Turning Two
Two years ago, I launched this site into the world. Last year, I shared some thoughts when discussing the transition I had made to a stay-at-home from the working world:
I quickly realized that I still had an overwhelming desire to be creative and find a new way to continue my favorite part of being in a leadership role, giving people the tools and ideas to develop, grow, and become stronger versions of themselves. That philosophy of empowerment is central to what I'm doing because I want to guide people to learn things that help improve their lives.
This remains a focus of what I'm trying to do here, particularly as some of my focus for action shifts towards helping people develop meaningful journaling practices.
There's so much to journaling beyond putting pen, whether digital or analog, to the page. It's about mindset, what you're reading, who inspires you, what your inputs are, and where you're trying to go. It's also about your past and how the more you can understand that, the better your future will often be. It's as much about the mistakes we make as the successes we have.
In short, it's an analog for living.
I'm thankful you're here, whether you are brand new to this site or have been with me since the beginning. This year, I want to make it less about me shouting into the Internet and more about you and us connecting in new ways. Let's make it happen.
The Fresh Start Effect: Why You're Compelled to Make New Year’s Resolutions
If you feel compelled to make a New Year resolution, there's some science behind that. At the beginning of last year, I wrote about the Fresh Start Effect, which Dan Pink wrote about in his excellent book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. Dan referenced research that demonstrated how using a significant date as a temporal landmark to start something new was helpful in our navigation of time.
You can read my whole piece here, which includes a brief summary of the differences between social and personal landmarks and offers some basic tips on sticking with it. Remember to check out Dan's book, too; I read it in 2022 and still reference it regularly.
It's worth noting that most resolutions, even with the best intentions, do not stick. That's largely down to a misunderstanding of the power of habits and an inability to change those negative soundtracks that get stuck in our heads. Some further reading offers helpful insights to making successful resolutions beyond just stating a goal to your fellow revelers over champagne while watching the Death Star blow up.
Jon Acuff on Fear And Faith
In just six words, Jon Acuff makes his point beautifully. It’s easy to be scared, but it takes a regular and concerted effort to persevere and move forward with anything resembling courage.
Apple Launches Journal for iPhone
With the release of iOS 17.2 earlier this week, Apple launched Journal. I spent some time with the new app last night, and my initial thoughts are positive. I will share more after I’ve had a chance to kick the tires.
Today, Day One, my journaling tool of choice, announced support for Journaling Suggestions. This is a keystone feature for Apple’s Journal, so it makes sense that Day One would add it as well.
Today we’re excited to announce a new way to deepen your journaling practice: Journaling Suggestions. Journaling Suggestions in Day One provide personalized journaling recommendations inspired by your photos, locations, activities, and more, bringing a whole new level of introspection and discovery to your daily reflections.
Everything I’ve read from the folks at Day One about Apple’s entry into this space has been totally classy. Last summer, I shared Day One’s founder Paul Mayne’s thoughts on Journal when it was announced.
Rather than seeing this as competition, we embrace Apple’s entry into digital journaling as a testament to its growing importance. This evolution is not just beneficial for Day One but also for our valued users.
I believe that journaling can improve people’s lives, and having an app included on a phone that’s in about a billion and a half pockets worldwide means more people will start a practice. That’s a really good thing.
The Gratitude Soundtrack From Apple Music
I was browsing Apple Music recently and found this gem of a playlist celebrating gratitude. The music spans genres and generations and has me tapping my feet and feeling thankful for the many creative artists who make our lives brighter with their music. If you are on Apple Music, give it a listen here.
If you’re looking for music to help you focus, I recommend this.
Analog vs. Digital: Results From My Journaling Format Poll
I recently conducted a poll on Threads and asked folks about their preferred journaling format. I offered three options: print, digital, and hybrid.
Print was the winner with 47%. Unsurprisingly, given the results, the comments largely favored pen and paper. One user shared that writing by hand helped them remember what they had written, and another said it was about the art and connection with the tangible nature of paper.
Another respondent shared the challenges she faces when attempting to write in a new journal and said she preferred the ease of editing digital journals for that reason.
