I’m a process process process person. The second time I have to do something, I’m trying to figure out how to either never have to do that again, or how to automate it. (And failing those two, it goes into my admin day.) But being process oriented also means I like to build tools to enable doing things that weren’t previously possible.
Recently, I installed a little bit of code on my site that will bounce one to a random post. This means I can now have a link, which takes me to a random quote. I collect all the quotes because I want to read them. A big portion of the enjoyment comes from their discovery. So any time I can mange to re-discover a quote, by stumbling over it some how, that’s a bonus. So now, each morning, I bounce myself to a re-discovery…
Which is great to bookmark— Except, if you click that, you land on a quote; and making a bookmark is then of that specific quote. Instead you have to manually create a new bookmark—so that’s your homework for today, go figure out how to do that in your fave web browser. In that new bookmark, you can copy-and-paste that URL as the address for the bookmark. Then, any time you go to that bookmark, my web site will bounce you to a random quote.
I’ve been up for more than two hours today. I’m completely paralyzed by too many things to do. At this point—this point right here where I’ve opened the text box to write a blog post—I’m simply flailing. Simply grasping at any action.
Where’s the actual problem though? The paralysis isn’t from external pressures; it isn’t that I cannot figure out how to get things done in time, or on budget, to meet other’s expectations. All the expectations come from myself. This is a theme which has come up previously here multiple times.
Luke 4:23 springs to mind. What would I suggest if someone came to me with these exact symptoms, and asked me for help? I’d suggest visualizing what would success look like.
“It would be not this feeling!”
Yes, okay. Can you describe the current feeling?
“It’s a frenetic, cacophony of ideas and options, making me feel like progress—progress is clearly possible upon each idea and option, but progress upon any idea or option feels pointless.”
I notice you said, ‘feels pointless’, … why use ‘feels’ rather than ‘is’?
“Because I know that I could easily finish, at an awesome level of execution, any one of these things. So just picking one of them, arbitrarily, for discussion, progress on that one would move it towards completion.”
Are you saying that working on any of one of them— when you focus on that line of action alone— that actually feels like a good idea?
“Well, yes.”
If considering one feels okay, but considering all of them makes working on them feel not okay…
“But how do I choose? How do I be sure that I can finish all of them— all of these projects?”
You are aware that you cannot be certain to finish anything. This last thing you’ve said is a fact of life, because of the dichotomy of control. If you’ve only chosen to work on virtuous things— let’s take that as a given— then all these things you’re struggling to pick among… they’re all nothing more than preferred indifferents. Pick one, since they are all equally awesome. Chop wood. Carry water.
What motivates and shapes the personal experiences and practices of someone who navigates both the parkour and climbing communities?
Exploring mindfulness in movement reveals deeper insights into personal and communal growth.
It’s interesting how it somehow reveals our own thought process. So the exact sequence of my feet in some stride up to something— or the exact way that I place my hands, reveals how I think about movement.
~ Oliver Thorpe (15:07)
The conversation touches on the intersection of culture, movement, and personal growth. Reflections on moving between Denmark and Australia explore themes of adaptation and community, with emphasis on how cultural differences shape human connections. Denmark, with its initially reserved people, becomes a home through its parkour community, providing both camaraderie and a sense of belonging.
The discussion also delves into the relationship between mindfulness, training, and motivation. Experiences in parkour and climbing illustrate how challenges provide motivation and how iterative attempts help in overcoming fear. There is also a reflection on how personal habits, like coffee preparation, tie into broader practices of mindfulness and intentionality.
Takeaways
The role of community in creating a sense of belonging — The parkour community in Denmark plays a key role in fostering personal connections.
The contrast between Danish and Australian cultures — These cultural differences highlight variations in social behavior and interpersonal connections.
The interplay of mindfulness and movement — Training in parkour and climbing reveals how mindfulness shapes approach and execution.
The motivational power of challenges — Facing and overcoming physical and psychological barriers provides a sense of growth.
The iterative nature of overcoming fear — Experiences in climbing show how repeated exposure transforms fear into confidence.
What inspires and shapes the creation and evolution of a vision board project and podcast that focus on personal growth and self-discovery?
The vision board workshop reveals hidden desires and life goals by tapping into creative instincts rather than logical reasoning.
Having the courage to become who you’re created to be is what badass really stands for.
~ Pej Onile-Ere (8:42)
The conversation discusses the transformation of a vision board project into a workshop that helps participants uncover and act on their hidden desires and life goals. It explores the use of creative rather than analytical thinking, and the integration of deep meditation to guide individuals in aligning their priorities with their life’s current phase. The workshop focuses on crafting actionable maps from abstract aspirations, providing clarity and focus.
Another major topic is the intersection of the workshop and the creation of a podcast that emphasizes personal growth and overcoming fear. Pej shares her journey of acquiring domain names inspired by vision boards, leveraging podcasting as a platform for exploring the stories and routines of successful individuals. She reflects on how her podcast and workshop themes of courage and self-discovery align.
