Ezra Klein’s Formula for a Good Day Involves These Four Things

So how do you actually work with your mind and create things of value? What I’ve identified is three principles: doing fewer things,  working at a natural pace, 9

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Meaning one with more variability in intensity than the always-on pace to which we’ve become accustomed.

 but obsessing over quality. That trio of properties better hits the

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The “right time” to do the stuff that strengthens us is when we’re challenged. When we’re drained or stressed is exactly when we’ve got to lean into it. Which is easier said than done, I know. The good news is that a little bit every day goes a very long way. And — contrary to what our rat-racer, finish-line-obsessed mentality wants us to believe —

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A monthly ritual that changed my life (and may change yours)... The Think Day: Pick one day each month and carve out a few hours to step back from all of your day-­to-day professional demands: • Separate from your normal environments • Bring a journal, pen, and open mind • Shut off all your devices. The goal is to spend the time thinking and jo... See more

On life:“All right, what are the things that are most important in  life?” They’re health, loving family and friends, and something you’re excited about. What did you do to help someone  today? We basically go through each of these things, and it’s like, all right, so health. What did you do to like, make  yourself stronger, more fit... See more

often is something like: It’s complicated. In my case, the change should have been good, but I was exhausted. It turned out that my body clock had shifted, but I hadn’t adapted my work patterns. I would wake up before sunrise, journal, then start working and keep on going until dinner, routinely putting in twelve-hour shifts without noticing. Well,

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