Great Reads 2: Thinking Hard and Overcoming Yourself

This past week I’ve once again learned the importance of momentum and rhythm. I do my best work when I’m able to spend several hours each weekend drafting new posts for the coming week. Last weekend, however, I was busy helping my father move furniture out of a condo he’s selling, and I didn’t have a chance to sit down and write.

The problem with being temporarily thrown off your rhythm is that its effects spread; I’ve felt a bit off-kilter this week and haven’t been nearly as focused and productive as I was in the weeks before. On the positive side, this past week got me thinking even harder about the importance of building flexible frameworks that allow us to adapt to the fluctuations of life instead of getting stressed out and irritable.

What about you? Have you been “on” or “off” this week? What’s your rhythm?

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This week’s great reads:

• Stop Being a Productivity Nerd – Sometimes we take productivity a little too seriously. Anthony Feint makes a case for a more laid-back approach to getting things done and suggests a simple framework to make it happen.
• How to Have Tourette’s – Thanks to Andrew Frenette for recommending this series (and blog) by the quirky, funny, and muscular Josh Hanagarne, a weightlifting librarian who’s winning the battle against Tourette’s, day by day.
• How to Quit Being a Quitter – As we get into this new year and continue to struggle with new resolutions, Dragos Roua gives us a few tips on quitting the qutting habit. Submitted by Lisa Newton of Travelin’ Local.
• Jen D’Intinosanto bravely volunteered her own blog, where she talks candidly (and often poetically) about her struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, and family drama. It takes courage to do what Jen does; please be supportive, guys.
• The 11th Hour: How Working Under Pressure Can Be a Strength – Are you really a procrastinator? Or are you an “incubator” – someone who works best under pressure and consistently produces exceptional work at the last minute? Found this courtesy of a tweet by Gretchen Rubin, one of my favorite bloggers.
• Life in Sudan: Interview with an Anonymous Aid Worker – A compelling first-person account of life in Sudan, without the hype or bias that we find in mainstream media. Written by the inspiring Chris Guillebeau.
• How to Live Life like a Winter Sunset – I don’t think Melissa knows I’m linking to her, but I had to share this wonderful little post. “Take someone’s breath away.” Amen, Melissa. Look for some great things from Melissa this year, guys.
• In Defence of the Real Social Media – Naomi Dunford of IttyBiz shares a touching story about the real social media and how strong connections can be made online.
• The Lesson from Two Lemonade Stands – Seth Godin tells a parable of two young entrepreneurs that shows the importance of engaging people and taking pride and pleasure in what you do. Also read this follow-up by Jonathan Fields.

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That’s it for this week, my friends. A huge thanks to everyone who submitted suggestions – even if I couldn’t include your recommendation. Please keep sharing your finds and creations, and as always, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you ever need it.

See you Monday!

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