With zero-based budgeting, accountants use zero as the baseline, and this means every line item in the proposed budget must be justified from scratch. Not using last year’s numbers as the baseline for next year’s projection (usually the practice). Zero-based budgeting is more ‘cumbersome,’ but it forces scrutiny and provides clarity.

I had applied “zero-based budgeting” in my own life when I moved to Sweden […]

If it isn’t a clear yes, then it’s a clear no.

I’m thinking of the standard I set for myself. Let’s say the job market, for example. I’m thinking about what makes me a clear choice for the role over the other person. In other words, a HELL YEAH! (copying Derek Sivers). […]

Look: See what really matters. It’s not about regurgitating the facts but about figuring out the point (in the case of journalism, for example). It means making those relationships and connections (between the set of facts) explicit. McKeown says:

In every set of facts, something essential is hidden. […]

I’ve been registered by my teacher to sit for the Swedish for Immigrant (SFI) national examination set to take place on 31 January and 2 February. Literally 10 days from now!

Right now, I’m practicing really hard on my writing and speaking skills, which I’ve identified as […]

Bear Mom came to visit yesterday (Tuesday) and brought a pair of this delicious-looking cream roll. I wasn’t catching the name of this delightful noms when she mentioned it, but when I conferred with Mister Bear later the same evening, he said it’s called semla. Yes, I remember hearing Bear Mom say […]

It’s still winter, but without the snow, so Mister Pops the cat and I took a stroll together in the neighborhood.

This is the first time we are using the cat carrier backpack and also his first walk outdoors […]