Despite having been published in 1910, Arnold Bennett’s book How to Live on 24 Hours a Day remains a valuable resource on living a meaningful life within the constraints of time. In the book, Bennett addresses one of our oldest questions: how can we make the best use of our lives? How can we make the best use of our time?
I’ve mentioned Arnold Bennett before, and my opinion remains the same: How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, is a delightful little read. Although this post from Parrish isn’t where I first heard of the book, it remains a terrific summary. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could find time to…” you should read Bennett’s thoughts.
There are lots of things to say about the stuff built, conceptually, on top of block-chain technology. (Type “NFT” into your favorite search engine, for example; there’s a lot’s been said.)
But Schneier’s point about adjudication is something I’d never thought of. I’ve always known that “the software is the source of truth” is a literal disaster. Spend 30 years writing and working within software and you’ll agree. Software only works because there are intelligent people doing the really hard work.
In fact, some of the best advice comes in the form of clichés. Be yourself. Seize the day. Fake it till you make it. Despite how trite these phrases sound now, they are still deep, paradigm-shifting insights about being human. They’ve undoubtedly changed countless lives, which is how they became trite. Precisely because these principles have been discovered and expressed many times, in many contexts, they’ve become too general and too familiar to revolutionize how someone does something.
Everyone knows by now that the ‘S’ in SMART goals stands for “specific.” I completely agree with Cain. My experience has been that magic happens if I can—when appropriate, when asked—give both the generic cliché and a specific example. For example, “Fake it ’til you make it. People can detect confidence. So work to overcome your nervousness and self-doubt by keeping your communication as simple as possible. Simplify until you have clear, simple statements and clear, simple requests.”
Not only do I not shop, but I very specifically try to not spend one cent. NOT because I hate shopping—I do hate shopping. And NOT because I hate sales, mobs, false-scaricity, commercialism, consumerism—I do hate those too. No, I do it because I like people; And no people should have to work any sort of holiday chaos insanity. I digress.
But I do have a Black Friday tradition! I have a rather enormous collection of sappy holiday music. I shuffle that play list and turn it up. If you’ve never heard Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of Sleigh Ride… uh… I don’t know what to say. (Other than, go find a copy and play it.) Giddy up! Giddy up! Let’s go!!
The Scientific Revolution began in the 1500s; the Industrial Revolution not until the 1700s. Since industrial progress is in large part technological progress, and technology is in large part applied science, it seems that the Industrial Revolution followed from the Scientific, as a consequence, if not necessarily an inevitable one.
It seems clear to me, (and the article does not disagree,) that the the Scientific Revolution was a necessary precursor to the Industrial. So, “was it necessary?” isn’t a very interesting question.
But the question, “how did it lead to and enable the Industrial revolution?” is a very interesting question. I hadn’t thought about how, specifically, did the one lead to the other. The Scientific Revolution didn’t simply create some sort of encyclopedia of human knowledge, (spread out among all the scientists.) It did that, yes. But it also set things up for the Industrial revolution because suddenly the regular, uneducated people believed the world was knowable and believed that they could tinker, and iterate to improve things.
Which is an interesting point to keep in mind the next time I’m ready to throw my hands up in frustration at some wacky something-or-other.
How does the concept of “utterance” shape personal reflection, communication, and creative processes?
The dynamic interplay between internal dialogue and outward communication shapes the creative journey.
The intent— The intent to influence— …and that means, if you want to influence, you’ve got to be at your best and you’ve got to be as pure-hearted as possible.
~ Mary JL Rowe (4:22)
The conversation revolves around the concept of “utterance” as a multi-faceted tool for personal reflection and creative expression. Utterance involves intentionally speaking thoughts aloud, which transforms not only how they are communicated but also how they are understood by the speaker. This process fosters clarity, emotional depth, and self-awareness, offering insights into how one’s words can influence others.
Other topics include the challenges of curating meaningful content, balancing personal authenticity with audience expectations, and crafting a compelling narrative. The idea of creating safe, structured spaces for creativity and collaboration also emerges, emphasizing shared understanding and values such as compassion and mercy.
Takeaways
Utterance as a process — Speaking thoughts aloud changes their impact and understanding.
Intentional communication — Words are most effective when they stem from sincerity and clarity.
Personal growth through reflection — Recording and revisiting thoughts fosters self-awareness and improvement.
Safe spaces for creativity — Creativity thrives with guidelines that encourage trust and freedom.
Balancing authenticity and expectations — Effective communication requires addressing audience needs while maintaining authenticity.
