72: Notes To Self

Yo, it’s Luke!

I dare you to share a thoughtful compliment with the parent you talk to less frequently…right now :)

That said, here is your weekly dose of 5 noteworthy ideas & things I learned about last week. Click on the blue links to dive further on that topic.

1. A Good Space

This. This is it.

Cozy. Fresh. Every-so-slightly unique. And filled with books.

When you visit my home, this is what I want you to see.

2. A Great Question To Ask Yourself (Me)

I had an energizing conversation with my friend Eric about how to be a person who “consistently identifies the most important problems and approaches them in the smartest way possible.”

Being effective, not productive.

Now I’m no expert. But, I have found one good way to build this muscle…

Ask yourself: “Is this the best way to do this?”

I have this on a sticky note in my room, so I see it each day.

And let me tell you - it works!

I often do catch myself unnecessarily jumping through hoops, or working on an unimportant thing so I can feel “productive.”

If you feel the same, could be worth giving it a go.

3. My Lifetime Reading Plan (Ted Gioia)

I read this piece by Ted last Monday. It was a banger (and convinced me to start reading the classics).

One paragraph, in particular, resonated with me…a lot.

“Back when I was a teenager I decided I wanted to possess genuine wisdom.

And along with it, I wanted to develop a meaningful philosophy of life. That seemed urgently important to me as a teenager. It still does today. I wanted to take the high road, with the right values, and pursue the best goals. I wanted to appreciate the world around me more deeply, more richly—and not just the world today, but also the world in different times and places, as seen by the best and the brightest.”

Man do I feel this.

Notes To Self is like the lil nuggets of wisdom I find along this broader pursuit.

I hope you feel a bit wiser too.

4. The Sky, Softly Interrupted

5. Techniques For Evaluating Character (Ted Gioia)

Loved this line from another Gioia essay:

“People reveal their true natures when they deal with others who have no power and can never return a favor.”

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