Results

Consider: Has a podcasting hiatus changed your perspective on the grind of production?

February 25

You didn’t plan for a hiatus—it just kind of happened. Stepping away from the routine of podcasting, has it changed the way you see the relentless pace of content creation? Do you feel more or less pressure to keep up with a schedule now? Has this break made you rethink what “consistency” really means for a podcaster?

~ Asked by the LLM(1)

Yes, it definitely changed how I look at everything about podcasting. I’ll unpack the reason for the hiatus, so that my take-aways make more sense.

First, in April 2024 we had an unexpected death in the family. Given the scale of things, it was a no-brainer to cancel the several guests who were scheduled for recording sessions. Unfortunately, I over-worked myself for a stretch of days, and that led to my being exhausted and getting sick. In those first days, as I sent “I’m really sorry, but…” messages to the guests, I was thinking about this in a very particular way: This is the right thing to do for these people who kindly set aside time for me.

The first take away from this experience is to be honest and realistic with myself. An unexpected death changed my daily priorities. I’m sick and my voice is crap. I need many weeks to recover, assess, and figure out what I can do in the coming months. In the past, I might have tried to work harder to try to keep juggling everything.

Then in May, a routine blood test returned results which one would prefer to never see. Through June and July, and then into August and September, I worked through a cancer diagnosis. This further “adjusted” my priorities and schedule for the rest of 2024.

The second take away is just having a conversation with anyone is a crazy-awesome gift. And (as I’m getting back to podcasting now, in Feb 2025) to be able to record and share them is just icing on the cake.

As for the grind, consistency, a schedule? No, not any of that. I hope I can hold on to this mindset:

I’m insanely lucky to get to do just one more episode, and it looks like I can do them for years to come. Grinding, being consistent, and sticking to a schedule are all forms of striving for something. (I am a professional even without any of those.) So, nope. No, thank you. I’m not signing up for that mindset again.

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(1) I’m working with an LLM instance which has access to everything I’ve written about podcasting, and all the episodes I’ve published. It prompts me by asking me these questions.

Perspective

February 14

Maybe it’s the nature of the binary times that we’re in that makes it very, very difficult to applaud one thing without condemning another. I think we’re afraid to take a victory lap, and maybe we should be. Maybe that’s just a bit premature or arrogant.

~ Nick Gillespie, from Mike Rowe on Patriotism, Paul Harvey, and American Progress

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The same question (can we applaud one thing without condeming other things?) arises with eulogies. I say we can. The key is to know and understand the broader context that we’re—just for a little while—ignoring.

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Publishing while maintaining perspective

November 3

This is perhaps the greatest conundrum of our current technological era: the desperate need to connect with one another, because it is our only hope of survival; combined with the fact that nearly all the means of connection available to us are deeply—possibly irredeemably—fucked. Syndication, as I am currently experimenting with it, is then an effort to try and navigate that terrain, to find some productive way to play in the outskirts, to let the work out into the world while (hopefully) minimizing the misery that is reflected back.

~ Mandy Brown, from A peasant woodland

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Yes, to everything from Brown (and not just this particular piece.) Beautiful thoughts therein around why one should “publish own site, syndicate elsewhere (POSSE)”—my methodology since the beginning.

Unfortunately, the Internet went from “publishing your own stuff is difficult”, straight to “it’s easy to publish on platforms other people control.” To this day, it is still quite difficult to get your own domain name and begin publishing in a way that you control your own content. Worse, we went from people discovered and read your stuff (back in the “publishing your own stuff is difficult” era) to the now where no one can find or read your stuff regardless where you publish it (unless you pay money to the platform brunch-lords.)

Fortunately, if you have a little bit of time and a little bit of curiosity, you can still find everything that people are publishing.

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Perspective with Jamie Holmes

March 20, 2024

Perspective with Jamie Holmes

What strategies can individuals use to manage administrative tasks efficiently while maintaining their creativity and productivity in other pursuits?

