Read time: ~ 2 min. of your LIFE

[Issue #20240321]

I just finished reading Cal Newport's new book.

It's called Slow Productivity.

The book was appealing to me because anything by Newport is appealing to me.

But the title struck me also.

As "busy" as I've been lately, this book sounded like something I needed now.

I'm a firm believer that if a book isn't aligning with your current season in life, you shouldn't force yourself to read it.

You can put a book down if it's not for you.

As for this book?

To be honest:

It was...okay.

Not my favorite read from Mr. Newport, but it was a good refresher.

One principle of Newport's Slow Productivity is "Do Fewer Things."

That's the vibe I'm on now.

I have so many projects lined up that I need to get to, but I've been stressing myself out by taking on too much.

And I've never made anything great doing two things at once.

My best work often occurs when I drop everything else I'm doing to focus on the creative task at hand.

Reader, can you relate?

True self-care starts here:

3 SELF-MASTERY/CREATIVITY TIPS

1) Do Fewer Things

In the spirit of Newport's book, I want to add my "two cents."

If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's likely self-imposed.

You must make it your mission to take on less so you can give your best.

And do this in all areas of your life.

You can do it all, but not all at once.

I've recently embraced this principle, and it feels like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

2) Stop complaining

I wrote this post on a whim, and it's become my most popular post on X so far:

Ephraim Champion @ephraimchampion I used to complain. Until I realized how ridiculously happy you can feel in the mere pursuit of your dream. It’s all a choice. 4:21 PM • Mar 15, 2024 5 Retweets 48 Likes Read 25 replies

​

I guess this resonated with a lot of people.

Complaining just makes everything worse.

Extremely worse.

Even for the things that suck, if you stop complaining about it, I promise it'll instantly get better.

Crazy how it works.

3) Believe in yourself

I know it sounds cliche, but hear me out:

For once, I wish you would have your own back.

Be your own hero.

Take control over your own story.

​Some of you are content being someone else's fan.

What about your dream, Reader?

As a creative, you have to believe your work will lead somewhere.

It doesn't matter if that's true or not.

If you don't believe, why the hell are you here?

YOU GOT THIS.

Please know that I'm rooting for you.

Then again, it's not like you need me to...

Never ask for permission to pursue a dream that brings meaning and purpose to your life.

TRUE SELF-CARE STARTS HERE.

(my apologies that the last two letters haven't had a "creative corner" section...

Truth is, I haven't really been consuming anything and there's not any news to share at the moment.

Well, there is, but I'm waiting to announce it officially.

I'm also in a period in my life where I'm really focusing on a few things that will work wonders for me but appear slow and disconnected to the outside world.

I've got things I have to handle, skills I need to develop, and fires I didn't put out while they were small, etc.

So, hang tight!)

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