Shows
The Legal ImmigrantRescission of INA 204(c) Charge + Removal of INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i) Bar in K-1 Visa Case = A True Success StoryUSCIS approved the Form I-129F, K-1 fiancé petition of our U.S. citizen client, after issuing a Notice of Intent to Deny it under INA 204(c). In the NOID, USCIS claimed her foreign national fiancé entered a prior sham marriage to a Form I-485 green card applicant solely to gain permanent residence as a derivative beneficiary. After receiving our Response to the NOID, USCIS vacated the 204(c) charge and approved the petition. Still, the U.S. Consulate refused the K-1 visa under INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i) and instructed the applicant to file for an I-601 waiver. Ten...
2026-01-1107 min
The IncrementalistWhy Do You Really Want to Get More Done?After a long break from posting on The Incrementalist, I am back on the channel. To know whether to continue, start or stop any project, you must know the WHY before the HOW. The Busyness Trap: Escape Overload and Focus on What Matters is now available for early enrollment: https://dyan-williams.thinkific.com/courses'busyness-trapModule 2 is now up. It contains 16 minutes of 5 video lessons: 1) What is the Busyness Trap?2) How Do You Know You're in the Busyness Trap? 3) The Psychology of Busyness4) The Culture of Busyness5) The Business of B...
2026-01-0103 minThe Legal ImmigrantTrump's $100,000 Fee in New H-1B Petitions: What We Know (So Far)On September 19, President Trump signed a Proclamation restricting the entry of certain H-1B workers into the United States, unless the Form I-129 (H-1B) petition was accompanied by a $100,000 fee from the employer. The restriction is effective as of September 21, and will expire in 12 months, absent an extension from the Trump Administration.How will this be implemented? Will there be federal court litigation to stop it? That's what we don't yet know. But in this video, you will learn what we do know, so far. Related article: Trump’s $100,000 Fee in New H-1B Pe...
2025-09-2805 min
Make More Money as a Dietitian | Private Practice, Business Confidence, Career Flexibility, Financial FreedomDietitian Debt Freedom: Escaping the Student Loan Shame SpiralAre you drowning in student loan debt while trying to build your dietetics career? You're not alone. In this eye-opening interview with Lauryn Williams of StudentLoanPlanner.com, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about student loans in our profession, where dietitians are often overeducated and undercompensated. Whether you're making $30K in clinical or growing a private practice with variable income, this episode delivers the straight talk you need about managing your student loans without derailing your career dreams. From income-driven repayment plans to loan forgiveness options you might not know exist, Lauryn breaks down complex information into practical...
2025-05-2249 min
The Sounds in My HeadS22,E01: 04/28/25 (Foamboy, Zack Keim, Panda Bear, The Innocence Mission, Dyan, Dean Wareham, cagedancr.)Season 22 Episode 2 Edibles - Foamboy Washington DC - Zack Keim Better Days - Zack Keim Praise - Panda Bear Ends Meet - Panda Bear Midwinter Swimmers - The Innocence Mission John Williams - The Innocence Mission Pray to Me - Dyan What Fiction Is For - Dyan You Were the Ones I Had to Betray - Dean Wareham The Cloud is Coming - Dean Wareham Fine Day - cagedancr. This episode features a clip from Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update in which Emil Wakim talks about American Patriotism in these trying times.
2025-04-2850 min
The IncrementalistThe Busyness Trap, Module 1: Enroll early!Enroll early in the Busyness Trap: Escape Overload and Focus on What Matters: https://dyan-williams.thinkific.com/courses/busyness-trapModule 1 is now available. For an early enrollment fee of $29, you will get unlimited access to Module 1 plus all new modules that are added incrementally. The price of this course will increase as more modules are published. When all the modules are made available, the enrollment fee could be from $99 to $199. A year ago, I started outlining the modules and writing the lessons for this self-paced online course. It builds on the 5 productivity principles described in m...
2025-04-1603 minThe IncrementalistWhy (Too Much) Positivity Makes You Less ProductiveLearn 7 reasons why the Law of Attraction is unproductive and even harmful. The Law of Attraction says your thoughts and feelings manifest your reality; they contain vibrations and frequencies that create tangible outcomes or visible results. It’s pseudoscience that makes vague references to neurology, metaphysics and quantum mechanics. The law of attraction is a New Thought or New Age concept. The idea is that whatever you desire, the universe will provide. The 3 steps of manifestation are to ask, belief and receive. There is no action step. When you’re in the realm of possib...
2025-03-2717 minThe IncrementalistWhy (Too Much) Productivity Makes You Less ProductiveLearn 7 reasons why the Law of Attraction is unproductive and even harmful.The Law of Attraction says your thoughts and feelings manifest your reality; they contain vibrations and frequencies that create tangible outcomes or visible results. It’s pseudoscience that makes vague references to neurology, metaphysics and quantum mechanics. The law of attraction is a New Thought or New Age concept. The idea is that whatever you desire, the universe will provide. The 3 steps of manifestation are to ask, belief and receive. There is no action step. When you’re in the realm of pos...
2025-03-2717 minThe Legal ImmigrantTexas Federal Court Pauses Parole in Place (Keeping Families Together) ProgramAs of August 26, USCIS has paused the granting of Applications for Parole in Place for Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens. Due to a court order from the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, USCIS may not approve or adjudicate Form I-131F, PIP applications, although it is still accepting them.In Texas v. Department of Homeland Security, Case Number 24-cv-306, the court administratively stayed DHS from granting PIP under Keeping Families Together for 14 days. The court may extend the period of this administrative stay for additional periods through mid-October.The...
2024-08-3009 minThe IncrementalistStop Being Busy. Start Resting.When you’re busy all the time, it’s hard to pause, slow down and rest. But the busier you are, the more you need to recover and recharge.In episode 70 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) Wanting to rest is not a sign of weakness or laziness 0:002) What is rest 0:533) The benefits of passive rest, like Niksen (the Dutch term for doing nothing) 1:214) The advantages of active rest, like tactile hobbies or meditative activities 2:205) Rest can be mentally restorative, physically recharging, or spiritually renewing, or a combination of all three 2:445...
2024-08-1512 minThe Legal ImmigrantParole in Place Plan Will Allow Certain Undocumented Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens to Get Green Cards through I-485 Adjustment, Instead of Consular ProcessingOn June 18, the Biden Administration announced a “Parole in Place” plan to allow certain undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residence within the U.S., instead of needing to depart for Immigrant Visa processing. "The Fact Sheet: President Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families Together" provides basic information on the program, which the Administration says will promote family unity.The exact application process – such as required forms, filing fee and documentary evidence – has yet to be decided. Until a proposed rule is published in the Federal Register and public comments are acce...
