2x2: Too Busy?

Hey all, Welcome to a snow-covered edition of 2x2. Here in Kansas City we only got about 6 inches of snow this week (they were predicting up to 16 inches). My boys have been outside, nonstop sledding and shoveling. Anyway... below, as always, you will find a couple of resources, tools, diversions, books, tools, toys, or other types of recommendations for you to check out; and then, secondly, are a couple of ideas, stories, or tips from me. Enjoy! Check this out 1: [11 Artists Share the Bedtime Rituals That Keep Them Creative]( I noticed that I saved this article in my “to link to” list twice. So you know it must be interesting. 2: [Lego Rock Crawler]( Driving [my CJ-7]( around in the snow this week, I was reminded of [this fun and brilliant video](. Something to think about 1: [The 5-Minute Rule]( There are many activities in life that are worth doing but that aren’t always easy to get started. A few things that come to mind for me include: - Cleaning up the house at the end of the day - Starting a workout - Writing When it’s time to do one of these activities, and I don’t feel like it, then I will commit to 5 minutes. I’ll spend 5 minutes putting away the dishes; 5 minutes warming up; or 5 minutes writing whatever crappy prose comes to mind. Then, after those first 5 minutes, if I’m still not into it I give myself permission to move on to something else. But most of the time, it only takes a few minutes for the momentum to kick in. 2: Are you too busy to be strategic? Being “busy” and productive is not the same as being strategic. We all know the tips and tricks and best practices for how to be productive. But we don’t know how to be intentional and strategic — because strategy is subjective and it’s unknown. The best way to be strategic with how you are spending your time and energy is to be clear on your desired outcome, and then pick one thing you think will move you in that direction. Stick with it for long enough to determine if your actions are working. If they are working, keep going. If they are not working, stop and try something new. Don’t become so busy that you don’t have time to be strategic. * * * — Shawn P.S. As I was typing this yesterday (Thursday morning) I realized that I missed an epic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to send this newsletter on Wednesday. Oops. [In-Depth App Training for Power Users]( To unsubscribe, click [here](. Blanc Media, 714 Main St., Grandview, MO 64030, United States