Things I learnt in September
Focus, patience, and the beauty of empty space
Matteo and I have spent this month in Umbria, the ‘green heart of Italy’, staying in a valley completely isolated from everything. Most days begin with journaling and a walk through the vineyards.
With no service, I’ve devoured podcasts—some of which I’ve listened to twice (linked below) and taken notes on. This habit helps me absorb what I’m listening to, distill it down to the lessons below, and bake them into my life.
I hope you find some meaning in them 🤍
Things I learnt in September
01. We overestimate what we can accomplish in a year and underestimate what we can achieve in a decade. Be patient, and let tiny changes compound over time.
02. When you cultivate and nourish the things that bring you joy and listen to the subtle voices that say, “this feels right,” it sets you on a journey to places you can’t imagine.
03. In a culture that prioritises comfort, it’s easy to forget that growth happens when we challenge ourselves. When we test our limits, we feel more alive, more connected to ourselves and to others.
04. Avoid the illusion of productivity. When you’re working, work. When you’re resting, rest. Make it meaningful or move on.
05. Charlie Munger said he was never bored because he always had a book with him. He believed wisdom comes from continuous learning and creating space to ‘sit and think.’
06. Psychologist Gloria Mark suggests imagining your attention like a whiteboard: each new task erases the previous one. Switching tasks too often leaves residue, making it harder to focus. Be mindful of the distractions you allow—some leave a bigger mark than others.
07. In Japanese culture, ‘Yohaku no Bi’ refers to the beauty found in empty spaces. It reminds us that it’s the pauses, the moments of stillness, that allow for creativity and clarity to emerge.
08. Spend every day trying to become a little wiser than when you woke up.
Have a beautiful weekend!
JYK 🤍
Podcasts
Rich Roll on Transformation (Diary of a CEO)
Gloria Mark on Attention (The Ezra Klein Show)