Welcome to the 70th edition of “3 Things I Learned Last Week” – the newsletter where I share the juiciest bits of knowledge I stumble upon in my quest to become less dumb. 🤓 (Kidding… mostly.)
This week, I dove into the depths of psychology, the art of bookworming, and the mysterious realm of enlightenment. And trust me, it was way more exciting than it sounds. So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s embark on this enlightening adventure together!
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🧠 How to Overcome Psychological Barriers (Or, How to Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy)
Ever feel like you’re constantly tripping over your own brain? 🧠🚧
Like, no matter how hard you try, there’s this invisible force field preventing you from achieving your goals? Yeah, that’s probably a psychological barrier.
These pesky barriers often stem from past experiences (like that time your kindergarten crush rejected you for the kid who could burp the alphabet) and manifest as defense mechanisms to protect you from emotional pain. But guess what? Those old defense mechanisms might be holding you back like a pair of parachute pants in a marathon.
Key Takeaways (aka the Cliff Notes version):
- Figure out where you’re stuck in life. (Pro tip: It’s probably not the drive-thru line at Taco Bell, though I feel you on that one.)
- Recognize those sneaky patterns of behavior and understand why they exist. (Hint: It’s not because you’re inherently flawed, it’s just your brain being a weirdo.)
- Dig deep into the origins of these strategies, usually linked to some childhood trauma or embarrassing incident involving a bowl cut.
- Be kind to your younger self. (They were doing their best, bless their heart.)
- Ditch those outdated defense mechanisms like yesterday’s news and embrace healthier ways of being. (Therapy is cool, guys.)
🎥 Watch the full video on overcoming psychological barriers here (and prepare to have your mind blown).
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📚 How to Read Books & Take Notes More Effectively (AKA How to Be a Book Ninja)
Look, we’ve all been there.
You buy a book with the best intentions, start reading, and then… zzzzzz. 😴 Next thing you know, it’s become a glorified coaster for your coffee mug.
But fear not, fellow book lovers! Cal Newport has the secret to reading and note-taking like a pro. And no, it doesn’t involve highlighting every other sentence (that’s just procrastination in disguise).
Key Takeaways (for those of us with the attention span of a goldfish):
- Choose books that actually spark joy. (Marie Kondo would be proud.)
- Find the “golden nuggets” of wisdom that resonate with you and write them down. (Bonus points if you use a quill and parchment.)
- Use both handwriting AND typing for note-taking. (Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too.)
- Slow down and savor those words like a fine wine. (Reading isn’t a race, people.)
🎥 Learn more about effective reading and note-taking here (and become the envy of book clubs everywhere).
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🧘♂️ What Enlightenment Does to Your Brain (Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Sitting Under a Tree)
Enlightenment.
It sounds like something reserved for monks living on mountaintops or people who only wear hemp clothing. But guess what? It’s actually attainable for us mere mortals.
And no, it’s not about achieving some magical state of permanent bliss where you float around on a cloud of serenity. (Although, that does sound kinda nice…)
Key Takeaways (for those of us who can’t meditate without getting distracted by a squirrel):
- Enlightenment is basically sustained happiness that doesn’t depend on winning the lottery or finding the perfect avocado toast.
- Practices like meditation can help you chill out and stop being so hard on yourself. (Inner critic, begone!)
- Living in the moment is the key to silencing those pesky anxieties about the future. (Carpe diem, baby!)
- Doing things you love can actually make you happier. (Who knew?)
🎥 Discover what enlightenment does to your brain here (and unlock your inner zen master).
That’s a wrap for this week’s edition of “3 Things I Learned Last Week.” I hope you found these insights as entertaining as they were enlightening. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, so keep exploring, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep laughing. 😂
If you’re not already subscribed, what are you waiting for? Join the party! 🎉
Until next week, stay curious and stay awesome!
Warm regards,
~ Nathan
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