#7: Saying no and getting into flow 🌊
Small things to make your day-to-day a little bit better
What do saying no, getting into flow, and handing out a taco have in common? Other than making a satisfyingly rhyming subject line, they’re all small things you can do to make your day-to-day a little bit better. That’s the theme of this week’s resources issue because when we’re in the middle of the most depressing month of the year with a pandemic to boot, realistic goals is the name of the game. And if even that seems a tall order, just scroll to the end for some light-hearted distraction. We won’t judge - no rules of vegetables before pudding here.Â
Stay flowy,
Milly & Yumi
For better work
How to say no - templates to help you say ‘no’ in any situation. If you’re anything like us, rejecting others might not be your favourite thing in the world. Here are some handy email templates to help you do the job delicately.
What to expect: Some good-looking gaps in your calendar.Flow Activities - evidence-backed exercises to induce a state of flow. If that oh so satisfying feeling of time speeding by while you do your greatest work is a little elusive of late, try reading this article for 11 tips on how to get into flow.
What to expect: Serene focus while you do what you enjoy most.
The Shape of Work Program - a course to transform your relationship to work. Feeling good about what you do every day is important. Our friends at Social Fabric are about to launch a course that will help you to find more purpose and energy in your work. Work Daze readers get 20% off with the code FRIEND.
What to expect: Great speakers and enough inspiration to fuel you through many Mondays to come.
Hey Taco - celebrate and reward others in your team. It’s fun, it’s weird, and an easy way to give your co-workers some public recognition for their hard work.
What to expect: A happier team equipped with hundreds of virtual tacos (we know it sounds odd, just try it).
For reflection
Johari’s Window - an exercise to foster greater self-awareness. This is that rare opportunity to find out how others perceive you. Just send the link to around five people that you want an opinion from (we sent it to both co-workers and friends when we tried this) and get a quick summary of your main character traits.
What to expect: Some pleasant surprises!Generalist vs. Specialist: Which Is Better? - key research points from the author of ‘Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World’. This 5-minute video gives some much-needed perspective on why the idea of linear progression is less relevant in the modern age.
What to expect: A healthy dose of encouragement to widen your interests rather than narrow them.Common Causes of Very Bad Decisions - reflections on what tends to go wrong. Creating a mental model around common mistakes can help you make better decisions in life.
What to expect: A highlight reel of what to avoid.
For productive procrastination
Libreria bookshelves - curated collections of books. In Libreria, all books are organised to encourage serendipitous finds. This virtual curation simulates the experience with shelves arranged by topics like ‘Wanderlust’, ‘Enchantment for the Disenchantment’, and ‘Ways of Seeing’.
What to expect: A chance encounter with your next read.
Data Detox Kit- everyday steps to improve your digital privacy, security, and wellbeing. An insightful summary of the consequences of spending a large part of our waking lives online.
What to expect: Some great tips on everything from what settings to use to spotting design tricks, and a newfound power to take on Mark Zuckerberg.Yuka - know what’s in your food and make healthier choices. In ‘normal times’, this was a real office lunchtime hit. You scan a food or drink item’s barcode and the app gives you a rating based on how healthy it is.
What to expect: Suggestions for healthier alternatives to what you normally eat. Who knew there was such a thing as a healthy San Pellegrino.
For some well-deserved rest
A Thing or Two podcast - thoughtful discussions on urgent and non-urgent things. Listening to this will make you feel like you’re at a really great dinner party with good conversation (sigh), chatting about everything from ambition to more responsible shopping, and even the cultural significance of rice!
What to expect: Some easy-going entertainment while you make your dinner.The Way I See It - an album by Raphael Saddiq to ease you into the weekend. The perfect soundtrack to a Friday evening.
What to expect: Sultry vibes.Rob Woodcox photography - a beautiful display of human bodies in nature. There’s something satisfying about a bunch of people seemingly hovering in mid-air.
What to expect: Eye candy.Overhead London - an Instagram account showing the best talk of the town. Commutes, remember those? Ok, so we don’t miss the sweaty carriages but we do miss the glimpse into the weird and wonderful lives of others.
What to expect: Some lols.
Asking for a friend… what are your favourite types of resources and what do you want more of? Slip into our inbox and let us know.
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