Priscilla Xu
@xxpriscillaxuxx.bsky.social
I write about learning how to learn and about designing your career with a first-principles approach in my 25s for self-driven, young, tech enthusiasts.
Most people think productivity is about doing more.
That’s why they stay exhausted.
There are 4 levels of productivity.
Each level unlocks a different life experience.
Most people never get past level 1 or 2.
Let me show you where you actually are ⤵️
That’s why they stay exhausted.
There are 4 levels of productivity.
Each level unlocks a different life experience.
Most people never get past level 1 or 2.
Let me show you where you actually are ⤵️
February 15, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Most people think productivity is about doing more.
That’s why they stay exhausted.
There are 4 levels of productivity.
Each level unlocks a different life experience.
Most people never get past level 1 or 2.
Let me show you where you actually are ⤵️
That’s why they stay exhausted.
There are 4 levels of productivity.
Each level unlocks a different life experience.
Most people never get past level 1 or 2.
Let me show you where you actually are ⤵️
AI rewards fast learners.
But a dysregulated nervous system doesn’t learn fast.
It scans for threat.
So before asking:
“How do I keep up with AI?”
Ask:
“Does my body feel safe enough to explore?”
Safety increases adaptability.
But a dysregulated nervous system doesn’t learn fast.
It scans for threat.
So before asking:
“How do I keep up with AI?”
Ask:
“Does my body feel safe enough to explore?”
Safety increases adaptability.
February 15, 2026 at 1:33 AM
AI rewards fast learners.
But a dysregulated nervous system doesn’t learn fast.
It scans for threat.
So before asking:
“How do I keep up with AI?”
Ask:
“Does my body feel safe enough to explore?”
Safety increases adaptability.
But a dysregulated nervous system doesn’t learn fast.
It scans for threat.
So before asking:
“How do I keep up with AI?”
Ask:
“Does my body feel safe enough to explore?”
Safety increases adaptability.
You can’t out-discipline a survival brain.
If mistakes once meant rejection, danger, humiliation…
Of course your brain avoids learning.
Learning requires risk.
Survival avoids risk.
That conflict isn’t laziness.
It’s protection.
If mistakes once meant rejection, danger, humiliation…
Of course your brain avoids learning.
Learning requires risk.
Survival avoids risk.
That conflict isn’t laziness.
It’s protection.
February 14, 2026 at 5:56 AM
You can’t out-discipline a survival brain.
If mistakes once meant rejection, danger, humiliation…
Of course your brain avoids learning.
Learning requires risk.
Survival avoids risk.
That conflict isn’t laziness.
It’s protection.
If mistakes once meant rejection, danger, humiliation…
Of course your brain avoids learning.
Learning requires risk.
Survival avoids risk.
That conflict isn’t laziness.
It’s protection.
I fell in love with this quote:
“Be careful how you speak to yourself. You’re listening.”
Your brain rewires according to repetition.
Self-talk isn’t soft, it’s neuroplasticity.
“Be careful how you speak to yourself. You’re listening.”
Your brain rewires according to repetition.
Self-talk isn’t soft, it’s neuroplasticity.
February 14, 2026 at 1:31 AM
I fell in love with this quote:
“Be careful how you speak to yourself. You’re listening.”
Your brain rewires according to repetition.
Self-talk isn’t soft, it’s neuroplasticity.
“Be careful how you speak to yourself. You’re listening.”
Your brain rewires according to repetition.
Self-talk isn’t soft, it’s neuroplasticity.
Maybe you’re not bad at learning.
Maybe you learned something else really well:
How to survive.
Now you just need to update the software.
Maybe you learned something else really well:
How to survive.
Now you just need to update the software.
February 13, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Maybe you’re not bad at learning.
Maybe you learned something else really well:
How to survive.
Now you just need to update the software.
Maybe you learned something else really well:
How to survive.
Now you just need to update the software.
Your employer values:
• Speed
• Clarity
• Initiative
• Skill acquisition
Your childhood may have valued:
• Silence
• Hyper-awareness
• People-pleasing
• Avoiding mistakes
Different environments.
