Hi friend,

We are sending love to our readers who are still feeling the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Asheville, in particular, is home to my colleague Marian and many clients, students and readers - and the artist community was hit hard.

As my friend Katherine De Vos De Vine writes the city is a model for cultural sites in the age of climate disasters.​

Here is a list of resources to support the residents of the Western North Carolina.

The uncomfortable truth (of a pie chart)

I am a happy person.

I'm an optimist who sees the glass as half-full.

I'm patient. And I don't really get mad often.

That should make me "happy," right?

That's not what this pie chart of would say.

From our sponsor:

​// sponsored by Brain.fm ​ What’s your ‘Focus-Type’? Finding the right focus music has always been a challenge for me. I tried Spotify and YouTube focus playlists, but nothing really worked. I'd spend more time playing DJ than actually getting work done. Then I discovered Brain.fm, a science-backed music app that knows that different brains need different things, and focus music isn’t one-size-fits-all. ​Brain.fm taught me that my focus-type needs stimulation, but is also easily distracted (a recipe for poor focus). So, Brain.fm gives me music that is specially made to have high stimulation and low distraction. Now I can get focused within minutes of hitting play, every time. Signing up for Brain.fm takes you to a quiz that tells you what your brain needs, and sets you up to get personalized focus music, just for you. Sign up to learn your focus-type (and get a free month of Brain.fm)

​

Here are this week's top reads:

// one

Metric-less success

5 minutes | More To That

Damn, this article was written for me. Despite stepping off the “path,” I get lured into metrics (many of them vanity metrics). They feel safe. Others can see (and comment on) them. But what if the qualities of a great life can’t be measured?

→ Read the article​

// two

3 tips for a healthier work-life balance

4 minutes | Harvard Business School

The notion of “career employment” has been thrown out the window as job switching has become a lot more common. How can managers retain talent and navigate a landscape where “loyalty” is no longer a norm? The answer can be found in adaptability, balance and evolving your leadership style.

→ Read the article​

// three

Lies we tell kids

5 minutes | Paul Graham

How many times have you told your child a white lie? (Be honest.) The protective instinct is a natural one - especially as kids navigate challenging topics like sex, death and the ugly parts of history. But what are the actual reasons behind our “innocent” lies? And do they have any long-term consequences?

→ Read the article​

This Week on The Examined Life Podcast

​

This week's episode: Becoming a millionaire won’t solve this problem ​

Below the Fold
​

LAST WEEK'S MOST READ

• ​When HENRYs become NENRYs (RadReads, 662 clicks)
• ​Admitting what is obvious (Every, 317 clicks)

​

And finally, a heartfelt tribute to Dikembe Mutombo from his son.

With gratitude,

Khe

PS, here's how we can help you:

​Apply for our Coaching programs: Are you an executive or founder undergoing a career change? We’ll give you frameworks and accountability for this transition.

​The Life Operating System: Your home base for personal productivity. It combines tasks, notes, project management and a CRM in one place.

​Supercharge your Productivity: Learn how our $10K Work method can help you improve your mind, career and relationships.

​LinkedIn | TikTok | ​Instagram | Twitter | YouTube​