2024-07-0114 minThe IncrementalistLearn While Doing Things (Better)Learning is a meta skill for thriving, growing, and doing better. When you don’t learn, you stay stuck and repeat the same mistakes. While learning might not be as urgent as performing tasks, producing output and meeting deadlines, it’s just as important. Your performance is at its lowest when you’re purely performing or purely learning. You’re most likely to succeed when you have the ideal mix of both. In episode 69 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) Chronic performance is counterproductive2) The difference between having a fixed mindset and a growth...
2024-05-0414 minThe Legal ImmigrantI-212 and I-192 Approvals for U.S. Visits Following Conviction and Deportation = True Success StoryA Canadian citizen wished to enter the U.S. to reunite with his U.S. citizen parents and sibling. But a decade-old conviction for Conspiracy to Import Ecstasy into the U.S. and his deportation, which followed his release from prison, barred him on four inadmissibility grounds:1) INA 212(a)(2)(a)(i)(I) (crime involving moral turpitude)2) INA 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) (controlled substance violation)3) INA 212(a)(2)(C) (controlled substance trafficking)4) INA 212(a)(9)(A)(ii) (removal order with aggravated felony conviction)With two consultations and, eventually, representation from Dyan Williams Law, the former...
2024-04-1607 minThe IncrementalistHow to step into uncertainty, make progress, and find flowUncertainty makes it harder to make progress and find flow in meaningful things. In easy conditions, progress is a straight line toward an end point. But when there’s uncertainty, progress is more like a feedback loop. In episode 68 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) 0:09 When faced with the unknown, you can either do something or do nothing.2) 0:26 The difference between uncertainty and ambiguity and why they both cause frustration. 3) 1:03 The Paradox of Control and how we create anxiety.4) 1:47 How good anxiety works for you and bad anxiety works ag...
2024-02-1214 minThe IncrementalistGoal Setting to Make Your Best Year EverSetting goals - when done right - puts you on the path to a more desired life. In goal setting, do not make the finish line the main thing or lose sight of the journey. In episode 67 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) 0:15 By breaking your big goals down into mini goals, you achieve small wins that build your confidence, grow your knowledge, and keep you on an upward spiral.2) 0:32 Goals are spotlights pointing you in a certain direction. They are not always your ultimate destination point. 3) 1:21 The key differences between ex...
2024-01-1511 minThe IncrementalistA Bias for Action Can Make You FailA bias for action can help you do big things and reach big goals. In big projects, it's vital in the delivery phase, which should be fast. But it hurts the planning phase, where it’s better to be slow. In episode 66 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) 0:00 A bias for action feels productive but can also backfire and cause big failure in big projects.2) 0:55 Every big project has 2 basic phases: Planning and Delivery. 3) 1:11 In their book, How Big Things Get Done, authors Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner note that 99.5 percent of...
2023-11-0517 minThe IncrementalistSolitude: A Path to Move Through LonelinessSolitude is a chosen state of being alone. It is not the same as interpersonal loneliness or existential loneliness, which may lead to an early death or death by suicide in extreme cases. The need for alone time is as vital to human life as the need for social interaction. When you practice solitude, you will be better able to move through loneliness with skill, rather than try to end it unskillfully at all costs. In episode 65 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) The main differences between solitude and loneliness 2) The k...
2023-09-1319 minThe IncrementalistTurn your hard efforts into easier steps (become an Incrementalist)As you make gains, step by step, your actions and behaviors that used to take a lot of effort become more like a habit. You can choose to stay there and enjoy what you’ve accomplished or take the next step for a new challenge. The Incrementalist: A Simple Productivity System to Create Big Results in Small Steps, is now available on both Amazon and Leanpub.The book shows you how to skillfully practice the Incrementalist principles to do the right things, in the right way, at the right time – even when you feel unmotivated or u...
2023-08-2203 minThe Legal ImmigrantCan You Get a U.S. Visa if You Have a Conviction for or Admit to a Drug Offense?If you were convicted of or admit to committing a drug offense, this subjects you to a permanent bar from the United States. This means you will not be eligible to receive a U.S. visa or admission to the U.S. on crime-related and perhaps health-related grounds. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. That said, is Prince Harry’s U.S. visa subject to revocation due to his public admission to illicit drug use? He does this in his memoir book Spare and in several media interviews. While this might be no big deal for the D...
2023-05-1919 minThe IncrementalistMaking Decisions When You Don't Know What to DoUncertain outcomes and imperfect data make it tougher to decide. A decision starts with a choice, which is an opportunity to select from two or more options. A decision is cutting off options and narrowing it down to just one. This is harder to do in novel, high-stakes situations.In episode 63 of The Incrementalist, you will learn how to make better decisions in the face of uncertainty: 1. Understand that decision making starts with knowing what you really want. Go with thick desires, instead of thin desires. 2. Find out where you are on the Social...
2023-05-1016 minThe IncrementalistMaking Decisions When You Have Choice Overload and Cognitive BiasesDecision-making can be daunting. A decision can be so tough that you avoid it for as long as possible, instead of approach it head-on. And we can get worn out by the sheer number of choices we make daily. In episode 62 of The Incrementalist, you will learn two major pitfalls in decision making and strategies to navigate them:1. Pitfall #1 - Choice Overload Decision MatrixParadox of ChoiceMaximizer vs. SatisficerNarrow Framing2. Pitfall #2 - Cognitive BiasSystem One vs. System Two ThinkingCommon Cognitive BiasesMental ModelsGet Distance3. Four Basic Steps to Decision Making: there's a v...
2023-03-2314 minThe Incrementalist7 Mistakes to Avoid When Goal SettingGoals are targets, milestones or results you want to achieve. But week after week, month after month, year after year, we set goals that we soon forget. Before you decide that goals don’t work, first look at how you set them. In episode 61 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) Even when we don't set goals, we carry them around in some shape or form. 2) 7 big mistakes to avoid when goal setting (and how to fix them). Watch the video, 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Goal Setting on our YouTube channel, The Inc...