Vision for a better world — Shared values of compassion and understanding can guide collective progress.
Resources
Toastmasters — An international organization offering structured opportunities to improve public speaking and leadership skills.
That even though we evolved as ruthless replication machines, we’ve somehow risen out of the muck and we currently find ourselves running cultural software that’s way out of sync with what game theory would dictate, and perhaps we can seize the moment and build a civilization that can tame the brutal dynamics that created us.
Eliding a long explanation, I’ll just say: I hope that’s still accessible by the time you read this. Also, my normal routine is to bookmark stuff and to later—often much later—write a blog post around it. But not this time. This one caused me to drop what I was doing and blog about it… before even having finished reading it.
You’ll instantly see (once you go there… why are you still here?) why it appeals to me. You’ll be way ahead of the average level of science knowledge if you just skim the list. But the big take-away for me is: It’s not at all hard to find things to be thankful for, and I don’t just mean insanely technical things like that which are on that list. No, I mean…
All you have to do is look around, and start imagining changes. Completely realistic changes. Small changes even. And every single thing that we think, “oh, that’s nice,” becomes something to be thankful for.
Over the course of six months, Stone observed the breathing patterns of hundreds of people while seated at a computer. She found that four out of five held their breath or breathed shallowly while checking their email.
This is not a metaphor. Literal apnea while reading email. Not some people, but most people. Practice breathing— far too many people think they know how to breath, when in fact they don’t. Practice posture— far too many people think they know how to sit, when in fact they don’t. Practice getting up and fleeing from your computer— far too many…
Conflicting opinions. Confusing data. Unexpected developments. Interpersonal conflict. We sometimes miss the bliss of the vision and despair. I’m not sure I can do this. You respond immediately, “It seems an impossible thing. Of course it’s hard, but we are going to do this together and I’ll explain how.”
There’s an array of skills that a leader has to master to be a good leader. Explaining things is one of those skills. Everyone who knows me even slightly, knows I’m great at explaining things. But as I try to lead more, I’m realizing that no, actually I’m a mediocre—possibly even a poor—explainer. I’ve recently realized that vastly too much of my explanations are about attempting to control other people’s reactions, (or their opinions,) to what I’m suggesting.
“Take this jacket. It’s lightweight, water proof and will keep you dry if we encounter rain. And rain is likely on the mountain we’re setting out to climb. I once went without such a jacket, and I wound up wet and miserable. The color also happens to be one you normally like, and it looks good. It’s got lots of pockets, which are all taped and the design of the flaps keeps water out.” (Alas, a decade ago, that explanation would have also unpacked what “taped” means, and why it’s a desirable feature.)
But that’s way too much information, all intended to convince the listener. It’s a sign of attempted consensus building. It’s all hedging. It’s all me sharing the reasons why you too would make the same decision—to bring this jacket—if you too had all the information and perspective that I have.
A real leader would say, “This is the correct jacket to take, considering the weather we are going to face when we climb that mountain.” Because then, if it turns out it is in fact not the correct jacket, then I’m on the hook for that error. Which is exactly where—on the hook that is—a true leader should be.
Hanlon’s Razor teaches us not to assume the worst intention in the actions of others. Understanding Hanlon’s Razor helps us see the world in a more positive light, stop negative assumptions, and improve relationships.
And there’s a rather long, (by Internet blog standards,) article after that opening paragraph. I read it. It resonates with me. It has heuristics and suggestions, points and counterpoints. There are some memorable quotes, including some famous Army General’s way of using the razor to categorize officers based on their combinations of traits.
But, being well aware of my title, I could just take the entire article and train of thoughts and teaching and simplify it to a pithy two-sentence reminder:
Don’t assume the worst intention in the actions of others. Instead, see the world in a more positive light.
How can integrating play into our personal and professional lives improve creativity, productivity, and well-being?
Discovering the connection between joy and resilience reshapes the way we approach work and life.
Play integrated in everything you do. So when you’re doing something at work, that you are so absorbed by— that you absolutely love about your work and you kind of lose track of time in that space. That’s the play I’m talking about.
~ Brandi Heather (13:55)
The conversation examines how play influences personal and professional development, emphasizing its role in creativity and joy. It explores how podcasting enabled one individual to discover and refine their voice, eventually translating this journey into a book. The discussion highlights the intersection of storytelling, science, and personal experience in effectively communicating complex ideas.