Jamie Holmes joins Craig to discuss life’s admin tasks, her journey through holistic healing from melanoma, and insights into the world of circus arts and personal fitness showcasing her multifaceted life and philosophies.

I think it was three months from when I had my first, initial consult with my surgeon, and he said, “okay I can get you in. It’s going to be a bit harder because you’re doing both hips at once, but I can get you in within three months.” And that was horrid to me! I was like, “I have to live three more months like this!?” It wasn’t just that it hurt a little bit when I walked— I couldn’t move— I could not move— I was having weird panic attacks all the time, because if I dropped something and had to bend over, it was— I’m a bit of a tough cookie, but that? That broke me pretty hard.”

~ Jamie Holmes, 35:15

Not your average bears, Craig and Jamie begin in left field discussing ways of managing life’s “admin” tasks. Jamie professes integrating everything into her daily flow, rather than reserving them for a single day. Her approach, she explains, allows her to work at a high speed, avoiding the buildup of dreaded tasks. Her method emphasizes efficiency and the mental ease that comes from staying ahead of administrative duties, reflecting a deeper understanding of personal productivity and time management.

The conversation shifts into Jamie’s profound journey through holistic healing after a melanoma diagnosis. Rejecting traditional treatment paths, Jamie opts for a holistic approach, guided by her conviction in the body’s healing capabilities and her passion for health and fitness. This segment of the discussion not only highlights her resilience but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of our minds and bodies.

Jamie also shares insights into the world of circus arts and her studio, The Circus Fix, illuminating the challenges and rewards of managing a fitness and arts studio. Her narrative encompasses the delicate balance of artistic passion with the pragmatism of business management, underscoring the significance of adaptability and understanding in leadership roles.

Takeaways

Efficiency in daily tasks—integrating administrative duties into everyday life can enhance productivity and reduce stress.

Holistic healing approaches—exploring non-traditional methods for dealing with serious health issues, such as melanoma, can lead to personal insights and unexpected journeys.

The importance of movement—engaging in physical activities, whether through circus arts or other forms of exercise, is vital for mental and physical health.

Adapting to individual needs—understanding and accommodating the unique ways people process and work can lead to better management and teamwork.

The value of outdoor activities—spending time in nature, particularly in activities like walking on the beach, can serve as a form of meditation and rejuvenation.

Facing life-changing decisions—confronting severe health challenges with courage and openness to unconventional treatments can inspire others.

The challenge of balancing—managing a small business, especially in the arts, requires juggling creative passion with the practicalities of administration and leadership.

The role of community—creating spaces for learning and growth, such as a circus studio, contributes to the well-being and development of both instructors and students.

Personal transformation through adversity—overcoming physical and mental hurdles can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of one’s capacities and resilience.

Resources

The Circus Fix — Jamie Holmes’ circus studio, offering classes in aerial arts and other circus disciplines.

https://jamieholmes.com — Jamie’s web site with all her professional details.

Carrots, Coffee, and Cancer — Jamie’s book recounting her approach to overcoming melanoma, emphasizing diet, lifestyle, and alternative treatments.

Instagram — @jamie7holmes and @thecircusfixto

Surrounded by Idiots — by Thomas Erikson as briefly mentioned in this episode as a resource in relation to understanding team dynamics.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Perspective with Giles D’Souza

March 2, 2024

Perspective with Giles D’Souza

What is the interplay between embracing personal challenges and letting go of unnecessary burdens in shaping a fulfilling life and practice?

Giles D’Souza shares his journey from navigating the bustling streets of Mumbai to finding tranquility in movement, as he and Craig Constantine unravel the essence of living fully in the moment amidst the chaos of modern life.

You can take this time for yourself. You can take this time for your clients— take this time for this— and anything above that is it’s fine. Just let it go.

