Scree – Page 117 – Craig Constantine

Rhyming →

Published April 6, 2022 · All posts on Apr 6

There comes a moment in doing your reading where new work begins to rhyme. When you start to see the connections. When you understand who influenced the person you’re engaging with right now.
~ Seth Godin from, On doing the reading

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I find it difficult to figure out when to shift from empty-cup, learn-everything mode into the mastery mode. Godin’s insight about “rhyming” strikes me as a great test. In the beginning of some new learning adventure, everything is new and everything is surprising. The idea of noticing when a lot of things start to rhyme… of noticing when you can tell who or what influenced this thing you’re currently studying… that is when you notice that you have shifted into the mastery level of practice. Mastery does not—not by a long shot!—mean you are done. It’s more like the point where the airplane pivots and leaps into the sky: Now I am ready to begin my own journey.

Nope nope nope →

Published April 5, 2022 · All posts on Apr 5

The History of Philosophy is an interactive tool enabling users to dig into a visual timeline of 2,500 years of philosophical thought and discover lines of agreement and divergence.
~ Ahmed Kabil from, The History of (Western) Philosophy

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I glanced at this when it appeared in my RSS feed and I had two simultaneous thoughts: “Wow, I should really dig into—” And, “RUN AWAY!” Because, this is exactly the sort of maximally complicated data visualization that I would create.

What we seem to have forgotten →

Published April 4, 2022 · All posts on Apr 4

Here is what we seem to have forgotten: America is not some finished work or failed project but an ongoing experiment. And it is an experiment that, by design, will never end. If parts of the machine are broken, then the responsibility of citizens is to fix the machine—not throw it away.
~ James Mattis from, The Enemy Within

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I’ll just drop that there.

…and I’ll go on to add that it’s interesting how, through loops and curly-Q’s, I often find myself at the same place. There’s a copy of The American Idea: The Best of The Atlantic Monthly in my currently-reading stack.

Seek to learn →

Published April 3, 2022 · All posts on Apr 3 · Books

Embracing a growth mindset means to get pleasure out of changing for the better (inward rewarding) instead of getting pleasure in being praised (outward rewarding.) […] to seek as many opportunities to learn as possible is the most reliable long-term growth strategy.
~ Sönke Ahrens from, How to Take Smart Notes

Ahrens of course discusses, and gives credit where credit is due, to Carol Dweck’s ideas. (See Dweck’s, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.) Her comment about “reliable long-term growth strategy” struck me as insightful. Her use of, “most reliable,” is an understatement. What other strategy would even be reliable?

If I want to grow, I need to learn. If I want to learn, I need to maximize those opportunities.

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Protein allocation →

Published April 2, 2022 · All posts on Apr 2 · Fasting

By definition LC is about dietary carbohydrate restriction. If you are reducing carbohydrates, your proportional intake of protein or fat, or both, will go up. While I don’t think there is anything wrong with a high fat diet, it seems to me that the true advantage of LC may be in how protein is allocated, which appears to contribute to a better body composition.
~ Ned Kock from, Dietary protein does not become body fat if you are on a low carbohydrate diet

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Zoinks! This short article is dense. I read each paragraph. Then slowly reread the paragraph, squinting slightly and turning each sentence over in my mind. It feels like there’s at least one actionable-item, (something to start doing, or something to stop doing,) in every paragraph. I’ve spent a lot of time in recent years trying to learn what I can about all the things in this article. It’s a beautiful assembly that backs up the thesis in the first paragraph, (which is quoted entirely above.)

Spacing effect →

Published April 1, 2022 · All posts on Apr 1

This is where the spacing effect comes in. It’s a wildly useful phenomenon: we are better able to recall information and concepts if we learn them in multiple, spread-out sessions. We can leverage this effect by using spaced repetition to slowly learn almost anything.
~ Shane Parrish from, The Spacing Effect

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It’s funny how ideas percolate in the brain. This article and another one, (back on the 29th, which is further down in this weekly email,) passed through my radar within a couple of weeks. (I can tell because my general digital reading pile is a FIFO queue.) They were read a few times, but again in relative closeness in time. And they both ended up making the cut to be blog posts.

