Life on MarkJacobsen.net

The Art of Not Sharing

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:45:00 +0000

Check out this article: [The Art of Not Sharing][1]

“In the pre-digital age, privacy was the default state. Sharing information required effort – writing a letter, making a phone call, or having a face-to-face conversation. Now, privacy requires effort. We have to actively choose not to share, to resist the temptation to post, to keep our thoughts and experiences to ourselves.”

“I think of my journal as my private social media feed, one where I’m the only follower. Like a social media platform, it’s a place for me to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Unlike social media, there’s no pressure for me to perform, no need to curate, no risk of oversharing.”[1]: https://www.joanwestenberg.com/p/the-art-of-not-sharing

The Goal of Adulthood

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 18:31:00 +0000

“The goal of adulthood is to let go of the other possible existences and to make the best of the one. A successful adult is one who understands that it doesn’t matter which life you ultimately pick, only that you live it well.”

From (spoiler alert you have to actually read the article not just the title): [A Surprising Number Of Teens Think They’ll Die Young, Or Live Forever, Whichever Comes First][1]

But, back to the quote, it’s actually pretty spot on if you think about it. Somewhat difficult to do, but living your life well (however you define that) seems like a worthwhile goal.[1]: https://thelastpsychiatrist.com/2009/07/a_surprising_number_of_teens_t.html

The Importance of Leverage

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 14:32:00 +0000

I first read this in James Clear’s 3-2-1 Newsletter, but thought the idea from Naval Ravikant was so good that I just had to share…

Humans evolved in societies where there was no leverage. If I was chopping wood or carrying water for you, you knew eight hours put in would be equal to about eight hours of output. Now we’ve invented leverage… As a worker, you want to be as leveraged as possible so you have a huge impact without as much time or physical effort.

A leveraged worker can out-produce a non-leveraged worker by a factor of one thousand or ten thousand. With a leveraged worker, judgment is far more important than how much time they put in or how hard they work.

For example, a good software engineer, just by writing the right little piece of code and creating the right little application, can literally create half a billion dollars’ worth of value for a company. But ten engineers working ten times as hard, just because they choose the wrong model, the wrong product, wrote it the wrong way, or put it in the wrong viral loop, have basically wasted their time. Inputs don’t match outputs, especially for leveraged workers.

What you want in life is to be in control of your time. You want to get into a leveraged job where you control your time and you’re tracked on outputs.

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

Yuval Noah Harari: the world after coronavirus

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:27:31 +0000

A good perspective from the author of Sapiens, Homo Deus, and more on the Coronavirus

https://www.ft.com/content/19d90308-6858-11ea-a3c9-1fe6fedcca75

How will the bomb find you?

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 12:38:32 +0000

This was from my parents pastor, but I thought it was good enough to share…

In 1948, professor and author, C.S. Lewis, wrote an essay titled On Living In An Atomic Age. With the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki still ringing in the world’s ears, fear about atomic technology was rampant. Lewis’ words were a timely reminder then. In the perilous times that we are currently living through, the professor’s words are just as important.

As you read through this excerpt from his larger essay, I’ve replaced the word “atomic” with “coronavirus”, and ask yourself, how will the bomb (or the virus) find you?

*In one way we think a great deal too much of the coronavirus. ‘How are we to live in an coronavirus age?’ I am tempted to reply: ‘Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and cut your throat at night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of syphilis, an age of paralysis, an age of air raids, an age of railway accidents, an age of motor accidents. *

*In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to death before the coronavirus was invented… It is perfectly ridiculous to go about whimpering and drawing long faces because the scientists have added one more chance of painful and premature death to a world which already bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty. *

*If we are all going to be destroyed by a virus, let that virus when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about the coronavirus. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds. *

What the coronavirus has really done is to remind us forcibly of the sort of world we are living in and which, during the prosperous period before, we were beginning to forget. And this reminder is, so far as it goes, a good thing. We have been waked from a pretty dream, and now we can begin to talk about realities.

