Quotes
"Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection." — Mark Twain
"Believe you can, and you're halfway there." — Theodore Roosevelt
"Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before." — Franz Kafka
"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." — Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Gratitude turns what we have into enough." — Melody Beattie
"Your mindset is your biggest asset. Nurture it wisely." — Teronie J. Donaldson (Yep, that’s me, cool, right?
Notes/Observations
Smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors
I have thought about this quote all week. I was having difficulty with some work projects and found myself constantly complaining. As I had a moment, this quote popped into my head at the right time. I have heard this many times, but it didn’t resonate with me until this week. I fully understood that all the difficulty I was getting was conditioning me to succeed. After that, I embraced every challenge and even actively sought out some.
Articles
Watched
Book of the Week
The Rules of Work by Richard Templar
"The Rules of Work" by Richard Templar offers practical advice on achieving success in the workplace. Templar outlines 100 rules to navigate the complexities of modern work environments. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism, communication, and self-awareness.
The book covers various aspects of career development, from setting goals and managing time effectively to dealing with colleagues and superiors. Templar provides insights on how to build a positive reputation, handle criticism constructively, and seize opportunities for advancement.
One key theme is the significance of continuous learning and improvement. Templar encourages readers to develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Two quick takeaways
Professionalism is Key: Maintaining a high level of professionalism in all aspects of work, including appearance, communication, and behavior, is crucial for success. This includes being punctual, reliable, and respectful towards colleagues and superiors.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Embrace a mindset of constant learning and improvement. Actively seek opportunities to develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and adapt to changing circumstances in the workplace. This proactive personal and professional growth approach will help you stay relevant and advance in your career.
Strategy
Handwrite (Don’t Type) Interesting Ideas You’ve Read
Humans struggle to retain information, often forgetting much of what they read. Yet, writing things down significantly enhances retention.
Beethoven's habit of keeping sketchbooks illustrates this concept—he rarely referenced them but relied on them to solidify ideas. Studies support this, showing that handwritten notes aid memory because they require selective summarization.
This process helps synthesize information, making it more memorable. Personally, I adopt this practice to understand better and internalize concepts, knowing that the act of writing alone enhances retention, even if I never revisit my notes.
Question
"What am I doing today to align with my long-term goals and values?"
This question prompts reflection on your daily actions and decisions, ensuring they are in line with your overarching objectives and personal principles. It helps you stay focused on what truly matters to you and avoids getting caught up in distractions or short-term gains that may derail your progress toward sustained success.