Austin's Analects

Austin's Analects is a Substack dedicated to providing actionable insights on optimizing personal performance and living well. It covers a wide range of topics including personal finance, fitness, career advice, investments, and lifestyle choices aimed at enhancing overall well-being and financial independence.

Personal Finance Fitness and Health Career Growth and Goals Investment Strategies Lifestyle and Well-being Real Estate Investing Technology and Social Media Nutrition and Diet Retirement Planning Entrepreneurship and Side Hustles

The hottest Substack posts of Austin's Analects

And their main takeaways
19 implied HN points 19 May 21
  1. Save your work frequently to avoid losing valuable content.
  2. To get what you want, follow steps like figuring out your goals, learning how to achieve them, committing to the steps, and staying focused.
  3. Starting a business doesn't always require reinventing the wheel; focus on in-demand services, learn to perform them, find clients, and provide great service.
0 implied HN points 18 Apr 23
  1. Many fitness professionals don't earn high wages, but offering the right products can increase their earnings.
  2. Fitness products often focus on 4 main goals: rapid fat-loss, muscle gain, strength gain, or total well-being; align your products with these categories.
  3. Real-life examples like Earn Your Carbs Nutrition Program and Cbum Fitness App show how specific products address these popular fitness goals.
0 implied HN points 17 Apr 23
  1. Creating a consistent sleep schedule is important for falling and staying asleep. Try to go to bed at the same time every night.
  2. Avoid trying to make up lost sleep by sleeping in; prioritize consistent sleep and wake times instead.
  3. Think about your morning routine for better sleep: get early morning sun exposure and delay caffeine after waking up to help manage cortisol levels.
0 implied HN points 15 Apr 23
  1. CrossFit can be intimidating at first, but don't let that stop you from trying. Once you get past the initial fear, you may end up loving it.
  2. In CrossFit, it's important to swallow your pride and keep pushing forward, regardless of your fitness level. Progress is what makes the journey exciting.
  3. Utilize the support of coaches in CrossFit classes to learn proper techniques. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance, as that's what they're there for.
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0 implied HN points 13 Apr 23
  1. Fitness is about being able to handle any physical task that comes your way, not just collecting data from wearables.
  2. The best measure of fitness is the ability to take on challenges like rescuing someone, going on a long bike tour, or pushing a car out of a snow bank.
  3. Fitness is personalized and not just about specific metrics; it's about having the capability to tackle unexpected physical challenges as they arise in your life.
0 implied HN points 11 Apr 23
  1. Creating a shared budget is key: Budget for rent, utilities, groceries, etc. to understand expenses together.
  2. Open a joint checking account: Use it to cover shared expenses hassle-free without the need for splitting every bill.
  3. Set up automatic transfers and payments: Simplify managing finances by scheduling transfers and payments for shared expenses.
0 implied HN points 10 Apr 23
  1. CrossFit comes with injury risks like any sport, but focusing on proper movement execution can reduce the chances of getting hurt.
  2. Age shouldn't be a barrier for trying CrossFit - people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond also enjoy the benefits of increased longevity, disease prevention, and happiness from this workout regimen.
  3. CrossFit won't automatically make you small or bulky; it's meant to improve fitness, strength, and overall health without necessarily leading to extreme muscle loss or significant muscle gain.
0 implied HN points 08 Apr 23
  1. The author stopped writing online due to fear of deviating from their niche
  2. The author became too focused on audience building and forgot about other types of writing
  3. The author started prioritizing earning money through writing and lost the joy of writing in the process
0 implied HN points 01 Jul 21
  1. Reflecting on past goals is important for growth – celebrate successes and learn from misses.
  2. Setting specific and measurable goals helps maintain focus and accountability.
  3. Sharing progress with others can be motivating and create opportunities for connection.
0 implied HN points 09 Jun 21
  1. Building an audience and making money online can be achieved by offering a free product to attract followers and subscribers.
  2. Learning data science involves introspection to identify what aspects you enjoy, such as problem-solving and quick learning, and utilizing valuable resources like Datacamp for skill development.
  3. To achieve financial freedom, it's crucial to identify and invest in a 'wealth vehicle,' which can be any business or system aiming to grow wealth, following a 4-step process of making money, saving, investing, and scaling.
0 implied HN points 02 Jun 21
  1. Self-storage investments involve owning real estate and a business to appeal to banks and investors
  2. Directly contacting self-storage owners can provide a competitive edge over relying on brokers
  3. Instead of focusing on individual stock picking, consider investing in index funds for retirement accounts for lower risk and better growth potential
0 implied HN points 26 May 21
  1. 401k is important for financial freedom, but questions like how much to invest and what to invest in can be confusing. It's crucial to understand how to leverage your 401k to achieve financial goals.
