Shiny Object Saturday - 03/18/2023
Shiny Object Saturday - 03/18/2023
Free Stuff, Simplicity, Saying No, & More
Hi friends,
It’s been a while. I hope you’re as happy to hear from me as I am to write this.
I was off my game and not in a good mindset for almost a month. I didn’t write, I didn’t build my businesses, my trading/investing was off, and my whole mind was off.
The truth is I don’t really know what happened, but I know what caused it. For 6 months I went through a rigorous block of cycling training. These rides averaged around 8-9 hours per week, with 6 days of cycling.
At first, I loved it, but then I started missing the gym. Then cycling became boring. That’s when I knew something was wrong.
Starting in December, something felt off. But I couldn’t pinpoint what. I didn’t care. My obsessive mind took over and I was seeing some insane PR’s and gains on the bike. My wife, in our first year of marriage, took notice.
It became clear to me at the end of January, and near the beginning of February, she was right. Around the mid part of February, I took a break. This break was from cycling, training, coaching, and lifting. This was to give my mind a rest.
The good news is, it worked.
I tell you this story, not because I want you to feel bad for me not writing my newsletter, but to remember one thing in your own life:
Balance is always the key.
Now let’s get to today’s Shiny Object Saturday.
Welcome back to Shiny Object Saturday.
I dig through the mud of the internet and find shiny objects, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.
Here are my favorite diamonds of the week:
1. DHH: How it started / How it's going:
David Heinemeier Hansson (also known as DHH) has the coolest office setup in the world. Can you imagine waking up to that view?
In this article, David reiterates a quote, that I’ve heard from him more than once:
The best things in life are free.
The second best things are very, very expensive.-Coco Chanel
Make sure everything free in your life is nailed down. Don’t chase the expensive stuff before the free stuff.
2. Simplicity Wins:
The hardest part of thinking is making something simple enough for everyone to understand. That’s where writing takes over.
3. Focus Is About Saying “No”:
You spend most of your 20’s saying yes to everything. But after your 20s are gone, your career is built and more than likely have a family.
Your 30s are about time management and protecting your time. Learning to say “No” to things you don’t enjoy will lead you to things you do enjoy.
4. Providing Value
Most of money and business Twitter is stupid BS to get engagement.
Tim, one of my favorite follows on Twitter, tells you the truth in this reply. If it’s not about the money, you’re lying.
5. Dr. Andrew Huberman on The Tim Ferriss Show
My favorite podcast I listened to this week was Andrew Huberman on The Tim Ferriss Show.
I enjoy both of these special people in their own settings. These two being together in one setting is even better.
Note from Tim:
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube here.
What I’m doing:
The last time we talked, I had just finished up Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel. Those book notes aren’t out yet, but they will be soon.
I finished Austin Kleon’s Steal Like An Artist a couple of weeks ago. Those notes are up on my website.
On my TODO list is:
Finish Vagabonding Notes
Finish Derek Sivers' How To Live Notes
Continue reading "The War of Art”
I’ll keep you updated on these notes.
Have a productive week and we’ll talk next Saturday.
Nick