*It is our business to live by our own law not by [fear’s]: to follow, in private or in public life, the law of love and temperance even when they seem to be suicidal, and not the law of competition and grab, even when they seem to be necessary to our own survival. For it is part of our spiritual law never to put survival first: not even the survival of our species. We must resolutely train ourselves to feel that the survival of Man on this Earth, much more of our own nation or culture or class, is not worth having unless it can be had by honorable and merciful means. *

*Nothing is more likely to destroy a species or a nation than a determination to survive at all costs. Those who care for something else more than civilization are the only people by whom civilization is at all likely to be preserved. Those who want Heaven most have served Earth best. Those who love Man less than God do most for Man. *

Let the coronavirus find you doing well,

On Digital Minimalism and Pandemics

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 13:48:30 +0000

Read the entire post, but it boils down to…

Check one national and one local new source each morning. Then – and this is the important part – don’t check any other news for the rest of the day. Presumably, time sensitive updates that affect you directly will arrive by email, or phone, or text.

Distract yourself with value-driven action; lots of action. Serve your community, serve your kids, serve yourself (both body and mind), produce good work. Try to fit in a few moments of forced gratitude, just to keep those particular circuits active.

https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2020/03/13/on-digital-minimalism-and-pandemics/

On Being Told “No”

Sat, 11 Jan 2020 03:17:20 +0000

Read this on [James Clear’s blog][1] today and it made me stop and think. It really is good advice.

When someone says no to a request, they usually mean “not right now” or “not in that way.”

Most people want to help others, but there are many priorities competing for our time.

Don’t take it personally. Ask again later. Ask differently.[1]: https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/january-9-2020

This is Water

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 20:17:40 +0000

It depends on what you want to consider…

Stop Stealing Dreams (by Seth Godin)

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 13:58:00 +0000

If you’ve ever read or listened to anything by Seth Godin you know he has a knack for asking thought provoking questions, and challenging conventional wisdom. As such, he recently did a three part series on his Akimbo podcast about what school is for that I found fascinating. Hope they make you stop and think too.

S 3 E 9 Stop Stealing Dreams

S 3 E 10: Connect the DotsQ&A about Stop Stealing Dreams

[S 3 E 11 Getting In (to a Famous College)][1]

Find more at [www.stopstealingdreams.com][2][1]: https://www.akimbo.me/blog/s-3-e-11-getting-in-to-a-famous-college [2]: http://www.stopstealingdreams.com

What The Future Holds… (How to Use Physics to Predict the Future) with Michio Kaku

Mon, 07 May 2018 14:54:00 +0000

Probably more questions than answers, but still very interesting.

338 – Michio Kaku: What The Future Holds… (How to Use Physics to Predict the Future) – Altucher Confidential

Surviving the Unthinkable

Tue, 01 May 2018 12:43:00 +0000

You never like to think it could happen, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

[310: Tim Larkin: Surviving the Unthinkable][1][1]: https://jamesaltucher.com/2018/01/tim-larkin/

Let’s bring a little Hope (Squad) to Lansing area schools

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 13:08:00 +0000

This is the quote that got me…

“As someone who has suffered from severe depression, I can assure you that while you may think life is precious, to someone who suffers from mental illness, life is painful. It’s easy for those of you who don’t suffer from these things to say life has value, but to someone who suffers every day, there appears to be only two choices at times: continue suffering, or end the suffering (often via suicide). I know that sounds probably weird to normal people, but that’s the way suicidal people think” – Quote from HS student shared in a Hope Squad meeting

That’s from [an article][1] my sister brought to my attention about what a mother and father are doing to help fight suicide and mental illness after they lost their 15 year old to suicide in 2015.

The organization is is called the [Hope Squad][2] and traces its beginnings back to 1998. That’s the year police asked Greg Hudnall, who was then a high school principal, to identify the body of a 14-year-old who had killed himself in the public park next to his school.

“I actually had to move the body to identify him. And afterwards I walked to my car, and I literally threw up and sobbed,” he said. “I mean this was an amazing young man.”

Hudnall vowed then to do anything he could to help prevent suicide in his Provo City School District of 14,000 students.

Now, I think it’s time for us to bring the [Hope Squad][2] program to all the school districts in and around Lansing.

