Approach Technology Like the Amish
“The Amish, it turns out, do something that’s both shockingly radical and simple in our age of impulsive and complicated consumerism: they start with the things they value most, then work backwards to ask whether a given technology performs more harm than good with respect to these values. As Kelly explains, when a new technology rolls around, there’s typically an “alpha geek” in any given Amish community that will ask the parish bishops permission to try it out. Usually the bishops will agree. The whole community will then observe this first adopter “intently,” trying to discern the ultimate impact of the technology on the things the community values most. If this impact is deemed more negative than helpful the technology is prohibited. Otherwise it’s allowed, but usually with caveats on its use that optimize its positives and minimize its negatives.”
Really been enjoying Cal Newport’s blog posts as of late. Cal wrote “Deep Work” and the focus of his blog tends to be around this concept.
12 Questions That Will Change Your Life
“Think about your friends and colleagues: do they inspire you, validate you, or drag you down? We seem to understand that a young kid who spends time with kids who don’t want to go anywhere in life, probably isn’t going to go anywhere in life. What we understand less is that an adult who spends time with other adults who tolerate crappy jobs, or unhappy lifestyles is going to find themselves making similar choices. Same goes for what you read, what you watch, what you think about. Your life comes to resemble its environment (Ben Hardy calls this the proximity effect). So choose your surroundings wisely.”
“Is This In My Control? Epictetus says that the chief task of the philosopher is to make the distinction between what is in their control and what is not—what is up to us and what is not up to us? We waste incredible amounts of time on the latter and leave so many opportunities on the table by mislabeling the former. Our actions, our thoughts, our feelings, these are up to us. Other people, the weather, external events, these are not. But here’s where it comes full circle: our responses to other people, the weather, external events are in our control. Making this distinction will make you happier, make you stronger and make you more successful if only because it concentrates your resources in the places where they matter.”
Many people are living their lives wondering why they’re stuck in a negative loop (bad finances, bad health, negative mood, etc). Unfortunately, what a lot of people tend to miss is how much who they around, and what they choose to put in their lives impacts these things. Obviously there are many cases where someone could be sick but around healthy people, poor around successful people etc. but for the most part changing your surroundings will start to change your behaviors which will in turn change your outcomes.
Notes on a quarter century
“If you have three friends you can call or text, at any time, in any timezone, with any problem, you are rich. If you have siblings on top of that, you’re a lottery winner. Spend your time nurturing those relationships, whatever it takes.”
“Working with people who are passionate about what they do (and who are great at it) is one of life’s greatest pleasures.”
“When people ask you for career advice, take the time to give it. People have done the same for you, and that’s precisely why you’re being asked for advice now.”
The first 2 quotes are simply facts (and great reminders). The third is a great life tip in general. Don’t ever be the person that’s “too good” to give someone advice on their career (provided that you have a successful one).
Chefs reveal the foods you should never order at a restaurant
“Gourmet burgers top the list as a “waste of money and high-end ingredients.”
“Never order the seafood special, since there’s a good chance you’re eating fridge leftovers.”
This list doesn’t surprise me, but worth reading for anyone who eats our at restaurants regularly.
Profit Margin: The Most Important Number in Personal Finance
“There are only two ways a business can boost profits, and there are only two ways you can boost personal profitability: Spend less. A business can increase profits by slashing overhead: finding new suppliers, renting cheaper office space, laying off employees. You can increase your personal profit by spending less on groceries, cutting cable television, or refinancing your mortgage. Earn more. To generate increased revenue, a business might develop new products or find new ways to market its services. At home, you could make more by working overtime, taking a second job, or selling your motorcycle.”
It’s simple: if you don’t make more than you spend, you aren’t making any sort of profit. Bottom line. It doesn’t matter how much funding you have!