Things I learnt in August
A few years ago, Matteo and I got into the habit of writing down the things we learnt each month. We would go for a long walk around Hyde Park and reflect on the previous few weeks. What challenged us? Surprised us? Inspired us?
Afterwards, we'd go home, make some dippy eggs, and pull out our journals. We’d jot down our lessons and refine them until they became short and sharp. In time, they became principles that we could easily dip into and revisit when life hit (and we forgot). For a while, I shared them on my Instagram.
Somewhere over the last few months, though, since leaving London, we lost the habit. I’ve missed it. And so, this month, I am bringing it back :)
Things I learnt in August
For wonderful things to happen, you have to take uncomfortable risks and be open to rejection. — Scott Galloway
Integrity means following the path that feels truest to you, not what you think is expected of you.
Every choice is a step toward the life you really want and the person you truly are. The more honest you are, the more peace you will find. — Martha Beck
Fifteen minutes on Instagram a day is enough.1
Finding a ‘mentor’ doesn’t have to be a big, awkward endeavour. Mentorship can be found in the people around you (friends, family, a person you met at a dinner party). Simply nurture relationships with people you admire and can learn from.
Listen to piano while working.
When it comes to making great work, let excitement guide you. Let it be both the engine and the rudder. It will drive you, and if you allow it, it will also show you what to work on. — Paul Graham
Actively seek inspiration on Saturdays. Actively seek nothing on Sundays.
Where possible, work in large, uninterrupted chunks of time. Create an environment where you can concentrate for hours without distraction. It will bring out resources in you that you didn’t know you had. — Edwin H. Land
Fulfilment comes from mastery, not just from following passion. — Scott Galloway
Be prolific. More experimentation leads to more discoveries, even if it means making more mistakes. — Paul Graham
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to slow down.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know, and I’ll make it a monthly thing :)
Have a beautiful weekend!
JYK
ps
If you want to limit your time on Instagram, set an app limit on your iPhone and have someone else set the passcode. Life-changing!
I really love reading your newsletters, they really help me slow down and feel more present (unlike instagram…!), would love to read these every month
Love, love, love this and yes please to making it a monthly occurrence!