Have you ever lost a loved one to suicide or know someone who has? Then you know how it can shatter a person, a family, and maybe even yourself. I lost my older [brother][3] to suicide just before my 21st birthday, and I’ve always wanted to do more. To know that maybe I helped even one person to hold on.

Please share this article or any of the resources in it with your superintendent, principles, and school board. (see below for links)

Suicide Prevention Resources

[National Suicide Prevention Hotline][4]: 800-273-8255
[American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)][5]
[Hope Squad][2]
[Lansing area school district websites][6][1]: https://www.wcpo.com/longform/hope-born-from-grief [2]: https://hopesquad.com [3]: http://markjacobsen.net/2014/08/missing/ [4]: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ [5]: https://afsp.org/ [6]: https://freedomre.com/schools/

Tyra Banks and her mom on the Jame Altucher Show

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 15:25:00 +0000

Great interview with Tyra and her mom…

339 – Tyra Banks: – Altucher Confidential

The Real History of Daylight Saving Time

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:32:00 +0000

And now you know…

The Real History of Daylight Saving Time

How to Achieve Work-Life Balance in 5 Steps

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:26:00 +0000

If you don’t want to [read the entire article][1] because Time’s website is so overrun with ads, here’s the summary…

Everything is not equally important. Do fewer things and do them well.
Decide what your values are — and which ones take precedence.
Do the things that get disproportionate results.
Focus on the things only you can do.
Do the important things which must be done now.[1]: http://time.com/43808/how-to-achieve-work-life-balance-in-5-steps/

This Is How You Speed Up Your Morning Routine (and Get More Sleep) #1aDay

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:42:00 +0000

Here’s the rundown, but read the whole thing…

Figure Out When to Go to Bed Based on When You Have to Get Up
Set Your Clothes Out
Don’t Check Facebook
Get a Quick Breakfast
Eat Lunch at Work
Shower the Night Before
Brew Your Own Coffee

This Is How You Speed Up Your Morning Routine (and Get More Sleep)

12 Rules for Life: A Solution to Suffering

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:11:00 +0000

Some hard truth here…

312 – Jordan B. Peterson: 12 Rules for Life: A Solution to Suffering – Altucher Confidential

5% Less

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:32:00 +0000

Sometimes the solution isn’t to 10x everything, or maybe 5% less will make you 10% happier 🙂

[Read the full article here][1][1]: https://bemorewithless.com/5percent/

The secret to learning how to do anything

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:05:00 +0000

Having a problem to solve is always a good way to really learn anything.

Read the full article here

The Best Time of Day to Do Just About Anything

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 12:38:00 +0000

Read the full article for details, but these are the suggestions…

7 AM: Do Some Creative Thinking
8 AM (or 1 PM): Book a Doctor’s Appointment
9 AM: Go to the Post Office
9 AM: Schedule a Job Interview
9 AM: Search for an Apartment
9:30 AM: Drink Your Coffee
2 PM: Take a Nap
2 PM: Send Email
2 PM: Send Email
6 PM: Exercise
8 PM: Shop for Groceries
10 PM: Go to Sleep
10:30 PM: Start and End eBay Listings

Safety is an Expensive Illusion

Mon, 12 Feb 2018 12:37:00 +0000

If you haven’t heard of Mr Money Mustache yet, let me introduce you…

Read the full article here

3 Keys to Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Finally Stick

Mon, 29 Jan 2018 14:51:00 +0000

A good deep dive on habits and goals to make your resolutions stick…

3 Keys to Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Finally Stick (TPS176)

Why Motivating Others Starts With Using The Right Language

Thu, 25 Jan 2018 14:06:00 +0000

I’ve loved this since I read it. “I intend to”, “I just did”, and “I have been doing” are wonderful places to be, but take some time to get to. Still, like the article points out the leap from asking permission to stating your intent is probably the most crucial and beneficial.

Read the full article here

Look Up

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:19:00 +0000

Over three years old now, but still as valid as ever…

When you’re too busy looking down you don’t see the chances you miss.

Free yourself from your filter bubbles

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 13:13:00 +0000

It probably wouldn’t hurt if we all freed ourselves from our own little filter bubble. That said, telling others their in a bubble or ridiculing them is probably not the best way to get a health dialog going. FWIW: I’m always open to a good conversation and sharing of ideas.

