> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # #225 - Bend the Curve - URL: https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/225-bend-the-curve/ - Published: 2025-02-10T05:03:33.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-10T05:03:32.000Z - Description: A look at focus, and a book review that will help everyone. Ten great questions to ask a difficult team member, and how to start a side hustle. Some happiness hacks, a security tip and a vintage video game! - Author: Matt - Tags: Newsletter ✍️ Introducing [JournalBot](https://bsky.app/profile/journalbot.bsky.social?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) \- a new Journaling prompt every day, delivered through BlueSky. [Find it here. ](https://bsky.app/profile/journalbot.bsky.social?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) ## The Stuff that MattRs **Monday Motivation**. Let this be the week you take a look at your focus. [No apps, no hacks.](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/03/health/productivity-tips-wellness/index.html?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) Some excellent insight in here, similar to the superb advice in [Meditations for Mortals](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/book-meditations-for-mortals-by-oliver-burkeman/). *Bonus Stuff.* [*7 different task management strategies*](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/task-management-method?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) *that can drive your productivity.* **Coaching**. [Ten questions for difficult team members.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2024/12/29/coaching-difficult-employees-10-questions-for-increased-productivity/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) Some excellent questions to help gain insight - I particularly like #2 and #9 here as ways to expand the discussions you’re having. *Bonus Stuff.* [*How great leaders inspire personal growth.* ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m905SoJWWEI&ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) *(Superb 3min Youtube video from Simon Sinek)* **Balance**. [Japanese concepts that can help your work-life balance.](https://hulry.com/japanese-philosophies-work-life-balance/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) I love the idea of Naikan for evaluating the health of a relationship. **Results**. [The benefits of a results only work environment.](https://subscribe.marissagoldberg.com/posts/ditching-the-40-hour-trap?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) Forty hours per week is a trap from the industrial revolution. **Kindness**. [Why kind workplaces are more successful.](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why%5Fkind%5Fworkplaces%5Fare%5Fmore%5Fsuccessful?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) Turns out that kindness can impact the bottom line positively, how kind are you in the workplace? **Hustle**. [Start your side business today.](https://www.forstarters.co/p/issue-1?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) This newsletter is mine, and brings me a lot of joy, some superb inspiration here. ✍️ ****Random Journal Prompt:** When do you feel like you rush too much? How could you slow down and enjoy the process? [From JournalBot](https://bsky.app/profile/journalbot.bsky.social?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) ****Bonus Stuff.** [Try my 30 day Journalling Challenge](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/journalling/). ![brown egg](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1575278220902-cdf1a07a0421?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fGVtb3Rpb25zfGVufDB8fHx8MTczODk1MDEyNnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Олег Мороз](https://unsplash.com/@tengyart?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) **Emotions**. [Ten things I learned about emotions.](https://brenebrown.com/articles/2024/11/21/stressed-and-overwhelmed/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) The always inspirational Brene Brown breaks down some key learnings about emotions that will change the way that you feel. **Security**. [1 in 10 people use the same PIN](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-28/almost-one-in-ten-people-use-the-same-four-digit-pin/103946842?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk). Don’t be in that group. **Brainpower**. [The one simple thing you can do to help your brain.](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/22/neuroscientist-the-no-1-thing-you-can-do-for-a-healthier-brain.html?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) I really rate this advice, in just 10 minutes you can use this free trick to increase your brain health and wellbeing. **Happiness**. [22 happiness hacks I wish I had known at 22.](https://www.sahilbloom.com/newsletter/22-happiness-hacks-i-wish-i-knew-at-22?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) **Sustainability**. [Lets bend the curve](https://www.letsbendthecurve.com/?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) is an interactive and interesting way to understand the impact of tech use on the carbon footprint of the world. **Finally**. Pitfall was one of the earliest and best Atari games, [now you can play it on the web - and it will still drive you crazy!](https://meatfighter.com/pitfall-web/app/app.html?ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) 🎵 Have you tried ****FlowStuff**? It's my ever growing and changing playlist of music for concentration and relaxation. Just shy of 50 hours of mostly beatless and wordless music. [You can follow along here.](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2rXoop87aCB6oe1HBERtyn?si=f38e9657e468481c&ref=mattrutherford.co.uk) ### 🔈 My week in Music... ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c2/2e/c22ecd6b-9412-4701-b914-97051141e207/content/images/2025/02/1212164-signals_160619-3.jpg) My recommendation this week is the stunning Signals, by Test Card - an album of lush sounding electronica with a beautifully organic feel... find out more in My Week in Music. [Read My Week in Music here](https://www.mattrutherford.co.uk/mwim-8/) ### Stuff Someone Said (feel free to share) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c2/2e/c22ecd6b-9412-4701-b914-97051141e207/content/images/2025/02/-225.png)