  2. Diversification in stock portfolio asset allocation is essential for reducing risk. Researching and adjusting your investment allocation based on personal finance blogs and books can be beneficial.
  3. Developing a comprehensive financial model can help with personal finance management and achieving financial freedom. Utilizing tools like Google Sheets can provide valuable insights into budgeting, investments, and taxes.
0 implied HN points 04 Nov 20
  1. Your resume is your representation when you're not physically there, so make it count by keeping it visually appealing and concise.
  2. Make your resume visually appealing by keeping it to one page, using appropriate tenses, and emphasizing key points clearly.
  3. Your resume should sell your skills effectively by being concise, including quantifiable data, and tailoring it for the specific job.
0 implied HN points 04 Nov 20
  1. Companies with a competitive advantage offer products that are valuable and unique. The same concept can apply to job applicants.
  2. To differentiate yourself in a job application, focus on being valuable by performing expected tasks and unique by engaging in activities outside expectations.
  3. Define the company's expectations, identify what makes you unique, and highlight those unique qualities to stand out from other candidates.
0 implied HN points 06 Aug 20
  1. During interviews, focus on highlighting strengths that align with the job description and company needs.
  2. It's important to confidently communicate your strengths concisely when asked about your greatest strength.
  3. Support your strength with a relevant example from your personal or work experience to provide credibility.
0 implied HN points 06 Aug 20
  1. Review common interview questions to be prepared for what you might face. Knowing common questions and how to answer them can boost your confidence.
  2. Prepare answers for common interview questions by coming up with frameworks for different question types. This helps you stay organized and concise during interviews.
  3. Practice answering interview questions by getting a study buddy or recording yourself. Practicing verbally can help you gain confidence and improve your communication skills.
0 implied HN points 06 Aug 20
  1. Start your cover letter with a personal greeting, rather than 'to whom it may concern', unless necessary.
  2. Introduce yourself and what you do briefly in the first paragraph of your cover letter.
  3. Explain why you are applying for the position and what qualifies you, as well as why you want to work for the company in the following paragraphs.
0 implied HN points 06 Aug 20
  1. The most crucial part of an interview is being liked by the company you want to work for. No matter how much you prepare, if they don't like you, you won't get hired.
  2. To ensure you're well-liked: build good relationships with interviewers and be nice to everyone at the company, from the receptionist to your interviewer.
  3. On interview day, arrive early, be polite, have a strong handshake, make eye contact. Post-interview, thank the interviewer, get their contact info, say goodbye to everyone, and send a follow-up email.
0 implied HN points 05 Aug 20
  1. Cold emailing is difficult, especially because you don't have a prior relationship with the person you are contacting
  2. Personalization is key in cold emails; connecting over a common interest or acknowledging something unique about the recipient can increase response rates
  3. When making your ask in a cold email, ensure it is realistic, concise, and polite to maximize the chances of a positive response
0 implied HN points 01 Aug 20
  1. Answering 'tell me about yourself' is crucial because it sets the direction of the interview, tests if you did your homework on the job, and helps with making a strong first impression.
  2. Interviewers use this question to test your confidence, break the ice in the interview, set the direction for the conversation, and get to know you better.
  3. Besides the direct question, interviewers may ask in other ways like 'walk me through your resume' or 'tell me about some recent experiences' - but your response should focus on tailoring your answer to showcase skills relevant to the job.
0 implied HN points 01 Aug 20
  1. Prepare for interviews by being confident in answering 3-5 questions from each of 5 types of categories to be ready for any interview situation.
  2. Personal interview questions aim to help interviewers learn more about you, build a profile, and understand your background and goals.
  3. Commonly asked personal interview questions include 'Tell me about yourself,' 'What are your strengths?', and 'What are your weaknesses?' Be prepared to answer these effectively to succeed in interviews.
0 implied HN points 01 Aug 20
  1. Initial excitement for an interview can quickly turn into nervousness and anxiety as it approaches.
  2. By familiarizing yourself with common interview questions and preparing thoughtful answers, you can increase confidence and better handle the interview process.
  3. Practicing answering questions through methods like flashcards, Quizlet, and mock interviews, along with checking for accuracy, length, and confidence, can help you feel more prepared and reduce anxiety.
