Tiny Letter #4
Work / simplicity in problem-solving / browser extension as side project / Brunello Cucinelli / long-term view / power of time off / stoics productivity / tools...
🗞️ Previous editions: #3 / #2 / #1
On work...
I was a workaholic until not long ago, but after experiencing burnout twice, I learned valuable life lessons that made me re-evaluate my approach to work.
I believe that people who work all the time don't value their time appropriately, as work shouldn't be their only identity in life. Although work is important, it should not consume us completely. We must make time for other essential aspects of life, such as our loved ones, hobbies, and health.
Work should have meaning and purpose. We should feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of a workday. Similarly, meaningful work should inspire us to return to it with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
I think work should serve as a means to an end. Not be an end in itself.
We should aim for eight hours of focused, intense, and prioritized work; and avoid overworking ourselves, which can lead to burnout. So it's essential to step away to rest and recharge our minds, bodies, and souls.
I believe it's crucial to cultivate a well-rounded and fulfilling life that includes spending time with loved ones and engaging in personal growth through reading and learning, traveling, exercise, meditation, prayer, or simply doing nothing.
📚 Read…
🪄 The Simplest Thing that Could Possibly Work
Ward Cunningham, a computer programmer, explains his philosophy of "simplicity" in problem-solving. He emphasizes the importance of starting with the most basic and straightforward solution to a problem, rather than overcomplicating things with unnecessary complexity. This approach not only leads to more effective and efficient solutions but also fosters creativity and innovation in the problem-solving process.
Read it: The Simplest Thing that Could Possibly Work
👷♀️ For your next side project, make a browser extension
Got an idea to solve a problem? Consider creating a browser extension to fix it rather than a full-blown application. Extensions are a great opportunity to create something smaller that people will use every day and can have a big impact on users' lives.
Read it: For your next side project, make a browser extension
💬 A conversation with Brunello Cucinelli
A fascinating conversation where Brunello Cucinelli shares plenty of gems for us to reconsider about our work, life, and family time. He explains why work should be meaningful, limited, and focused, so we can also have time to step away from it and foster our creativity through other means - hobbies. And most importantly, we should look after our minds, body, and soul. One of my favorite parts is when he mentions how we have “swapped information for knowledge”, which is not the same thing.
Read it: A conversation with Brunello Cucinelli
📺 Watched…
🌲 Taking The Long View - Brunello Cucinelli
A follow-up to the article above where Brunello Cucinelli talks about taking the long view in business and life. He emphasizes the importance of valuing quality over quantity, seeking a balance between work and personal life, and making choices that benefit the community and the environment. I like his view on planning and working not only for the next three months and three years but also for the next three centuries.
Watch it: Taking The Long View - Brunello Cucinelli
💆♂️ The Power of Time Off
When was the last time you took intentional time to rest? Here is an interesting conversation discussing the benefits of taking extended breaks from work, and how it can lead to increased productivity and creativity when returning to work. Overall, this episode challenges the traditional "workaholic" mindset and encourages people to prioritize rest and rejuvenation for long-term success.
Listen to it: The Power of Time Off
🎯 Productivity According to The Stoics
I’ve enjoyed reading the stoics’ writings since most of them were no different than us at the most fundamental level in life – busy. They had to learn how to set priorities and focus on what is truly important, while also practicing discipline and self-mastery. Stoics also believed in the value of hard work and using one's time wisely, while also recognizing the importance of taking breaks and recharging one's energy. Overall, the Stoics viewed productivity as a means to achieve personal fulfillment and contribute to society, rather than a goal in and of itself.
Watch it: Productivity According to The Stoics
🛠 Tools…
Todoist - task management to organize your work and life // 🔗 link*
Hand Mirror - one-click camera check, right from the menu bar // 🔗 link
Notability - a simple, powerful toolset for every thought // 🔗 link