Further topics include societal misconceptions about play and how redefining it as a state of absorption and joy can benefit both individuals and organizations. The conversation also touches on the challenges of blending academic and experiential insights into accessible narratives while advocating for preserving playfulness in both childhood and adulthood.
Takeaways
Discovering one’s voice through podcasting — It serves as a stepping stone to larger creative endeavors like writing a book.
Play as a state of absorption — It transcends traditional definitions and integrates seamlessly into work and life.
Societal misconceptions of play — Play is often undervalued or misunderstood as frivolity rather than a powerful tool for creativity and connection.
The challenges of combining science and narrative — Effectively communicating technical information in a relatable format is key to engaging diverse audiences.
The role of intentionality in play — Being mindful of joyful moments can help foster resilience and motivation.
The diminishing spaces for childhood play — Early academic pressures risk eroding valuable opportunities for children to experience play’s benefits.
The influence of supportive communities — Collaboration and feedback from others enhance the creative process and provide accountability.
Resources
Return to Play — Brandi’s book exploring play’s role in resilience and creativity.
How does podcasting serve as a medium for creativity, self-expression, and transformation, and what challenges and insights arise from engaging in this art form?
Podcasting emerges as both a blank canvas and a stage for personal transformation.
It’s the tricky thing about podcasting, is that it’s got a really, super-low barrier to entry, but a super-high barrier to continuation.
~ Jey Jeyendran (7:23)
The discussion begins with an exploration of podcasting as a creative and transformative medium. It highlights the realization that podcasting is more than a simple extension of oneself; it involves curating and presenting a version of oneself that aligns with the needs of the audience. This performative aspect is juxtaposed with the authenticity often touted as essential in podcasting.
Another key topic is the unique challenges inherent in podcasting. While the barrier to entry is low, maintaining momentum and overcoming “pod fade” proves significantly harder. The conversation underscores the importance of feedback, both as a measure of growth and as a motivational tool. However, podcasting often lacks sufficient avenues for such feedback, which can leave creators feeling unmoored.
Jey and Craig also touch on the joy and playfulness that can be rediscovered in podcasting. Through low-stakes exercises like creating short recordings, participants can reconnect with the essence of creative expression without the pressure of perfection. This emphasis on enjoying the process rather than fixating solely on the end product is framed as critical for sustaining passion and avoiding burnout.
Takeaways
Podcasting as a blank slate — A medium requiring creators to blend performance and authenticity effectively.
The challenge of continuation — The difficulty of maintaining podcasting momentum despite its low entry barrier.
Importance of feedback — The role of meaningful feedback in driving improvement and combating doubt.
Embracing playfulness — Rediscovering joy through low-pressure creative exercises.
The transformative aspect — Becoming the version of oneself that fits the podcasting persona.
The focus on process — Loving aspects of the creation process to sustain long-term engagement.
Resources
Radiolab — A podcast known for creating immersive soundscapes.
This American Life — A podcast blending narrative storytelling and unique perspectives.
Derek Sivers — Mentioned for his insight on performance and persona in creative work.
Stephen Pressfield — Referenced for his concept of the “shadow career” and creative pursuits.
Grant Cardone’s Podcast — A source of energy and motivation, particularly for overcoming inertia.
Sometimes, definitely more often than I like to admit, I need to have my attitude adjusted. Like, a giant kick in the ass, adjustment.
Someone once explained to me their self-esteem box idea. Which is, by the way, a frickin’ brilliant idea. Ever since then the idea has rattled around the back of my head. Finally, this idea gelled into something I can use. It goes like this:
Sometimes I find experiences that eject me from Grumpy Land. They are rare, but they are glaringly obvious to me when it happens. POW! Well, that adjusted my attitude. The first part of my idea is to capture those into posts here on the ‘ol blog. (It’s easy to jot a simple note and write a blog post later as I do that a lot already.) This is classic “capture” in action.
The second part is that I’ve created an Attitude adjustments tag, and I’ll be tagging those posts as such. It’s easy for me to get to that tag. (I find it trivially easy to type, off the top of my head, the full URLs to specific tags.)
…and the magic part is a little plugin I found which will bounce me to a random post for a given tag. Depending when you are reading this, there might be 1 or 100 items in that tag, so this may or may not be random and interesting: Random attitude adjustment, please.
People think that leadership is something that just happens. One is anointed a leader. One is promoted to leadership. One is born into leadership. And of course, this is not the case.
