Donovon (Dono)

binary choice frogs
Your two options are clear. It’s agonizing. You either go to your friend’s party or visit your grandmother for her birthday. There’s no way around it. Those are the only two options. You’ve spent hours weighing the pros and cons. You’re so caught up in trying to make the decision, […]

False Choices: The Illusion of Binary Choices

diet watermelon on beach
Maybe I’ll just have one…. The plate of cookies is calling your name. Your internal dialogue starts; Hey it’s a birthday party, come on that’s a special occasion. You haven’t had any sweets today. You can break from your diet for this! It’s tempting, but you steel your resolve. You’re […]

4 Common Reasons Diets Fail

2 friends standing - choosing friends
Toxic relationships are easy to see. Come up with a list of the most difficult people you know. They probably sap your energy and complicate your life. Or distract and annoy you. Whatever it is, you know they don’t deserve a place in your life. As much as possible, you […]

Better Relationships: Opportunity Cost When Picking Friends

ready fire aim darts
  Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson Best for: This book is directed at entrepreneurs who are starting or have started their journey and have plans to create a large company. Difficulty to digest: This book is fairly easy to digest, and does a good job of breaking down the […]

Ready, Fire, Aim by Michael Masterson – Book Review

pre-suasion yellow door 1
Best for: For those who are intimately interested in persuasion, influence, marketing, or psychology. This is a follow-up to Cialdini’s book Influence, which I would recommend reading first. If you liked that book, you’ll likely like this book as well although it’s slightly more dense. Difficulty to digest: While Cialdini […]

Pre-Suasion By Robert Cialdini – Book Review

rework pen and crumpled paper
Best for: Those who are interested in starting or growing their own business and want a light, conversational, and approachable read. Difficulty to digest: Rework is a simple, straightforward read broken into bite-sized pieces. Chapters are often only a few paragraphs. Everyone should be able to take some insights from […]

Rework By Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson – Book ...

lion cloud face awaken the giant
Best for: Those who are ready to examine and evaluate a huge sequence of strategies and frameworks (some outdated or woo-woo) for practical self-improvement. Also those who like questions, exercises, and activities centered around self improvement. Difficulty to digest: Awaken the giant within may be more difficult to get through because […]

Awaken The Giant Within By Tony Robbins – Book Review

influence book review picture patch of grass
Best for: Those interested in psychology, communication, marketing, influence, and sales. If you want to know about underlying triggers for decision making, this is an invaluable resource. Difficulty to digest: While there are many studies mentioned throughout the book, Cialdini’s style is approachable and conversational. Most readers should be able to easily […]

Influence By Robert Cialdini – Book Review

3 reasons not to impose your values guy pointing 11
It’s the best deal, so just take it. The woman hobbled up to the counter with 4 books in her arms, each cost a dollar. I was working the cash register and wanted to help her so I said “You know you can get 10 books for $5, right?” “You have […]

Communication: 3 Reasons Not To Impose Your Values On Others

work life balance
It was a long night. You groggily open your eyes, wondering where you are. Your neck and back are killing you, as you slowly orient yourself with your surroundings. Reaching under your head, you pull out a balled up sweater. What the? You finally realize you’re in your office. This […]

Work Life Balance: Reflect On What You Want