Hey, Matt here!
Welcome to a new week AND to the new readers since last issue. A reminder that you can find me on the web and on Threads, which is becoming quite the fun social network.
Thanks for joining me - now, onto the good stuff!
Monday Motivation. Let this week be the one where you gamify your tasks, and level up your productivity. I use this principle for the tasks I’m don’t enjoy as much.
Behaviour. There’s a know-it-all at every job. Here are some practical ways to deal with them.
Tool. T-Minus Daily is a simply daily email to remind you of something approaching. Excellent way to build excitement or get regular reminders of a forthcoming event.
Goals. A simple rule for achieving ambitious goals. It’s not mind blowing, but it 100% works.
Reset. Morgan Housel explains the power of starting clean. Some excellent advice here.
Gratitude. A gift doesn’t diminish the giver. Seth nails it again. Remember, gratitude is a muscle, you need to keep it exercised.
Mind. Four practical and science backed ways to build a mental gym. Have been thinking about #4 a lot.
Reading. How long would it take you to read that book on your shelf? This site will tell you, and even help you test your reading speed to double check.
Architecture. The hidden beauty of Berlins Swimming pools. Some lovely spaces here.
Photos. Always iconic. The Top 100 photos of 2023 from Time Magazine. And the National Geographic version.
Finally. Wikiwho. A very simple daily game. Guess the person from their Wiki profile, delivered clue by clue.
🔈 Stuff to Listen to...
🎧 This week's musical recommendation is of course the 19th Edition of the Stuff mixtape... a selection of the tunes in my orbit over the last month.
I start us off with a trio of excellent versions, Leonard Cohen, Gary Numan and the Pet Shop Boys have all had recent covers. Then the smart remix of the Big Special tune I have loved this year...leads us slowly towards the dancefloor.
In the middle we have some bangers from Elkka, Jockstrap, Floating Points and Sega Bodega - as well as some coolness from Antony Szmierek and Baby Dave featuring Kate Nash.
There's an excellent remix of a personal favourite, Fever Ray with Kandy some Miso Extra and Bonnie Prince Billy before another trio of covers from Weyes Blood, Boygenius and a beautiful Abba cover from The Japanese House to take us home.
Stuff someone said.
The person who lives life fully, glowing with life's energy, is the person who lives a successful life.
Daisaku Ikeda