2023-02-0316 minThe IncrementalistWhy You Need to Set Goals, Even if Achieving Them Doesn't Make You HappierEven if goals don’t make you happy or happier, you still need to make them for different reasons.In episode 60 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) The limits of goal setting and goal achievement. 2) The 5 reasons you still need to set goals, even if they don't really make you happier. Watch the video, Why You Need to Set Goals, Even if Achieving Them Doesn't Make You Happier, on our YouTube channel, The Incrementalist - A Productivity Show. It adds another dimension to what you hear on the podcast.The...
2022-12-0215 minThe IncrementalistWhat to Do When You're Motivated to Do NothingWhat to do - when you feel like doing nothing - depends on the reasons you're unmotivated and unproductive. In episode 59 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) The Procrastination Equation, a formula by Dr. Piers Steel that helps explains why you feel unmotivated and why you procrastinate. 2) 10 tips to get out of a mental slump and motivation rut. Watch the video, What to Do When You're Motivated to Do Nothing, on our YouTube channel, The Incrementalist - A Productivity Show. It adds another dimension to what you hear on the podcast.
2022-10-3016 minThe IncrementalistThe Truth About Productivity Advice and Toxic ProductivityToxic productivity occurs when you apply habits, routines and practices that are prescribed for someone else. Some of the productivity advice are hacks, tricks and tips that won’t work for you. They just don’t match with your mindset, preferences and season of life. In episode 58 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) The truth about productivity advice and toxic productivity. 2) 5 universal principles or basic rules to apply in any productivity practice. 3) 7 common mistakes to avoid when moving from being unproductive to productive. Watch the video, The Truth About P...
2022-08-1714 minThe IncrementalistThe Power of Slow Living and Doing LessHarness the power of slow living and practice the slow philosophy. This is how you break the obsession with doing more faster and, instead, do the right things at the right speed.On the road of life, there are twists and turns, hills and valleys. We can map out and plan our journey. But even then, we can’t always see what’s ahead of us in a given moment. And slowing down is the only way to move ahead. In episode 57 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1. Slow living gives you an infinite sourc...
2022-07-2016 minThe Incrementalist5 Things to Start Doing to Finish Your GoalsIf you have trouble finishing projects and goals, you’re not alone. This is a common human experience. But there are 5 things you can do to finish strong with any project or goal. In episode 56 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1. The limits of willpower, better habits, and more refined systems. 2. The 5 things to start doing to finish your goals -i. Make progress incrementally and imperfectly.ii. Set smaller, more flexible goals.iii. Enjoy the process, not wait for the desired result.iv. Rest and recharge fully. v...
2022-06-0214 minThe IncrementalistHow to Stay Focused and Control Your AttentionYour ability to focus on deep work is key to being productive. Your power to connect ideas is vital to being creative. Whether you’re focusing or mind wandering, you need to direct your attention to perform at your peak. In episode 55 of The Incrementalist, you will learn: 1) The difference between Hyperfocus and Scatterfocus and why you need both modes of focus to control your attention. 2) Mind wandering is not a problem if you have meta-awareness or metacognition, i.e., to be aware of your awareness or to pay attention to your attention.
2022-05-1415 min
Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland64. Veronica: "Rooted In Adoption-A Collection of Adoptee Reflections"Veronica graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and later went on to earn a master's degree in mental health counseling from Webster University. Veronica is currently a registered intern counselor with the state of Florida. She hopes that she can help educate adoptive parents and others in the counseling profession on adoption-related trauma and be an advocate for adoptees. Veronica believes no one should be denied the right to know who he or she is.Veronica's recommendations include: "Help Me To Find My People" by Heather Andrea Williamshttps://www.psychologytoday.com...
2022-05-1036 minThe IncrementalistDigital Minimalism: Break Your Technology Addiction and Master Your Tech UseDigital technology has its benefits and is not all bad. But tech-overuse and tech addiction cause problems too. To break our tech addiction and master our tech use, we need Digital Minimalism: “A philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else," says author Cal Newport.In episode 54 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) Online information and entertainment often create distraction (move you away from what you re...
2022-04-2614 minThe Incrementalist3 Gifts from Memento Mori (Remembering You Will Die)Memento Mori is a powerful practice to create a meaningful, productive and fulfilling life. Roughly translated to English, it means, "Remember you must die."Reflecting on your own death might seem like a dark and depressing way to live. But it offers three unique gifts that help you live with intention.In episode 53 of The Incrementalist, you will learn: 1) Memento Mori is an ancient practice that spans across time and cultures. 2) Life lessons on death from Stoicism and philosophers, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epicurus. 3) Key takeaways from Ir...
2022-04-0112 minThe IncrementalistWhy Work-Life Balance is Not Worth the Effort (and What to Aim for Instead)When we hear the term work-life balance, we tend to think of it as a good thing. It’s doing great work, without overworking. It’s getting enough rest, without staying idle. But if we want to have a meaningful and productive life, striving for perfect work-life balance is not often the right path. What we really want to aim for is Intentional Imbalance. In episode 52 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) 3 reasons work-life balance isn't really practical or beneficial2) 3 elements of Intentional Imbalance - Alignment- Introspection- Mom...
2022-03-1112 minThe Incrementalist3 Ways to Make Boring or Hard Work Easier to DoDo you struggle to stick with challenging projects? Can you stay curious when you do tedious tasks?How do you deal with boring, hard things you have to do?Habits help you automate positive behavior and actions on a daily basis. But they are not enough to perform at your peak. There will be times when you will have to do boring or hard things that take uphill effort. If you can make boring, hard work easier to do, that’s more than half the battle in making the impossible possible.In episode 51 of...
2022-02-2314 min
The Incrementalist3 Ways to Make Boring or Hard Work Easier to DoDo you struggle to stick with challenging projects? Can you stay curious when you do tedious tasks? How do you deal with boring, hard things you have to do? Habits help you automate positive behavior and actions on a daily basis. But they are not enough to perform at your peak. There will be times when you will have to do boring or hard things that take uphill effort. If you can make boring, hard work easier to do, that’s more than half the battle in making the impossible possible. In episode 51 of T...
2022-02-2314 minThe IncrementalistHow to Reset and Start Fresh (when you feel stuck)Are you feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Do you have thoughts churning around, usually about things you don’t control? Is lack of clarity stopping you from taking action? If you feel stuck, bored or just plain lazy, you might be waiting for inspiration to strike. But what if it doesn’t? You might think you need more discipline or willpower. But even the most disciplined people procrastinate on the things they need to do. And willpower is finite. The more you use it, the less you hav...