Free yourself from your filter bubbles

You, Too, Can Live Like Royalty and Delete All Your Social Media Accounts

Mon, 22 Jan 2018 13:41:00 +0000

Something to think about…

For centuries, inbred weirdos in castles ruled every aspect of our lives. These days, they mostly just suck up public assistance that might be better spent on, I don’t know, helping sick kids or something.

…and remember, you don’t even have to follow me on social media! You can just sign up for my newsletter!

You, Too, Can Live Like Royalty and Delete All Your Social Media Accounts

Linda Papadopoulos: Validation: Why It’s Dangerous…

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 12:45:00 +0000

The comparison of social media to a public bathroom door seems apt…

Ep. 296 – Linda Papadopoulos: Validation: Why It’s Dangerous…

Trump has given North Korea “the greatest gift ever”

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:31:00 +0000

Forget the sensationalist headline, and listen to the podcast episode. Interesting to get the perspective of people with more background then ourselves.

Trump has given North Korea “the greatest gift ever”

Facebook Makes You Sad, So Try Using It Less

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 18:01:00 +0000

A Facebook slam… on Facebook! Expect another FB post coming up soon. In the mean time, the best way to reach me is in person, via my blog, or the messaging platform of your choice.

“Scrolling through your news feed is distracting and depressing”

Facebook Makes You Sad, So Try Using It Less

White Women Keep Fucking Us Over

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 18:49:00 +0000

Interesting stats

White Women Keep Fucking Us Over

16 Small Habits That Could Seriously Improve Your Life Within A Year

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 16:09:00 +0000

Not a huge fan of sharing things that come off BuzzFeed, but the list is decent and doesn’t require you to click next for each one.

Here’s the list, but click through below for the detail:

Try reading for a set amount of time each day.
Practice swapping ‘sorry’ for ‘thank you’ when the situation is right.
Don’t just put things down, put them away.
And do your dishes every single day.
If something’s going to take you less than two minutes, just do it then and there.
Try to go to bed and get up at similar times each day.
Actually start flossing your teeth every day.
Put all of your spare change into a jar for an entire year.
Make a plan for the following day before you go to bed at night.
Practice a new kind of handwriting, like cursive or calligraphy.
Learn three words in a new language every day.
Get into the habit of writing in a journal daily.
Run for as long as you can…and then run again the next day, and the next.
Make your bed every morning before you leave the house.
Add new and healthy foods to your diet rather than focusing on removing other food groups.
And try meditating, starting with just five minutes a day.

16 Small Habits That Could Seriously Improve Your Life Within A Year

Work Won’t Remember That Weekend You Didn’t Give It. Friends Will.

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000

Read the full article here but this was my main takeaway…

I worked weekends on many occasions. One weekend a good friend from university was coming to New York on the way to a business trip in Chicago. He was only coming to see me. But IBM had asked me to work that weekend. I struggled to choose between them, trying to work out if I could do both. I couldn’t. So I told my employer I could not work. Dwin and I had a great weekend exploring the city. He is the godfather to my daughter and we see each other regularly. IBM does not remember that I did not work that weekend. Dwin would always have.

You Are Not Special 2012 Commencement Speech from Wellesley High School

Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000

Still good 5 years later…

Read the full article here

The $100k Question: How to Ask for & Get What You Want

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 11:30:00 +0000

Here’s something I hope to practice even more in 2018. Maybe you can too.

Read the full article here

Man Asks Mike Rowe for “Life Advice”

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 11:59:00 +0000

Still as applicable now as it was then…

Many people today resent the suggestion that they’re in charge of the way they feel. But trust me. Those people are mistaken.

Read the full article here

Why Making Your Bed Every Morning Matters, According to a Navy SEAL

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Making your bed each morning seems like the least of our worries to start the day. However, according to Naval Adm. William McRaven, it may be the best way to start off your day.

