If You Want to Be a Writer, You Have to Be a Reader First

If You Want to Be a Writer, You Have to Be a Reader First

It’s been said a million times — it’s one of the main points of my books Steal Like An Artist and Show Your Work! — and yet, it still seems to be controversial or confusing to young people who are starting out: If you want to be a writer, you have to be a reader...
3 Keys to Maximizing Productivity

3 Keys to Maximizing Productivity

Los Angeles is notorious for traffic—I live less than 5 miles from our office, but the commute can still take up to 45 minutes. I use that time to catch up on the news of the day, particularly health and scientific developments, by listening to podcasts that...
How to Cultivate Determination

How to Cultivate Determination

Determination is what separates those who are in it for the long run and those who will burn out quickly. It’s made up of two things: firmness of choice and action over time. Action is what differentiates determination from grit. Grit is the what; determination...
7 Traits of High-Performing Team Members

7 Traits of High-Performing Team Members

Having led all kinds of different teams in the past 25 years, from sports and Navy SEALs to companies and charities, I have discovered seven traits that characterize unstoppable teammates. These are the general traits required—the must-haves for powerful team...
Being Effective at Work: Essential Traits and Skills

Being Effective at Work: Essential Traits and Skills

Do you consider yourself to be effective at work? Although many of us like to think that we’re 100 percent effective, the truth is that most of us have strengths and weaknesses that impact our effectiveness. Many of us could benefit from tweaking at least a few...