Blog Library – Personal Kaizen

23 Sep 2025

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Equations for a Great Life from Scott Galloway’s Algebra of Happiness

Scott Galloway's book, The Algebra of Happiness, isn't a traditional book of mathematical equations. Instead, it uses the concept of algebra to present "equations" or formulas for living a great life, based on Scott’s own experiences and observations. The core idea is that success, happiness, and a great life are a function of several variables, and getting these variables right requires making conscious trade-offs. Scott Galloway is a serial entrepreneur and professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He has several popular podcasts, including his Prof G Pod. This post shares the key equations and concepts Scott covers…

26 Aug 2025

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Build Lasting Love: 9 Keys to a Healthy Relationship

Ever wonder what makes some relationships thrive while others falter? Clinical Psychologists John and Julie Gottman have dedicated their lives to answering this very question. Through groundbreaking research and observation, they've developed the Gottman Method, a renowned approach to couples therapy that helps partners build stronger, more fulfilling connections. To experience love and be loved is Rule 5 of the Personal Kaizen 10 Rules for Life, and this post shares the Gottman’s research on building lasting love and their nine keys to a healthy relationship. Who are the Gottmans? John Gottman, a clinical psychologist, and Julie Gottman, President of The…

29 Jul 2025

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27 Conflicting Answers on How to Live

Have you ever asked yourself if the choices you are making in your life are the right ones? This month we are summarizing the 2021 Derek Sivers book How to Live: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion. I love this simple book. Sivers goes all-in on 27 different, and contrasting, philosophies for how to live your life. All 27 are listed below, and Sivers makes a strong, rational, and logical case for each of these ways. Which one (or more) resonates with you? Conflicting Answers from How to Live Most of Sivers' answers to How to Live are explained…

08 Jul 2025

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Make Your Thoughts Useful, Not True

Rule 4 of our 10 Rules for Life is to Live in the Moment with a Positive Mindset. Living in the moment means being present – not getting stuck in the past or worrying about the future. Having a positive mindset can probably best be explained by the 2024 Derek Sivers book Useful, Not True. I love this short, simple book and have been giving copies away to my friends and family. Here is a short summary of how to make your thoughts useful, not true. If you enjoy this summary, I highly recommend reading the book. Sivers masterfully builds…

03 Jun 2025

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How to Increase Returns Buying ETFs Instead of Index Funds

I read many financial investment books and follow many personal investment blogs and podcasts. My learnings haves been incorporated into Rule 7 of my 10 Rules for Life: To be rich, spend money on what you love. I have seen advice recently that suggests that there is little difference between investing in index funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs). Wrong! I’m about to teach you how you may be able to increase your returns by buying ETFs instead of index funds. My trick has helped me earn an extra 1% on recent purchases, and several thousand dollars over the past…

06 May 2025

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Get Stronger by Weightlifting Just One Hour Per Week!

I learned in the book, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity that strength training is as important as cardiovascular exercise. Weightlifting helps support and protect the body, maintains metabolic health, and stimulates the growth of bone. I have wanted to get stronger by weightlifting, but my busy family and work schedule has made it hard to find the time. This post shares the new weightlifting routine I have been tested for the past six months – a routine that has helped me get stronger by weightlifting just one hour per week! I’ll begin by reviewing a few key principles…

08 Apr 2025

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Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity II

Last month we shared part one of our summary of the Peter Attia book, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. We described Attia’s focus on healthspan over lifespan; all of us want to maintain an excellent standard of living as we grow older. Part one covered the importance of exercise and strength training. This second half of the book summary shares Attia’s recommendations for: Nutrition, Sleep, Emotional Wellbeing and Detection Why Don’t Doctors Learn Nutrition in Med School? Attia is amazed at how little time he spent in school studying nutrition, yet “you are what you eat.” Attia prefers…

11 Mar 2025

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Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity is a 2023 book by physician and podcaster Peter Attia, MD. I have regularly listened to Attia’s podcast “the drive” for the past 3-4 years and like that his guests are experts in areas of health and wellness. He wrote Outlive over many years to summarize his current thinking on longevity and aging well. Attia’s podcasts and book can get detailed and complicated; here is a simple summary of what you can do to improve. Attia describes attending the funeral for the mom of a good friend. The 67-year-old mom had been a…

13 Feb 2025

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Howard Marks’ Uncommon Sense For The Thoughtful Investor

I recently watched a video listing top books for financial success. I had read many of the books, and shared thoughts on some of them before, but had never read the Howard Marks book, The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor. Marks co-founded Oaktree Capital Management in 1995 and remains Chairman of the Board. The California firm currently has $205 Billion in assets under management and Marks is a self-made billionaire. The forward by Warren Buffet states, “This is that rarity, a useful book.” I tend to agree! Below I share my notes from the book and…

13 Jan 2025

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Don’t Overthink It: Just Go Down The Chute

Check out our Personal Kaizen Motivational Monday quote! We hope you enjoy this quote from Tina Fey, the renowned actress, writer, and comedian. Don't overthink, just take the leap! Join the Personal Kaizen Community Our community is here to support and encourage both personal and professional continuous improvement, helping you to reach your goals and achieve new heights. We offer regular blog posts and a weekly newsletter that contains a range of content to help you become the best version of yourself! Many of these improvements stem from the 10 Rules of Life we have developed to provide guidance on…

Equations for a Great Life from Scott Galloway’s Algebra of Happiness

Build Lasting Love: 9 Keys to a Healthy Relationship

27 Conflicting Answers on How to Live

Make Your Thoughts Useful, Not True

How to Increase Returns Buying ETFs Instead of Index Funds

Get Stronger by Weightlifting Just One Hour Per Week!

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity II

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

Howard Marks’ Uncommon Sense For The Thoughtful Investor

Don’t Overthink It: Just Go Down The Chute

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