I wrote a post entitled Your Story Matters: Overcoming the Perfect Journal Fallacy for those facing a similar struggle around getting started in a paper journal. It's a common challenge, and given how popular analog journaling is, I wanted to share something encouraging.
For my journaling practice, I fall into both groups. I use Day One for most of my regular journaling practice. I use a Subtle Notebook, and a Field Notes Memo Book for my analog needs.
Whatever tool you're using, remember this: the most important aspect of journaling is doing it in whatever format most likely to help you succeed.
The 2023 Gift Guide
I enjoy a well-thought-out gift guide. I'm not talking about the kind that only lists costly items that no one wants. I enjoy the ones from the authors, podcasters, and creators I choose to follow and support. I trust and appreciate their perspective, opinions, and taste. Not only do I find them helpful in discovering things I may be interested in, but I also find them helpful for ideas when family asks, "What would you like for the holidays?"
It's in that spirit that I've created this guide. I'm sharing a few gift ideas for those creative, bookish tech lovers in your life who may be hard to shop for. What's that you say? You’re a creative, bookish tech lover? If you’d like, you can pull some ideas from this list and send them to your relatives and friends looking for tips.
Alright, let’s jump in.
Books
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
This book feels timeless. It features a daily quote from one of the ancient Stoic philosophers and an insight from Ryan Holiday with a modern reflection that compliments the selection.
I try to start my day with a passage from this book and am never disappointed when I do.
The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy Paul
Annie Murphy Paul has taken the idea that our brains are all-knowing and infallible and turned it on its head, arguing instead that we need to extend our thinking.
Paul uses the metaphor of the Magpie and suggests that we are at our best when we figure things out not just with our brain but also by connecting our surroundings, relationships, and physical being with the process.
I found actionable insights in this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about how our surroundings impact our thinking.
Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Last by Ryan Holiday
The second book from Ryan Holiday on this list. Perennial Seller is for anyone trying to create enduring work and wants to learn from someone who's not only had his own success as an author but also helped others find their success through Brass Check, his advisory firm.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield famously wrote for 27 years before he got his first novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, published. He wrote The War of Art to help the rest of us learn from his mistakes.
This book has undoubtedly launched many people on their journey of doing something difficult and essential by helping them learn what the Resistance is and how to overcome it.
The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User's Manual by Ward Farnsworth
Starting with first principles, Ward Farnsworth extends Stoicism to other philosophers and thinkers throughout history, beyond Zeno of Citium and the Greeks and Romans. There's also an element of practicality to the writing that is helpful to better understand how applicable Stoicism can be in everyday life.
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser (SP)
Another profoundly influential book for many writers, On Writing Well, was born from a course William Zinsser taught at Yale. Initially published in 1976, this book remains valuable and current for anyone who wants to become a better writer.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl (Audio Recommendation)
Dave Grohl is a man of integrity, who's not afraid to find the humor in many situations, who deeply loves his children, and who has endured the public loss of some very dear friends. He's also had an incredible career in the music industry that's spanned decades with bands like Scream, Nirvana and The Foo Fighters.
I rarely recommend the audio specifically, but this is one where hearing Grohl tell of the touchstone moments in his life makes The Storyteller an even better book.
Audible Gift Subscription
I received an Audible gift subscription last year and didn't realize then how much I'd enjoy it. I like listening to audiobooks while I’m at the gym or doing yard work and this feeds that need. If you have someone who wants to read more but doesn’t have the time or the focus to pick up a physical book, this is a great gift option.
Technology
AirPods Pro
I've used the regular AirPods for years and felt no solid inclination to upgrade to the Pro. I was gifted the AirPods Pro earlier this year, and there really is a difference. Sometimes, when I'm watching something on my iPad, I can't tell if the sound is coming from the AirPods because it feels like it's coming from the screen. The noise cancellation and conversational awareness are such a helpful combination. There's magic in the tech, and the audio quality is much better than the regular AirPods.
Joby GorillaPod
I use this more often than I thought. Whether it's for doing video calls with an iPhone via Continuity Camera or taking photos, it's compact, easy to travel with, and helpful.
