Herbert Lui, Lifehacker

Herbert Lui

Lifehacker

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Past articles by Herbert:

How 'Controlled Sloppiness' Can Make You More Successful

If you’ve had the fortune of coming across SMART goal setting, you’ll know the acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Assignable (changed into “Attainable”), Realistic, and Time-related. In particular, specificity makes goals easier to plan for and track. For example, “eat less takeout,” isn’t as good as, “eat takeout at most twice per week.” But while being specific can be useful, it it can… → Read More

How to Effectively Layer Up and Stay Warm This Winter

You don’t need a big, heavy, puffy coat to stay warm and toasty in cold weather. While that coat is great if you have one, layering thinner articles of clothing can keep you warm, too—and as a bonus, layering gives you more flexibility in situations where the weather may be unpredictable. So here’s how to layer up for comfortable, effective (and stylish) warmth, even if you don’t happen to own… → Read More

How to Create Your Own Luck

Being lucky can mean anything from finding a dollar on the ground to getting your dream job. You can't change the laws of the universe, but people who consider themselves lucky tend to exhibit certain traits. Here's how to use that to your advantage and create your own "luck". → Read More

How to Use Your Temptations to Build Better Habits

Building habits is like training a dog--you want to reward yourself for a job well done. But there's nothing that says you have to enjoy that reward after your "good behavior". Another technique, called "Temptation bundling," lets you enjoy your reward while you build that habit, and it can be a very powerful tool. → Read More

How to Identify and Avoid the Most Common Telephone Scams

Even though they may sound outdated, phone scams still run rampant. The US Treasury inspector general receives between 9,000-12,000 complaints per week. According to Princeton Research Survey Associates, "People over 50 are disproportionately victimized by telephone fraud." Make sure you and your loved ones know how to identify and avoid the most common telephone scams--like these. → Read More

​Walt Disney's Best Career Lessons

As the founder of The Walt Disney Company, Disney produced blockbuster movies and immersive theme parks the world had never seen before. Although Walt Disney had a darker side to his reputation, there's a lot anyone can learn from his career. Here are some lessons from his success. → Read More

Four Ways to Make Difficult, Serious Conversations More Productive

Difficult conversations--whether with friends, family, or spouses--are hard enough without one wrong step turning them into a full-blown fight. Here are four ways to ensure you keep them productive and not explosive. → Read More

How to Develop Your Sense of Humor

Having a good sense of humor makes you more enjoyable to be around. You might also do better at work (as long as you don't go overboard). Yet even if you were cursed with poor timing or a lack of the funnies, here's how you can develop your sense of humor. → Read More

​Five Professional "Weaknesses" You can Reframe to Your Advantage

A lot of weaknesses in your professional life can be turned into advantages. The crucial element is knowing how to frame your perceived "weak" qualities to contacts and potential employers. Here are five common disadvantages that you can reframe and use to your advantage. → Read More

How to Manage Your Tolerance for Physical Pain

Physical pain can be intimidating. Whether it's a soreness after waking up, a sports injury, or an unexpected twinge, pain can be scary if you aren't mentally prepared to deal with it. We spoke to a few experts to learn how you can deal with--and prepare for--physical pain without feeling overwhelmed or freaked out. → Read More

Five Common Mistakes People Make When Telling Jokes

Nobody is perfect when it comes to humor. Some people just manage to recognize a bad joke early on and shut up, or kill their clumsier jokes gracefully. Here are some common mistakes you might make when it comes to being funny, and how you can identify them and avoid them. → Read More

John D. Rockefeller's Best Career Lessons

Love him or hate him, you can't deny his impact. John D. Rockefeller was the founder of Standard Oil, the company started in 1870 that fathered modern businesses like Chevron and ExxonMobil. He was also a notable philanthropist. Here are some of the career lessons we can learn from his life. → Read More

Five Peaceful Places to Take Micro-Retreats During the Workday

On a regular workday, it's easy to feel starved of peace. We crave peace and quiet so much that we'll pay to spend time in a peaceful place. But there are peaceful places everywhere, perfect for quickly recharging and disconnecting from your workday. Here are some places you can go during your break to renew your energy. → Read More

How to Make Reading Less Like a Lecture and Get "Sucked In" Every Time

Reading can be extremely rewarding, but forcing yourself to do it can make it a chore. A more sustainable solution is to enhance the reading experience, to read better--so that you remember what you read and enjoy reading more. Here's how you can make reading more fulfilling. → Read More

How We Work 2015: Herbert Lui’s Gear and Productivity Tips

Every week, we ask interesting people how they work. This week, it's our turn. I'm Herbert, and here are some of my favorite techniques, insights, and apps. → Read More

The Most Common Times People Quit, and How to Push Through

Sometimes, quitting is the best option--whether it's a side project, job, relationship, or any other part of life. However, we also quit because we don't have the resources to complete something, when things get tough, and when the timing makes us "feels" like we have to. Here are the most common times people quit, and what you can do to push through. → Read More

Four Personal Qualities You Can Develop Like a Skill

Technical skills are important these days, but personal qualities like persistence, courage, and patience can make just as big a difference in your career (and the rest of your life). You can develop each of these personal qualities much like you would a technical skill in order to improve yourself. Here's how. → Read More

Four Phrases We All Say, but Should Remove From Our Vocabularies

You probably say some things about yourself that you don't really mean, like laughing at your own laziness or asking about opinions that don't really matter. Unfortunately, the more you say them, the more power they have over you. Here are four phrases you should keep an eye on. → Read More

The Common Career Wisdom That Isn't Completely True

Finding your first "real" job can be anxiety-inducing, stressful, and extremely confusing. A lot of classic advice isn't exactly concrete truth, though, even though the principle might be right. Here's some career wisdom you should consider revisiting. → Read More

This Tutorial Teaches You How to Properly Do a Handstand

Some of us already have enough trouble moving around on our own two feet (don't sweat it, I've got two left feet as well). Nonetheless, if you want to master handstands, learning from this comprehensive guide will accelerate your progress and increase your likelihood of success. → Read More