Stoic Street Smarts Newsletter Archives
I’m a former heavyweight pro-boxer (13-1-1) and alcoholic (Sobriety date 12/23/13), current writer, and aspiring chess master. I was raised in the projects by a single mom and failed high school, but I eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics.
I teach what I’ve learned from the hood, the ring, and everything in between.
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The Ethics of Uncertainty, Survivors Bias, And The Law of Large Numbers
A great line from the hit series “Narcos” illustrates the law of large numbers idea more poetically. “The bad guys have to keep getting lucky. We only have to get lucky once.” No one outruns the law of large numbers forever.
Expected Value: An Old Way To Make New Decisions
“Take the probability of loss times the amount of possible loss from the probability of gain times the amount of possible gain. That is what we’re trying to do.” This is expected value.
From 2-D for 4-D: Beyond the surface area of luck
The original concept of the “surface area of luck” is useful, but there is more to it. Read on to change your life with great serenity and better outcomes.
The Dichotomy of Control: A Street Smart Survival Tactic
The dichotomy of control. I couldn’t control poverty in my neighborhood, but I could control studying hard to maximize my scholarship chances. I couldn’t stop school bullying altogether, but I could control not letting it make me cruel or bitter.
Dream Job or Pipe Dream? How to know if you’re just an amateur or a bonafide pro
“Amateurs think talent and dumb luck are big factors in achieving good outcomes. Or they believe that bad outcomes are the result of bad luck.”
Most Self-Help Is BS. How to Become Unrecognizable in Just 1 Year
The journey requires sacrifice, but the rewards are great. Avoid shortcuts that promise easy transformation. Embrace the trials that deliver real change.
The difference between being productive and busy
“While you will hit all phases if you seriously pursue a skill or goal, you’re likely wasting time if the harder you work, the less money or progress you make. Yes, there are limits to things, but you shouldn’t be struggling to make serious gains before you make big or linear gains.”
Art vs Business
“The best thing to do is create the highest quality product possible. Whatever you do, try to be the best at it and make sure you get better every day.”
5 steps to control your temper and stop being scared
“I get sad and angry, just like every other human. The difference is that I’ve learned how to control and transmute those emotions rather than being controlled and transformed by them.”
Why you want revenge—and why you shouldn’t get it
“When a person wrongs you, it’s more like they’re self-interested to the point of ignoring your well-being, even if that means specifically victimizing you to get something they want.”
How to focus better and improve concentration
“Put your mind on your breathing. Try to consciously breathe more slowly with increasing depth and control. Successful people use these methods to eliminate distractions, do more work in less time, overcome a lack of sleep, and increase productivity.”
Your outrage makes the media rich
“The media creates division because division creates engagement, and engagement drives dollars. Your lack of emotional control is paying for someone’s mansion, lambo, and vacation. Are you ok with that? I sure hope not.”
Are you tired of the sea of bullshit, scams, and hustles on the internet?
Be careful who you listen to on the internet. There are a lot of people who haven’t done anything to earn the right to give the advice they constantly spout. In fact, many of them are hypocrites, contradictions, and several cases, outright liars.
Everyone wants to live the good life
If you always focus on your system, you never have to face when things aren’t working because you aren’t trying for a goal. By telling yourself that you’re just tweaking the system, you can justify your failures and shortcomings. The system is in place to help you reach the goal. Not replace it.
The Fear-Preparation-Familiarity Feedback Loop: How to stop being afraid of anything
“Your mind is more powerful than fear. Everything you fear is worse in your imagination than reality. We have a tendency to focus on what is lacking and what can go wrong. Humans are naturally more pessimistic than optimistic. “
The Priceless Path to True Happiness—The Surprising Limits of Money and Material Possessions
Money is important, but only insofar as it removes stress from your life. Once your health and safety are taken care of, more money won’t do much to improve your quality of life.
The Reality of Self-Care: It’s a Process, Not a Quick Fix
“It’s difficult to care for others if you haven’t taken the time to properly care for yourself. You have to selfishly strengthen your position so that you can give freely of your time and resources to those less fortunate.”
Want to put your life on the fast track? Take on bigger responsibilities
“If you aren’t already on the path to make more of your life, leave a mark, and beef up your obituary, then the introduction of any obstacle or responsibility won’t make that any easier. To use another example:”
Why old friendships can be like scabs and scars
“Think of it like this. If an ex sends you a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Birthday” text, they probably mean it, but it’s also a low-risk investment to keep alive the possibility of extracting energy from you.”
The hard way to escape the slow pull of reality’s quicksand
Your actions set things in motion in *your* universe. You create your universe the same way you create your life.
5 lessons from getting punched in the face
Getting punched in the face isn’t that bad. In fact, it can be the source of some valuable lessons. Here are five things you can learn from the experience.