Glif from Studio Neat
I use the Glif from Studio Neat as the mount with my portable tripod. It compact, sturdy, and works really well with my tripod.
Journaling and Writing
Moleskine Medium Ruled Hardcover Notebook
I'm writing more about journaling on this site and at Threads. I have this crazy believe that everyone's life can be improved by beginning a journaling practice, and this is one of the notebooks I recommend to someone who's getting started and wants something with a bit of style. It's still simple and not terribly expensive, but also elegant. Moleskine notebooks are widely available, which is helpful too.
Field Notes Memo Books
I’ve been using the National Parks series recently, carrying it with me to take notes and supplement my task management system. It’s the perfect size for my pocket, and the artwork on all of the series they’ve created are beautiful and evocative.
The Subtle Notebook
This is my current favorite analog notebook from Cortex Brand. I appreciate the color, the quality of the paper, and the dot grid because it gives me the freedom to do whatever I want without feeling constrained by lines and yet also gives me some waypoints so I stay on the rails.
Thanks for reading. I hope this guide is helpful when shopping for your friends and family or when a family member asks for something you might like. Happy holidays!
Note: Some of these items include an affiliate link, meaning your purchase may help support this site. I've only included things in this list I actually use, like, and recommend. There are no big screen 4K TVs or air fryers here (although my wife and I are tempted by both!).
The 5-Minute To-Do List from Chris Guillebeau
I'm connected with the writer, podcaster, and traveler Chris Guillebeau on Threads, and he recently shared a blog post called The 5-Minute To-Do List:
From the post:
The idea behind the 5-Minute To-Do List is simple but effective. This list consists entirely of quick tasks—those that can be done in a maximum of 5 minutes. Keeping it on your desk serves as a constant reminder of small actions that can bring about a sense of accomplishment or contribute to the progress of larger goals.
Before I took this extended parenting break, I had a similar list, although it focused more on tasks that were best for when I was lower energy. They could be slotted in during the day when I needed some breathing room but still needed to get things done. These were generally small pieces of more extensive projects, which was helpful.
I’m going to give this approach a try. I don’t spend much time at a desk these days, but I do have a LOT of small things that need to be done, and having a list gets them out of my head and helps me be more productive.
If you are on Threads, let's connect. I'm sharing ideas about how you can build a better life through journaling and the occasional behind-the-scenes look at what's happening in my world.
Your Story Matters: Overcoming the Perfect Journal Fallacy
Let me set the scene.
You’re at your favorite bookshop. You’ve had your coffee, done some people-watching, and have picked up a few books that will be coming home with you, and as you walk toward the counter to pay for your haul, you see a shelf with journals on it.
You are transfixed. The journals are beautiful and rife with endless creative possibilities. In a flash, you envision yourself writing your deepest thoughts, sketching ideas for that next big project, planning your novel, your adventures to Europe, writing your most important lists, and recording your secrets in this new place.
You carefully select the journal that most appeals to you, perhaps based on color or size. Happily, you pay for it and head home to use it to unleash your creativity.
You come home, set the journal on your desk, and move on with your afternoon.
The next day, you glance at the journal. You think of something you’d like to write in it but feel noncommital. It’s so beautiful and clean, I’m not sure this thought is worth it. You walk away.
A day later, you’ve finished work early and are tidying up your desk. There’s that journal again. You sit down, open it up, and reach for a pen. You think, Oh, I’m not sure this is the right pen for this journal. Is it fancy enough? You put the journal down and go to grab dinner.
Weeks pass, and the journal is now under a pile of work papers or perhaps has taken a spot on your bookshelf. It may even sit next to another forgotten and unused journal you received as a gift during last year’s holiday!
If this has happened to you, don’t worry; you aren’t alone.
Most everyone with a journaling practice has experienced something similar. It’s what I call the perfect journal fallacy, where we convince ourselves that using the journal for its very purpose, recording our ideas and thoughts, is somehow a bad thing to do.
So, how do you overcome this?
Open the journal and write something.
Anything.
Even just a sentence or two is a good start.
Don’t worry about the pen you use, the time of day, the music, or the mood. While all of those aspects can be a part of an established journaling practice, the most essential role of someone who journals is to write down what’s on their mind.