Different training.
That mismatch isn’t failure.
It’s context.
• Speed
• Clarity
• Initiative
• Skill acquisition
Your childhood may have valued:
• Silence
• Hyper-awareness
• People-pleasing
• Avoiding mistakes
Different environments.
Different training.
That mismatch isn’t failure.
It’s context.
February 13, 2026 at 1:34 AM
Your employer values:
• Speed
• Clarity
• Initiative
• Skill acquisition
Your childhood may have valued:
• Silence
• Hyper-awareness
• People-pleasing
• Avoiding mistakes
Different environments.
Different training.
That mismatch isn’t failure.
It’s context.
• Speed
• Clarity
• Initiative
• Skill acquisition
Your childhood may have valued:
• Silence
• Hyper-awareness
• People-pleasing
• Avoiding mistakes
Different environments.
Different training.
That mismatch isn’t failure.
It’s context.
Neuroscience fact:
Neuroscience shows your brain can’t install new habits if you shame yourself through the process.
Cortisol blocks learning.
Compassion opens it.
You can’t bully a brain into growth.
Neuroscience shows your brain can’t install new habits if you shame yourself through the process.
Cortisol blocks learning.
Compassion opens it.
You can’t bully a brain into growth.
February 12, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Neuroscience fact:
Neuroscience shows your brain can’t install new habits if you shame yourself through the process.
Cortisol blocks learning.
Compassion opens it.
You can’t bully a brain into growth.
Neuroscience shows your brain can’t install new habits if you shame yourself through the process.
Cortisol blocks learning.
Compassion opens it.
You can’t bully a brain into growth.
If you feel “behind,”
Ask yourself:
What did I have to master in order to survive?
Because whatever that was,
your brain prioritized it.
Learning new skills becomes easier
when survival isn’t running the system anymore.
Ask yourself:
What did I have to master in order to survive?
Because whatever that was,
your brain prioritized it.
Learning new skills becomes easier
when survival isn’t running the system anymore.
February 12, 2026 at 1:31 AM
If you feel “behind,”
Ask yourself:
What did I have to master in order to survive?
Because whatever that was,
your brain prioritized it.
Learning new skills becomes easier
when survival isn’t running the system anymore.
Ask yourself:
What did I have to master in order to survive?
Because whatever that was,
your brain prioritized it.
Learning new skills becomes easier
when survival isn’t running the system anymore.
Books often don't stick, with 70% forgotten by the second week.
I've found a method: mix AI extraction, study creators, and test hands-on.
This three-part loop transforms reading into practical skill development.
I've found a method: mix AI extraction, study creators, and test hands-on.
This three-part loop transforms reading into practical skill development.
February 11, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Books often don't stick, with 70% forgotten by the second week.
I've found a method: mix AI extraction, study creators, and test hands-on.
This three-part loop transforms reading into practical skill development.
I've found a method: mix AI extraction, study creators, and test hands-on.
This three-part loop transforms reading into practical skill development.
One book changed how I understand my own reactions.
Not a parenting book.
A relationship-with-yourself book disguised as one.
The Book that You Wish Your Parents Had Read
by Philippa Perry.
If you've ever wondered why you react so strongly to certain things, this is for you.
Not a parenting book.
A relationship-with-yourself book disguised as one.
The Book that You Wish Your Parents Had Read
by Philippa Perry.
If you've ever wondered why you react so strongly to certain things, this is for you.
February 10, 2026 at 9:01 AM
One book changed how I understand my own reactions.
Not a parenting book.
A relationship-with-yourself book disguised as one.
The Book that You Wish Your Parents Had Read
by Philippa Perry.
If you've ever wondered why you react so strongly to certain things, this is for you.
Not a parenting book.
A relationship-with-yourself book disguised as one.
The Book that You Wish Your Parents Had Read
by Philippa Perry.
If you've ever wondered why you react so strongly to certain things, this is for you.
I used to think success started with money.
Then I thought it was connections.
Then tools. Then luck.
