Hi Reader,

How's your weekend going? Last night we saw a one-night showing of Interstellar 5555, an anime film scored to Daft Punk's Discovery album. It was incredible.

Next year marks the 10th anniversary of my pivot away from Wall Street.

I've been reflecting on the trade-offs, especially the tension between courage and complacency.

At the time, the financial risk felt like the most courageous act.

But as the years have passed, I've realized the real growth came from reshaping my identity, challenging self-limiting beliefs, and charting my own path amidst tons of uncertainty.

If 2025 is your year to pivot boldly, I'd love to support you on your journey.

The program accepts just five participants, and we’re hosting an information session on January 9th.

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Here are this week's top reads:

// one

If you were rich, would you fold laundry?

8 minutes | Rachel Katz

What happens if we give laundry the time it actually takes? Modern professionals chronically underestimate maintenance tasks, squeezing them between "real work" and meetings. Common productivity advice is to outsource these tasks, but what if the good life actually embraces them?

→ Read the article​

// two

40 questions to ask yourself every year

2 minutes | Steph Ango

I love the end of year reflective questions. This annual ritual guides you through a year's worth of moments - from achievements to quiet revelations. My favorite question: What did you get really, really, really excited about?

→ Read the article​

// three

Why the preeminent NBA news breaker walked away

2 minutes | Sports Illustrated

What’s the real cost of being the absolute best in your field? Adrian Wojnarowski (an NBA super reporter) left a $7.3 million ESPN salary to become St. Bonaventure’s basketball GM for ($75,000) a year. His son might have said it best, “People think your job is great. I think your job f—ing sucks. Retire—and go travel with Mom.” (I enjoyed this so much, I summarized it here.)

→ Read the tweet​

Stories from my life

I've been thinking a lot about what it means to truly live in alignment and am tinkering with a framework below.

First, there's your "why."

It's why you work, why you wake up and why you're on this earth.

Next there's the "how." Do you have the skills, habits and cognitive abilities to execute against your why.

I suspect many people are in quadrant 3. They're kicking ass at work, getting promoted and making a bunch of money.

They've got the "how" right.

Yet they're not exactly sure "why" they're doing it. The "why" feels off.

I'm curious, when you reflect on your life, which quadrant are you in?

Hit reply with and tell us your quadrant and why you answered that way.

This Week on The Examined Life Podcast

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This week's episode: How do you conduct an annual review?​

Below the Fold
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LAST WEEK'S MOST READ

• ​How to calm the anxious brain (More to that, 1,210 clicks)
• ​Breaking free from a life that doesn’t fit (Rick Foerster, 825 clicks)

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And finally, the disappointing truth about Rihanna’s SOS lyrics.​

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.

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