Category: Around the World
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Bias for novelty
If you’re used to the same routines every day—same route to work, same apps and websites, same friends—then you have a lot to gain by exploring. Try a new coffee shop, restaurant, or bar. Visit a nearby local town. Don’t order your favorite dish, set out to find a second favorite. Don’t be surprised to…
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Document whatever’s in front of you
On Sunday evening, I saw a man sitting at the back of a vintage shop in Daikanyama. He sat on a small stool, with his backpack tucked between his legs. His right hand held a blank notebook open, his left held a black pen. He drew the scene in front of him—racks of pants, shirts,…
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Be mindful of what you’re getting good at
A friend of mine had moved from Toronto to Hong Kong for work. When he first arrived, he didn’t know anyone. He had a decision to make: He could get really good at spending time by himself, including sitting at home in the evenings and watching TV. Or, he could get really good at socializing.…
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In praise of the early morning flight
Flying in the morning means waking up really early. It’s exhausting and inconvenient, so it deters a lot of people. The type of people who decide to make this tradeoff, and show up, are usually particularly responsible. They’re punctual. They want more time at their destination, so much so that they’re willing to wake up…
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Three lessons from giving dishes an extra rinse at dim sum
When I was growing up, my parents and I went to dim sum every Sunday afternoon with my grandparents. The first thing we did after we sat down was order a teapot of boiled water to wash our cutlery. We started by pouring boiled water in our cups, which we then poured over a pair…
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Aerial roots can strengthen a tree’s foundation and absorb water and nutrients
Every tree has roots that set the foundation for the trunk and branches in the ground. I learned recently that some trees, like banyan trees, also grow aerial roots from the branches. Like the roots in the ground, some of these roots can absorb water and nutrients from the air. As these roots grow and…
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Create space for the things you want, so they can find you
What do you want more of in your life? Have you created space and time for it? It’s easy and comfortable to fill spaces with things you’re familiar with or good at. It’s difficult and uncomfortable to create space for the things you want, especially when they’re unfamiliar. If you’ve been yearning to travel, you…