~ Giles D’Souza, 3:15

Giles D’Souza and Craig Constantine navigate the relationships between work, personal growth, and the concept of living fully in the moment. Giles shares his transformative experience of returning from a long journey overseas, which provided him with a fresh perspective on balancing work and personal life. He emphasizes the direct correlation between work and income, especially as a self-employed individual, and how stepping away allowed him to reassess and prioritize his time and activities upon returning. This segment of the discussion highlights the importance of finding equilibrium between professional commitments and personal well-being, suggesting that a deliberate pause can lead to a more fulfilling and intentional way of living.

The conversation also gets into the philosophical, exploring concepts of consciousness, the significance of the present moment, and the universal human experience of navigating life’s fleeting nature. Giles reflects on the practice of mindfulness and the art of letting go, sharing personal anecdotes that underscore the power of focusing on the present to alleviate the burdens of past grievances and future anxieties. This part of the conversation considers the impact of external environments on well-being, with Giles discussing the challenges of living in Mumbai, a city with significant pollution, and how it has influenced his desire for a life closer to nature. Through these discussions, the conversation weaves together themes of personal development, environmental awareness, and the pursuit of simplicity and clarity in a complex world.

Takeaways

The importance of balance — discussing the challenge of managing work and personal life, especially when self-employed, and the value of taking breaks to reassess one’s priorities.

The power of mindfulness — exploring how being present and letting go of past and future worries can significantly improve mental well-being and perspective on life.

Environmental impact on lifestyle — sharing personal experiences of how living in a polluted city can influence one’s health and happiness, and the longing for a life closer to nature.

The significance of the present moment — emphasizing that every second is precious and should be lived fully, whether it’s through work, leisure, or simply being.

The transformative effect of travel — reflecting on how travel can expand one’s perspective, not by ticking off checklist items but by deeply experiencing and immersing oneself in different cultures and environments.

The philosophical exploration of consciousness — delving into the nature of consciousness, the miracle of waking life, and the profound impact of considering our place in the universe.

The aspiration for a sustainable and peaceful living environment — dreaming of a life in the mountains, self-sufficient and in harmony with nature, highlighting the desire for simplicity and tranquility away from urban chaos.

Resources
@one.meal.monster — Giles D’Souza on Instagram

DarkSky International — The conversation touches upon the importance of the night sky

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Perspectives with Jeremy Fein

January 30, 2024

Perspectives with Jeremy Fein

What are the motivations, challenges, and thought processes involved in creating, pausing, and potentially evolving a podcast while balancing other professional and personal interests?

Jeremy Fein, a coach who embraces the power of conversation, joins Craig to talk about the complexities of podcasting and coaching, revealing his journey from creating a successful podcast to purposefully pausing it to refocus.

[Coaching sessions are] much better when they’re not recorded, right? They’re better for the client, which is what matters. And so podcasting felt like a way that I could maybe bridge a gap between the actual work that I do, and— let’s call it content creation. You go to write a caption on Instagram, and it’s just so divorced from the work that I’m doing on a regular basis with clients. That’s why I started [the podcast].

~ Jeremy Fein, 4:28

Jeremy Fein discusses his experiences with podcasting and coaching. He reflects on why he started his podcast, “Nothing Makes Perfect,” acknowledging the abundance of podcasts and his desire to create something meaningful rather than just adding to the noise. Jeremy also delves into his decision to pause his podcast after 25 episodes, a choice driven by a need to reassess and focus on aspects of the podcast he enjoyed and could amplify.

He also talks about the intrinsic connection between his identity and coaching, emphasizing how coaching has become an integral part of who he is. Jeremy’s approach to coaching is deeply rooted in conversation, listening, and idea exploration, rather than traditional fitness instruction. This approach underscores his commitment to personalization in coaching, catering to individual client needs while maintaining a structured yet flexible coaching framework.

Takeaways

Starting a podcast with awareness — discusses the over-saturation of podcasts and the importance of adding value rather than just contributing to the noise.

Pausing a successful podcast — reflects on the decision to take a break, focusing on reassessment and personal growth.

