Silver Circle Work Experience

Hi friends,

As September is getting closer, I feel a bit low. I had my fair share of downtime, yet most of the time I find it difficult to disconnect. Even if I’m somewhere away and enjoying myself, my brain always reminds me how much I still need to do.

In part, I blame all the productivity guys advocating 24/7 “hustling”.

That’s not how I want to be seen. For me, productivity is about doing stuff that matters to me, in an enjoyable way. You know when you’re so in the moment that time flies? That’s when things seem to be flowing and I finish everything quicker and better.

I know we’re not always doing what we want to be doing. But our job is to find a way of making it enjoyable. Here are 6 ways you can become more productive in a healthy way:

1. Stop multitasking. It kills your creativity.

2. Have a might-do list. It helps with direction

3. Use smart deadlines. Stop guesstimating.

4. Prioritise stuff. What’s a single thing you can work on today and still be satisfied?

5. Double down on your strengths.

6. Learn how to relax. Take it easy.

I go in-depth about each here.

🔎 Interesting things I found about this week.

Around 1720, young Benjamin Franklin found purpose in the world of print and ink. With a thirst for knowledge, he starts working as an apprentice in his brother James’s printing shop. His dream was to become a great writer.

As the years rolled on, his brother prepared to launch his own newspaper. Sensing an opportunity, Benjamin approached him with ideas and stories that could grace its pages. However, James turned him down.

Understanding that confronting James would lead nowhere, Benjamin decided not to wallow in his disappointment. Instead, he thought, if he couldn't contribute under his own identity, why not create another? Thus, "Mrs. Silence Dogood," a sharp-tongued widow, came into existence. The letters, rich with keen insights and unique humour, became an instant hit among the readers.

But the day came when Benjamin revealed himself as the mind behind Mrs. Dogood. James's reaction was far from warm. Feeling betrayed and perhaps threatened by his younger brother's talent, he made Benjamin's position in the print shop untenable. Benjamin left his brother’s shop shortly after.

Yet, this setback was but a chapter in Benjamin's journey. It set in motion a set of events that would see Benjamin Franklin as a distinguished newspaper magnate, a sought-after author, a pioneering scientist, an innovative inventor, and one of the Founding Fathers of America.

Morale of the story: When one door closes, another opens. If you miss out on a vacation scheme, don't dwell on it. Like Benjamin Franklin, use setbacks as a springboard to success.

Adapt and find alternative experiences to grow, just like this diy silver circle vacation scheme: