2x2: Bored?

Hello! Shawn here. And welcome to this week’s edition of the 2x2 Newsletter. Your premier Friday email for doing the important work that matters while creating and protecting your free time to enjoy life. I’m so glad you’re here. Check this out 1: [The Paradox of Control]( This is a fantastic article and perspective from Casey Rosengren. Especially so for professionals, founders, and other leaders who lay in bed at night wondering if everything is about to fail miserably: “Instead of reacting to uncertainty with more attempts at control, there is valor in stepping into the unknown with courage, committing to life and the uncertainty it brings.” ([Via Tyler]( 2: [Get Bored and Make Stuff]( My new favorite Instagram account. More casual, artful content [like this]( in 2024 please. Something to think about 1: Celebrate the boring times (that’s when progress is being made) A few nights ago I was at dinner with my dad and my cousin. Most of the evening we talked about the fact that 95% of life is about doing the boring things even when you don’t feel like it. Something we walked away with was the idea that instead of being frustrated that you have to “put up” with the boring parts of life, you should be excited that it’s boring… because that’s where forward progress is made and character is developed. 2: True rest takes a little bit of effortA few months ago (maybe even a year ago?) I began leaving my phone on a shelf outside my office. I was noticing that after a Zoom call or after working on a piece of writing, I’d take a break by picking up my phone to check social media. But then 20 minutes would fly by and I would still need a break. When you rest, you should be rested afterward. Right? True rest — something that will leave you feeling recharged when you are done — is usually something that takes a little bit of effort. (Reading a book, taking a walk, building something with your hands, sitting quietly and being bored, etc.) * * * — Shawn  👋 Whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you: 1: [Start with the]([free Focus Assessment]( to get your personalized roadmap to eliminate busywork, procrastination, and burnout. 2: Join 3,500 creative professionals who have declared their goals and reset their schedule to do more of the important work that matters. Get instant access to the [Focus Course](. 3: [Join our growing Membership community]( and get your all-access pass to our entire course library along with weekly accountability and ongoing workshops. (Recommended.) 4: Business Owners: Hit reply if you’re interested in running your full-time business on part-time hours.  [In-Depth App Training for Power Users]( To unsubscribe, click [here](. Blanc Media, 714 Main St., Grandview, MO 64030, United States