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How to Start

James White • 12 February 2020

...and quit avoiding your goals!

The concept of writing a blog is not new. Blog was Merriam-Webster's word of the year in 2004, so I'm late to the party here. The reasons I've given myself to avoid this before:
 - I don't know how to start
 - I don't know what to write
 - I don't think anyone would be interested
 - I don't have enough time 
 - If it will cost me anything, I'm out

Ok fine, so HOW did I do it? Well if you're reading this, I guess that means... I JUST DID IT! 
I didn't overthink it. I didn't procrastinate. I didn't talk myself out of it. I ditched my excuses for 5 seconds - the time it took to open a text file on my computer and just start writing. I took the first step... well, wrote the first few words... and now here we are: Blog post #1: done. Blog: created. 

Take a second and think about something else you've been avoiding, you know that thing I mean, the one you keep telling everyone about but have never actually done anything about besides talk and daydream? It might be learning a new skill or language, getting in shape, or finding a new job. Whatever it is for you, read the list of excuses above again and see if you've been undermining your own ability to achieve. Nobody is stopping you but you. 

So here it is: Just, start. 

President Harry S Truman sums it up simply: "Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction".  
by James White 8 October 2024
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by James White 26 September 2024
I recently finished listening to Gary Stevenson's Trading Game: A Confession on Audible , and what an entertaining listen it was. I found it great that the author himself reads out the book, making it a more 'personal' experience. I thought he also did a great job on all the various accents. The review: The book combines Gary's personal narrative with an inside look into how things are on a trading desk. Having worked in financial services my whole life, I found the stories relatable, often hilarious (even laughing out loud at times!), while also insightful and informative. I half expected this to be a 'trading book' which unpacks strategies and technical aspects of the markets, which there are elements of, but that's not what this book is about. Rather Gary shares his experiences, brags about the money he made, but also makes some serious observations about the state of the world, income inequality, and what he thinks is needed. The observations of how economic systems are biased and benefit the (already) wealthy are interesting. He tackles ethical dilemmas head-on, even though he profited from the very systems that, in his view, exacerbate the inequality. Stevenson also reflects on his decision to leave the trading world, a rare choice for someone making as much money as he claims. I enjoyed the fact that he distills some complex economic and financial ideas to make them understandable to those without a background in finance (even being in finance, some concepts were foreign to me). It’s an enjoyable listen (or read) for anyone interested.
by websitebuilder 6 February 2020
Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.
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