I was wrong every time.
Here’s the actual way leverage forms —
and why most people feel stuck even when they’re “doing everything right.”
🧵👇
Then I thought it was connections.
Then tools. Then luck.
I was wrong every time.
Here’s the actual way leverage forms —
and why most people feel stuck even when they’re “doing everything right.”
🧵👇
February 10, 2026 at 1:34 AM
I used to think success started with money.
Then I thought it was connections.
Then tools. Then luck.
I was wrong every time.
Here’s the actual way leverage forms —
and why most people feel stuck even when they’re “doing everything right.”
🧵👇
Then I thought it was connections.
Then tools. Then luck.
I was wrong every time.
Here’s the actual way leverage forms —
and why most people feel stuck even when they’re “doing everything right.”
🧵👇
Try this: Upload your CV to NotebookLM and generate a podcast.
Two AI hosts will seriously discuss your life experience. You'll get:
1. A coherent narrative connecting your jobs
2. Your blind spots highlighted
3. Your strengths amplified
4. Questions they'd ask you in person
Two AI hosts will seriously discuss your life experience. You'll get:
1. A coherent narrative connecting your jobs
2. Your blind spots highlighted
3. Your strengths amplified
4. Questions they'd ask you in person
February 9, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Try this: Upload your CV to NotebookLM and generate a podcast.
Two AI hosts will seriously discuss your life experience. You'll get:
1. A coherent narrative connecting your jobs
2. Your blind spots highlighted
3. Your strengths amplified
4. Questions they'd ask you in person
Two AI hosts will seriously discuss your life experience. You'll get:
1. A coherent narrative connecting your jobs
2. Your blind spots highlighted
3. Your strengths amplified
4. Questions they'd ask you in person
Everyone says emotions are mysterious. Hard to understand.
But in the AI era, emotional regulation isn't optional. It's survival.
Neuroscience and attachment theory show me: emotions aren't magic. They have rules.
Know the structure, and you won't be pulled around.
But in the AI era, emotional regulation isn't optional. It's survival.
Neuroscience and attachment theory show me: emotions aren't magic. They have rules.
Know the structure, and you won't be pulled around.
February 9, 2026 at 1:30 AM
Everyone says emotions are mysterious. Hard to understand.
But in the AI era, emotional regulation isn't optional. It's survival.
Neuroscience and attachment theory show me: emotions aren't magic. They have rules.
Know the structure, and you won't be pulled around.
But in the AI era, emotional regulation isn't optional. It's survival.
Neuroscience and attachment theory show me: emotions aren't magic. They have rules.
Know the structure, and you won't be pulled around.
I uploaded my CV to NotebookLM yesterday
The hosts spent 18 minutes unpacking my career.
They solved a problem I've been struggling with for months: how to explain the gap between my two roles.
They made the connection better than I could have.
The hosts spent 18 minutes unpacking my career.
They solved a problem I've been struggling with for months: how to explain the gap between my two roles.
They made the connection better than I could have.
February 8, 2026 at 10:57 PM
I uploaded my CV to NotebookLM yesterday
The hosts spent 18 minutes unpacking my career.
They solved a problem I've been struggling with for months: how to explain the gap between my two roles.
They made the connection better than I could have.
The hosts spent 18 minutes unpacking my career.
They solved a problem I've been struggling with for months: how to explain the gap between my two roles.
They made the connection better than I could have.
Naval explains what is rare.
Steve Bartlett explains how value compounds.
Put together, they reveal something most people miss:
You don’t start with resources.
You earn them.
Steve Bartlett explains how value compounds.
Put together, they reveal something most people miss:
You don’t start with resources.
You earn them.
February 8, 2026 at 6:01 AM
Naval explains what is rare.
Steve Bartlett explains how value compounds.
Put together, they reveal something most people miss:
You don’t start with resources.
You earn them.
Steve Bartlett explains how value compounds.
Put together, they reveal something most people miss:
You don’t start with resources.
You earn them.
I was at dinner with a friend.
Midway through her sentence, I caught myself.
