A weekly newsletter with science-based insights on creativity, mindful productivity, better thinking and lifelong learning.
Ness Labs: The Paradox of Goals
Edition #174 – Jan 19th, 2022
The Paradox of Goals
Extreme Productivity, Hustle, Productivity Ninja, Getting Things Done...
The Internet and our bookshelves are filled with exhortations to stay motivated, manage our time more effectively, and stick to our plan.
If success is so easy to define, why is it then that we often struggle to establish, pursue, and reach our goals?
The fact is: the way we manage our goals is broken, to the point where many people are questioning the very nature of ambition.
This week, I wrote an essay exploring this topic, starting from what's wrong with the way we manage our goals, and offering a new approach aligned with both ancient wisdom and our modern scientific knowledge.
The essay is illustrated with gorgeous visuals created by yours truly. Don't take my word for it, go check it for yourself.
I would love to hear your thoughts – any feedback or suggestions? Am I missing anything? Please hit reply and let me know.
This edition also includes your weekly article by Dr Rose and a follow-up interview with George Levin, the co-founder of Hints.
So much has happened since our interview last year, and I love the way George and his team have implemented AI in the new version.
Enjoy your weekly dose of mindful productivity!
Anne-Laure.
🧠 Brain Food
The Paradox of Goals (12 min)
Written by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Setting goals is a guarantee for disillusionment whether we reach the desired state or not, and yet working toward goals is an important part of evolving as a person. How can we resolve this paradox?
Talent archetypes: what is the “shape” of your skills? (5 min)
Written by Dr Hannah Rose
In a world driven by rapid changes in technology and industry best practice, being a generalist is no longer enough. To support the fast-moving targets of global businesses, a new profile has arised: the versatilist.
Reinventing the digital assistant with Hints (10 min)
Interview with George Levin
We talked about the role AI can play in improving our productivity, the relationship between context switching and anxiety, the importance of streamlining tasks to increase focus, how knowledge workers can use templates to minimize distractions, and much more!
🍬 Brain Candy
Little nuggets from my Twitter bookmarks this week. Click on the card to read the full tweet and see any videos/images.
🤝 Brain Trust
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🌊 Brain Waves
If you enjoyed this edition, please share the love with fellow curious minds on Twitter or Whatsapp.
Until next week, take care!
Ness Labs by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
A weekly newsletter with science-based insights on creativity, mindful productivity, better thinking and lifelong learning.
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