How to actually remember what you read: Write a poem summarizing your lessons. Ben Franklin, Mercy Otis Warren, Phillis Wheatley, Alexander Hamilton, and John Quincy Adams all used this strategy. Learn from history. We already know what actually works.

These days, there’s an app or platform for everything—even finding someone to walk your dog. But when it comes to writing a novel, I rely on just 2 tools:

Stop falling for productivity hacks. Change starts from inside.

In 2023, I had no purpose and no plan for the future. I had: - No motivation - Zero purpose - And no awareness But 2 years later, I turned my life around. Here are the 4 lessons I internalized that changed my life (so you can too):

The book that transformed my relationship with technology: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport Once you find your path to focus, you'll never see the world the same again.

Writing my fantasy novel used to feel impossible: • A hundred scattered ideas with no direction • Dozens of characters, no arcs • Starting drafts I’d always abandon Now, these 10 steps help me turn raw ideas into a clear, complete outline every time:Writing my fantasy novel used to feel impossible

Where industrial engineering quietly drives success: \Emergency room wait times \Amazon's 1-day delivery \Disney's ride efficiency \Airline boarding systems \Starbucks line design \Tesla’s gigafactories \Netflix’s content pipelines \Your phone’s battery life IE is everywhere—you just don’t see it.

Industrial engineering in 5 words: \Systems \Efficiency \Bottlenecks \Optimization \Scalability It’s the difference between “we’re growing fast” and “we’re growing smart.”

What is industrial engineering? - It studies how work gets done - It maps systems and removes inefficiencies - It uses data to improve flow and reduce cost - It blends people, processes, and tech - It makes scaling sustainable IE is the backbone of operational excellence.

7 habits that kill your focus before lunch: 1. Checking notifications mid-task 2. Starting the day with email 3. “Just 5 minutes” on TikTok 4. Constantly switching apps 5. Leaving your to-do list vague 6. Not setting a timer 7. Skipping your morning walk

The best way to develop real skills fast is with a focused sprint. - Pick 1 project with clear output - Time-box it to 2–4 weeks - Block daily distraction-free work windows - Track progress publicly or in a log - Reflect weekly on what’s working Consistency beats complexity. Sprint wisely.

Focus is not about forcing yourself to do one thing. It’s about removing every other option. Turn off the noise. Burn the list. Close the tabs. Choose one project—and give it the respect of your full attention. Momentum doesn’t come from motion. It comes from devotion.

Step by step guide to prepare your first deep focus session:

1 helpful website that more storytellers need to use: https://carefulwords.com/ It's a better thesaurus.

The greatest software tool that helped me literally change my life, become an author, and reclaim my attention span (that most people know nothing about): Goddamn email filters.

I've got a purpose: Inspire others to take a leap and build their dream video game. Inspire others to take a leap and write their dream novel. Inspire others to take a leap and create their dream life. That's why I'm spending 102 days making my own. To prove it's possible.

Work slow and carefully on ONE single thing. You'll finished it 3x faster than if you were trying to do 10 things at once.

If I was just starting out as a storyteller: I would tell you to write more than you read.

The first step of change is admitting you want to change. The second step if figuring out what you want to change. The last step is to be patient.

A quick breath guide for a deep work session:

Ever just “scroll for a sec” and then boom—it’s midnight? This is called time blindness. This is why people put things off—not because they're "lazy," but because they can't predict how long a task will take. Here are 4 ways you can combat your time blindness and actually get things done:

3 rules I live by: 1. My attention is my most valuable resource. 2. Learn from a variety of sources about a variety of topics. 3. Results will only come from hard work.

When you're struggling with focus, take a 15 minute walk. No phone. No music. Just you, the grass, and fresh air. Then, sit down and lock in. The focus comes naturally.

I carry a book in my backpack at all times. It’s never when I’m in the mood. It’s always when I have nothing else to do. I default to reading.

There are days I don't want to work on building my video game. I don't fight that urge. I don't want to feel miserable. But I still put 5 minutes in. Just to keep that streak. Progress is progress, no matter what.

Most people will de-value their progress. They'll compare themselves to others who do "more". They'll say it's not "enough". They'll feel guilty because they should done this "already". It doesn't matter if it's a small step forward or a big step forward.

Every high achiever I've read about worked like hell for a few years before they got there success. They all talk about the habits they have now, but they never mention the hellish years that actually got them success. You have to work hard.

Want results? Lock in. Nobody got success without relentless, unbearable hard work. The fancy habits and ice plunges come after years of real dedication. Forget about habits. Just sit down and get work done.

If you aren't writing about everything you learn and have learned, you're missing out. Writing builds understanding. Writing builds clarity.

A pocket notebook does 3 things: - stops doom-scrolling - starts thinking - stays organized

Another potential mission: inspire curiosity

I spend at least a week (minimum) on a game idea I want to make. Mind maps and inspiration research galore. It makes planning and the game design document a breeze to make.

When you have a new game idea, ask these 3 questions first: 1. Am I already working on a game? 2. Would this be fun to build? 3. Does building this game challenge me? If the answers are: No-Yes-Yes Build the game. If it's not, put it in a "future game ideas" folder.

I never start a new project till I've either: 1. Finished my current project. 2. Trashed my current project. Stay away from shiny new things.

Real-time triage for your to-do list: Just because you wrote things down in a particular order, doesn’t mean that’s the order they should be done. In fact, it usually isn’t the order that it should be done. Always ask: What is the next most important priority right now?

I've got a friend who constantly says I talk like an old person. I don't spend much time on social media. I don't know all the brain-rot references. I don't know EVERYTHING that's going on in the world. What a surprise. My life has not changed. In fact, I'm happy. Who would've thought?

Recognize that it’s part of your job to take a break. There’s always stuff to do. The to-do list will always be full.

4 team management mistakes I made during my most recent game jam: Mistake #1: No clear leader Mistake #2: No deadlines Mistake #3: No clear expectations Mistake #4: No progress tracking