Holiday is most famous for his work raising awareness of the ancient, but still very apropos today, philosophy of Stoicism. (Not to be confused with the very different english word, “stoic.”) But this article is all about leadership. It’s a wonderful survey of guide stars. I’m particularly fond of the idea that a leader doesn’t make things worse.
My bias towards taking action… my urge to make a change to make things better… far too often I make things worse. If my life had an omniscient narrator, there’d be a lot of scenes that start with, “Here Craig forgot a hard won lesson. Despite not having a clear idea how to help, he still put his two cents in.” (Cue slow-motion footage of car crash unfolding. Cut to black. Roll end credits.)
Then I noticed a huge mound of stones stacked on the flat-topped summit, a clearly man-made production, tight as an Inca battlement and resembling a stone obelisk or maybe an altar. How someone scaled that red junker to stack those stones in that manner rather confounded me.
This is an amazing story told about rock climbing— actually it’s about rock not being climbable, except for the fact that people, who were not modern rock climbers clearly did climb these things. A simply amazing story.
Also, and not at all related, some web sites have these visual “hide” affects that tease you with some initial content. Some web sites do that the lazy way, by sending all the content along but then telling your web browser to hide it visually from you. Also, some web browsers have a “readability version” feature that will turn a hot-mess of a web page into easy-to-read text. If you use that feature on one of those sites, you can read all the text. Furthermore, some web sites actually include the full text of things in their RSS feeds even though they hide it if you go to the web page directly. Curiously, all of these things are completely not at all no way nuh-uh related to this article that I’m sharing today.
How do personal experiences and creative approaches in stand-up comedy and podcasting intersect to explore humor and connection?
The conversation explores the transformative power of combining humor and reflection in stand-up comedy and podcasting.
I’m interested in the kind of laugh you do when you look at things in a new way. Like, you pierce through something, and it’s a new thought people connect to and identify with.
~ Abby Wambaugh (17:59)
The discussion touches on the creative intersections between stand-up comedy and podcasting, focusing on personal expression and audience connection. Abby shares her journey of creating a podcast during the pandemic to explore humor’s societal impact and their later transition into stand-up. Through podcasting, she experimented with audio formats and advertising parodies, which helped her embrace spontaneity and humor.
Another key topic is the role of feedback in creative processes. Stand-up is highlighted for its immediate audience response, contrasting with podcasting’s private, controlled creation. Insights into how humor fosters social connection and challenges perspectives underscore the transformative potential of laughter, with a focus on maintaining kindness in comedy.
Takeaways
Creating humor that builds connection — Stand-up and podcasting are tools for fostering understanding through laughter.
Feedback as a guide — Immediate audience reactions in stand-up provide invaluable lessons for refining material.
Laughter as social glue — People laugh significantly more in shared settings, emphasizing its role in connection.
Experimentation in formats — Exploring unconventional formats like parody ads can inspire creativity.
Kindness in comedy — Avoiding divisive humor reflects a commitment to constructive engagement.
Exploration of identity — Stand-up and podcasting can be platforms to navigate and express personal identity.
Private versus public creation — Podcasting offers a reflective space, while stand-up demands immediate public interaction.
What lessons and insights emerge from the process of podcasting, and how do they shape personal growth and creativity?
Sharing inner strength moments evolves into a profound practice of learning and giving.
It’s a great opportunity to learn, and you do it and you can transfer that to other parts of your life.
~ Lizzie Rhodes James (18:25)
The conversation explores the dynamics of podcasting as a platform for sharing insights, personal growth, and creativity. Themes of learning and gratitude are central as the speaker reflects on their podcasting journey, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful and timeless content. The discussion also touches on the process of pausing and reevaluating projects, highlighting the cyclical nature of inspiration and effort.
The technical and creative aspects of podcasting are also discussed, including the routines and systems developed to sustain the work. Lizzie shares experiences of integrating podcasting with other writing platforms, like LinkedIn, and the evolving goals tied to their creative output. Personal habits, such as morning productivity routines, play a significant role in supporting this creative process.
Takeaways
The cyclical nature of creativity — Reflecting on when to pause or continue a project.
The value of timeless content — Creating material that resonates across different periods.
The interplay of gratitude and giving — Sharing experiences to support and inspire others.
The technical evolution of podcasting — Learning from tools and systems developed along the way.
The role of habits in creativity — Establishing consistent routines to foster productivity.
The power of short-form content — Crafting concise yet impactful messages.
The importance of reflection — Stepping back to view the broader themes in one’s work.
Learning through doing — Applying podcasting insights to other areas of life.