Why I'm saying no, so I can enjoy reading more
hello
Hi ,
As Melbourne roars back to life, I've been thinking a lot about fresh starts and the good intentions about what we let back in to our days / lives after being so disconnected from many things.
And I've started with my inboxes.
I’ve been through a mass unsubscribe activity in my various email accounts. It was slightly time consuming for two weeks, but given how many emails I delete each day, and now won’t have to, this time is worth the investment.
I’ve already found that reading the newsletters I’ve chosen to keep is more enjoyable. Because I don’t have to filter through so much crap to find them. And it’s a reminder that I’ve consciously (re)opted in to letting these ones take up space and time.
My main criteria for choosing what stays is: ‘does reading this email make me smarter?’. And a secondary criteria of ‘do I discover something new and interesting when reading this?’
For my next trick, I’m going to start collating them in a folder, and setting a couple of times in the week to read them in bulk. Rather than trying to fritter read them throughout the week.
Now, I realise there's an amount of irony (the proper kind, not the Alanis Morissette kind) in including this insight in my... email newsletter. To pile on some more irony, below is a curated list of the newsletters that have made the cut and stayed in my inbox. So you can sign up for some more (but hopefully to replace the fluff that doesn't bring you value).
Here's what else you'll find in this email:
- other things I read: a list of newsletters & blogs
- currently reading
- ear food (podcast recommendations)
- over on the bookshelf
Let's get into it.
Yours in books and inbox Marie-Kondo-ing
Steph
other things I read: newsletters and blogs
These are some of the blogs and newsletters I find consistently useful, high quality and have kept their place in my inboxes.
James Clear (habits, productivity)
Priya Parker (society, gatherings)
Tim Ferriss (productivity, science)
Seth Godin (marketing, creativity)
Austin Kleon (creativity, design)
Greg McKeown (productivity)
Leanne Hughes / First Time Facilitator (facilitation)
Extraordinary Routines (productivity, creativity)
(leadership, psychology)
Holly Cardamone / Blue 51 (writing, communication)
Kelly Irving (authoring, writing)
Inventium (productivity, innovation)
Farnham Street (philosophy, life)
The Atlantic (news, politics, society)
McKinsey (business, economics)
IDEO (innovation, productivity)
Lithub (books)
It’s Nice That (design, creativity)
Creative Mornings (creativity, events)
It feels like a lot, but most are weekly, some less often, and just one (Seth) is daily. But they all bring something interesting and different. Importantly, when I see them arrive I think ‘oh good, they’re here’. Rather than ‘oh god I’ve got to delete / deal with that’.
I unsubscribed from most sales emails. The ones that stayed are primarily from venues and promoters telling me about music and comedy events and from a couple of products/stores I use regularly and want to know about discounts or new products.
Is it the 2020 effect of questioning what goes and what stays? Maybe. But it feels pretty good whatever it is.
what I'm currently reading
November has been a successful reading month so far. Here's what I'm reading at the moment...
Ikigai by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia
Verdict so far: I'm really enjoying this book. A nice antidote to some more intense productivity-type reads recently. The book is looking at what makes a long life, and a good long life. Visiting 'blue zones', particularly in remote areas of Japan, and interviewing the supercentenarians who live there. The fact that one of the main ideas is about "the art of doing something—and doing it with supreme focus and joy" and doing it for a long time, really appeals to me as a blueprint for living.
Psst. In the next edition of the bookmark I'll be sharing my review of Seth Godin's new book, The Practice.
PS. don't forget, if you'd like a 15% discount on your copy of the Archley's Book of Books book journal to keep all your book notes and lessons in, click here^.
ear food
Grounded - Louis Theroux brings his awkward interview style to a virtual setting whilst talking to people he's been longing to talk to during lockdown. Enjoyable, interesting and occasionally cringe-worthy listening (Spotify / Apple)
Disgraceland - I've heard a few people recommending this podcast and I'm goign to finally start listening this week as it sounds fascinating. Described as 'a music podcast that explores the alleged true crime antics and criminal connections of musicians we love'. The format looks similar to Murder Ballads which I mentioned last time and am currently obsessed with. (Spotify / Apple)
I've been listening to a lot more music over the last few weeks. It's been good company when studying and/or when my brain is full from study and can't contain more information from podcasts. I keep coming back to these classic albums. Kid A by Radiohead and Play by Moby.
meanwhile, on the bookshelf
Recent Steph's Business Bookshelf podcast episodes, in case you missed them...
Think Like a Freak by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
(Spotify / Apple)
Dream Teams by Shane Snow
(Spotify / Apple)