Read the full article here

Former Facebook exec feels ‘tremendous guilt’ for what he helped make

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Interesting how much more I’m seeing people in the tech sector getting off of or massively limiting their amount of time on social networks. There does seem to be a place for the concept, but I’d rather see an open spec like email whereby different groups could host a “group”, but then individuals could log into one app on their phone or computer and have very targeted settings for what they want. I guess an argument could be made that email fills almost that exact role…

Former Facebook exec feels ‘tremendous guilt’ for what he helped make

Yelling at Kids can be Just as Harmful as Spanking

Thu, 28 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Do I believe we should or can never yell? No. But it’s worth being mindful of when and why, and that there’s often a better way…

Read the full article here

The Only Rules You Need to Know

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Another oldie but goodie…

The 4/64 Rule (80/20 of the 80/20)
The 1000 Hour Rule (Good enough to be great, but not the best)
The 30/150/Millions Rule (know/gossip/stories)

Read the full article here

10 Regrets You Can Avoid

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 12:21:00 +0000

Here’s the list, but please read the full article for additional detail/context…

Don’t buy things
Don’t fall in love with someone that is in love with someone else
Don’t try to please people
Run, don’t walk
Don’t make promises you can’t keep
Don’t steal paperclips from the office
Don’t wait for them to say yes
Don’t do anything you don’t want to do
Don’t consume bad things
Don’t time travel into the past

Again, here’s the [full article][1].[1]: https://jamesaltucher.com/2014/06/10-regrets-you-can-avoid/

Transform Your Health, Business, Income, Finances, and Marriage Doing This ONE Thing

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 01:03:00 +0000

Sometimes all it takes is one thing.

Podcasts Archive – The ONE Thing

Mike Van Cleave: A Conversation About Cancer & Learning How to Discard the Meaningless

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:48:00 +0000

A good and sobering reminder…

Ep. 288 – Mike Van Cleave: A Conversation About Cancer & Learning How to Discard the Meaningless – Altucher Confidential

How to Survive Deadly Black Ice On Winter Roads

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:20:00 +0000

Please read! Especially for my friends in or visiting the great white north…

How to Survive Deadly Black Ice On Winter Roads

18 Things People With Good Social Skills Never Do

Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:53:00 +0000

Seems like a worthwhile reminder, especially around the holidays…

Never Let a Good Deed Go Unpaid
Never Forget a Name
Never Interrupt
Never Forget to Check In and Out
Never Let Your Appearance Go
Never Raise Your Voice
Never Get Too Excited or Angry
Never Let Yourself Get Walked On
Never Swear in Front of People Not Your Age
Never Be a Party Pooper
Never Leave Someone Out
Never Blurt Out Something Hurtful
Never Fight Immaturely
Never Laugh at Others’ Expense
Never Get Caught Without a Clean Joke
Never Upset the Apple Cart
Never Ignore People
Never Get Caught Without an Ice-Breaker

Read the full article here

What A Little Girl Hears When You Tell Her She’s Pretty

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 18:55:00 +0000

Nearly 2 years old, but I try to remind myself of it every chance I get…

Read the full article here

Stop Hanging Out with Losers

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 11:23:00 +0000

Maybe a little harsh, but lots of truth!

EP246: Stop Hanging Out with Losers

20 Misconceptions About Sex

Sun, 10 Dec 2017 03:52:00 +0000

Just in case you were interested…

Read the full article here

Calculate Nearly Any Percentage In Your Head with Simple Tricks

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 19:57:00 +0000

Whether you’re calculating a tip or just in need of some fast math, percentages can be something even math students goof. This video from YouTube channel MindYourDecisions shows you the easiest way to find those numbers in your head.

Read the full article here

Dear Young Men

Sun, 03 Dec 2017 12:33:10 +0000

I read this article way back in 2014 and found it in my blog’s “drafts” folder as I had obviously meant to share it back then. Anyway, much of what the writer describes is as applicable now as it was back then. If you have young boys at home, maybe you’ll consider sharing this at the appropriate time.

“men need to understand as early in their lives as possible that men have a long history of getting their way for no good reason. This advantage comes, of course, at the expense of fellow human beings, and we need to learn to be aware of it and eliminate it wherever we see it.”

Dear Young Men

Tim Ferriss: Using a New Lens To Make Life Easier

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 22:55:00 +0000

Tim Ferriss is making the rounds again for his new book, but he always has something worth listening to. Consider this.

