Note to reader: I am trying out a new format for my newsletter, and I would love to get your opinion on this format. Going forward, I want to share three things in every post: An idea from me A story about that idea An offer from me After you read today’s post, there is a poll down the bottom. Let me know how you like it.
If you're interested, this is one of the Ikario's podcast episodes where Shane talked about building a "Whole Food Village". In fact, he recently posted in the community that he is thinking of hosting a retreat in Bali to test out this idea.
Interesting to hear about your trip to China and the lack of creative flow you found. One of my mentors Glen Carlson often says "environment dictates performance" and your story is a great example of that.
Also, I love that you were able to take the entire family to China to experience all its exciting sights and sounds. I dream of doing that someday with my family (although, we did a family trip to Taiwan many years ago that involved visiting my relatives from my parents' side).
Your comments on environment and productivity, especially around writing reminds me of a book I'm currently reading by David Kadavy called Mind Management, Not Time Management: Productivity When Creativity Matters. He actually moved to Columbia from San Francisco because he was in a more relaxed and primed mental state to write, generate new ideas and finish his book. He talks about another book on environment and how it influences creativity (architect Donald M. Rattner's My Creative Space book "uses environmental psychology" to suggest how to enhance creative thinking by altering your environment).
Anyhow, this discussion about environment, productivity and creativity is fascinating stuff! Thanks for sharing. I'm currently experimenting with different environments for different mental states, such as generating (writing), editing, prioritizing, etc. I love certain dark cafes, the 4th level reading room at the Austin Central library, and yes...having a uncluttered room and desk at home really helps too.
I may just sign up again for your Clean-Upper Sisyphi Camp! :)
The format is great, but your content is magic. Travel is fun- its also tiring, can be stressful, crowded, and frustrating. For me, coming home after a longer international trip, is a life-altering, phase-change that is good for the mind and body.
Thanks, Nathan! I completely agree. I will still take the trips though. I will write a post about why I'm taking so many trips lately. It has a lot to do with how to achieve goals.
Love the format. A lot of podcasts and blog posts love to dish out life-changing platitudes, but for me they ring empty if there isn't an example or story that helps me see how the idea can be applicable to life. There is great cohesion in this format.
I love the new format, it was a great reminder for me to look at my environment and how it's been stunting my creative growth. Looking forward to your next email.
Most people are unaware or underestimate how living/ working environment can have a HUGE influence on their productivity (or pretty much everything).
I wasn’t paying much attention to it too, and naively thought I can battle the environment with “willpower”.
A great article I read on this topic is Whole Food Island written by Shane Melaugh from Ikario.
Hazel, long time no see. I hope you are doing great. Do you mind sharing the link with me? I'd love to read it.
I'm doing good Jia! I'm reading your emails anyway haha.
Here you go the link, https://ikario.com/whole-food-island/
If you're interested, this is one of the Ikario's podcast episodes where Shane talked about building a "Whole Food Village". In fact, he recently posted in the community that he is thinking of hosting a retreat in Bali to test out this idea.
I love this new format and the message about moving. So true!
Thanks, Randi!
I like the format Jia!
Interesting to hear about your trip to China and the lack of creative flow you found. One of my mentors Glen Carlson often says "environment dictates performance" and your story is a great example of that.
Hi Anfernee! Great to see you here. Absolutely.
I'm loving your new format, Jia!
Also, I love that you were able to take the entire family to China to experience all its exciting sights and sounds. I dream of doing that someday with my family (although, we did a family trip to Taiwan many years ago that involved visiting my relatives from my parents' side).
Your comments on environment and productivity, especially around writing reminds me of a book I'm currently reading by David Kadavy called Mind Management, Not Time Management: Productivity When Creativity Matters. He actually moved to Columbia from San Francisco because he was in a more relaxed and primed mental state to write, generate new ideas and finish his book. He talks about another book on environment and how it influences creativity (architect Donald M. Rattner's My Creative Space book "uses environmental psychology" to suggest how to enhance creative thinking by altering your environment).
Anyhow, this discussion about environment, productivity and creativity is fascinating stuff! Thanks for sharing. I'm currently experimenting with different environments for different mental states, such as generating (writing), editing, prioritizing, etc. I love certain dark cafes, the 4th level reading room at the Austin Central library, and yes...having a uncluttered room and desk at home really helps too.
I may just sign up again for your Clean-Upper Sisyphi Camp! :)
The format is great, but your content is magic. Travel is fun- its also tiring, can be stressful, crowded, and frustrating. For me, coming home after a longer international trip, is a life-altering, phase-change that is good for the mind and body.
Thanks, Nathan! I completely agree. I will still take the trips though. I will write a post about why I'm taking so many trips lately. It has a lot to do with how to achieve goals.
Love the format. A lot of podcasts and blog posts love to dish out life-changing platitudes, but for me they ring empty if there isn't an example or story that helps me see how the idea can be applicable to life. There is great cohesion in this format.
Love it! Thanks, Jodi. I hate empty platitudes. Hate them!
I love the new format, it was a great reminder for me to look at my environment and how it's been stunting my creative growth. Looking forward to your next email.
You can also find a good micro-environment in a bad macro one.
I like articles that capture my interest. Your topic headings did not nor did the content.
Noted