Personal identity and coaching — highlights how coaching has become a part of the speaker’s identity, shaping both professional and personal life.

Adapting to clients’ needs in coaching — emphasizes the importance of personalization in coaching, catering to individual client needs.

Content creation in the digital age — explores the challenges of creating authentic content that resonates with the audience and the creator’s values.

Resources

@jeremyfein Jeremy Fein on Instagram. Message him there for conversations or inquiries about his coaching or podcasting experiences.

Fein Movement Jeremy’s web site with coaching information and additional ways to reach him.

Nothing Makes Perfect Jeremy’s podcast.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Two perspectives

January 22, 2024

Everything is fun, until one’s expectations are crushed. I thought I was getting the convenience of online shopping for things that were previously literally unavailable; Instead, the local stores closed and I’ve lost the convenience of local purchasing. I thought I was getting expanded communication via email; Instead, I’ve been overrun by people taking advantage of the ease of access. In 1989 I was excited by what we could all do with the Internet. So excited, that in 1994 I quit a funded research position and dropped out of graduate school.

Today’s internet is largely shaped by a dialog between two ideas. One position considers personal data as a form of property, the opposing position considers personal data as an extension of the self. The latter grants inalienable rights because a person’s dignity – traditionally manifested in our bodies or certain rights of expression and privacy – cannot be negotiated, bought, or sold.

~ David Schmudde from, A Different Internet

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There’s nothing wrong with the Internet. There’s nothing wrong with people. There’s nothing wrong with government. The problem is in everyone’s failure to think things through. “Can” and “should” are very different animals. Until a plurality of people think things through—until a plurality of people stop delivering themselves into the power of ideas they do not know they have accepted—there will be nothing new under the sun.

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Adam Dipert: Space Juggling, Physics, and Changing Your Perspective

September 16, 2022

Adam Dipert: Space juggling, physics, and changing your perspective

What insights can be gained from exploring human movement, physics, and juggling in weightlessness?

Adam Dipert is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Physics at North Carolina State University and has wowed audiences as a professional circus performer for nearly twenty years. He started studying human movement in weightlessness in preparation for his first parabolic flight in 2016, and since then he has logged countless hours exploring the frontiers of microgravity flow in pools, aerial harnesses, flotation tanks, wind tunnels, and airplanes. In addition to developing a new suite of dance moves for outer space, he has exercised remarkable restraint not asking NASA for permission to spin fire on the ISS.

And you’ve become only eyes, because you now no longer have a way of sensing where your body is. And not only do you only become eyes, but you’re also experiencing tunnel vision. And so when you enter weightlessness, and start to develop the skills which will be necessary to become a competent movement artist in that environment, you have to first figure out how to re inhabit your body and how to come back from just being eyes and realize that you have a head and find out where your arms are, and have some idea about where your arm is, say when it’s behind your back because, you know, right now on Earth, probably everybody listening to this is on earth, waving your arm. Yeah, you put your arm behind your back and and what is it that tells you where your arm is? It’s the tension in your shoulder, right? It’s the torque in your arm, elbow. It’s a lot of things that are all gravitationally oriented. And so you have to come with a totally new set of skills.

~ Adam Dipert (16:55)

This episode is far out, and far ranging. Adam and I managed to coordinate a recording session with little advanced notice… and then we proceeded to go wide and deep on circus stuff, juggling, physics, mathematics, and movement in weightlessness.

Since I clearly cannot cram the visuals into the audio, you simply must float over to Adam’s web site: TheSpaceJuggler.com

The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities of human movement and artistic expression in microgravity. One key topic is the disconnection from conventional proprioception in zero gravity, requiring innovative methods to reorient oneself and move effectively. The discussion also covers the physics of rotations and how understanding moments of inertia can inform both practical and artistic endeavors, like juggling in altered environments.

