😇 Tam's Jam: High leverage kindness, foreboding joy and high-speed career sampling (Nov 2021)
Heyo! In this issue, we have my new article on high leverage kindness, why experiencing joy is so vulnerable, and strategies on finding meaningful work via infinite games and high-speed career sampling. Let's dive in. — ⛰ High Leverage Kindness: low effort and big impact things you can do to make someone's
High Leverage Kindness: low effort and big impact things you can do to make someone's day
An act of high leverage kindness is a relatively low effort and big impact thing you can do to really make someone's day. Here's how I adopted high leverage kindness into my life and how you can too.
⛰ Tam's Jam: Making big life decisions, new friendship pyramid, how to stop languishing (October 2021)
Heyo! In this issue, we have my new article on making big life decisions with confidence, my review on three books I loved reading last month, the Arabic friendship pyramid, a new TED talk by Adam Grant on languishing and more goodies below the fold. Let's dive in. — ⛰ Make Major
🚲 Tam's Jam: The "Perfect" Body, 80,000 Hours and Not Just Bikes (September 2021)
Heyo! In this issue, we have my new article on building your "perfect" body, an epic career guide for people who care a lot about making a difference, and an exploration into beautiful urban planning. Let's dive in. — 💪 How to Build Your Perfect Body Without Needing To Look Like a
💵 Tam's Jam: Psychology of Money, Laziness and Eviction (August 2021)
Heyo! The sun is out in Toronto. I'm hugging friends again, taking dance classes, joining a softball league (first time), enrolling in Muay Thai classes (first time) and biking around the city. After being isolated for so long it feels both amazing and wild to be doing "normal" things again.
🥊 Tam's Jam: Solving my Low Self Esteem Problems, Training for MMA, and Living Life in The Arena (July 2021)
Heyo! I just launched pre-orders for my new course, Life in The Arena [https://www.tampham.co/life-in-the-arena/]. There is always a lot of fear and uncertainty when launching something new. Will people buy? Will this new product actually transform someone's life? What happens if I fail? Ironically, this is
How to Build Your Perfect Body Without Needing To Look Like a Model
You can develop the perfect body that you've always wanted without needing to look like a model. We cover fitness, nutrition, and a secret ingredient: lowering your expectations.
"I'm a fat piece of shit"
I've struggled with low self esteem and low confidence for the majority of my life. After going to therapy for the first time, I did the impossible: I've learned to truly love myself. This is my story.
Make Major Life Decisions With Confidence By Answering Three Simple Questions
I've dropped out of college, quit my job to play chess full-time, and moved to a new country without much hesitation. I owe this clarity thanks to the time I've spent reading, journaling, and reflecting on three simple questions.
🔆 Tam's Jam: Breath, Light Therapy, and Giving Up On Your Dreams (June 2021)
Heyo! 👋 Welcome to another issue of Tam's Jam where I share the most interesting stories and resources I've found to help you live a happier and more meaningful life. It's summertime here in Toronto and after being one of the longest lockdowns in the world [https://www.bbc.com/news/
The Opportunity in Giving Up On Your Dreams
We are told at a young age that we can do anything. But I believe it is impossible, and sometimes unwise, to achieve these goals at any cost. Because the dream that we once thought would make us happy may not be what actually gives us a meaningful life.
Tam's Jam (May 2021)
Heyo! 👋 I'm writing this from my new apartment in Toronto. Traveling back from the states has been incredibly stressful and the lockdown here doesn't make it easier. But I'm so grateful to be back up north and have my own space to call home. 😌 In this month's issue, you will
Tam's Jam (April 2021)
Heyo! 👋 I'm writing this from a hotel room in Toronto (mandatory quarantine for international travelers). I had to leave last November because of some VISA issues and I'm so happy to be back up north! 🇨🇦 In this month's issue, you will find two new articles that I've published, tips on
You Don't Have To Find Your Life Purpose Through Work
I used to look down on people who had regular 9-5 jobs and pursued their hobbies on the side. I thought the dream was to find what you love and never work a day in your life. But over the past 7 years, I've changed my mind, and here's why.
How to Play Taboo Online By Making Your Own Cards (Easy-to-use Template)
Create your own Taboo cards and play virtually with your friends through Zoom. You can download my template along with over 100 cards here.
Tam's Jam (March 2021)
Heyo! 👋 Thank you for all the kind words to everyone who replied back to my last email. Your enthusiasm gives me a ton of motivation to make each issue of Tam's Jam better than the last one. Below you will find one new essay that I've published, a collection of
How To Support A Friend Who Is Suffering From The Pandemic
I want to show up for my loved ones during tough times but I never knew exactly how to help. After my research, I learned how surprisingly simple it was to have a big impact on a friend who is suffering. Here is everything I learned with practical tools to help you support the people you love.
Tam's Jam (February 2021)
Tam's Jam is a monthly email series where I share new essays that I've published along with the best articles that I've found around (1) finding more meaning in your life and (2) building deep friendships with awesome people. Enjoy!
How to Have Deep and Meaningful Relationships When You Can't See Anyone In-Person
By the end of 2020, I surprisingly felt connected with. my friends and even closer to my family. This is everything I did and learned on building community during a pandemic.
Year in Review 2020
I write a review every year on my birthday to reflect (past editions here: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015). Here's what my 2020 looked like: The goals I set at the beginning of 2020 were simple: 1. Dance bachata 2. Take improv classes 3. Meet my new girlfriend 4.
Year in Review: 2019
I usually write a review every year on my birthday to reflect (past editions here: 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015). Here's what my 2019 looked like: Finishing up my chess sabbatical I spent the first part of 2019 finishing up my days of chess tournaments and teaching kids. Chess consumed
I Quit My Job to Study Chess for 7 Months and Beat a National Master
The lessons learned from 57 tournament rated games, 200+ hours of deliberate practice, and finding out who I really am in the process.
How I Choose What Hobbies to Pursue
From pole dancing, standup comedy, basketball, badminton, chess, and more… here’s what sticks and what didn’t.
What I Learned About Business From Ramit Sethi's Conference
My detailed notes from Ramit Sethi's Forefront Conference on rewriting your story, happiness, and determining why people why from you.
Candid Thoughts on Moving from San Francisco to Toronto
My diary entry before moving from to a completely new country.
How I Accidentally Met Some Of My Closest Friends
I hope you can find a community who accepts you for who you fully are, where you all want the very best for each, and have lots of fun along the way.
My Plan to Make Friends From Scratch In a New Country
I’m moving out of the Bay Area after spending my entire life there to live in Toronto, Canada. This is my plan to make friends from zero.
A Beautiful and Pessimistic Approach To Life - School of Life Conference
I gave up on my dreams and lowered my expectations after attending the amazing School of Life Conference.
My Experience Working With a Life Coach - Is It Worth It?
My experience in searching for and working with a life coach for two years. Is it worth it?
Year in Review: 2018
2018 for me has been full of excitement, adventure, and peace in that order. A good friend of mine described me as transitioning from a naive and wide-eyed boy to an old Asian dad. I agree with her. Every year on my birthday, I look back and reflect on how