2x2: Good vs Interesting

Hey all, Welcome back to week two of this email experiment. If you caught this 2x2 email last week, you'll know it's a new idea of a format that I might send out from time to time. It's called 2x2. Which stands for: a couple of resources, tools, diversions, books, tools, toys, and other recommendations for you to check out; and then, secondly, are a couple of raw ideas or tips from me. Thanks for all your feedback after last week's email! I got a ton of replies from folks who love this new format. Thank you! If you like this 2x2 style, let me know. And... feel free to pass along some ideas you have for things that should be linked in here or some questions you'd like to see answered. I'd love to bring in some community conversations here if possible. Okay, here we go: Check this out 1: [Good vs Interesting]( Jeff Goins shared about the difference between a good life and one that is interesting. 2: [Otter]( (Voice Memo App) [I record voice memos and notes to myself all the time.]( And otter is a big upgrade from the built-in Voice Memo app that Apple ships with iOS, because Otter also transcribes your voice notes (in real time). I shared about this voice memos app back in March, and the more I use it the more I am getting out of it. I recently upgraded my account to Pro which means that I can drop in videos and other longer recordings and Otter will transcribe them for me, so I can quickly search them, highlight them, and use the text. I can even export that as a caption file to embed back into the video. It's pretty amazing. (Side note: we are writing a Voice Memos Roundup article for TSS that'll be published later this month.) * * * Something to think about 1: Resistance and Distractions Any time you set out to do something that is good, noble, important, or exciting then you are guaranteed to encounter obstacles. Obstacles, therefore, signal that you are on the right track. Which means the correct response should be to persevere and overcome. 2: The weeds and the clouds There are two "conversations" around productivity: the weeds and the clouds. And these two conversations will always lead to one another. Whenever you "get into the weeds", and talk about the details of how to do things or what tools to use, people will always ask about "why". And, vice-versa... whenever you get into big-picture strategy and vision, people will always ask about "how" to actually get it done. (Side note: join me next week for [a workshop I’m hosting that is going to be 100% in the weeds](.) * * * Until next week, — Shawn P.S. What is your go-to album / playlist when you need to do focused work? [In-Depth App Training for Power Users]( To unsubscribe, click [here](. Blanc Media, PO Box 9771, Kansas City, MO 64134, United States