Blog - Page 6 of 22 - 7 Takeaways

A person standing in the doorway of a cozy, well-lit room, filled with books and an art easel, representing comfort and familiarity. The door is open, and through it, we see a vast, inviting landscape bathed in the warm light of a setting sun. This landscape features rolling hills, a winding path leading into the distance, and perhaps a few adventurous items like a typewriter and a pair of running shoes placed on the path, symbolizing new opportunities and adventures. The person is silhouetted against the bright outside, hesitating but curious, on the brink of stepping out to explore the unknown.

Your Comfort Zone Is Not Your Friend – 7 Takeaways No. 165

The tech behind podcasts (and this newsletter), awe, self-improvement, AI & phishing, evidence (real or otherwise), metaphors, and getting out of your comfort zone.

A cartoon-style drawing of a woman with an exaggerated expression of fright, her hair designed to resemble flames, encapsulating a sense of humor and exaggeration typical of cartoons.

Set Fire To Your Hair Anyway – 7 Takeaways No. 164

Money, Emotions, Bad News, What we care about, How everyone hates “the algorithm”, and more.

A donkey in a pasture. The donkey is being led by a carrot dangled in front of it. The pasture is lush and green, under a clear blue sky. The donkey is focused on the carrot, which is tied to a stick held by an unseen person. The scene captures the humor and determination of the donkey, with the carrot just out of reach.

Behavior Is Determined By Incentives – 7 Takeaways No. 163

Two takeaways about motivation and incentives, plus free speech, entrepreneurship, deepfakes, gratitude, and realizing some relationships may just be getting in your way.

A character holding a smiling mask away from their face, revealing a more somber or anxious expression underneath. The character is brightly colored and has exaggerated, expressive features typical of Pixar characters. The setting is vibrant and detailed, reflecting Pixar's signature animation style. The focus is on the emotional contrast between the mask and the character's true expression, capturing the theme of hidden emotions behind a facade.

Everyone Filters What They Say – 7 Takeaways No. 162

Sure, there’s other stuff, but let’s not overlook how amazing things are.

A photorealistic image capturing the moment 'One Saturday morning last October, my friend Greg and I were running down the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon, close to halfway through 26 miles of trail.' The image shows two runners, Greg and the narrator, in mid-stride on a rugged, picturesque trail within the Grand Canyon. The vast canyon landscape stretches around them, with its iconic red and orange rock formations and a deep blue sky overhead. The runners are depicted with expressions of joy and exhilaration, emphasizing the awe and beauty of the moment. The scene conveys a sense of adventure, friendship, and the grandeur of nature.

Everything is Cool – 7 Takeaways No. 161

Sure, there’s other stuff, but let’s not overlook how amazing things are.

A digital painting of a person in a chaotic environment, symbolizing the embrace of chaos. The person stands confidently in the center, with a relaxed posture and a slight smile, indicating their acceptance and control amidst the chaos. Around them, a whirlwind of abstract, swirling colors and shapes represent chaos. The colors are vibrant and intense, with reds, blues, and greens clashing and blending in a dynamic and disorderly fashion. Papers and objects appear to be caught in the tumultuous wind, adding to the sense of disarray. The background is a blur of motion and energy, further emphasizing the theme of chaos. The composition is dynamic, with a sense of movement and fluidity.

Learn To Embrace Chaos – 7 Takeaways No. 160

Thinking, boredom, choices & uncertainty, Tolstoy’s thoughts on social media, and more.

In a lush forest setting, an elderly woman lights a bonfire with a flaming torch. The forest is dense with vibrant green foliage, towering trees, and a variety of plants. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a serene and mystical atmosphere. The woman, wearing comfortable outdoor clothing, stands focused on her task, holding the torch with determination as she ignites the bonfire. The fire crackles to life, casting a warm glow on the surrounding area, highlighting the textures of the forest and the intricate details of the scene.

If You Burn Out, Relight The Fire – 7 Takeaways No. 159

Reliability, Listening, Aging, Understanding, Self Improvement, Tools

Silhouettes couples holding hands on sunset.

When In Doubt, Love – 7 Takeaways No. 158

Consequences, Labels, Savoring, Love, Wisdom, Listening, Ideas

A simple, photorealistic image showcasing 'the whole world as a school'. The scene includes a single, large, open book with pages that transition into different landscapes across the globe. On one page, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and the Statue of Liberty are illustrated, symbolizing different regions of the world. Surrounding the book are small, diverse groups of children in casual clothes, representing students from various ethnic backgrounds. They are looking at the book with curiosity and excitement, depicting a global learning experience in a straightforward and clear manner.

Experience the Whole World as a School – 7 Takeaways No. 157

Kindness, Reading, Classics, Courage, Listen, Understanding, Respond, Opinions

A cartoon image of a goofy looking duck, designed to illustrate the concept of not being normal. The duck should appear in a whimsical, exaggerated style, with quirky features such as mismatched colors, unusual patterns, and a funny expression, set against a simple background.

There Is No Such Thing As ‘Normal’ – 7 Takeaways No. 156

Fascism, Normal, Short-term Bullshit, Aging, Asymmetric Life, Irrelevancy, Adjacent Possible