Another important focus is how altered environments like space could fundamentally change our understanding of what it means to be human. Insights about the adaptability of the human body, new forms of artistic expression, and philosophical reflections on perspective and truth highlight the broader implications of this work. The conversation also touches on the importance of preparing humanity for future space exploration, emphasizing the potential for cultural and intellectual growth through such endeavors.

Takeaways

Human proprioception in weightlessness — The experience of zero gravity requires a complete relearning of body orientation and movement.

Rotational dynamics in microgravity — Understanding how the human body rotates in space helps develop both practical movement skills and new artistic expressions.

Integration of physics and art — Combining physics with creative disciplines like juggling leads to innovative insights and applications.

Space as a proving ground — Microgravity environments challenge and expand human understanding of movement and adaptation.

Embodied cognition and ethics — Exploration of movement in space raises questions about how gravitational experiences shape human cognition and morality.

Philosophical dualities — Weightlessness provides a powerful metaphor for understanding multiple truths from different perspectives.

Preparation for space exploration — Analog environments are essential for developing skills and knowledge before venturing into true microgravity.

Resources

The Space Juggler — Adam’s official website showcasing his projects, videos, and information about space juggling.

Adam Dipert on LinkedIn

MIT Media Lab — A location where Adam has shared insights into his work on microgravity and movement.

Kitsou Dubois — French choreographer and dancer specializing in zero gravity dance.

International Jugglers’ Association — Organization where Adam has showcased his pioneering work in space juggling.

SpaceX — One of the private companies advancing human space exploration discussed in the conversation.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Perspectives with Robbie Corbett

July 27, 2022

Perspectives with Robbie Corbett

What are the challenges and opportunities in advancing Parkour as a sport, a community activity, and a professional field?

The conversation explores the evolution of Parkour and its integration into schools and professional spaces.

The idea is we want a place that they can be creative, and not just be forced to do [movement] by the book. Maybe they could build stuff, maybe they can make new challenges.

~ Robbie Corbett (1:24)

The discussion begins with reflections on the creation of a pop-up Parkour playground tailored for schools. Emphasis is placed on designing spaces that encourage creativity and adaptability, offering both basic and advanced challenges. Robbie shares experiences working with equipment manufacturers and schools, highlighting the importance of lesson plans and collaborative design to maximize the utility of these spaces.

The conversation then shifts to broader topics, such as the evolution of Parkour as a sport and its interaction with other industries like film, Ninja Warrior, and tag. Challenges include appropriation of Parkour concepts without acknowledgment and competition from larger organizations like FIG. Despite these issues, the conversation recognizes the diversity and creativity within the Parkour community, showcasing its potential to innovate through unique events and grassroots gatherings.

Takeaways

Designing adaptable spaces — School playgrounds and pop-up structures can encourage creative movement and multi-age participation.

Challenges in recognition — Parkour faces appropriation from industries and organizations, hindering its independent growth.

Opportunities in collaboration — Collaboration with schools and communities can enhance Parkour’s accessibility and value.

Creativity in competition — Events like jams and non-traditional gatherings showcase the sport’s diversity.

The struggle with governance — FIG’s control over competitions creates barriers for Parkour’s self-regulated development.

Community engagement — Bridging small, insular groups could foster a more unified and collaborative environment.

Resources

World Freerunning and Parkour Federation (WFPF) — A global organization promoting Parkour through events and certifications.

Parkour Certification — Provides training for coaches and athletes, ensuring safety and skill progression.

MoveNYC — A unique event blending competitions, workshops, and communal activities for Parkour practitioners.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Perspective and awareness

July 27, 2022

The thing about status dynamics, though, is that they aren’t in one spot. There isn’t a whole world that is being fully and accurately perceived, except for one blank space that’s being glossed over.

