Issue #170 | Subscribe

I've noticed it's easier for me to finish writing articles and even this newsletter when I don't aim to finish the entire task in one sitting.

Depending on the length and complexity of the article, it can take hours to finish writing the first draft of a piece.

This sometimes triggers procrastination because the task seems like a steep climb, and other smaller tasks suddenly become more lucrative and achievable.

Therefore, instead of aiming to “finish” writing an article, I prefer to start writing one. It's okay if I don't finish writing the entire piece that day or before I move on to another task.

This makes the job much less daunting and more approachable. Moreover, as I write, I build momentum, which helps me keep writing further.

When I return to writing the partially completed piece, it's easier because I've already made progress on it, and it's a matter of continuing for as long as I can or until the piece is complete.

But this isn't the optimal approach for all sorts of tasks.

For example, it's much easier and less time-consuming to record a video in a single sitting than to readjust the camera, lighting, and other elements to match the partially recorded video when I resume recording the next day.

So, if you find yourself struggling to get things done, here's a tip:

If what you're trying to do can be done in parts without hassle, aim to just start with the task rather than aiming to finish it in one go.

The task will seem much more inviting and less daunting, and you'll procrastinate less on it.

Try it.

Now, before you move on to the rest of this newsletter issue, here are a few words from:

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Your Next Read

Thriving

Shift

Our emotions heavily influence our everyday decisions and actions. This book will demystify the role of emotions in our lives and help regulate them for a better life.

Apps & Services

Kosmik

Easily create mood boards and research boards

If you create mood boards for your projects or use a freeform canvas to research, this app will save you time and clicks. Use its built-in browser to clip images from web pages onto your canvas quickly, find related photos and videos using AI search and more. Available on macOS and Windows and is free for basic use.
Subo

A neat dashboard to track your active subscriptions

I had featured Orbit, another subscription tracker, in Issue #158, but ever since I found this app, I’ve liked it more than Orbit. All subscriptions and upcoming payments are shown upfront in a well-designed dashboard. Available on iOS and is free to start.
Trip Way

A minimally beautiful itinerary manager

I’ve used Tripsy to record and manage my itinerary on international trips so far, but this one looks like a good minimal alternative if you don’t need to have your flights and hotel details on your timeline. Available on iOS and is free to start.

Handy Shortcut

+

Quickly increase the text size of a web page in Safari.

Interesting Reads

Why Bell Labs Worked

8 min read

Great ideas and solutions take time, autonomy and divergent thinking. This article summarises why today’s metric-hustling work culture doesn’t create this sort of productive space anymore.
A Harm-Reduction Guide to Using Your Phone Less

8 min read

This short guide offers several approaches you can try if you want to reduce your phone use. While some of the approaches are obvious and well-known, I found Tactic No. 3 (the “pin friend” approach) worth exploring.
You'll Never Be Done

16 min read

Rosie has a thriving newsletter on Substack. And in this piece, she answers a few burning questions from her readers on topics ranging from endless hustling to AI vs humans to different working styles.
How Bringing an Indigenous Creation Story to Life Can Induce Awe

8 min read

This group experiment in Canada reaffirmed my belief that we should all strive to regularly experience a sense of awe in our otherwise busy lives. When was the last time you experienced a moment of awe?

Watch Next

Ever thought about simplifying your life to have more time for yourself? This video shares a glimpse of what that life could be.

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