I wasn't listening.
I was planning my response.
That's when I realized: I'd lost the ability to enter someone else's world.
Midway through her sentence, I caught myself.
I wasn't listening.
I was planning my response.
That's when I realized: I'd lost the ability to enter someone else's world.
February 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM
I was at dinner with a friend.
Midway through her sentence, I caught myself.
I wasn't listening.
I was planning my response.
That's when I realized: I'd lost the ability to enter someone else's world.
Midway through her sentence, I caught myself.
I wasn't listening.
I was planning my response.
That's when I realized: I'd lost the ability to enter someone else's world.
NotebookLM podcast experiment:
Upload your CV. Generate audio.
Two hosts will:
• Find the narrative you missed
• Guess what you're like as a person
• Ask questions only a real interviewer would ask
• Make you laugh at your own story
It's confidence building.
Upload your CV. Generate audio.
Two hosts will:
• Find the narrative you missed
• Guess what you're like as a person
• Ask questions only a real interviewer would ask
• Make you laugh at your own story
It's confidence building.
February 7, 2026 at 6:01 AM
NotebookLM podcast experiment:
Upload your CV. Generate audio.
Two hosts will:
• Find the narrative you missed
• Guess what you're like as a person
• Ask questions only a real interviewer would ask
• Make you laugh at your own story
It's confidence building.
Upload your CV. Generate audio.
Two hosts will:
• Find the narrative you missed
• Guess what you're like as a person
• Ask questions only a real interviewer would ask
• Make you laugh at your own story
It's confidence building.
You're 25–35. Company's fine. Coworkers are fine.
But you're running on autopilot.
1. Last 6 months? 90% of your time in the same loop.
2. Efficient.
3. Not learning.
But you're running on autopilot.
1. Last 6 months? 90% of your time in the same loop.
2. Efficient.
3. Not learning.
February 7, 2026 at 1:29 AM
You're 25–35. Company's fine. Coworkers are fine.
But you're running on autopilot.
1. Last 6 months? 90% of your time in the same loop.
2. Efficient.
3. Not learning.
But you're running on autopilot.
1. Last 6 months? 90% of your time in the same loop.
2. Efficient.
3. Not learning.
Myth: Looking at notes and memorizing means you understand.
People often rely on notes for partial recall.
But in real life, you need complete recall.
Self-handicapping is dodging challenges.
Mistakes aren't failures; they're brain rewiring signals.
People often rely on notes for partial recall.
But in real life, you need complete recall.
Self-handicapping is dodging challenges.
Mistakes aren't failures; they're brain rewiring signals.
February 6, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Myth: Looking at notes and memorizing means you understand.
People often rely on notes for partial recall.
But in real life, you need complete recall.
Self-handicapping is dodging challenges.
Mistakes aren't failures; they're brain rewiring signals.
People often rely on notes for partial recall.
But in real life, you need complete recall.
Self-handicapping is dodging challenges.
Mistakes aren't failures; they're brain rewiring signals.
Myth: You need to reward yourself after learning.
25 years of motivation research says otherwise. Rewards don't stick.
What keeps people learning is:
• Sense of meaning
• Challenge
• Curiosity
• Sense of control
When you feel in control, motivation shows up on its own.
25 years of motivation research says otherwise. Rewards don't stick.
What keeps people learning is:
• Sense of meaning
• Challenge
• Curiosity
• Sense of control
When you feel in control, motivation shows up on its own.
February 6, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Myth: You need to reward yourself after learning.
25 years of motivation research says otherwise. Rewards don't stick.
What keeps people learning is:
• Sense of meaning
• Challenge
• Curiosity
• Sense of control
When you feel in control, motivation shows up on its own.
25 years of motivation research says otherwise. Rewards don't stick.
What keeps people learning is:
• Sense of meaning
• Challenge
• Curiosity
• Sense of control
When you feel in control, motivation shows up on its own.
Most people think learning is consuming more.
Read more books.
That's collecting.
Real learning is 6-12 months of 2-4 hours daily building something functional
Understand why. Rebuild.
