A Q&A with Kyle: On Discipline, Reading, Career & Family
I’m really excited to share this little slice of Kyle content with you. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know Kyle doesn’t spend much time in front of the camera like I do, but I also know so many of you are curious about him.
He’s hardworking, kind, motivated, and always focused on becoming the best version of himself. I admire him deeply, and I loved sitting down to ask him some of the questions you’ve sent in over the years.
On Productivity, Discipline & Routines
What’s your number one productivity hack?
Create a simple to do list of just 3 things, every day, preferably the night before – small enough to be manageable and allows me to start; creates simplicity, clarity first thing in the day and drives action which creates momentum.
How do you stay motivated on tough days?
A few different things:
Workout – even if just 15 minutes; move, sweat, etc
Find a small win to get momentum – do something easy to completion (as simple as making bed, or completing one quick call)
Jump in the cold plunge (or take a cold shower for a few minutes) which is a good shock to jumpstart a new mindset
Keep perspective and just remind myself that some days are hard, some days are easy; "this too shall pass"
Take a walk
Do you follow any routines or habits that help you stay disciplined?
Workout, at least 6 days per week, even if just for 15 minutes
Eat clean, minimize sugar and alcohol
Get high quality sleep
What’s your favourite healthy snack?
I love macadamia nuts!!!
Kyle’s office
On His Reading List
What’s on your reading list right now?
The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
Principles by Ray Dalio
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist by Roger Lowenstein
Any books you and Emily have both read and loved?
The 5 Love Languages – good simple framework for understanding how most effectively to communicate to each other.
Books that changed your life and why?
Poor Charlie’s Almanack — this helped with understanding the power of different mental models and how to apply them in all areas of life and investing.
Rich Dad Poor Dad — this turned me onto investing and business building when I was young and gave me a framework.
Tony Robbins books — I like all of Tony Robbins’ books. They gave you the understanding that big things are possible.
On Career & Life Advice
Best advice you'd give someone looking for a career they actually enjoy?
Try a lot of things and talk to a lot of people; but no substitute for actually trying it directly, for long enough to know if you like the work – there are a lot of ways to do this, shadow people, offer yourself up for free to get closer to the work you might want to try.
How long it takes to figure this out depends on how well you know yourself and the nature of the work itself.
Lock yourself in a room for a couple hours without any external stimulus and write out what you like to do and what you don't like to do; think about what the world needs and what overlaps with what you've written… follow those clues to do the above exploration of different jobs.
What’s something you’ve learned about success that you didn’t expect?
Money only solves money problems
People and relationships are most important in life and business
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Everyone is playing a different game and has different perspectives and experiences, don't judge everyone from your game or your perspectives.
On Meeting Emily
What did you first think of Emily when you met on that flight to Colorado?
Obviously beautiful! But really what struck me most was how kind she is and how much her values aligned with mine.
Was there a moment you knew she was “the one”?
Would it be weird if I said that flight?!
How would you describe your relationship in one word?
Love
What’s something about Emily people might not expect?
She’s a nervous nelly
On Marriage & Family
Best advice for a happy marriage?
Happy wife, happy life – simple but there is a lot of underlying meaning here.
How has being a dad changed your perspective on life?
In every way possible!
What’s your favorite thing to do together as a family?
Simple things like go out to dinner or go to a museum; seeing the kids experience the world is so fun and gratifying.
Let’s Be Digital Besties.
A round up of everything the team is loving right now across fashion, beauty and home.