2022-02-1311 minThe IncrementalistA Quick to Make Habits StickDo you have trouble remembering to do a new habit?Are you setting the right conditions to form the habit? Do you lose motivation when you don’t get immediate results? Habit stacking is a quick way to build good habits that have a lasting, massive impact in your life. These automatic behaviors reduce decision fatigue, make time your ally, and save your energy for the hardest things. In episode 49 of The Incrementalist, you will learn: 1) The Habit Stacking formula2) How habit stacking fits with Professor BJ Fo...
2022-02-0412 minThe IncrementalistA Quick Way to Make Habits StickDo you have trouble remembering to do a new habit?Are you setting the right conditions to form the habit?Do you lose motivation when you don’t get immediate results?Habit stacking is a quick way to build good habits, which have a lasting, massive impact in your life. Habits are automatic behaviors that reduce decision fatigue, make time your ally, and save your energy for the hardest things.In episode 49 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) The Habit Stacking formula2) How habit stacking fits with Pr...
2022-02-0412 minThe Incrementalist4 Reasons It's So Hard to Build Good HabitsGoals are the results and outcomes you want to achieve. They are the direction you want to head in, at least for the time being. But systems are what create the desired results and outcomes. Your daily habits make up your system. What you do day in and day out compounds over time to determine your level of success, mastery and contentment. In episode 48 of The Incrementalist, you will learn: 1) Key lessons from James Clear's Atomic Habits and Professor BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits books2) What is a habit3) How you...
2022-01-2811 minThe IncrementalistHow to Time Block (Without the Apps)Do you get overwhelmed by digital task management tools? Are you seeking a good mix of structure and flexibility in your day?Is there an easy, stress-free way to block time for important projects?When you hear the term Time Blocking, you might picture color-coded calendars filled up with specific activities for the week. Digital apps to block time might also come to mind.But you really don’t need an app or even a planner to time block. In episode 47 of The Incr...
2022-01-2016 minThe IncrementalistWhen to Quit and When to PersistAre you in a cul-de-sac, on a cliff, or in the dip?Patience and persistence are essential for success. If you give up whenever you face a challenge or an obstacle, you’re bound to fail. But you also need to know when to quit and cut your losses. In episode 46 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) The Sunk Cost Fallacy means we prefer to continue the action if we already put time, effort, and money into it, even if the current costs outweigh the benefits. 2) Commitment bias is to stand by p...
2022-01-1114 minThe IncrementalistHow to Kickstart Your Year with 12 Key QuestionsThe start of the new year is an ideal time to take stock and reflect. January 1, the 1st of every month, or the start of a new season are temporal landmarks. This is when many of us set goals or recommit to goals. A review of the year gives you insights on how to move forward in the next. It’s better to do it in the first week of the year, but no later than before you start planning for the upcoming months. In episode 45 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1. How much...
2021-12-3110 minThe IncrementalistSmall Steps: The Surest Way to SuccessAt the end of the year and the start of a new one, we tend to reflect on accomplishments and think about aspirations. There’s nothing wrong with keeping the status quo if it works for you. Constantly striving for the next big thing is no better than leading a simple, satisfying life.But like all human beings, you probably have a wish or a dream that has yet to come true. A wish or a dream is not a goal until you have a plan of action. And a plan of action is not made until yo...
2021-12-2018 minThe IncrementalistSmall Steps: The Surest Way to SuccesAt the end of the year and the start of a new one, we tend to reflect on accomplishments and think about aspirations. There’s nothing wrong with keeping the status quo if it works for you. Constantly striving for the next big thing is no better than leading a simple, satisfying life. But like all human beings, you probably have a wish or a dream that has yet to come true. A wish or a dream is not a goal until you have a plan of action. And a plan of action is not made until yo...
2021-12-2018 minThe Legal ImmigrantI-601 Waiver for INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i) Bar + Immigrant Visa = A True Success StoryFive years after being found inadmissible under INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i), our client finally received her Immigrant Visa to join her U.S. citizen spouse in the United States. Consistent with normal processing time, USCIS took 10 months to approve her Form I-601 application for waiver of inadmissibility, which we prepared and filed on her behalf. But due to the U.S. Consulate’s administrative delays and a Presidential Proclamation suspending entries from the client’s home country, it took almost three more years for her to get the visa. In episode 13 of The Legal Immigrant, you will lear...
2021-12-1509 minThe IncrementalistMake Use of Good AnxietyWe have all experienced anxiety on some level at various points in our lives. COVID-19 and the global response to it have brought massive changes and deep uncertainty since the start of 2020. Before then, 90% of Americans in the room raised their hands when asked if they had experienced daily anxiety. Wendy Suzuki, a neural science and psychology professor at NYU, says that number has gone way up. But she reminds us that at its core, anxiety is really a protective mechanism. Like all emotions, it serves an evolutionary purpose and is key to survival. In e...
2021-12-1116 minThe IncrementalistHow to Control Your AttentionThere are news stories and articles on how we have the attention span of a goldfish. You might have heard that with the Internet, we can now only focus for 8 seconds at a time. The good news is there are no studies to back this up. There is also a common belief that we use only 10% of our brain. The entire brain is being used, but some parts are more activated than others. Having a peak mind is more about knowing where your attention is than whether or not you are hyper-focused or hyper-vigilant. In episode 42 of T...
2021-12-0413 minThe IncrementalistGet Bored NowIs boredom a negative emotion? It is defined as a feeling of discontent with something that is dull, repetitive, tiresome or tedious. We prefer to stay away from anything that is boring to us. But boredom is largely a complex emotion that can have a very positive impact. It can make us more creative and productive. In episode 41 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) In 11 studies, researchers at the University of Virginia and Harvard University found that most participants did not enjoy spending 6 to 15 minutes in a room by themselves with nothing to do but t...
2021-11-2708 minThe Incrementalist12 Essential Things that Enhanced My LifeSome of the wealthiest people are the most depressed and saddest in the world. Having too much stuff can be distracting and overwhelming. Less stuff brings more clarity, more space, and more freedom. Still, there's nothing wrong with having shiny, new things. You don’t want to depend on things to make you happy or to define you. But you also don’t want to feel guilty when you buy something you really want or will enrich your life somehow. In episode 40 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) Just because you can afford the newest versio...
2021-11-1913 minThe IncrementalistProgress, Not Perfection, is the WaySmall wins make you more productive, creative, committed, collegial, and focused. When you track the progress you’ve made, no matter how small, you gain confidence that builds on the momentum. With an incremental approach, you take daily actions that move you in the right direction, instead of take big leaps that are more likely to steer you off course. In episode 39 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) Progress comes from positive inner work life, which includes your perceptions, emotions and motivation levels.2) Favorable perceptions about your work and colleagues, positive emotions like joy...
