Weekly Highlights #38

Feb 19

The content we consume can consume us, if we are not mindful enough. In this period of information overload and analysis paralysis, The ‘Weekly Highlights’ collects the 3, most valuable pieces of content I have come across during the week, and packages them in a single page, with some notes and key highlights, so to foster mindful and intentional consumption of content, which can truly add value to our life.

Intentional content consumption, in an era in which the amount of content we expose ourselves to can consume us, if we are not mindful enough. 🐘

The Writer's Toolkit: 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit | Simon Van Booy

A Skillshare class by writer Simon Van Booy, this course provides six steps to establishing a writing habit:

Skillshare Class

Make your own space: there will never be a perfect space. Be ok with imperfection; the key thing is to feel at you best in the space you are.
Find your medium: exist in solitude during writing time. The medium can be whatever you want: tablet, laptop, pen and paper. The key is to not feel overwhelmed by it. Choose a medium that does not make you feel burdened by writing a lot.
Read inspiring works: you will likely write about what you are reading and like reading. Reading works that you like provides you with ideas, inspiration, content learnt.
Set the conditions: be aware of how you like the environment around you to be and what makes you feel 'in the zone' of writing.
Stick to a routine: having a writing routine where you are by yourself, with no distractions, and in the environment you want to be, makes writing a serious thing, which is important, especially because routines hold you accountable.
Sketching to stay inspired: sketching refers to the habit of writing (in this case) in order to practice, keep sources of inspiration coming and become better. Sketching can be done from any object (e.g. taking pictures and writing about them just for practice).

Habit Tune Up | Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Listen to this episode from Deep Questions with Cal Newport on Spotify. Below are the topics covered in today's mini-episode (with timestamps). For instructions on submitting your own questions, go to calnewport.com/podcast. - Timing productive meditation. [6:32] - Extracting wisdom from past plans. [14:00] - Writing a thesis as a side project.