If you’re still struggling with getting started, remember this: Someone created that journal for you, and you can use it however you wish. Your thoughts and ideas are worthy of being recorded within its pages, as are your most mundane notes, todos, and doodles.
The journal on the bookshelf collecting dust is yours; you can do what you want with it. Use it as the tool it’s intended to be, and allow it to help you unlock the benefits of writing down your thoughts. Your story matters. Start writing it down today.
Weekly Quote: Neil Gaiman on Feedback
This week’s quote is from Neil Gaiman by way of a mention in the excellent book Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday. Neil offers his experience as an award-winning and respected creator to teach us the essence of feedback.
Finding people you trust to tell you when something is not working is essential. Once you have the input, the responsibility is yours. You must make the edits, fix the tone, or adjust the flow to make everything work.
Have no sacred cows within your work. Nothing is perfect. The feedback is a gift, and the edits are yours to decide upon.
Weekly Quote: Ryan Holiday on Creating a Better Second Draft
This week's quote from Ryan Holiday's 2017 book Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Lasts is geared towards creators, that's clearly spelled out in the subtitle. However, these ideas apply to other aspects of our lives, too.
You need to find the people you trust to tell you when things aren't working. The people who aren't afraid to potentially hurt your feelings, respectfully, of course, by pointing out the flaws in something you're deeply invested in. Remember, they're doing it for a higher purpose - helping you find your way to the next level where you belong.
There's time to get it closer to where you want it to be, and you won't get there without listening to them. Find your editor. Whether you're a writer, a manager, a student, or a parent, who's the person you trust to advise you on becoming a better version of yourself?
Morgan Housel on The Written Word
Morgan Housel, a longtime blogger and author of the excellent book The Psychology of Money and the forthcoming Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes, has shared a few of his thoughts about writing.
A few of my favorite ideas:
Writing for yourself is fun, and it shows. Writing for others is work, and it shows.
The beginning of a story should be as pleasurable to read as the big idea that comes later.
Whoever says the most stuff in the fewest words wins.
Take a look because the entire piece is short and insightful. We all write in some capacity, from work emails to the great American novel. Morgan shares valuable advice for us all.
Weekly Quote: Seneca on Reviewing the Day
I've been banging the drum especially loud about journaling lately, and this week's quote from Seneca is another reason why. Journaling is a tool that can help you authentically review your life.
The idea of the daily review and its value has mostly stayed the same since Seneca walked the streets of Rome a few thousand years ago. Sure, your journal entry might seem different initially, but the concerns that occupy your mind are similar to what an ancient person worried about so long ago.
Journaling works best when you commit to honesty and are most willing to keep a "constant watch" over yourself. That may be made easier when there is no intention to share what you write with anyone. You do so much for the benefit of others. Journal for yourself.
The Wisdom Project from Merlin Mann
Merlin Mann is a funny and thoughtful guy. He’s started 43 Folders nearly twenty years ago, created that whole Inbox Zero thing, and these days spends a lot of his time writing and hosting podcasts.
He’s also created The Wisdom Project, filled with things Merlin has learned throughout his life. Some of it is poignant, some is funny, most is useful, and the parts that aren’t useful, as Merlin writes, aren’t for you.
Take a look. You can also hear him discuss The Wisdom Project in more detail on the latest episode of the Mac Power Users podcast. Here’s a favorite from the list that I try to embody whenever I’m out in the world:
Treat every person you encounter as though they are having a way worse day than you.
Related: ask yourself how you might become the least annoying stranger that a given person met today. If you became the subject of a private anecdote, how great would you feel about hearing it?
-Merlin Mann
I have an informal rule that whenever anyone has grabbed my attention, either through storytelling, humor, or otherwise, shares something, often in list format, I check it out. Give this rule a try. you'll rarely be disappointed.
Four Steps To Quickly Start Your Journaling Practice Today
When it comes to journaling, everyone has different needs and abilities. In that spirit, I've created this simple guide to get you started.
My north star for making this guide is the first principle of journaling, starting now. Here are the four steps to start your journaling practice right now:
Find something you can write ON and something you can write WITH.