2021-10-0909 minThe IncrementalistLove and Connection in a Time of LossWe’ve all experienced loss in some shape or form. It could be the loss of a dream job, a friend moving away, a health crisis, or a change in lifestyle that you didn’t plan for. The death of a loved one is a very painful experience. It’s hard to even say the word "death" in this context. The end of a life is so final, so permanent, and so irreversible. We call it a loss to soften the blow, to help ourselves or the other person feel better. The pain of such a loss –...
2021-10-0107 minThe IncrementalistHow to Learn and Master Any Skill (part 2)When you’re acquiring and developing a new skill, you need to learn how to learn. Learning is a meta-skill for life and for sustaining peak performance. This continuation of a two-parts episode builds on the foundation principles covered in Episode 36. In episode 37 of The Incrementalist, you will learn: 7 more takeaways to learn and master any skillKeep a beginner's mind - be like the child learning to crawl who is not concerned about how she looks or about whether she’s succeeding or failing. Invest in loss - give yourself to the learning process...
2021-09-2322 minThe IncrementalistHow to Learn and Master Any Skill (part 1)When you’re learning and developing any skill, it’s better to have a growth mindset, than a fixed mindset. Talent and natural ability do matter. But your attitude towards failure and setbacks are more critical. There are two modes of learning theories: entity versus incremental theories of intelligence. Entity theorists think, "I am smart at this." Success or failure is based on an ingrained ability. Intelligence or skill is a fixed entity. Incremental theorists think, "I got it because I worked hard.” Success or failure depends on effort. Intelligence or skill can be developed. In episode 36 of The In...
2021-09-1814 minThe IncrementalistCreate Space to Think (part 2)Making space between activities can be done solo, without allies. But industry norms and workplace culture might pull you back into chronic busyness. Norms are standards or principles of action that apply to a group. A culture is made up of norms. Effective leadership from the top reduces the burden on individuals who seek to have more margin in their day.In episode 35 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) Creating space solo, without allies, is doable. But it’s easier to sustain when you have support. Interactions with others and not just your own actions le...
2021-09-1022 minThe IncrementalistCreate Space to Think (part 1)To do creative, high-leverage work, you need to step back and look at the big picture. But when there are fires to put out, demands to meet, and crises to solve, it’s hard to stop and think about what’s really important. When we zoom out though, we find that urgency doesn’t equal a true emergency. Many of the things we did should have waited until another day, or maybe another week. Some required more thought before action. And maybe the problem would have resolved itself. We often confuse active busyness with true productiv...
2021-09-0214 minThe Legal ImmigrantCOVID-19 Vaccination Required for Green Card Applicants, Starting October 1stThe CDC has a new requirement that will affect all green card applicants. Starting October 1, 2021, intended immigrants must receive full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to immigrate to the U.S. This new requirement affects eligibility for permanent residence on health-related grounds. COVID-19 has been added as a Class A medical condition that bars a person from the United States. Class A inadmissibility includes a communicable disease of public health significance per regulations under the Department of Health and Human Services; and a failure to present documentation of having received vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases. As of...
2021-09-0115 minThe IncrementalistMake Time Your Ally (not a thing to manage)Industrialization created a clock time mentality. Time is now standardized, visible in the ticking minutes, and outside our existence. Time is a resource to make money, and a thing to be traded, maximized and optimized. So, you end up with busyness, overwhelm, and pressure. And you feel guilty when there’s margin. This is where time management falls short. It doesn’t really answer the existential question of what really matters. In episode 33 of The Incrementalist, you will learn: 1) How idleness aversion and the desire to be productive can interfere with the present momen...
2021-08-2516 minThe IncrementalistPatience is a SuperpowerWe often get stressed and anxious when the thing we want done is not done. We want what we want now. We don’t like waiting. Patience is sometimes seen as an anti-skill that wastes time, or a sign of indecisiveness or lack of power and autonomy. But in today’s fast paced world where overwhelm is common and immediate gratification is expected, patience is a superpower. In episode 32 of The Incrementalist, you will learn:1) The more you exercise patience as a skill, the better you can focus, step up to challenges that require long-term comm...
2021-08-1705 minOnce Upon A Time...In Adopteeland24. Alicia Williams: "I Don't Know Who These People Are."During times in this episode, there is sensitive content that may be traumatizing to some audiences. Listener discretion advised.Alicia is a wife, mother of 5 and a grandmother. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Business. Music by Corey Quinn
2021-08-171h 08The IncrementalistMake Willpower IrrelevantIf you want to get to the next level, you need willpower to make creative breakthroughs and steady progress. Don’t you? After all, willpower helps you to beat distractions and delay gratification to make wise choices. But willpower is limited. It gets depleted the more you use it and as the day goes on. While you could do certain things to boost and improve willpower, you could also shape your environment so you don’t need it. Your situation and circumstances either encourage or discourage positive change. In episode 31 of The Incrementalist show, you will...
2021-08-1217 minThe IncrementalistDealing with Motivation Ruts and Burnout2020 was an especially challenging year. And this year continues to require some extra effort to start and finish things that matter. Even if you’ve built a business for yourself (like I did), you can still have creative exhaustion and feel trapped by your work. Maintaining discipline is more critical than having motivation. Preserve your energy and leave some fuel in the tank. Steady, daily progress through discipline allows you to cultivate long-term motivation. When you have autonomy, discretion, rewards that you value, social support, fair policies, and meaningful work, you feel more engaged and less burnt out...
2021-08-0722 minThe IncrementalistFinding Your Ikigai (sense of purpose)True productivity is not just about getting more stuff done effectively and efficiently. It also involves creating a meaningful and satisfying life. This doesn’t mean you always get what you want or that everything comes easy to you. Hardships can build appreciation for life itself. Words like purpose and calling are nebulous. They are associated with living authentically, with integrity and in alignment with your core values and commitments. Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy for discovering your purpose and building self-awareness. Your ikigai is something that gives you a sense of purpose. It sustains you...
2021-07-2916 minThe IncrementalistHow to Stay Accountable and Stop Self-SabotageTo gain traction and execute better on your goals, start with a 12-week action plan instead of a longer term, annual plan. Rather than wait an entire year to track progress and measure results, you do a formal review every 12 weeks. And in the 13th week, you make a plan for the next 12 weeks. As part of your routine, you score the week, plan the week, and participate in weekly accountability meetings (WAM). Stay accountable by owning your thinking, choices and actions. Keep your commitments by uncovering hidden intentions, internal contradictions and big assumptions that undermine your d...
