Happy Saturday, friend!

We’re back again with another edition of Productivity + Habits + Fun

😃 Fun Fact of the Week

Tigers and zebras have striped skin! It isn’t just their fur.

🐦 Tweet of the Week

When I was a kid, I was always told, “You’re so smart - you can do anything.”

While in school, especially in the early years, that was completely true.

Things got more difficult as the years went by, and when I entered the real world, all of that praise didn’t help me.

It took me some time to realize that effort and practice are the things we should be complimented for.

Eventually, this led me to trying new things like painting and ballroom dance.

They’re difficult, but my attitude of, “I don’t care if I look like and idiot - I’m going to learn something new” has helped me add some interesting skills to my life.

And I had fun in the process of being a beginner.

I got satisfaction from progressing bit by bit each week.

When was the last time you decided to let go of perfectionism and just have fun with something new?

💪 Featured Productivity Tip

We’re going a little off-script with this one.

I like to go for long walks on the weekends.

During this time, I listen to podcasts and let my mind wander while taking in interesting information.

While doing this, I sometimes find that I have inspirations to things I have been thinking on in the past week.

I’ve started to incorporate short walks into my regular working days, little five minute breaks before and after lunch.

This has given me the chance to:

• step away from the work

• quiet my mind

• shift out of a sedentary mode into an active one

• get some fresh air and sunlight

• clear my head

• relax my eyes

• adjust my posture

• make room for new insights

• return to the work more focused

I’ve noticed less overall stress and clearer thinking when I get back to task.

I can’t recommend this enough.

Do you break up your work like this, and have you noticed any benefits?

😂 Just For Fun

Click to see the 2023 Pet Photography Awards!

🛒 Costco’s Global Presence

Believe it or not, I used to work for a Costco!

Which job do you think I had?

🤔 Decision-making Idea

The Halo Effect: If you perceive someone to have a positive trait, that positivity inclines you to see other positive aspects of the person.

Be careful! This also applies to negative traits.

Positive example: You meet someone who seems too good to be true. At first, you notice how well dressed they are. Their haircut is perfect, and they carry themselves with a certain grace. Before they even open their mouth, you are primed to expect that whatever they are about to say is worth listening too.

Negative example: You meet someone who seems very off-putting. At first, you notice that their clothes are wrinkled and fit poorly. They look like they haven’t used a hairbrush in a week, and they have a distracting nervous tick. Before they even open their mouth, you are primed to expect that whatever they are about to say is not worth your time.

Remember that appearances can be deceiving.

It’s worth our time to give someone the benefit of the doubt when we don’t know anything about them.

🧠 Quote of the Week

What I think:

I think everyone on this newsletter know James Clear as THE habits guy, and here he is suggesting we take a break!

A lot of times, we feel pressure to have productive habits - habits that always push us to have a better routine, a better body, to learn more, to produce more.

This is all well and good, but we absolutely have to be able to take a step back and ask ourselves, “Is this still working for me?” 

We have to enjoy this journey, not become production machines.

Take some time today to enjoy your Saturday.

See friends, call a distant family member, take a nap!

In that break, ask if what you’re doing is overall a net positive to your wellbeing.

If it isn’t, reply to this email, and I’ll see how I can help.

Thank you so much for spending some of you precious time with me. 🙂

I’m always looking to improve, so hit “reply” and let me know what you think!

Have an awesome week.

Sincerely,

Steven Sanders

PS - I hope to see you on Twitter and Instagram!