Voice with Gaelen Poage →

Published March 31, 2022 · All posts on Mar 31

How can podcasting serve as a platform for self-expression and meaningful connections while addressing challenges like monetization and content creation?

Behind every podcast lies a blend of creative passion and logistical hurdles.

If I can watch somebody else’s process of finding their way then that can help me in mine as well.
~ Gaelen Poage (4:49)

The conversation explores the evolution of podcasting as a medium for self-expression and connection. Discussions center on the shift from traditional written content to spoken storytelling and how podcasting allows individuals to explore their thought processes in real time. Gaelen emphasizes the value of sharing raw, unpolished processes, enabling listeners to find inspiration and clarity in their own journeys. This dynamic format contrasts with polished, scripted content, highlighting the richness of podcasting as an art form.

Challenges like monetization and the logistics of podcast production are also addressed. The difficulty of sustaining a podcast financially without compromising creative integrity is a recurring theme. Gaelen discusses using podcasting as a tool to complement other ventures, such as coaching or community-building, rather than a primary source of income. This multifaceted approach underscores the balance between passion for content creation and practical necessities.

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Comfortable with AnnSofie Svensson →

Published March 31, 2022 · All posts on Mar 31 · Movers Mindset

Comfortable – with AnnSofie Svensson

How do personal experiences and challenges shape an individual’s approach to movement practices and training?

Exploring the intersection of circus arts, Parkour, and fear-facing techniques reveals unique approaches to movement.

I feel [my rail work] is like somewhere— I think, a middle ground because it connects both what I used to do in the air, and what I do on the floor.
~ AnnSofie Svensson (1:44)

The conversation explores the interplay between different movement disciplines, highlighting how unique environments and personal experiences influence training approaches. Topics include adapting Parkour to locations with limited infrastructure, integrating circus arts with traditional movement practices, and balancing personal challenges like fear and overcommitment.

A strong focus is placed on the social versus individual aspects of training. While some movement is shared socially, other practices stem from isolation, driven by a lack of community or environmental factors. The discussion also touches on broader themes, such as facing fears, redefining consistency, and finding humor in challenges. AnnSofie shares insights into building movement opportunities in remote areas and reflects on the intersection of personal growth and physical exploration.

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Communication with Andrea Wojnicki →

Published March 31, 2022 · All posts on Mar 31

How do communication strategies and frameworks influence personal and professional growth, particularly in podcasting and coaching?

Authenticity and personal branding redefine success in communication and podcasting.

These people have a growth mindset, and they are clearly ambitious and they know that they are probably done with the majority of their—if not all of their—formal quote-unquote education in terms of going to University or College. But they also look around, and they’re like: ‘I got more in me.’
~ Andrea Wojnicki (2:24)

The conversation examines the significance of communication frameworks in personal and professional settings. It begins by highlighting the traits of ambitious individuals with growth mindsets who seek to refine their communication skills, focusing on confidence, storytelling, and practical frameworks. Andrea underscores the value of establishing habits and linking small, consistent actions to larger goals of self-improvement.

The discussion moves to challenges faced by podcasters, especially those who struggle with confidence and imposter syndrome. Emerging podcasters often lack the self-assurance they exhibit in their primary careers when transitioning into podcasting. Andrea emphasizes the importance of maintaining a growth mindset to navigate such hurdles, explaining how curiosity and openness can help individuals learn and adapt effectively. Personal branding is also explored as a tool for authenticity and transformation rather than a means of self-promotion.

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Suggestions too →

Published March 31, 2022 · All posts on Mar 31

It’s harder to see it when we’re the ones who are complaining so often. And in fact, in my experience most of us are in the habit of complaining, either out loud or to ourselves. Myself included.
~ Leo Babauta from, Practicing with the Complaining Habit

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I am not a complainer. (I’m not pushing back on Babauta’s post. It’s excellent, as usual.) If you spot me complaining, I’d appreciate being called out. Certainly, there was a time when I complained, but it is not now.

Being a “suggester” correlates with being a complainer. People who complain also suggest. “You should do that this way…” “This would be better with more…” “If I was in charge I would…” Ridding oneself of one of these flaws, will make the other intolerable, which begins the work of ridding oneself of the other.