Ep. 281 – Tim Ferriss: Using a New Lens To Make Life Easier – Altucher Confidential

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Tyler Cowen: What the Future Holds: Stagnation or Innovation?

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 22:55:00 +0000

An interesting perspective to consider. Then go out and DO something!

Ep. 282 – Tyler Cowen: What the Future Holds: Stagnation or Innovation? – Altucher Confidential

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How we can end sexual harassment at work

Wed, 29 Nov 2017 22:59:00 +0000

Amor Fati

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 11:28:57 +0000

I really like this post on A Stoic Response to Bad News, but just wanted to call out the philosophy of “amor fati”… which if truth be told I could stand to implement more often. Anyway, what does “amor fati” mean?

Love your fate
With it you feel that everything happens for a purpose, and that it is up to you to make this purpose something positive and active.
Do not seek for things to happen the way you want them to; rather, wish that what happens happen the way it happens: then you will be happy.
Treating each and every moment—no matter how challenging—as something to be embraced, not avoided. To not only be okay with it, but love it and be better for it.

My 1 Word for 2017

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 18:42:00 +0000

For a few years now I’ve watched as people I follow have picked 1-3 words to focus on. As Christopher S Penn as described it, “It’s something of a mantra, something of a phrase we used to remind ourselves what we are supposed to be focused on at any given time during the year.”

While interesting, I haven’t taken the time to do so until this year. Now I realize the first month of the year is almost over, but I picked my word near the beginning. Plus, now that I’ve had a little time to test it out I think it’s more appropriate to write about it. So without further ado, my 1 word for 2017 is…

Present

…and in case anyone is confused about what variation I’m referring to it’s “the period of time that is happening now”. In other words: being present in the present. Some may call it being mindful.

On the off chance you’re wondering why I happened to pick being present it mostly has to do with building connections and trying not to miss things because I’m distracted. Our kids only grow up once, and if you’re buried under a pile of work or have your nose buried in your phone you’ll miss it. I think this video does a great job of touching on the topic…

… So now, if you’re like me you’re probably asking, “ok, so what are you actually going to do?”. I’ve already started by turning off nearly all notifications on my phone (yes, there are a few exceptions, but it would probably be in all of our best interests to find the notification settings on our phones). I’ve turned off email notifications at work (no, I don’t need the toaster popping up every time I get an email). I’m trying to remind myself to keep my phone in my pocket except for when I’m sitting down and not with others (lunch, walking the halls, etc). And as of today I’ve buried the Face Space app on my phone (will still be able to post, but the goal is to not check it except for 1 time a day and from a laptop/PC).

What about you? Have you ever picked a word or words to focus on for a year? What did you pick and why?

It’s Time to Grow Up and Figure this Out

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 11:03:00 +0000

“These are weapons of war”. “Nobody I know or have ever met in my entire life should have access to a weapon that can kill so many people so quickly”

Q3 charity:water Campaign

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:26:00 +0000

My third quarter charity:water campaign is now live! To date you’ve helped raise over $2,500 for clean water and in doing so helped over 300 people! I don’t know about you, but the fact that you can potentially save someone’s life for less then $9 just blows my mind.

Every day, 5,000 kids under the age of 5 die from water-related illnesses.

So, if you would like to help continue to help solve the water crises, please take a moment to consider a small donation. And remember, with charity:water’s 100% model your entire donation helps to serve the people who need it!

Happy Memorial Day

Mon, 26 May 2014 11:56:00 +0000

Now go out and enjoy some of those freedoms provided by those who fought and served. And while you’re doing that, take a moment to say “thanks”.

For The Children’s Sake, Put Down That Smartphone #1aDay

Thu, 08 May 2014 11:01:00 +0000

It’s not just kids who are overdoing screen time. Parents are often just as guilty of spending too much time checking smartphones and e-mail — and the consequences for their children can be troubling.

While I’m no angel when it comes to my phone I do make a conscious effort to disable just about every type of notification and not look at it when in the middle of talking to someone (unless it’s to check on something they asked about). If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s the people who have every notification turned on then tell you that they don’t even notice it anymore… well the rest of us who are trying to talk to you do – and so do your kids as this article points out.