~ Duncan Sabien from, The metaphor you want is “color blindness,” not “blind spot.” — LessWrong

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This is an interesting unpacking of some metaphors. If one has a blind spot in vision, simply shifting your gaze or moving slightly, will reveal what one is not seeing. This is a key way in which the “blind spot” metaphor is inaccurate and insufficient for systemic differences (in people, culture, society, etc.). The metaphor of red-green color blindness carries more utility because it points out that the things, or the distinctions, which one can’t see are everywhere; they are not literally in one stationary location (the problem is not simply under this X on this map), and no matter what one does—gaze shifting, moving around, thinking a great deal—those invisible thing are not going to appear.

The only way I’ve found to get through such problem is to engage with others whose literal and conceptual perspectives differ from my own. I’ll sum that up as: Discovery.

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Perspective

July 17, 2022

Age. Age brings perspective in the fine clarity one gets at midnight, on the tracks, looking into the lights of an oncoming train. It dawns on you rather quickly: There’s only so much time left. Only so many star-filled nights, snowfalls… brisk fall afternoons, rainy midsummer days. So how you conduct yourself and do your work matters. How you treat your friends, your family, your lover. On good days, a blessing falls over you. It wraps its arms around you and you’re free and deeply in and of this world. That’s your reward: Being here.

~ Bruce Springsteen

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Perspectives with Andy Day

March 2, 2022

Perspectives – with Andy Day

How does photography intersect with movement and identity, and what responsibilities and privileges come with its practice?

Parkour and photography share a symbiotic relationship in challenging barriers and fostering connection.

Photographing parkour in these spaces was giving these monuments kind of new narratives and demonstrating that beyond the history, there is the potential to make something new that brings people together.

~ Andy Day (6:45)

The conversation explores the interplay between photography, movement, and identity, particularly through the lens of parkour. Topics include how photography informs the practice of parkour and vice versa, the evolution of creative expression in urban landscapes, and the role of privilege and access in documenting and engaging with spaces. The discussion emphasizes the ability of photography to give new narratives to contentious historical monuments and to encapsulate communal experiences.

The conversation also addresses broader societal issues, such as the responsibilities that come with privilege in accessing spaces and creating narratives. Reflecting on the dynamics of representation, Andy and Craig go into how capturing and sharing images contributes to personal and collective identity. The dialogue concludes with thoughts on being both part of and separate from a community, offering insights into the role of an observer who participates critically.

Takeaways

Photography and movement — A reciprocal relationship that fosters exploration and understanding of spaces.

Historical monuments and narratives — Controversial monuments can be reimagined through photography and parkour.

Privilege in representation — Awareness of privilege is crucial in both movement and photography.

Role of photography — A tool for identity construction and validating effort within communal contexts.

Community and critical distance — Being both part of and apart from a community provides a unique perspective.

Intersection of arts and culture — Parkour and photography converge to challenge barriers and unite diverse groups.

Evolution of practice — Growth in creative endeavors often involves cycles of learning and unlearning.

Resources

Andy Day’s website — Features articles and photographs detailing various journeys and projects.

Zofia Reych’s book, Born to Climb — Explores the cultural history of climbing.

Photographs and articles on former Yugoslavia’s war monuments — Provides insights into the project’s journeys and discoveries.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Perspectives with Cara Ooi

January 21, 2022

How do audio content and podcasting serve as tools for professional communication, engagement, and self-discovery?

A concise podcast series evolves into an unexpected resource for professional and personal growth.

The podcast series is geared towards teens because that’s who I’m talking to most of the time. But I have to say, there’s been a lot more interest from the adults.

~ Cara Ooi (3:08)

The conversation discusses the evolution of a concise podcast series intended as a resource for teens and their parents, focusing on sleep-related challenges. It explores the unexpected audience engagement among adults and the learning experience derived from experimenting with audio content in a TikTok-dominated era. Practicality and efficiency in delivering reusable advice also emerge as significant outcomes.

The dialogue transitions into the reflective impact of podcasting on professional and personal growth. Cara highlights her preference for conversational formats over solo recordings and the transformative experience of revisiting recorded conversations. Topics include the power of self-discovery in audio content and the effectiveness of allowing audiences to engage with material at their own pace.

