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Hold That Thought

Seeing the bigger picture


Every Thursday I share three useful things to help you turn overthinking into expert thinking. Here are this week’s picks…

1.

At the start of 2023, I set out some goals. I revisited them in July. And re-assessed things in November. Here’s where I ended up:

2.

“If a person’s behavior doesn’t make sense to you, it is because you are missing a part of their context.” — Devon Price, social scientist and author of Laziness Does Not Exist

This quote is from one of the most-read articles on Medium, on procrastination and why laziness does not exist (paywall-free link)

3.

“Less mental clutter means more mental resources available for deep thinking.” — Cal Newport, professor of computer science and author of Deep Work

Here's another bite-sized thought about the nature of deep work, from the BBC Series Worklife 101 — developed in 2019, it's a project that's both timeless and a time-capsule.

Extra thought…

What's a simple activity you can do that also declutters your brain?

Jigsaw puzzles are my go-to. I love the smug satisfaction — the fresh dopamine spritz — when I place a piece perfectly where it's meant to go. Here's the puzzle I was working on last week:

There's something about winning at the mental match game, the tactile feel of a good fit, and the visual feedback of the broader picture coming together, piece by piece.

I believe that our year — or even our days — can feel like that, if we make it so. I'm working out how that all works and always open to hearing your thoughts on this.

What are the smallest pieces of your day, the ones that help you build a bigger picture?
Kim

PS. Is there something puzzley you're working on? Here are three ways I might help with that. Or, simply reply here and we'll move things forward that next little bit.


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Kim Witten, PhD - Coach & Consultant

Hello! My name is Kim Witten and I’ve spent four decades overthinking absolutely everything. I’ve turned this ability into a super skill to get stuff done and now my mission is to help others do the same. Read more about my journey

Staney Brae, Dunrossness, Shetland ZE2 9JG
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Hold That Thought

Helping overwhelmed creatives and small business owners turn overthinking into expert thinking…and action! 3 useful things every Thursday to gain clarity, get more done, and feel great about it.

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