15: Notes To Self

Yo!

I just got back from visiting University of Wisconsin-Madison — what a great school with even better people!

Here is your weekly dose of 5 things I’m pondering and exploring. Click on each link to dive further on that topic.

1. Grinnell Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana

Nature is just so damn cool. Who wants to hike this with me this summer?

2. Collect Your Complements (Me)

Every time someone says or texts something nice about you, write it down.

It won’t seem like much in the moment. But over time, you’ll amass a long document of love from your friends and family.

And let me tell ya, it hits different when you’re alone. Especially if you’re down in the dumps or just want to feel more grateful.

3. Book Notes On Never Eat Alone (Derek Sivers)

This book talks about networking and relationship building in a genuine, human sort of way. It’s refreshingly authentic & long-term focused.

Some things that stuck out to me:

• Real networking is about finding ways to make other people more successful. It’s about working hard to give more than you get.

• If I’m going to take the time to meet with somebody, I’m going to try to make that person successful.

• It’s better to give before you receive. And never keep score.

• Friendship is created out of the quality of time spent between two people, not the quantity.

• Help the organizer. Better yet, be the organizer.

4. Book Notes on Mindfulness In Plain English (Derek Sivers)

Over the past year, I’ve been exploring eastern philosophy & its timeless wisdom. Along the way, I’ve stumbled upon 2 impactful skills: mindfulness & awareness.

To get better at them, I try to do a quick 10 minute meditation each morning.

After a few months, I noticed 2 real changes in my daily life:

First, I can often catch myself just before I getting lost in unneeded (often negative) thoughts. Second, I’ve had way more “pinch me” moments of pure gratitude.

On a day-to-day basis, I bet it makes me ~10% happier. Worth testing out for a month or two imo.

5. This Is Sort Of Crazy When You Think About It (Me)

The Roman Empire was in full swing 20 lifetimes ago. Islam began 17 lifetimes ago. Genghis Khan did his little project 10 lifetimes ago. The U.S. is 3 lifetimes old.

Ridiculous!

Thanks for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday! If you liked this edition, send it over to a friend who would like it too 🤝 

Cheers,

Luke

PS: Have a topic you think I’d like learning about? Send it to me here.

PPS: Got questions you want me to answer? I made an anonymous form for that.

PPPS: you can find more rabbit holes here & my writing here.