Takeaways
Transforming aspirations into action — Vision boards evolve into actionable life maps.
The power of meditative reflection — Creative workshops help unearth hidden goals.
Exploring self-improvement — Courage and overcoming fear are key to personal growth.
The importance of structured learning — Podcasting courses provide clarity and community.
Common struggles in growth journeys — Participants often face self-doubt and distraction.
Integrating multiple mediums — Workshops and podcasts offer complementary pathways to self-discovery.
The role of intuition — Vision boards highlight deeper life desires that may be overlooked.
Finding personal focus — Projects aim to narrow participants’ priorities to one to three key areas.
Resources
Badass Fabulous — Pej’s podcast explores courage and self-discovery through personal stories.
Vision board workshops — Pej’s workshops, named “Discover Your Life Map,” focusing on personal and professional goals.
It’s free. There are no tricks, no gimmicks, and there’s no “upsell” at the end. It’s simply an opportunity to synchronize with others who want to make progress toward some goal of their own choosing.
This session is for kind and generous people who want to get something, (something of their own choosing,) done. But, who feel they need some others to kindly and gently hold them accountable to doing the work. In the session, you’ll be part of a group of people working together.
I always liked those weird exploration games from the 1980s and 90s, like Zork and Myst, where you wake up in a strange environment, with no idea where you are or even who you are. You have to gather the context from the inside out, by wandering around, pushing buttons, peering behind wall paintings, and reading notes left by strangers who were here before you.
I don’t think I can really explain it. You either know what Myst is, (and it ate months of your waking hours,) and so know what he means; Or you don’t. “I like those games because that’s exactly what it’s to be a human being, if you think about it.” I hadn’t until I read it. But, zoinks, he’s right. The feeling I have in the middle of a great conversation is the same feeling I had exploring Myst, and while exploring all those other things Cain mentions learning about.
As with everything I’ve ever seen Babauta post, I agree. If you’re feeling scattered, you could do a lot worse than to read that article. It provides perspective, and some small, actionable things to start on.
But, my Dear Reader, sometimes the problem is ourselves. We said ‘yes’ to one, or two, or twenty, things too many. And the yes’s are insidious. We are all so eager to help, that we rush in. (“The rescuer,” is one of the corners in the Karpman drama triangle. For which I refer you to M B Stanier’s, The Coaching Habit, p138.) So, if you’re feeling scattered: Check for drama.
The hard part is when you learn to start to set boundaries. Dealing with how setting boundaries feels when you’re comfortable being the rescuer is hard. Dealing with how it feels when everyone knows you as that person is hard. It takes cahones to relax and sink, to save yourself from the drowning swimmer you were trying to save. It takes chutzpah, when a friend asks you for what they think is a small favor, to pause for several seconds, to do the mental calculus, to set your boundaries for just how much effort you’re going to put into the thing… and only then answer them, ‘Yes.’ It takes brass to be kind enough to yourself to ensure you have boundaries that work for you.
What are the insights and challenges involved in creating and sustaining a podcast about learning and development?
A conversation about transforming technical challenges into meaningful dialogues unfolds with clarity and humor.
What we noticed was that the conversation started to go in all these different directions, and we weren’t achieving the goal of trying to get specific questions answered.
~ John Parsell (12:53)
The conversation explores the development and challenges of creating a podcast focused on learning and development. One central theme is the evolution from an initial idea of streaming live discussions to eventually crafting a podcast, which required navigating technical, logistical, and content challenges. The podcast aims to address practical issues, like engaging stakeholders and uncovering the root causes of organizational training requests, rather than focusing solely on technical skills.
Another significant topic is how the hosts approach guest engagement and content structuring. John emphasizes the importance of clear goals, preparation, and providing value to listeners. The discussion touches on their method of using templates and curated questions to guide interviews while maintaining conversational authenticity. Building strong relationships and fostering collaboration, both with podcast guests and within the learning and development community, emerges as a recurring theme.
Takeaways
Collaboration as a foundation — Relationships are key to effective problem-solving and project success.
Podcast evolution — Original plans often shift as new insights emerge during the creative process.
Community engagement — Interacting with diverse professionals enriches podcast content and purpose.
Preparation for flexibility — Balancing structured questions with open dialogue enhances guest interaction.
Practical challenges — Addressing real-world learning and development issues requires nuanced approaches.
Tools and templates — Organized frameworks streamline podcast production and maintain focus.
Resources
Rory Sachs — Co-host and partner in the podcast “Is Training the Answer,” focusing on learning and development challenges.
Is Training the Answer? — The official site, “Is Training the Answer,” offering insights and episodes.
Twitch — Early inspiration for streaming discussions, though not pursued as the final format.