2021-07-2219 minThe IncrementalistHow to Accomplish More in 12 Weeks Than in 12 MonthsIf you’re resisting what you need to accomplish, you might have given yourself too much time to execute your plans. New Year’s Resolutions and annual goals rarely get you to where you need to be and create the life you want. Move out of annual thinking and adopt the 12 Week Year. With this planning technique, a year is no longer 12 months; it's 12 weeks. 1 year = 12 weeks, 1 month = 1 week, and 1 week = 1 day. You are no longer focusing on distant annual goals broken into 4 periods or quarters. In episode 27 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will learn:1...
2021-07-1515 minThe IncrementalistGet Stressed the Right WayStress is not always bad. It comes with having big goals and pushing beyond your comfort zone. Going off to college, starting a new job, traveling to a foreign country, or launching a business trigger stress. And they also bring feelings of excitement, confidence and achievement.Stress is positive when it stimulates growth, adaptation and expansion. It’s the chronic, persistent, negative stress that you need to watch out for. Stress can be good and productive or it can be toxic and destructive. That’s why it’s important to get stressed the right way. Stre...
2021-07-0619 minThe IncrementalistMake Better Decisions Even When You're UncertainWhen you’re making a decision on tough problems, you are always missing key information. Every decision is biased because it’s based on limited beliefs, assumptions and data points. You can never be sure of the outcome. A bet is a decision about an uncertain future. And decisions are bets in uncertain environments. As you seek to learn more, you start to peel back the layers. You become more skilled at finding different pathways and generating creative solutions to complex problems. When a problem cannot be solved with a simple technique or known procedure, being...
2021-06-2920 minThe IncrementalistTime Affluence: Create Time to Be HappierIf you want to have a happier, more satisfying life, it’s better to value time over money. It doesn’t matter whether you’re financially secure or financially struggling. Even when you control for income level, the more time affluence you have, the happier you are. Time affluence is feeling that you have enough time to pursue meaningful activities and enjoy leisure. You can exercise, move, relax, travel, volunteer, or engage in social relationships more. Time poverty is feeling rushed, overwhelmed, stressed and overworked. It’s having too many things to do and not enough tim...
2021-06-2221 minThe IncrementalistDo, Ship, RepeatWe often believe we need credentials to do useful or valuable work. Whether it’s having a college degree, a training certificate, or a professional license, credentials help us seem less like an imposter. But we’re all imposters on some level when we work on hard problems with no easy answers. You might ask yourself: Why did I get picked? Why am I being charged to solve this issue? Why am I stepping up and choosing to lead or choosing to follow? Don’t wait for reassurance or validation. Instead, hone the ability to trust...
2021-06-1616 minThe IncrementalistEffortless ProductivityWe tend to think that important and valuable work has to be hard. This could be writing a book, leading a team, designing a new product, running a business, or preparing a presentation. But too much effort is counterproductive when it leads to chronic stress, health problems, sleep issues, and burnout. You first need to decide where to focus your energy. Once you determine the essentials, how do you make them as easy as possible to do? Work can be effortless if you break it down into small, easy to manage chunks. It can also fee...
2021-06-0823 minThe IncrementalistFind and Keep a Hobby You LoveA hobby is an activity you enjoy doing with little or no focus on the long game or the end results. You do it for fun or leisure in your free time. Your work or your business can be your passion. But even if you enjoy them, they are not your hobby. They come with risks and consequences that can affect your income, your reputation, and your status. A hobby and a passion can be related, but there are subtle differences between the two. A passion is a strong feeling for something you would love to...
2021-06-0319 minThe IncrementalistConsistency and the Compound EffectWhen I launched The Incrementalist podcast, I committed to making at least 10 episodes before I would allow myself to quit. No matter how I felt – excited or not, I would record and publish a minimum of 10 episodes. I have since doubled that metric. Intensity of effort matters, especially in the beginning of a project. But it comes in short bursts. It is fueled by excitement and passion. You ride the waves, but you don’t control them. You use intensity as allowed. You go faster, pick up the pace, when you can afford to, when you ha...
2021-05-2621 minThe IncrementalistCreate Peak Moments for a Meaningful LifeA defining moment is a short experience that is both memorable and meaningful. It could be a month or a few seconds. These moments often relate to a new job, a new relationship, a relocation, or a vacation. In episode 19 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will learn:1) The four elements of peak momentsElevation - moments of elevation rise above the everyday, above the routineInsight - moments of insight bring realization and transformationPride - moments of pride capture us at our bestConnection - moments of connection are shared with others2) The acronym EPIC...
2021-05-1917 minThe Legal ImmigrantU.S. Immigration Risks in Claiming F-1 OPT or H-1B Status When There is No Real JobBeing inadmissible disqualifies you from getting a change or extension of status, a new visa, or lawful entry to the United States. While a 212(d)(3) nonimmigrant waiver or I-601/INA 212(i) immigrant waiver might solve the issue, it doesn’t work in every case. It’s best to avoid a fraud/misrepresentation charge altogether. Episode 11 of The Legal Immigrant podcast covers:1) The different contexts in which U.S. Customs & Border Protection, USCIS and U.S. Embassies and Consulates can make the 212(a)(6)(C)(i) charge 2) F-1 OPT and STEM OPT rules to followTim...
2021-05-1419 minThe IncrementalistMake Time for Daily HighlightsMaking time for what matters is hard when you're on the Busyness Wagon and stuck in the Infinity Pool.The Busyness Bandwagon is the culture of constant busyness. In the high tech, modern world, busyness is a status symbol – the busier you are, the more in demand you are, and the more successful you become. That’s the common belief. Infinity Pools are apps, services and products that have infinite content and are always on. There’s social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; video streaming like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime, and web browsers like Sa...
2021-05-1116 minThe IncrementalistSmart Note-Taking for Productive WorkThe main goal of smart note-taking is not to stay informed. It’s to increase understanding and build your knowledge base, which you can apply to your creative projects and productive work. You learn best when you connect ideas and evaluate the information. Does this confirm, contradict, or add to your existing knowledge? Have you mastered the subject enough to explain it or teach it to others through a presentation, an article, or a paper? How will your knowledge hold up in a test or in a real-world situation? In episode 17 of The Incrementalist podcast, you...