0 implied HN points 01 Aug 20
  1. An elevator pitch is a brief description about yourself, concise enough to share in an elevator ride and impressive enough to sell yourself quickly.
  2. A good elevator pitch should cover three main points: who you are, what you do, and what you want to do.
  3. Crafting a solid elevator pitch helps boost your confidence, initiate conversations easily, and present yourself effectively in a brief manner.
0 implied HN points 01 Aug 20
  1. Perfect your resume by tailoring it to the job, formatting it properly, and writing concise bullets with powerful action verbs.
  2. Attend career fairs to network with employers, perfect your elevator pitch, and prioritize companies you're interested in connecting with.
  3. Leverage your existing network and expand it through platforms like LinkedIn to maximize your job search opportunities.
0 implied HN points 01 Aug 20
  1. Perfect your elevator pitch to effectively introduce yourself and stand out at career fairs.
  2. Tailor and sharpen your resume before the event, ensuring it complements your in-person impression.
  3. Prioritize target companies, connect with recruiters early, be assertive, and follow up afterward for success at career fairs.
0 implied HN points 01 Aug 20
  1. If you hate your major's coursework, it might be time to consider switching.
  2. Consider the future job opportunities your major could lead to - if they don't excite you, switching may be a good move.
  3. If your curiosity about your major has disappeared and you no longer have questions to explore, it might be time for a change.
0 implied HN points 31 Jul 20
  1. Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description to pass the Applicant Tracking Systems' scan
  2. Present your resume in a simple chronological order for easy readability by the ATS
  3. Use standard section headings like Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications to help the ATS understand your resume structure
0 implied HN points 28 Jul 20
  1. Networking is key: Utilize your existing connections and expand your network to increase your chances of landing a sophomore internship.
  2. Talk to your adviser: Start by seeking advice from your academic adviser for guidance on career fairs, information sessions, and potential opportunities.
  3. Persistence pays off: Don't get discouraged by the lack of internship postings for sophomores. Keep reaching out, attending events, and building relationships to make things happen.
0 implied HN points 28 Jul 20
  1. Emphasize the importance of networking in securing interviews. Having a strong network increases your chances more than just having a good resume or grades.
  2. Communication plays a crucial role throughout the process. Keep in touch with your contacts consistently, updating them on your progress and thanking them for their support.
  3. Identify your dream company and build a strategy around connecting with employees and recruiters to increase your chances of landing an interview.
0 implied HN points 28 Jul 20
  1. When sending a follow-up email after an interview, keep the formatting simple for effectiveness.
  2. Send the follow-up at 8:00 AM the day after the interview, except if it's on a Friday, then send it on Monday morning to be one of the first emails the interviewer sees.
  3. Include critical details in the follow-up email like a simple subject line, references to the job/company, and a personalized touch from the interview.
0 implied HN points 28 Jul 20
  1. Read and understand the job description to tailor your resume accordingly to match the skills and qualifications requested by the employer.
  2. Keep your resume concise and to the point, ideally on one page, with clear formatting and appropriate use of fonts and tenses.
  3. Use action verbs and quantify achievements in your resume to demonstrate the impact of your work and make it more appealing to potential employers.
0 implied HN points 08 Nov 18
  1. Networking and relationships are crucial for landing interviews at top firms like BCG, Bain, and McKinsey, especially if you're from a non-target school.
  2. Having strong connections can help you secure first-round interviews, even if you lack the typical credentials these firms look for.
  3. Send thank you emails after networking connections, keep in touch, and strive to stand out since non-target school candidates are not part of the typical applicant pool.
0 implied HN points 02 Jun 23
  1. Diagnose the problem before investing time and money in repairs.
  2. Consult experts when making costly decisions to save time and frustration.
  3. DIY may not always be the cheaper option, considering time, stress, and total costs.
0 implied HN points 02 Jun 23
  1. Reflecting on the past year through an annual review can help you realize accomplishments, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for the future.
  2. Identifying supportive habits, people, and environments, as well as recognizing blockers, can help in planning personal growth and success in the upcoming year.
  3. Setting specific, controllable goals in various aspects of life like physical health, mental growth, social connections, and financial stability can lead to a more structured and purposeful year ahead.
0 implied HN points 27 Apr 23
  1. Taking creatine can improve your muscular endurance, allowing you to sustain fatigue for longer periods during exercise.
  2. Creatine can help increase muscle mass, leading to enhanced performance with the ability to achieve more reps in training sessions.
  3. In addition to physical benefits, creatine has been found to enhance cognitive function and potentially prevent cognitive decline through supplementation.