Stop Doing What Makes You Happy – It's Making You Miserable

Unhappiness is an epidemic in our society.

More people are anxious, stressed, depressed and on meds than any other generation in the history of the world. So what's the problem?

People chase around happiness without the slightest clue about what it actually means – running around unaware there are really two types and that they're pursuing the wrong one.

How To Copy Without Being A Cheat (Or Losing Credibility)

Like getting in a car strangers and looking both ways before you cross the street, not copying is one of those life lessons that are drilled into your head. And not without reason.

Adults were looking out for us. They didn't want us to get kidnapped, hit by a car, or in the case of copying, end up dependent and uneducated. Little did they know they were drawing a line in the sand that limited our growth.

This post is all about why and how copying is good, and leveraging the best practices can bring you immense levels of growth.

Think About Life Like It's Your Birthday Every Day

Most people do it. The clock strikes birthday o'clock, and we start evaluating and analyzing our lives.

Along with New Year's Day, our birthdays are a time that makes us ponder our accomplishments, motivations, direction, and general how's-it-goingness of life.

The Best Books Of 2017

One of my goals for 2017 was to read more. To start small, I decided one book a month would be good. Twelve books — no biggie. Or was it?

In the end, I cracked open a total of thirteen books, but I only finished ten. I came in a little under my goal, but I'm happy that I increased the number from the prior year.

What was that number? Good question. I don't know because I didn't keep track in 2016, but it was definitely under ten. My gut tells me it was around 5. 😞

Why You're Going To Continue Not Doing What You Want

You've been thinking about a habit you're interested in starting. It's been awhile since you thought you'd pick it up, but you still haven't. Why?

Not starting carries more power than you know. You aren't going to start because the power of not doing something is stronger than your willpower to pick up that new habit, skill or hobby.

The longer you don't do something the easier it is to continue not doing. Simple as that.

3 Simple Ways You Can Be Less Gringo (And More Brazilian)

We need to face this reality hard and fast. We are gringos.

If you already understand that this word is used in Brazil much different than other parts of Latin America, you are ready to take the next step.

How to Handle Your Brazilian Visa Extension

So, you are liking your life in Brazil and you've decided to stick around.

I support that, but what about all the red tape? What about all the hoop jumping? If you're not in the position of having your school handle this process, lucky for you, I've been there and want it to be as easy as possible for you.

Why Failing Sucks, and What to Do About It

A short while ago, I noticed this pattern that I have. To say the least, it was less than glamorous. More specifically, it made me feel pretty shitty.

As a person who is REALLY hard on himself, I can get into some deep self loathing when I realize that I have a bad habit, have been doing something wrong, or have some kind of screw up.

Anniversary Post: The Crummy Life Turns One

I think it all started out of angst. Have you ever done that? Started something because the tension you are feeling compels you to spring forward with action. To just do something.

The confusion about where to begin. The confusion about what it is all for. Then, finally, deciding it's just because that's what you want or need to do.

This is how The Crummy Life started.

Thailand and Brazil: Side-by-Side Reflections on Adapting Abroad

I've now adapted in a short list of countries, and the two that have given me the greatest amount of time to go through the process and develop deeper observations are Thailand and Brazil, respectively. It's time to reflect on some of the differences, as I try to rummage through my thoughts to see what I might share with Tom.

"Hey," he said to me as I turned to exit the room, "don't fuck it up."

So goes the general and less than eloquent advice of one of my greatest influences. They were applicable to just about anything, but always reserved for those moments when he knew that a person needed an extra prod to strive for greatness, and the comment would land perfectly so you knew what it was about.

Challenge Update 2 - Atualização de Desafio 2

Nós estamos aqui de novo. Uma outra semana já passou, e mais prática completou. 

Oops, here I am on The Crummy Life. Time to switch back to English. 

This last week was a fun time trying to apply my Portuguese skills to my life behind me. I say behind me because, to practice speaking in the past and making the necessary conjugations in my head, I spent much of the week talking about days and years passed.