2021-05-0616 minThe IncrementalistHack Back EmailWhen you’re being responsive and responsible, you can easily slip into reactive mode. You end up neglecting important work that is less urgent but brings more long-term value. With the rise in social media, texting, and messaging platforms like Slack, some might say email is dead. But email continues to be alive and well. In episode 16 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will learn:1. Internal triggers (e.g. boredom, anxiety, frustration) and external triggers (e.g. pings and dings) lead to distraction2. The critical question to ask in deciding whether an ext...
2021-04-2918 minThe IncrementalistEvening Routines and Rituals to End Your DayYour shut-down sequence - before bedtime - creates the environment for you to rest, relax and sleep. Without a full rejuvenation overnight, it’s harder to take charge of your day. In episode 15 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will learn:1. The importance of both productive tasks and restorative tasks in your evening routine. You need to review your day and plan for the next as well as relax and rest completely. If you wind down enough before your bedtime, you will have space for an effective evening routine. 2. The value of sleep and how th...
2021-04-2021 minThe IncrementalistMorning Routines and Rituals to Start Your DayYour start-up sequence - after you wake up - affects your mood and sets the tone for your day. While you can make shifts and practice good habits later in the day, it's better to get quick wins with your morning routine.In episode 14 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will learn: 1. A routine doesn’t have to be rigid. You could have different themes depending on your energy level, the focus of your day, the season of your life, or the season of the year. 2. A routine may include fixed tasks or variable task...
2021-04-1516 minThe IncrementalistHow to Make a To-Do List that WorksIf you find yourself rushing through tasks, worrying about things you’re not doing, or having items linger for weeks or months, you might think that to-do lists don’t work. Your to-do list didn’t appear by itself. You made it. So maybe the answer is not to stop making to-do lists. Instead, you need to be more intentional and organize it around your real priority or priorities. In episode 13 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will learn 5 reasons why to-do lists might not work and what you can do to make them work better.Reason...
2021-04-0723 minThe Legal ImmigrantB-1 Visitor Visa: Traveling to the U.S. for BusinessThe B-1 visa or combined B-1/B-2 visa is for nonimmigrants who seek to enter the U.S. temporarily for business reasons and tourism. To get the visa or gain entry to the U.S. on this visa, you need to show you will participate in only permitted activities.Episode 10 of The Legal Immigrant podcast summarizes:(A) What you can do in the U.S. as a B-1 visitor - 1) Business activities of a commercial nature. Examples:engage in commercial translationsnegotiate a contractparticipate in business meetingslitigate, including to participate in a lawsuit, t...
2021-04-0519 minThe IncrementalistDivergent vs. Convergent Thinking: You Need Both to Get Unstuck and Solve ProblemsLinear thinking is the common, default mode when we work on projects and tackle problems. This includes making specific plans and listing action steps. It keeps us organized and on track. But linear thinking is not effective in addressing adaptive challenges with uncertain outcomes. To get unstuck and solve complex problems, you could blend Divergent Thinking and Convergent Thinking. This leads to creative problem solving, where you generate new, original ideas that are meaningful, valuable and practical. In 1956, American psychologist J.P. Guilford coined the terms Divergent Thinking and Convergent Thinking to describe two cognitive ap...
2021-03-3018 minThe IncrementalistFocused vs. Diffused Thinking: You Need Both to Learn and Solve ProblemsTo solve problems, you must access and activate the neural networks in your brain. There’s the task-positive network and the task-negative network. Task-positive is focused mode. And task-negative is diffused mode. You cannot use both at the same time. Instead, you move from one to the next to fully understand a problem and generate the best ideas to solve it. In episode 11 of The Incrementalist podcast, you will discover:The difference between the focused mode and the diffused mode of thinkingThe reasons you need both modes to learn new things and solve problemsThe limitations of the...
2021-03-2315 minThe Legal Immigrant2019 Public Charge Rule Gets Tossed; 1999 Rule is BackSection 212(a)(4) of the INA does not define “public charge.” But in 1999, USCIS and DOS guidelines began to define it to mean a person who is or is likely to become “primarily dependent” on the U.S. government for subsistence, as shown by the receipt of “public cash assistance for income maintenance” or “institutionalization for long-term care at government expense.”The prior Trump Administration introduced the new Final Rule on August 14, 2019. It amended how U.S. immigration agencies applied section 212(a)(4). The 2019 Rule gave USCIS more discretionary power to deny Form I-485 green card requests, and Form I-129 a...
2021-03-2215 minThe IncrementalistRest Even When You're BusyWork and rest are not competitors; they are equal partners. Active rest is a skill that you integrate into your day. It’s not just the absence of work. In this episode, you will learn 6 tips to rest deliberately even when you're busy: Tip 1: Try napping for 20 minutes, preferably after lunch when you're in the afternoon slump. If you're in an office setting where naps are not convenient, sit comfortably in a quiet space, close your eyes, and rest. Tip 2: Participate in deep play that is physically engaging, but not too mentally taxing. Physical activity and creat...
2021-03-1615 minThe IncrementalistWhy Weekly Planning WorksA Weekly Planning session gives you a broader perspective of what you need to get done. It also gives you more flexibility to get the right things done. It's often more essential than a daily to-do list or a daily action plan.In this episode, you'll learn about why weekly planning works, and how it creates more clarity, control, focus and flow:1. Clarity: Weekly planning reduces overwhelm and makes space for your best work with greater ease. It gives you more direction in how you will move forward on your high-level projects, while taking care...
2021-03-0816 minThe IncrementalistHow to Plan Your Ideal WeekWhat do you want to have done in the week? What are the big things you can do to call the week a success and make it great? Unexpected things will come up. Tasks will take longer than you expected. Distractions and interruptions will pull you away. But you’re more likely to accomplish what you must when you plan for it and begin with the end in mind. In this episode, I discuss achieving more by doing less in a week. You will learn: 1. How to consolidate by planning your Ideal Week The...
2021-03-0120 minThe Legal ImmigrantImmigration Reform Update: Earned Path to Citizenship and Repeals of Certain Inadmissibility BarsThe Immigration Reform bill -- which is supported and championed by the Biden Administration -- is big and bold. The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 seeks to give certain undocumented immigrants an 8-year path to becoming U.S. citizens, address the root causes of migration and manage the southern border, and reform the U.S. immigration system. In this episode, I focus on the following provisions in the reform bill:1. Section 1101, Adjustment of Status of Eligible Entrants to that of Lawful Prospective Immigrant (LPI), and Section 1102, Adjustment of Status of Lawful Prospective ImmigrantsProvides e...
