#jesspicks - Issue #13 - Productivity Hacks, Building Relationships & Being Meaningful
This week has been a serious blur. As I try to remember what happened or any lessons I learned, I can't really focus because sometimes life moves very fast. And to be honest, I'm feeling a little burnt out.
But I do know that I've been feeling the need to read a lot because I'm still on this soul-searching journey. And I finally read the Shonda Rhimes' book, Year of Yes. And to say it was amazing would be an understatement. I feel like I may have to go back and re-read my highlights (and there were a lot). Because it wasn't just a book about Shonda's life. It was a book about her struggles and the mind gunk that she went through. The fear that she had. The demons that she dealt with. The flow that she wrote with. And how her commitment to say yes to things that scared her for a year was life-changing and made her come alive. So powerful. If you haven't had a chance to read it, I highly recommend it.
And so I'm sitting with that and really thinking about how I can use some of her learnings in my life. Saying yes to things that scare me but also saying no to things that don't fit in with this bigger picture (and space) that I'm trying to create right now.
In other news, I just started watching the new series Designated Survivor: think Kiefer Sutherland as low-level cabinet guy who then becomes President of the United States after an attack on the U.S. Capitol. Crazy right? So. Good.
How about you? How was your week? Did you read a life-changing book or discover a fun new show? Hit reply and let me know! Would love to hear from you.
On to the picks for the week!
23 Productivity Hacks That Will Actually Make You Happy — medium.com
Is it bad that I love everything on this list? I especially love the two-minute rule (#16) - if you can do a task in less than 2 minutes, don't stop or pass go just get 'er done. And #13 which is all about arming yourself with tech tools to make things easier, like a password management solution (hello Lastpass!)
The Business Behind Your Business — medium.com
I love how this guy does not have to be a barber but he does it as a side gig because through that he is able to get quality one-on-one time with brilliant people. It's a different take but really drives home this super important idea of building relationships: "Building relational equity is something you’ll never regret."
Don’t worry about being invited back. My Manifesto for Creativity. — www.daniellelaporte.com
I follow Danielle LaPorte's blog pretty regularly but nothing has really spoken to me in awhile like this post. I love how she talks about being useful and not focusing on making yourself look great, but being meaningful instead. And this strategy of just going out there and giving it your all and not worrying about whether you'll get invited back or not. Totally fits right in with some of the learnings from Year of Yes this week.
#quote
"You were created on purpose for a purpose. There is a thirst and hunger in your heart that is real. Pay attention to it." ~Les Brown