Budgeting is not one of the habits — I grew up in The Netherlands as a first-generation immigrant. Where I lived, people were mostly unemployed and in rough financial situations. Growing up, I saw a lot of people with financial problems. That motivated me to avoid that fate. As I grew up and started learning more about money…

Have you noticed how you often absorb someone else’s energy? You might wake up excited and joyful. You start singing as you wait for your… — Have you noticed how you often absorb someone else’s energy? You might wake up excited and joyful. You start singing as you wait for your coffee. You have a great breakfast, go to your work, and just enjoy your life. In the evening, you meet a friend. And when you…

These books are from people who lead by example — Leadership is something we demonstrate, not something we talk about. That’s why I’m not a fan of “leadership books” that try too hard to explain leadership. I prefer books that highlight what important leaders actually have done — not just what they said. To me, books that demonstrate leadership through…

When you’re healthy all your life and suddenly experience recurring pain because of a condition or injury, it doesn’t only affect you… — When you’re healthy all your life and suddenly experience recurring pain because of a condition or injury, it doesn’t only affect you physically, but also mentally. I’ve been dealing with post-infectious IBS for two years now. I experience severe bouts of stomach pain that last somewhere between days to weeks…

These things prevent you from getting rich — I came across a study the other day that asked people where they burned most of their hard-earned money. The answer of over 64 million Americans? “Having fun.” I don’t think there’s much wrong with having fun. …

Everybody has a narrative about who they are and what they are capable of. You probably tell yourself all kinds of things without even… — Everybody has a narrative about who they are and what they are capable of. You probably tell yourself all kinds of things without even knowing it. I have a story about myself that I quit as soon as things get a bit hard. During the first few years when I…

When I started a newsletter in 2015, I had no expectations. I had just written a book, and I thought it would be a good idea to connect… — When I started a newsletter in 2015, I had no expectations. I had just written a book, and I thought it would be a good idea to connect with readers. I didn’t think I would write weekly articles and build a blog. I had a very basic website with a…

Have you noticed how we’re often quick to judge others when they behave badly, but don’t look at ourselves with that same critical eye? I… — Have you noticed how we’re often quick to judge others when they behave badly, but don’t look at ourselves with that same critical eye? I was at a store last week when someone got angry because the store clerk couldn’t accept an item the customer wanted to return. I didn’t…

Sometimes one little negative thing can set you on this whole downward spiral. Last week I was talking to my friend Dave about what it… — Sometimes one little negative thing can set you on this whole downward spiral. Last week I was talking to my friend Dave about what it feels like to be stuck. Dave was saying that he got a cold a few months ago, which made him stop working out and eating…