2021-02-2417 minThe IncrementalistTime Blocking and Time Boxing to Get the Right Things DoneTime Blocking helps you to get unstuck, stop procrastinating, and move forward on a project. It makes time and space for tasks that need attention. It’s a way to chunk projects into smaller parts so it’s easier to start and make steady progress. You set time blocks with a start time and end time to work on a specific activity. You could single focus on one difficult, high-leverage project like a strategic marketing plan, or batch process similar, low-level tasks like responding to emails and returning telephone calls. You can move around time blocks if true...
2021-02-2215 minThe Legal ImmigrantImmigration Reform Update and I-601 Waiver for 3/10-Year Unlawful Presence BarThe Biden Administration’s U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 calls for comprehensive immigration reform. One provision seeks to get rid of the 3/10-year unlawful presence bar. This would be a major departure from current law, which requires a special waiver for this inadmissibility ground. Immigrant visa applicants who have this bar must first receive an I-601 or I-601A waiver for the visa to be issued. Nonimmigrant visa applicants with this bar need a 212(d)(3) waiver to be granted a visa. In this episode, I focus on the immigrant waiver for the unlawful presence bar. I dis...
2021-02-1014 minThe IncrementalistStop Procrastinating and Just StartIt's a common belief that perfectionism is one of the main causes of procrastination. Does having high standards make it harder to start? Many of my colleagues in the legal profession, for example, have perfectionist tendencies. Procrastination can get lawyers into trouble. It creates high stress and anxiety, and often leads to subpar work and serious errors. But as it turns out, there’s no strong link between perfectionism and procrastination, says Dr. Piers Steel. He’s a professor and leading researcher on the science of motivation and procrastination. He’s the author of the book, The Procras...
2021-02-0814 minThe Legal ImmigrantBiden Administration Proposes Immigration Bill to U.S. Congress: The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021On day 1 of the new Administration, the White House announced it is sending a bill to Congress to reform major parts of the U.S. immigration system. It includes an earned roadmap for certain undocumented immigrants, Dreamers, TPS holders, and immigrant farmworkers to apply for green cards and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. Other proposed changes include reducing the backlog in family-based and employment-based immigration; recapturing unused visas; allowing intended immigrants with approved family petitions to join relatives in the U.S. on a temporary basis while they wait for green cards to become available; and eli...
2021-02-0206 minThe IncrementalistFinding and Sustaining FlowTo move in the desired direction, you need more flow in your life, says Mihaly Csikszentmihaly, renowned psychologist and author of the groundbreaking book, Flow. He defines flow as the optimal experience in which you’re so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. You enjoy it for its own sake and will keep at it even with great cost. Flow is a key ingredient of a meaningful and happy life. But amped up flow doesn’t lead to ongoing success. While flow is necessary for peak performance, it’s not enough to sustain it, say...
2021-02-0119 minThe Legal ImmigrantForm I-129F Approval + K-1 Visa Grant = A True Success StoryA prior F-1 student consulted me after the U.S. Consulate used INA 214(b) to twice deny her requests for a visa renewal. After one more failed attempt to get the student visa, we agreed to switch to the K-1 visa based on her recent engagement to her U.S. citizen fiancé. It took four months for USCIS to approve the Form I-129F petition, which is the first step in the K-1 process. Within a month, we received notice from the National Visa Center to proceed with the next step of filing the Form DS-160, K-1 visa application. A...
2021-01-2613 minThe IncrementalistHow to Prioritize What MattersWhen we look at a clock – digital or analog – we see the seconds, minutes and hours passing. The day starts and end, regardless of what we do. The clock tells us we have 24 hours in a day.Of that, we need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep, 1 hour for a lunch break, and a few more hours for daily routines, errands and so on. We have distractions and interruptions. Also, we’re human: our energy and focus ebb and flow throughout the day. The maximum time you have for your Most Important Tasks is around 8 hours per day...
2021-01-2512 minThe Legal ImmigrantSection 204(l) for Surviving Relatives to Immigrate to the U.S. When Petitioner or Principal Beneficiary DiesSection 204(l) of the Immigration & Nationality Act allows certain beneficiaries (and derivative beneficiaries) to continue with an Immigrant Visa request or Adjustment to Permanent Residence application even after the Form I-130 petitioner (or principal beneficiary) has died.Unlike the survivor benefits for widow(er)s of U.S. citizens, and unlike humanitarian reinstatement for principal beneficiaries of approved petitions, section 204(l) relief protects a broader category of persons if they show they resided in the United States at the time of the death, and they continue to reside in the United States.Section 204(l) provides...
2021-01-1915 minThe IncrementalistBreaking Bad HabitsLike good habits, bad habits also give you a dopamine hit. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is often called the feel-good hormone. Dopamine fires when you get the thing you crave, and when you anticipate getting that thing. A dopamine hit is not the same as true happiness, say Dr. Jud Brewer, director of research and innovation at Brown University Mindfulness Center, a psychiatrist and an expert in mindfulness training for treating addictions. To break everyday addictions and bad habits, he recommends you step out of the reactive pattern and just be present with whatever comes up. U...
2021-01-1814 minThe IncrementalistBuilding Good HabitsA habit starts with a conscious decision and becomes automatic through a 3-step loop (cue, behavior, reward). Building good habits allows you to make changes without relying on willpower and motivation. In this episode, I discuss how motivation, ability and prompts drive behavior, using Professor BJ Fogg's B=MAP formula. I also cover the ABC (Anchor, Behavior, Celebration) method to create new habits and sustain momentum. Make the new behavior tiny with the starter step and by scaling back. Excellence comes from the actions you do habitually, consistently, repeatedly - not from once-in-a-while acts. Being the best ver...
2021-01-1112 minThe Legal ImmigrantI-601 Fraud Waiver + Immigrant Visa Grant = A True Success StoryA U.S. Consulate granted Immigrant Visas to our client and his wife and children, following USCIS' approval of his Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Inadmissibility. He had a permanent bar under INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i), i.e. fraud or willful misrepresentation of material fact to previously enter the U.S. on a B1/B2 visitor visa. With our guidance, he received the I-601 waiver to allow the issuance of the Immigrant Visa. He finally joined his permanent resident parents and U.S. citizen brother in the United States, after they had lived in separate countries f...
2021-01-1107 min