The solution isn’t to flee, but rather to grab all the technology doo-dads by the, err… doo-dads and make them do your bidding. Notice when something annoys you, and then take the time—it might be seconds, minutes, hours or days—to solve that problem. Triple-word score if you can eliminate something entirely; delete your account from one social network that you’re ok with being without… that fixes annoying notifications. Delete an app. Find some web sites, (hey thanks for following mine,) that work the way you want them to. Subscribe to email if you like, use RSS if you like, etc.
I’m not sure when we started sending out holiday cards. You know, the old fashioned way, in envelops with a stamp. But, it might be 20 years that we’ve been doing it. Some parts of it are a simple process; For example, we have a digital address list and I simply print the addresses on labels.
The two hardest parts however have always been finding holiday stamps that we liked—that sounds silly, but there it is. So this year, we’re breaking with tradition and simply using the generic postage stamps that we keep on hand.
And finding cards we like. By the time we get around to starting on our holiday cards, it’s too late to really do any custom ordering. Besides, neither of us is willing to buy something we can’t see/touch. And there’s the debate about do we print a photo of ourselves to include? …and what about including a sort of “this past year…” summary letter? Or perhaps those simple photo montages with a simple holiday slogan—we’ve been getting a higher number of those in recent years and it’s nice to see everyone’s photos…
This year we decided to do something different. We spent all of the time we would have spent finding the “right” stamps and finding the “right” cards… and bought cheap-ass plain Avery card stock and spent the time making them ourselves. The card is a solid mediocre job, as far as holiday cards go. But it’s exactly the card we wanted to send out.
How does the practice of design, particularly in cover art and podcasting, bridge functionality and storytelling?
Discover the parallels between designing podcast cover art and packaging consumer goods.
It’s like a very tiny story in a square footprint, and of course it should reflect you. And then, also, once your audience gets used to it, [it will] be like a shortcut to finding your new episode.
~ Hernán Braberman (2:18)
The conversation explores the relationship between storytelling and design, focusing on podcast cover art as a form of visual storytelling. Hernán explains how the design parallels packaging consumer goods, both requiring an ability to draw attention and convey meaning within a small space. He discusses how the elements of design—shapes, colors, and typography—can embody the emotional and functional attributes of a podcast’s narrative, making the artwork a recognizable shortcut for audiences.
Hernán shares personal anecdotes, including inspiration from Spanish designer Javier Mariscal, whose philosophy of “design without surname” influenced their perspective. He also draws an analogy between podcasting and scuba diving, emphasizing the unique medium and altered sense of time in both. The discussion reflects on how creativity in podcasting is an open-ended process, comparable to the iterative nature of design, and how sound and structure play critical roles in storytelling.
Takeaways
Storytelling in design — Visual elements in cover art serve as a narrative gateway for audiences.
Parallels between mediums — Podcast cover art shares similarities with packaging design in consumer goods.
Creative methodology — Starting with conceptual frameworks aids in refining design or restarting from new perspectives.
Influence of mentors — Inspiration from influential designers can reshape one’s approach to creativity and professional practice.
Role of sound in podcasting — Audio design enhances storytelling by creating an immersive, unique atmosphere.
Podcasting as a design activity — Structuring and planning podcast elements is akin to a creative design process.
Analogies in creativity — Comparing podcasting to scuba diving highlights the transformative experience of exploring new mediums.
Resources
Javier Mariscal — Spanish designer known for his multidisciplinary approach, blending graphic design, product design, and more.
Podcast directories — Platforms compared to supermarket shelves for showcasing podcast cover art.
Supermarket packaging design — Used as a metaphor for crafting engaging and functional podcast thumbnails.
How do the dynamics of conversation and storytelling impact podcasting and personal connection?
Effective podcasting techniques rely on balancing preparation and adaptability during interviews.
A lot of people never answer those questions, until somebody asks them. And, actually, you asking them often brings them insight they didn’t necessarily have.
~ Simon Ratcliffe (17:23)
The conversation explores the nuances of podcasting and the emotional dynamics of meaningful dialogue. One focus is the emotional highs and lows experienced in podcast production, from the joy of recording to the challenges of editing and releasing episodes. Another topic is the value of acknowledging guests’ individuality, with examples of how thoughtful questioning can lead to deep, meaningful exchanges.
The discussion also examines group dynamics, especially in the context of facilitating group interviews or research discussions. Key insights include the importance of recognizing and engaging all participants and the transformative power of contextual understanding in conversations. The conversation reflects on how certain techniques, such as effective pauses and unscripted interactions, contribute to authentic connections.
Takeaways
Understanding storytelling techniques — Conversations are enriched by focusing on the broader context of a person’s life.
Acknowledging individuality — Recognizing each participant fosters trust and engagement.
Balancing preparation and flexibility — Minimal but strategic notes can guide meaningful exchanges.
Value of silence — Different kinds of silence serve distinct purposes in conversations.
Emotional highs and lows in podcasting — The creative process involves both joy and challenges.
Role of group dynamics — Acknowledging everyone in a group encourages balanced participation.
Therapeutic elements of conversations — Thoughtful questions often lead to unexpected insights.
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.