Takeaways

Podcasting as a reusable resource — Audio content allows professionals to efficiently deliver detailed advice without repeating themselves.

Unexpected audience engagement — A podcast aimed at teens gained significant traction among adults and professionals.

Impact of format and length — TikTok culture influences how bite-sized or lengthy content is received by younger audiences.

The power of conversational podcasts — Conversations create natural, impactful insights compared to scripted monologues.

Audio as a self-discovery tool — Listening back to one’s words enhances understanding and application of ideas.

Challenges in production — Podcasting requires significant effort but offers opportunities for outsourcing.

Importance of audience-led discovery — Audiences value content they find and consume independently over being directly instructed.

Flexibility of on-demand content — Recorded sessions provide convenience and engagement through adjustable consumption speeds.

Resources

Cara Ooi on LinkedIn

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Perspective with Chris Grant

October 28, 2021

Perspective with Chris Grant

What lessons and insights can be drawn from personal experiences in Parkour and community development?

Exploring how personal growth intertwines with professional experiences in Parkour and community development.

Getting things out there, 85, 90% done, and then there maybe being a few little fixes you do, is actually harmless compared to making people wait or never getting to the end of a project.

~ Chris Grant (15:49)

The conversation explores the evolution of roles and responsibilities within the Parkour community. Chris discusses his transition from being a coach to a development manager at Parkour UK, emphasizing the value of building systems that support practitioners. He reflects on how stepping back from Parkour full-time provided him with a broader perspective and transferable skills, which he now applies to help others in the community.

The discussion also touches on practical advice for those navigating entrepreneurial endeavors in niche fields. Topics include the importance of financial stability, embracing imperfection in projects, and the benefits of setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Chris highlights the need for humility and openness to new learning opportunities, even after years of experience in a field.

Takeaways

Financial stability — A foundational element that enables greater flexibility and decision-making power.

Adaptability — Skills learned outside a primary field often enhance one’s ability to contribute meaningfully.

Perfectionism — Often a barrier to progress, where action is more valuable than ideal outcomes.

Community support — Building systems that ease the workload of active practitioners is vital for growth.

Perspective — Stepping away from a practice can offer valuable insights when re-engaging with it later.

Boundaries — Setting limits on work hours is crucial for maintaining personal well-being and professional effectiveness.

Continual learning — Embracing a mindset of humility and constant improvement enhances one’s impact.

Resources

Parkour UK — An organization focused on the development and promotion of Parkour in the UK.

Chris Grant on LinkedIn

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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It’s really hard to see from another’s perspective

April 8, 2020

In such a simple situation, I placed a message in what I thought was the best position: The door knocker.

~ Steven Pressfield from, Stick It To The Doorknob

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It used to be that when someone asked me to look at something, or for feedback, I took it very seriously. Not “gravely” serious, but appropriately serious. I allocated what I felt would be sufficient time to give the task my undivided attention. I gave the whatever-it-was a deep thinking-through and tried to melt my mind into all the nooks and crannies(*).

No more!

Why? Because what do I desperately want when I ask someone for feedback? I want their fresh perspective.

I’ve already thought about it six ways to Sunday—I don’t even know what that means. I’ve a reason for every minuscule feature, every character, every color, … I don’t want you to ask me what sort of feedback I want… I don’t want you to get a pencil and pad out to write an outline… I don’t want you to think about what would be he best feedback to make the thing better… And these days I’m figuring that’s what everyone else wants too.

Just my first reaction. If I’m on my game, maybe my first few reactions; bonus points if I can muster a few positives and negatives. But either way, just *pow*, no holds barred. RFN (right now). As Pressfield said, hang the note right on the doorknob: “Your baby is ugly.” “That’s the most elegant Rube-Goldberg device I’ve ever seen.”

And then maybe ask a question or three once I’ve done the hard work of doing what I was asked.

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* Anyone else always associate that phrase with butter and Thomas’s English muffins?