Hi from Austin, TX - where I am spending a week meeting with my team.
Last week, the most clicked link was the open source catalogue of free audiobooks, some classics in there with no subscription or payment required.
This week, I've been thinking & writing about resilience, reading about freedom, learning about clouds and listening to indie music from Manchester. I've also been writing about self-care.
Thank you all for joining me on an endless journey of curiosity.
Till next Monday, enjoy...
👓 The Big Stuff - building resilience
Things remain tough and building resilience is still an important skill.
Resilience is often described as the ability to bounce back from adversity, to adapt and thrive despite life's challenges. It's not about avoiding difficulties but rather facing them head-on with courage, determination, and a positive mindset. In a world filled with uncertainties, building resilience is more crucial than ever. It equips us with the tools to handle stress, overcome obstacles, and move forward even when the odds seem stacked against us.
This week, I read this excellent article from Tom Greene, on the three secrets of resilient people. I really like the idea (#2) that we are hard-wired with a bias for negativity and so we focus on negative events - one you know that, it's easier to try and shift your attention.
But how does one cultivate resilience?
It's not a trait that some are born with and others lack. Instead, it's a skill that can be developed and refined over time.
Here are three tips to help you build and strengthen your resilience:
1. Embrace a Growth Mindset
One of the foundational pillars of resilience is adopting a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It's the opposite of a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their talents are innate and unchangeable.
Action Step: Challenge negative self-talk. When faced with a setback, instead of thinking, "I can't do this," or "I'm not good enough," reframe your thoughts to, "What can I learn from this?" or "How can I approach this differently next time?" By viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, you'll be more inclined to persevere and overcome them.
2. Build a Strong Support Network
Humans are inherently social beings. We thrive on connections and relationships. A robust support network - friends, family, mentors, or even professional counsellors - can be a lifeline during tough times. These individuals can offer advice, lend a listening ear, or simply be there to remind you of your strengths when you're feeling low.
Action Step: Make it a priority to nurture your relationships. Spend quality time with loved ones, join groups, classes or clubs that align with your interests, or seek professional counselling if needed.
Remind yourself, it's OK to lean on others when you need support.
3. Prioritize Self-Care
Resilience isn't just about mental toughness, it's also about taking care of your physical and emotional well-being. Regular self-care can help replenish your energy, reduce stress, and enhance your overall wellbeing.
Action Step: Dedicate time each day for self-care activities that work for you. This could be anything from reading a book, taking a walk, meditating, or indulging in a hobby.
Listen to your body and mind, and give them the care they deserve.
🧠 The Other Stuff
- Freedom at work: What makes a job good? Kant thinks it's the power of choice. Do you have much choice at work?
- Friends: These are the eight friends that you need in life. I can't believe I haven't seen this article before. Love it.
- Greatness: Fantastic article on the fourteen attributes of greatness. YOU can cultivate these.
- Open House: A worldwide festival of architecture and design, where you can get inside buildings of importance. A programme for Dublin, and a map of the open buildings in London.
- Timelines: Timelineify will generate a chronological Spotify playlist of your favourite artist. Lots of ideas for projects here.
🌞 The Little Stuff
- Mystery: What do you think this mysterious giant cavern under Seoul is for?
- Clouds: Ten types of clouds, and how to say their names. Useful!
- Trains: Do you love trains? Watch them live. Like this station in Hanover.
- Ignoble: Research that makes people laugh, then think.
- Finally: All you need to do is deliver the fridge. Sounds easy doesn't it!
Matt Rutherford
🎧 Aural Stuff
On the Stuff Speakers this week...
🎧 This week, my aural treat is the new album from The Slow Show, an indie band from Manchester, who slipped onto my radar a couple of years ago with 'Lust and Learn.
The new album is Subtle Love, a beautifully constructed 10 tracks featuring some epic, sweeping string arrangements accompanied by the unusual voice of lead singer Rob Goodwin.
It's lovely, gentle music with interesting lyrics - and very listenable. Highly Recommended.
Matt Rutherford
👂🏼 Stuff Someone Said
In order to change skins, evolve into new cycles, I feel one has to learn to discard. If one changes internally, one should not continue to live with the same objects. They reflect one’s mind and psyche of yesterday. I throw away what has no dynamic, living use.
Anais Nin
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