outsourcing, off-shoring, and subcontracting are inevitable trends becoming more and more prevalent. The future belongs to those who learn and master more right-brain abstract skills-sets such as creativity, problem solving, resourcefulness, communication, leadership, and relationship building – this is the repertoire of the new-age artist. Read More →

Without imagination, we embark on a dangerous course of stagnation because knowledge in isolation, only reproduces past results (a rut many “knowledge-workers” fall victim of). Don’t undersell and under-utilize your natural creative potential to label yourself more comfortably as a “knowledge worker.” You are more than a informational regurgitator–and you need to be in order to increase your personal value in this new marketplace. In the future (which is upon us), creativity will be disproportionately rewarded. Read More →

Companies rely on consultants to keep them honest and efficient. But relying on other people to keep your own performance high will make you expendable. Getting the most out of yourself is a personal responsibility and a crucial skill that we are typically taught. This article explores ways to become your own consultant to maintain an edge on your performance, innovation, and creativity. Read More →