DISQUS

I'm actually in the opposite camp. First, I don't commute much, so I don't have long stretches of hands-off time to spend productively. Second, I prefer strongly reading over listening because I find reading much more efficient. For example, skimming, table of contents, etc.

That said, I really appreciate how you're pushing media, thinking about novel applications, trends, and the future, and making it happen. Super impressive!

I actually think these are excellent examples of why we should *not* use our brains this way. Think about it: These tricks wouldn't be so impressive if they were easy/natural. That means our brains aren't adapted for this kind of memorization. It wouldn't be a problem except memory is a bit of a zero sum thing: Taking up room with a bunch of low-level stuff (such as a billion-digit number, mental todo lists, etc.) chews up brainpower that's better used on the higher-level stuff: Thinking, coming up with new product ideas, solving problems, etc...

Thanks very much for the link, Steve. I like how you described my blog - much appreciated!

When I worked in a computer science research lab I led an effort to create a "boss" blog for research sharing. It was great success, and is still in use. More at: Applying 'Boss' Blogging to a Research Lab
http://ideamatt.blogspot.com/2005/09/applying-b...

I do like the idea of creating one for clients. One example that comes to mind in the productivity realm is Merlin Mann's (http://wiki.43folders.com/index.php/Main_Page). I'm thinking of doing a FAQ for my field.

Thanks again for your blog - I'm enjoying it!

What a great example - thanks! It shows providing value even when out of the office. Very nice.

Interesting! A few points, meant to be constructive. First, your summary misses some major concepts, and highlights others that are secondary. For example, major: figuring out action. Minor: contexts.

Second, it seems like your simplified system doesn't have a place for everything that comes up, which is a major consideration in clearing your mind. For example, if an idea occurs to you, but you're not ready to act on it, you need a place to store it. Otherwise, it'll still be on your mind. I don't see where it would go in your system...

Thanks for the stimulating post - I like the direction you're taking!

I like it! Maybe putting up something representing *projects* would make sense, say images from a magazine?

So true. For customers, for forming relationships, keep the other person's needs/wants/desires in mind. There is a balance - listening is a gift in a way - and it's a challenge, but great stuff.

I've been noticing this increasingly as I shop - who is a good salesperson, i.e., how helpful are they? Do they ask my needs, do they listen, do they bring an attitude (+ or -)? Guess what - there's a *lot* of room for improvement, myself included.

Good stuff. I'm esp. grateful as I'm continuing to push into new areas, ones I have *no* prior experience in. Definitely trying things, hitting walls, having successes, and re-evaluating. Rich!

It's true. I wonder how much comes from supportive parenting and early environments... Also, the importance of experience - we gain confidence (and master fear) when we *do* things and reflect on the consequences, I think.

Thanks for the video. I'm experiencing "Tie Karma" - I was a programmer for 20 years and recently (Jan!) quit my job and switched careers (to personal productivity consulting). Dressing like a slob has caught up with me, and I now have to (in fact *enjoy*) dressing up for business.

That said, I still find I have to try a few times with most of my ties before I get the length perfect. This is because I have a variety of fabrics and lengths, and each one requires a different starting point.

However, I really liked your tip about getting it square. I like my tie to look perfect, my pant creases to be razor-sharp, etc.

Thanks for the links!

As a follow-up, having a goal enables *focus*, which in turn enables making good choices, in this case, about what to write.

Great point. After blogging for two years, I *just* realized what my blog's purpose is: 1) To establish my reputation, 2) to help my readers, and 3) to know what I think (via writing).

Thanks for the great idea!

Looking at the world fresh every day - great idea; how to do it? Children in particular help to switch off our filters...

The killer feature that Reader is missing is something Bloglines has had for a while: The ability to create anonymous email accounts that you can use to pipe email-based subscriptions to a feed reader. I recommend this setup to clients so as to protect their email inbox...

Very nice - I agree. At one point I was afraid people would take something I came up with, then I moved in the opposite direction!

Wow!

Thanks for the great post - well said!

A link to the original post would be helpful. I blog once a week no matter how I'm feeling, and there are times when I'm down...

Appreciated your including the chocolates. I'm a fan of home-made drinking chocolate (simple recipe here: http://ideamatt.blogspot.com/2005/04/how-to-mak...) and have it every day. You remind me of a quote I heard a while back about chocolate vs. wine. It went something like this: To buy the best chocolate bar in the world you'll pay between $6 maybe up to $12. For wine? $100s !

Looking forward to reading your book (being delivered from Amazon).

Thanks both for the idea, and for the link. A success!

I've heard it called the "tolerable ten." I like 96 minutes as well (80/20 rule applied to 8 hour day), and Drucker talked about 90 minute blocks...

Thanks for the link!