2x2: Teapot Cameras

Hello there! Welcome, once again, to this week's edition of the 2x2 newsletter. The premier Friday email for leaders, creators, and decision makers like you who want to manage their tasks, time, and ideas better. Because I’m always looking for ways to make the 2x2 newsletter better for you, what ideas do you have for me to write about? When it comes to managing your tasks, time, and ideas… what is one thing you’d like me to write about in a future email? Just hit reply to let me know! Check this out 1: [Yours Truly on the Mac Power Users Podcast]( If you want to know the nerdy details about my keyboards, apps, and how I manage my business and my focus, then this is the podcast episode for you. 2: [Porcelain Cameras for the Emperor]( These teapot-vibe cameras (and the accompanying story!) are stunning. I think I like #6 the best. It actually took me a minute to realize it was all AI computer generated. (Via my sister, naturally.) Something to think about 1: “Zero Time Habits” A Zero Time Habit is a new term I’ve been noodling on. In a nut, a Zero Time Habit is a lifestyle practice that takes ZERO time to do and, in return, it gives you back more time / energy. Many habits require time to complete — such as your workout routine, reading, journaling, scheduling your week and your day, etc. But some habits require no time at all. Examples of Zero Time habits: - Not drinking alcohol — this takes no additional time from your day, and it improves your sleep and mental focus. - Living within a financial budget — once you’ve created your budget, it takes no additional time to live within it, and it improves your finances. - Going to bed on time — this gives you back time and energy in the mornings and throughout your day. - Keeping your smartphone in a different room — this gives you back undistracted time and focus for doing your most important work in the office or even for [spending time with family](. Think of a Zero Time Habit as something you don’t do so that you can do more of what you want. * * * 2: A few alternative things you can do when you’re bored (instead of scrolling social media) Here are a few alternatives to what I call the “Just Checks”. - Scroll through your [Day One]( timeline and read a previous journal entry or browse some old photos and memories. - Launch Day One and log how you’ve spent your time so far for the day. Doing this for a few weeks can also be super helpful for getting a perspective of where your time and energy are being spent. - Write down 3 new [ideas](. These could be articles you want to write, business ideas, places you want to visit or photograph, topics you want to research, date ideas for you and your spouse, gift ideas for a friend, etc. [These ideas never have to be acted on]( — the point isn’t to generate a to-do list, but rather to exercise your mind and [build your idea muscle](. Ideation and creativity are muscles, and the more we exercise them the stronger they get. - Send a text message to a friend or family member to tell them how awesome they are. - Don’t get out your phone at all — do some stretches or take a 5-minute walk. Take advantage of those moments of downtime in between meetings, calls, or whenever. Allow your mind to rest for a bit or engage it by doing something active and positive. * * * — Shawn P.S. This week we just kicked off [the brand-new Habits Booster]( inside the community membership. If you want to reclaim some time in your schedule and make space for a new habit or two this year, then our community-led Habits Booster is perfect for you. 👉 [Details here](. [In-Depth App Training for Power Users]( To unsubscribe, click [here](. Blanc Media, 714 Main St., Grandview, MO 64030, United States