I want to give a big THANK YOU to Murillo, the teacher that made the biggest impression on me during the October Challenge. Thanks for all of your help, especially with pretérito imperfeito, which was incredibly confusing before you broke it down and forced me to use it.

That's all for now, so watch the video and have a laugh!

Challenge Update 1 - Atualização de Desafio 1

As promised, I am here to deliver my language challenge update for my first completed week of the italki October Language Challenge.

It was a busy week, and a fun weekend applying some of what I had practiced all week. I had a great time with some friends in one of the many beautiful places that make up Floripa.

My first week of the challenge went great, so check out the video to see what I accomplished, and what I've got lined up before it finishes on the 31st.

Until next time, tchau! And don't forget to hang on until the end of the video... the bloopers are worth it!

5 Things to Take Home From Brazil

Do you remember how good you felt the last time you stepped into a new city, experienced a new thrill, or met someone that really captured your attention?

When people move to a new place, or even just visit, they start off in "the honeymoon phase." This magical time is filled with the thought that, like a teeneager in a fresh romance, all of these new things are amazing.

It is only natural that a person is going to like some things during this phase so much that they will think, "Why don't I do it like that?" With that idea in mind, I want to offer you five things that have only furthered my fascination of and appreciation for the Brazilian way.

October italki Language Challenge Public Pledge

It's time again for a challenge!

Today is the fourth day of the challenge, and I have already finished three hours! Only three more to go, and ten days to do it. No problem!

italki has brought back the language challenge for October, this time challenging participants to finish six hours of classes in fourteen days. Between October 18th - 31st, anyone who is signed up for the challenge can get a $20 rebate on money spent taking classes once they complete the six hours, plus an extra $5 if you post a public pledge video.

A Hassle-free Guide to Obtaining a Brazilian Visa

Brazil is known as being a country that can turn just about any process into a bureaucratic circus. It doesn't take much exposure or Internet research to find stories of paper pushing and hoop jumping in a variety of contexts. Don't let that turn you away, it's well worth the work if you are looking to get south of the Equator to experience what anyone who has been here boasts about.

This beautiful country hosts a rich, vibrant culture that captivates anyone who gets near because it's energetic, passionate and contagious. The following breakdown will ensure that you can get your visa sem problemas (without problems).

Long Distance Relationship Tips to Bring You Success

No matter who you are, being in a long distance relationship (LDR) is another level of commitment. If you have doubts about the relationship you are in, an LDR probably isn't for you.

I don't mean small, general insecurities about the future. Specifically, I am referring to the possibility that you have ideas about the person not being "the one" for you. This is very important, because who wants to commit time and energy to an LDR that isn't founded on mutual long-term intentions? Really, that's a bit masochistic.

Quick Language Learning Tip: italki notebook entries and community supported learning

I have written about italki.com in a few posts, describing what a great asset the site is to language learners. For this quick language learning tip, I want to talk about one thing I really like about italki, notebook entries and community supported learning.

How to Successfully Complete an italki Language Challenge

I was facing twenty eight days to finish twelve hours of language classes. I knew I could do it because I had already been studying daily alone and was starting feel that I needed guidance.

Last month's challenge started with a public pledge, and a dose of determination that came from failing the January language challenge. [insert lame excuse here]

June italki Language Challenge Update: Brazilian Portuguese

Olá! Tudo bem?

This month I am participating in the June italki Language Challenge. Maybe you saw my first post with my public pledge video, where I said what I aim to accomplish and used a bit of português brasileiro. What did you think?

Well it is time for an update, because week three has just begun. With my birthday in week one, and being in a wedding in week two, life has been packed to the gills with action and excitement.

5 Important Phrases to Learn When Traveling

Image © GL Stock Images

When we travel, we don't usually make a decision and then leave immediately. Most of us plan trips well in advance. We make an itinerary that tentatively outlines what we will do during our time away. So, why not make part of the planning process the native lingo?

It is important to show host country people that we have come to their country with more than just the intent to enjoy the sights. While we we have come to soak up the country's splendor, it shows an extra appreciation and effort if we learn some of the host country's language, too.