Read the full article here

You’re Washing Your Clothes Too Often! (What to Do Instead) #1aDay

Wed, 07 May 2014 11:01:00 +0000

My wife is probably going to hate this article, but I did promise a “clean” article after [yesterday’s post][1].

Read the full article here[1]: http://visit.markjacobsen.net/2014/05/go-the-fk-home/

Concurrently process for maximum productivity #1aDay

Fri, 02 May 2014 12:13:00 +0000

Christopher Penn makes a good argument for the separate concept of concurrent (or parallel processing) over the traditional single vs multi-tasking debate. Of course the key to success in concurrent processing is knowing how to split up the work without getting stuck in analysis paralysis. In that case, I would strongly recommend dropping down to single tasking instead of what most people seem to do.

Read the full article here

Clutterfree with Kids

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 06:25:30 +0000

[][1]
A few weeks ago I was honored to receive an advanced copy of “[Clutterfree with Kids][1]” by Joshua Becker for review. One of the things I appreciate most about Joshua’s writing and articles is that he’s what I consider a “normal” minimalist in that he owns a house, has kids, and has a job. In other words, he’s just like you and me – only he and his family have chosen to live a life of less so that they may appreciate it more. Even better, he rightfully acknowledges that everyone’s brand of minimalism is different.

Regarding [the book][1], I’ll say that if you’ve read one book on minimalism you’ve read them all and this is not a huge exception to the rule, but if you have not this is a great place to start if you consider yourself to be a “normal” person and are interested in how living a life of less can give you more.

I think the key if you’re married is that you have to get your spouse on-board. Otherwise, don’t expect to have a truly “clutterfree” life (not that it’s really even possible with kids). I think the most you can really hope for is a more organized chaos. Making intentional choices like limiting TV or Internet time. Choosing to eat together as a family. Choosing your activities more deliberately. Choosing to travel with less so that you experience more.

To hit on some of the high points, these were a few of my main take-aways…

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it <- Read that again
Start with small victories. Don’t tackle the hard things first.
Owning less allows us to own higher quality items.
Consider the true cost of your purchases – time, maintenance, cleaning
Less is different than none.
There is more joy to be found in owning less then can ever be found in organizing more.
Organizing more never addresses the underlying problem.
It is far better to de-own than to declutter.
Intentionally or unintentionally we are all minimizing something.
Gift giving: take time to let the fads show themselves then purge without concern. Conversely don’t force your ideas on others.
Compare downward – many people with less “stuff” are actually happier.

Bottom line, for a couple bucks and a few hours of your time, there are much worse things you could be doing, and on the bright side, it just may change your life. Can’t go wrong with that.

[Get the book today][1]

What do you think?

PS: Thanks again Joshua for allowing me to preview the book. I read every word, and it was a good refresher.[1]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HYNJKCU?ie=UTF8&tag=firenice

Principles, Priorities, and Values – oh my!

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:23:26 +0000

Lately I’ve been thinking about the important things to me. What my “principles”, “priorities”, or “values” are. I’m sure I could spout off a number of things, but here are the big ideas that come to mind.

Family
My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I will do anything within my power for my wife and kids. What is the purpose of life without someone or a cause to love?

Goals
Goals keep us moving forward. They give us something to strive for. But don’t confuse a want with a goal. Remember, goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Planning
A dream without a plan is only a wish upon a star, but beware analysis paralysis. Use planning to achieve your goals. And remember, plans change. Change with them.

Disciplined Action
This is where you walk the walk. Achieving any goal or carrying out any plan is primarily a matter of disciplined action. It’s making the hard choices. Doing things you don’t want to do. Doing as you say. Being a role-model.

Routine
The easiest way to maintain disciplined action is through routine. Routine isn’t a dirty word or meant in a negative way. Some might call it a ritual.

Spontaneity (White Space)
Of course once you have planned your disciplined actions and made them a routine it’s amazing how much time you can find for other things. Once you know where the unmovable objects are it’s easy to find the space between. Remember to keep white space in your schedule. You can’t plan everything and if you try to you will drive yourself and those around you crazy. Schedule your priorities. Don’t schedule your life.