Find FIVE quiet minutes during your day.
Write ONE thought down.
REPEAT this process daily, weekly, or whenever you want.
This guide is simple, and that's intentional. I wanted there to be the least amount of friction as you get started. There's no ask for you to buy a particular notebook or journal, nor does it suggest a specific time of day or even frequency with which you write.
These are all fun parts of building your habit, but if you get held up with a decision, particularly before you even start, you may perseverate instead of writing down what's in your head. That's the opposite of why you're beginning to journal.
Start simply. You can dial in things like format and frequency later and enjoy it more because you'll be making those decisions through the lens of an active journaler, not someone planning to start once all of the pieces are just right.
Waiting for just right often means you'll never start. Begin journaling today with this simple guide and what you have in front of you. Build the habit, and then find your tools.
You can read more from me on journaling here and on Threads, where I write several short pieces each week designed to help you build the journaling practice you most desire.
Weekly Quote: Asking the Right Questions with Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy
This week’s quote comes from Living Forward by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy.
How often have you been a part of the decision-making process that doesn’t go anywhere? It happens pretty regularly to most of us, and by the end, you’re left with frustration and no actionable outcome.
The missing piece was likely the need for the right questions.
This happened to me recently. My wife and I were doing some planning and decision-making, and we both realized how stuck we felt in a conversational loop. My wife, one of the most intelligent and most emotionally available people I’ve ever met, stepped outside of herself and asked a higher-level question that neither of us had considered but both of us very much needed to hear.
It provided clarity and a new perspective that didn’t make our decision for us, but it helped us get closer to a resolution. Asking good questions, the right questions, can be the difference maker.
The First Principle of Starting a Journaling Practice
Here it is, the first principle of journaling. You ready?
Start today.
The medium doesn’t matter. Use whatever format you are most comfortable with. If it’s the Notes app on your iPhone, use it. If you want to use something like Day One, go for it. Check that drawer in the kitchen overflowing with random stuff. There’s probably a notebook or some scrap paper in there. Don’t feel like writing or typing? That’s okay because you can dictate your thoughts or record your voice as a memo.
The most important part of writing in a journal is getting started. Write as often as you’d like. If you don’t journal for weeks and decide it’s time for another entry, that’s okay. Set no expectations. Just start.
Like many things, the other pieces come together with time and experience. You can experiment with analog or digital and decide which you like better. You’ll figure out how often you want to write and decide what time of day works best for your rhythm.
Journaling needn’t be precious. It’s an act of reflection and a way to better understand who you were, who you are, and who you want to become. It’s a part of your journey, and you can do it. Just start now.
The Journaling Guide on Threads
I’ve been on Threads since it launched. My focus has been on sharing prompts, tools, and tips to help people with something I’m really passionate about, starting and growing a journaling practice. I know some of you like to journal. If that’s you, please give me a follow and say hi!
Don’t worry, I’m not abandoning this site to spend all of my time on social. Threads is (thus far) a positive community that I enjoy. It’s also a place where I can workshop new ideas and connect with readers of this site and other creators.
Weekly Quote: The 12 Week Year on Making Small Gains
This week’s quote comes from The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington, and it speaks to an idea you’ve read on this site before.
Small regular gains add up in significant ways.
It takes time to get good at something, fail and succeed, and figure out the best path. Doing a little bit often is how the successes add up, and the failures offer context on what not to do.
Remember that mistakes are the language of growth. Do the thing every day, learn to fail, and you will see your successes over time.
Weekly Quote: Taking a Strategic Pause with the Daily Creative
This week’s quote comes from Todd Henry’s fantastic book Daily Creative, which along with The Daily Stoic, are books I try to read every morning as part of my startup routine.
This technique is best done using analog tools, so grab your favorite pen and some paper and settle in. If you use a connected device, put it into focus mode so you aren’t disturbed. This isn’t meditation; you can still sip your coffee and take a note here and there, but avoiding external distractions is important. You are doing this to let your mind wander, not answer emails.
Give the strategic pause a try. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do; you have things you’re working on, and taking this to think will be helpful.