Since coming back from vacation I feel a lot more disconnected from work. I think that’s a normal transition. I feel more and more strain from my job and I continue to think that the position that I’m in is likely not sustainable. So the question becomes, how do I make it more sustainable and enjoyable. I’m not sure I’ve found the answer to that question yet. I’m currently working through Derek Sivers book – Anything You Want. I think the important thing he discusses is build a product that you would like. Try to help out other people. I have been wasting time not putting out articles on training injuries and this solidifies that I need to do that. I need to do it for myself and to give back. Similar to doing a review of a journal article a week. I think this practice will pay dividends over time.
Source: The Most Important Thing – Howard Marks
Lesson: The Importance of second order thinking
Reflection: I am not good at second order thinking. Learning this takes practice. Thinking about why trends take place. Where we are in cycles. Knowing our scope of knowledge. I’ve really enjoyed the works of Howard Marks. I think people like him, Nassim, Munger have good insights. The problem is in the ability of applying their lessons to my daily life.
Source: The Knowledge Project – Randall Stutman
Lesson: Leaders make the situation and people better
Reflection: This and the Mary Karr Podcasts are ones that I immediately want to revisit. Being honest with myself – I probably won’t. This in itself might be a sign of my intelligence level. Enjoyable conversation around leadership. Feedback in balance was a great takeaway.
Source: Nassim Taleb
Lesson: The question is how we deal, and should deal, with what we don’t know
Reflection: In re-reading the bed of procrustes I find it increasingly challenging to read the book in an appropriate manner. I find that I am just a glut for information, while not taking the appropriate time to synthesize the information. To stop and think about what I just read. Maybe the better strategy is to slow down and think about what I just read or heard. Not just working to get through the book, to get through the book. This is basic learning. I find it funny that after 25+ years of education, I still haven’t figured this out. In examining this quote – my immediate thought is just to consume more information to “know” more. Maybe a better answer is to actually run experiments in my own life.
Source: Tim Ferris Show – Mary Karr
Lesson: Jesuits – Find God in All Things
A couple years ago I read James Martin’s Jesuits Guide To Life. The theme of finding God in all things continues to resonate with me. When I hear that statement I think it’s a calling from God. My personality continually focuses on the negative. While there are advantages, such as striving for more, it breeds chronic discontent. I don’t think practicing finding God in all things throughout the day will shut down the inner drive, but perhaps it will bring peace. I continually think about the personality trait of the pastor that married my wife and I as well as a college Theology professor Harold Van Brokehoven. Both seemed to find peace. When you left both of them, you felt better than before you saw them. This consistently happened. I think that is what I want to do, make people feel better after they see me than before.
Seeking Progress 