That cycle: build, ship, fail, iterate
That’s learning.
Everything else is preparation.
Read more books.
That's collecting.
Real learning is 6-12 months of 2-4 hours daily building something functional
Understand why. Rebuild.
That cycle: build, ship, fail, iterate
That’s learning.
Everything else is preparation.
February 5, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Most people think learning is consuming more.
Read more books.
That's collecting.
Real learning is 6-12 months of 2-4 hours daily building something functional
Understand why. Rebuild.
That cycle: build, ship, fail, iterate
That’s learning.
Everything else is preparation.
Read more books.
That's collecting.
Real learning is 6-12 months of 2-4 hours daily building something functional
Understand why. Rebuild.
That cycle: build, ship, fail, iterate
That’s learning.
Everything else is preparation.
First day at UC Berkeley.
Professor: "Does anyone know what equity means?"
Ten hands shot up instantly.
I froze. How are they this confident?
First student stood up, paused:
"Uh, wait... I'm actually not sure either."
No one laughed. Professor moved on.
Professor: "Does anyone know what equity means?"
Ten hands shot up instantly.
I froze. How are they this confident?
First student stood up, paused:
"Uh, wait... I'm actually not sure either."
No one laughed. Professor moved on.
February 3, 2026 at 8:39 AM
First day at UC Berkeley.
Professor: "Does anyone know what equity means?"
Ten hands shot up instantly.
I froze. How are they this confident?
First student stood up, paused:
"Uh, wait... I'm actually not sure either."
No one laughed. Professor moved on.
Professor: "Does anyone know what equity means?"
Ten hands shot up instantly.
I froze. How are they this confident?
First student stood up, paused:
"Uh, wait... I'm actually not sure either."
No one laughed. Professor moved on.
Solve all interpersonal problems at once
1. Do not respond to others' malice.
The power of not responding is immense.
When others disrespect you, staying calm is the best counterattack. Focus entirely on yourself. I
If I don't play your game, your words are useless.
1. Do not respond to others' malice.
The power of not responding is immense.
When others disrespect you, staying calm is the best counterattack. Focus entirely on yourself. I
If I don't play your game, your words are useless.
February 2, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Solve all interpersonal problems at once
1. Do not respond to others' malice.
The power of not responding is immense.
When others disrespect you, staying calm is the best counterattack. Focus entirely on yourself. I
If I don't play your game, your words are useless.
1. Do not respond to others' malice.
The power of not responding is immense.
When others disrespect you, staying calm is the best counterattack. Focus entirely on yourself. I
If I don't play your game, your words are useless.
Neuroscience Insight:
Using the third person can ease anxiety. Saying “Pris is overwhelmed.”
Instead of “I’m overwhelmed,” it creates mental distance,
It is shifting your mind from panic to clarity and guidance.
Using the third person can ease anxiety. Saying “Pris is overwhelmed.”
Instead of “I’m overwhelmed,” it creates mental distance,
It is shifting your mind from panic to clarity and guidance.
February 2, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Neuroscience Insight:
Using the third person can ease anxiety. Saying “Pris is overwhelmed.”
Instead of “I’m overwhelmed,” it creates mental distance,
It is shifting your mind from panic to clarity and guidance.
Using the third person can ease anxiety. Saying “Pris is overwhelmed.”
Instead of “I’m overwhelmed,” it creates mental distance,
It is shifting your mind from panic to clarity and guidance.
Neuroscience Fact
Your nervous system responds to tone before logic.
You feel energy before you understand words.
That’s why some people calm you instantly
and others drain you without saying much.
Your nervous system responds to tone before logic.
You feel energy before you understand words.
That’s why some people calm you instantly
and others drain you without saying much.
February 2, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Neuroscience Fact
Your nervous system responds to tone before logic.
You feel energy before you understand words.
That’s why some people calm you instantly
and others drain you without saying much.
Your nervous system responds to tone before logic.
You feel energy before you understand words.
That’s why some people calm you instantly
and others drain you without saying much.