The Stuff that MattRs
Monday Motivation. Let this week be the one where you improve how you organise yourself. The PARA method can help organise our digital lives more effectively. The way we currently set ourselves up is largely rooted in how we did things at school, and it doesn’t suit the way we work in a digital environment. Bonus Stuff: For the full details, Thiago Forte has all the information - including a book.
Negotiation. I’m hopeless at negotiation, so to improve my skills I read one of the best selling books on the subject. Chris Voss was a top FBI hostage negotiator, so he knows a thing or two about getting the best out of a situation. More book reviews here.
Pareto. Understanding the 80/20 rule that can drive prioritisation, and empower your goals. What does a Victorian era Italian economist have to do with your task list? This article explains how the principle that Vilfredo Pareto devised can unlock your impact.
Busy. The illusion of productivity. Ness Labs explains that we are all addicted to being busy, and it’s not healthy. It’s time to stop bragging about how busy you are. Your co-workers hate it, and your stress is contagious. Some practical ways to stop bragging about how busy you are.
Decisions. Making decisions by instinct might be good for your feelings, but some situations call for more analysis. Bonus Stuff. Second level thinking will help you make better decisions. Ness Labs explores what second level thinking is, and how to cultivate this skill.
Coaching. Four things I learned from Coaching that made me a better leader.
Bonus Stuff. Try my 30 day Journalling Challenge.
Positivity. What makes ‘toxic positivity’ different from a healthy attitude. How to navigate the fine line between effective and toxic positivity. Bonus Stuff. Eight exercises that can boost your mood. Some excellent ways to tackle stress or anxiety and improve your mental wellbeing.
Yes. How to break free from the ‘yes’ autopilot. Building on last week’s feature about setting good boundaries, the marvellous Ness Labs takes things further
Life. Reflections on Life. This is a beautiful site, containing some joyful and wholesome reflections on life.
Emotions. Three strategies for dealing with difficult emotions. I’ve mentioned this emotions wheel before, but I like the strategies here for dealing with the feelings that we find challenging. Bonus Stuff. Thirteen spiky opinions on emotional health. I definitely don’t agree with all of these, but there are some truly stoic suggestions in here.
Compliment. If you need a lift, this site has one for you. Driven by AI, but guided by goodness. This one, will even read you a generic compliment.
Finally. Hikea or Lower? Navigate your way through the Ikea catalogue by guessing higher or lower prices.
🔈 Stuff to Listen to...
🎧 This week, my musical recommendation is from the fantastic Kelly Finnigan, a soul singer from Los Angeles who has just released a new album entitled, 'A Lover was Born'.
For his third (?) solo album, Finnigan has been crate digging and there are some lovely references to LA hip-hop woven into this excellent set of soul tunes.
This doesn't veer a mile away from the work he has previously done as the lead singer of the Monophonics, a sort of vintage soul sound with an incredible voice out front.
Highly recommended.
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