logical thinking in an illogical world
The official homepage of Nicholas J. Nicastro aka donniccolo | open minds | common sense | freedom
Originally appearing on Medium.com, '13 Things You Should Give Up If You Want To Be Successful' by Zdravko Bato Cvijetic is a MUST READ and now it is proudly part of my #requiredreading list. Below is the pithy list but trust me, not only should you read the entire essay, you should soak it up and make it a part of who you are.
Max Ehrmann warned us in 1927. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter. He was right. The only competition that has ever made sense is you versus yourself from yesterday.
Reflecting on a deep friendship with Chad, emphasizing that meaningful conversations focused on significant ideas and honesty overshadowed trivial topics like the weather. I try to highlight the importance of genuine connections that enhance personal growth and urge readers to prioritize substantial discussions over small talk, reinforcing that vital conversations require intentionality.
We live in a world that treats all opinions as equal. They are not. This essay makes the case that expertise matters, that direct experience outweighs uninformed confidence, and that the willingness to ask 'what does this person actually know, and why?' is one of the most underrated habits in modern life. Featuring a hard look at how we evaluate polarizing public figures, and a simple framework for thinking more honestly about whose opinion deserves your attention.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote "to be great is to be misunderstood" nearly two centuries ago, and it has lost none of its force. This essay unpacks what he actually meant, where the idea gets uncomfortable, and why the mere fact of being disagreed with proves nothing on its own. The key distinction: are you misunderstood because you are unclear and careless, or because you are saying something true that others are not yet ready to process? Emerson's challenge is to earn the second category, speak plainly, think rigorously, and then refuse to dilute the truth just to be liked. If no one ever misunderstands you, you are probably not saying anything worth remembering
Most parents don’t realize they’re giving up a superpower—the power of presence. At my daughter’s gymnastics class, 23 out of 28 parents were glued to their phones. If that’s your default, you’ll blink and miss a decade of your child’s life. This essay isn’t about judgment—it’s a wake-up call. Try putting your phone away. Watch. Listen. Be there. It changes everything.
I value reminders, utilizing printed notes and checklists to maintain focus and mental strength. These aids reinforce the importance of self-care and managing anxiety, highlighting the significance of staying attentive to essential aspects of life. Additional resources are offered, presenting straightforward advice for self-improvement and emotional well-being.
The Minimalists have said a lot of things that have stuck with me over the years. One was about how "organizing is well-planned hoarding." How simple yet profound. Thankfully, after my house caught fire, I gained perspective about many things. As I was tasked with manually removing 250 bottles of whiskey from my home, I … Continue reading Collecting Is Just Well Planned Hoarding
"Get back to zero" is a life philosophy advocating for completing one task entirely before moving to the next, ensuring each action receives full attention. This approach helps maintain order, alleviates overwhelm, and prepares us for new challenges with a clear space and mind. It's about embracing the moment fully, whether it's cleaning, working, or playing, allowing for a life lived with intention and a sense of calm achievement.
By providing unwavering support, encouraging a growth mindset, and being a constant source of encouragement, parents can help their children develop the resilience and confidence needed to achieve great things
