Life
Random internet bloggers have changed my life
You need someone to show you the light. To show you what's possible. To model what a different life could look like.
Live your life in “chunks”
I didn’t realize it at the time but I had been living my adult life in roughly 4-year chunks.
What Should We Do When It's Too Expensive to Live?
The cost of living is ridiculous. With half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, life is freaking stressful. What should we do?! I explore five major "solutions," share the pros and cons of each, and reveal what I'm currently doing.
Year in Review 2021
Tam Pham's year in review for 2021. Phamily time, new promotion, diversifying my purpose portfolio, learning martial arts, and my new definition of happiness.
Make Major Life Decisions With Confidence By Answering Three Simple Questions
I've dropped out of college, quit my job to play chess full-time, and moved to a new country without much hesitation. I owe this clarity thanks to the time I've spent reading, journaling, and reflecting on three simple questions.
The Opportunity in Giving Up On Your Dreams
We are told at a young age that we can do anything. But I believe it is impossible, and sometimes unwise, to achieve these goals at any cost. Because the dream that we once thought would make us happy may not be what actually gives us a meaningful life.
Year in Review 2020
I write a review every year on my birthday to reflect (past editions here: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015). Here's what my 2020 looked like: The goals I set at the beginning of 2020 were simple: 1. Dance bachata 2. Take improv classes 3. Meet my new
Year in Review: 2019
I usually write a review every year on my birthday to reflect (past editions here: 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015). Here's what my 2019 looked like: Finishing up my chess sabbatical I spent the first part of 2019 finishing up my days of chess tournaments and teaching kids.
Candid Thoughts on Moving from San Francisco to Toronto
My diary entry before moving from to a completely new country.
A Beautiful and Pessimistic Approach To Life - School of Life Conference
I gave up on my dreams and lowered my expectations after attending the amazing School of Life Conference.
Year in Review: 2018
2018 for me has been full of excitement, adventure, and peace in that order. A good friend of mine described me as transitioning from a naive and wide-eyed boy to an old Asian dad. I agree with her. Every year on my birthday, I look back and reflect on how
Year in Review: 2017
My year in review for 2017.
The Fundamental Skill You Must Master Before Anything Else
I believe self-awareness is the most important skill you could ever have. Self-awareness is foundational for long term happiness, fulfillment, and success
Year In Review: 2016
I want to take the chance and reflect on this past year. The piece is a bit random, but I hope you learn something useful or gain a new perspective on what it’s like to live a day in a dropout’s unconventional life. (past editions here: 2015). I
Year in Review: 2015
If you asked me where I would be right now a year ago, my prediction wouldn’t even come close.