👓 #203 - Here to get lucky

The Stuff that MattRs

Monday Motivation. Let this week be the one where you level up your communication skills with six signs that your passive communication is holding you back. We’re all guilty of being passive sometimes, these are some great suggestions of what to do about it. I also have you covered with eight polite ways to stop people interrupting you.  Bonus Stuff: A Business Communication 10.

Boundaries. The right to ignore your boss. Australian workers now have a legal right to disconnect when they are not at work. You can make these boundaries work for you now, without the law.  Bonus Stuff. The guide to better boundaries. 

Slow. How slow productivity can help avoid burnout AND improve the quality of work.  Some great practical suggestions to help you get started with a slower pace. Bonus Stuff: For the detail behind this, read my book notes from Slow Productivity by Cal Newport.

Confidence. Six ways to build your confidence. Excellent, non-cheesy ways to build your self-confidence. I’m a big believer in #3, give yourself some grace. 

Principles.  The basic principles of productivity will outlive any of the formulas and systems. Bonus Stuff: This list of tips for time management will always be evergreen.

Remote. How the most successful remote workers structure their day. Always great to get a reminder that we still have room to optimise our days when we are working remotely. 

Luck. How luck can improve your work life. You can’t control luck, but understanding how luck works might help you increase the chances of success that come your way.  

Writing. I started this newsletter as a way to improve my writing and handle anxiety. Nesslabs explains the science backed benefits of writing. I have benefited from all four of the reasons in that article. If you want to get started, how about my 100% free 28 day journalling course to help you on your way.

Dumb. Why stupid questions can be the key to innovation. This is a few years old, but still really timely advice for anyone struggling with innovation.

Declutter. The ultimate decluttering checklist. I like the way that Tidymalism works through each area of life to help you declutter, includes an amazing downloadable PDF to get you started. 

Words. What’s the most beautiful word? This one is simple, you are presented with two words and you just need to choose which one you like the most. Currently winning: rut (?!)

Finally. Monica will roast you. Get GPT to roast your social accounts, and give you an up-to-date horoscope and potentially a Myers-Briggs readout.  Lots of fun, no guarantee it won’t hurt your feelings. 

🔈 Stuff to Listen to...

🎧 This week, my musical recommendation is edition #28 of my monthly mixtape. This is a collection of tracks that have been in and around my ears during August 2024.

From neo-classical beauty, to Canadian indie-rock. From nightclub bangers to crisp electronica - this is the mixtape that defies genre and focuses on eclectic tunes to expand your mind.

Give it a listen, and explore some new music...

Stuff Someone Said (feel free to share)