I've never seen such a marked example of the difference between an introvert and an extrovert until last night. And it was my dog that showed me!
Read MoreReflections: An extroverted dog teaches me about introversion
in Reflections
New Productivity Podcast, New Episode
in Podcasting
Stationery Adjacent is a new weekly podcast hosted by myself and my international colleague Stuart Lennon at the intersection of analog and digital productivity.
Read MoreMy Water Bottle Comes With An EULA!
in Technology
Everything has an app these days. Some useful. Many distracting. And some are just trying to harvest your data with the promise of a free widget. And occasionally, you'll find an app that is unique and life-changing. Of all the weird uses I've seen, my latest game-changing tool is an app that talks to my water bottle. Preposterous!
Read MoreThe discontinuation of the HomePod is indicative of a bigger problem at Apple.
in Technology
As a fan of fruity-labeled technology, HomePod is one of my favourite accessories. Yes, it’s obscenely expensive, and its digital assistant can’t hold a candle to other manufacturers. Still, as a high-end audio speaker, the sound is divine. Apple recently canceled it, and I think that is a bad omen for Apple’s possible direction.
Read MoreA Cautionary Tale about Cloud Storage
in Technology
Cloud-based storage works very well and is extremely convenient. Until it fails and you loose data. This cautionary tale will encourage you to reconsider your back up system.
Read MoreThe incredible power of binary answers combined with identity-based questions
in Productivity
Do you ever find you justify your decision to do something you know you shouldn’t with a qualified answer, rather than a straight yes or no?
The next time you find yourself using a qualified answer to an internal decision - or any answer that is not binary - ask a habit-based question and then ask the question again. I’ll bet the answer is clear and that it is likely the opposite of the qualified answer that your mind was giving you.
Read MoreModel Car Podcast: Episode 57
in Podcasting
John and Justin discuss the latest releases - featuring a huge dump from Hasegawa, reflect on the recent monthly build day, and introduce a new 2021 build-off based on The Race Of Gentlemen. The jury is still out on whether we qualify!
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A notebook cover made from wood?
in Stationery
A notebook cover made of wood! I’m intrigued! It’s a cool concept, well executed and I had an excellent use case for it (writing from my couch in this WFH age!). Check out the full review.
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Model Car Podcast: Episode 53
in Podcasting
I don’t usually cross-post my content, but I wanted to share the latest episode of the Model Car Podcast, a podcast where we discuss our hobby.
In this episode, John and Justin discuss all of the latest kit announcements from AMT, Tamiya, Hasegawa, and Aoshima, and then try to close up 2020 by looking at something positive - our favourite kits. And we kind of agree for a change! It must be a Christmas miracle.
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Productivity 101: The Why of Productivity
in Productivity
If you talk about productivity, you are often speaking to a group of people who are already well versed in the nuances of the productivity space and discussing the nuances of any particular system can feel like cult-like. It can be intimidating for people interested in beginning their journey towards adopting a more productivity-focused mindset and toolbox to discover why or where to begin. The first question I recommend anyone ask is: why should I be interested in productivity systems at all? I answer this in my first of a series of articles written to give an introduction to productivity systems and help anyone develop a system that meets their own needs.
Read MoreRethinking efficient email processes with Hey.com
in Productivity
If you follow technology news on Twitter, you have probably heard about Hey.com. If you haven't, it is a new subscription product based on a different way of looking at email. Hey has a great heritage, as it is made by the team that developed Basecamp. Hey is not just a new email client; you can't use an existing email address with the product. Instead, for good or bad, you have to embrace the Hey way of processing and reviewing email. While I disliked it at first, the Hey email way has grown on me. And it's not bad. In fact, it is terrific.
Read MoreEmail is the largest workplace distraction
in Productivity
We all know the evils of social media - at least as far as easily encroaching into your productive time. The bunny trails of infinity pools of content that draw you down into distraction. But as career-minded business people, we are unlikely to be surfing Facebook at work. In business, the biggest distraction trap we have is email. Email is truly evil!
Read MoreWords Have Power - Lessons for Public Speakers
Words have power. From relearning how to write with exactness and specificity to lessons we can learn as public speakers, you always must consider the power of words.
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Living the digital minimalism life
in Productivity
After a 30 day digital declutter, I found I didn’t want to put all of the distractions back at my finger tips. I am, over 3 months later, still living the digital minimalist life. And it’s glorious.
Read MoreStarting a 30 Day Digital Declutter
in Productivity
Based on teachings from Cal Newport’s new book, Digital Minimalism, I started a 30 day digital declutter - eliminating most of the distractions from my mobile devices. I detail my process, choices and goals in this article.
Read MoreThe best productivity resources for beginners
in Productivity
recommended four books, in a particular order that I feel builds on the habits of productivity systems and would allow a new productivity enthusiast to make progress on their big rock goals. I also recommended a few online resources and podcasts for further listening after completing the books. I hope it will be helpful to these professional acquaintances and also hope that they will be useful to you.
Read MoreUnexpected lessons from Moby Dick - it’s okay to quit
in Productivity
Sometimes, we feel that we need to complete something because we started it. Even when the purpose and assumptions we considered when starting the project no longer are valid. Moby Dick, a book I chose to abandon, taught me that it is ok to quite something that doesn’t provide value.
Read MoreThe Power of Review - Keeping focused on your goals
in Productivity
Are you really busy and productive at work, jumping from one emergency to the next, but find you still don’t make any progress the projects that will make you successful? Fixing problems can be an adrenaline rush which gives a feeling of accomplishment because of how much /work/ you have done in a day. However, we often sacrifice our precious time to other peoples’ emergencies instead of making progress on the essential things that will help us succeed but are less urgent. A weekly review will help to keep you on track.
Read MoreThe Case for Cursive Writing
in Productivity
Cursive writing is going out of style. It is not even taught in schools anymore. In this article, I look at some of the advantages in improved focus and less distraction that cursive writing brings and challenge that this beautiful form of communication.
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