Author Archive
Taking Productivity Systems to Excess
It is my observation that productivity ‘systems’ appeal most to people with a certain kind of mindset: process-oriented, rigorous, ordered. Other types of personality can certainly see the benefits of a certain approach, but in my experience they’re less likely to take it on board fully or to adhere to it slavishly. More for them [...]
Our Changing Identities
June 2009, age 28. The month I got excited about a garden. In my defence, it was my garden. The former gravel pit surrounded by blue concrete walls began its transformation into an urban oasis. To me growing up, caring about a garden was a symbol of the dullness that was the lives of the [...]
You Today, You Tomorrow
Procrastination. Now I know you don’t indulge, but you know people who do. Putting off what you’ve told yourself you ought to be doing or have done. That doesn’t mean putting things off is always procrastination. It’s easy to tell. When you tell yourself you’re going to put whatever it is off (again), do you [...]
Tactical Mediocrity
I’ve been playing with a concept I call tactical mediocrity. My definition: A conscious decision not to develop your level of accomplishment or explore your potential in a given field. You don’t want to be the best, or even great, because of all the crap that comes with it: pressure, scrutiny, attention, responsibility. You just [...]
In praise of brevity (thoughts on Twitter in considerably more than 140 characters)
Like many other people in recent weeks, I’ve seen and heard a lot about Twitter, the highly flexible micro-blogging platform that has a real feel of open-sourcery about it in the ways that its users have taken it, turned it and created conventions for its use. I’ve had a Twitter account since March 2007 (check [...]
The Power of Positive Engagement
Ever had trouble motivating yourself for something? Ever done battle with procrastination? Ever struggled even to get out of bed in the morning? Yeah, me too. Honestly I don’t think anyone can beat those ogres all the time. We’re human. We’re fallible. Big deal. So I’m going to look at something that will get you [...]
Optimism vs. Cynicism
Cynicism is everywhere. It’s so easy to be cynical.It gives you a little boost to know that you’re cynical enough to see through the evil plots that surround you in every aspect of life. It’s also easy to be cynical with others, a little mutual back scratching showing each other you can see through the [...]
Security and Fear
It’s a sure thing that living in fear will seriously harm your quality of life. But fear is a base human emotion, ever-ready to come charging over the hill to storm your fort. Many writers have stressed the importance of living without fear (or indeed feeling it and doing it anyway). But a little fear [...]
The Fear of Seeming Cheap
In the current economic climate, with each day bringing new portents of doom, the arguments in favour of being frugal and saving yourself a little cash are more persuasive than ever. People often hit the quick wins first: eat out less, drive less, postpone major purchases. And that’s wise. But in a week when I [...]
More of the Same, but Better
I’ve been giving some thought to ubermensch Merlin Mann’s recent manifesto for change on his site 43 Folders (and begun on his personal site). It’s caused me to re-examine my approach to my own blog, where I have and haven’t been true to my aims. Clearly this is a more lonely exercise with far smaller [...]
