Every Void Gets Filled
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Time is the ultimate constraint. Anything that happens takes time, and to expect to accomplish something without putting in the time to make it happen is a fantasy. A few weeks ago I tweeted: gentle reminder that less time spent scrolling creates a void that must necessarily be filled by something else. I seem to be looping back on my most popular talking point. Yes, desires and intentions and plans are wonderful for providing clarity and having the right mindset, but that's all pointless if you never actually do the thing. The filled void frame has been helpful for me lately in its simplicity: when I allocate time for a project, and I make it clear to myself that the allocated time is for the project and nothing else, then I necessarily make progress on the project. This progress might consist of visible progress like more words and new features, as well as invisible progress like trying something that doesn't work and exploring a different approach. But progress is only possible because I created a void to be filled by progress: I am choosing not to scroll social media, not to look at my phone, not to read newsletters ;^) It's perhaps an obvious point, but I think it's good for anyone to state the obvious in their own words. Have you tried setting aside time to focus on solving the problem? Things I made:
I am going to post a short essay every day in February on my Substack. Here are my favorite posts from the last time I wrote every day for a month: The RAMP Mindset, Polyamory and Status, Tacit Knowledge. This newsletter marks the 1-year anniversary of my coaching service! My clients have told me that my questions and reflections gently challenge their stories about what's happening without judgment. If you would like to have a call with me but the cost is an issue, please reach out. Thank you for reading! You can share this post with this link. If you want to support my work, you can check out my 1-1 coaching service or explore my website or buy me more time. |
@strangestloop
My theme for 2026 is grow. I've chosen the verb form over the noun form, growth, as a reminder to myself that growing as a person is the result of actions and decisions, it's an active process. May I grow with everything I pursue next year. Some values that sit underneath this theme for me are service and reciprocity. The more I grow, the bigger I am, the greater capacity I have, the more I can give to others. The rhythm of giving and receiving is meaningful to me, and I can better...
Baba Is You is a puzzle game where word order matters. Rules can be changed - and usually must be changed - in order to win a level. Here's an example that shows the importance of word order: Baba Is You, Wall Is Stop The level's initial ruleset gives it standard puzzle game rules: You are the character (Baba), the win area is over there, obstacles are in the way. However, we can manipulate the Wall Is Stop rule by breaking the sequence of words, so that the walls no longer stop the...
Everything good in life is the result of collaboration. Art is created and experienced. Products are bought and sold. Ideas are given and received. Therefore it is wise to hold a conscious intention to maximize your chances to meet your collaborators. You meet your collaborators by introducing yourself. This can happen on a walk at the park, in line for the bathroom, by posting that interesting idea online. Once you give someone something to engage with, you both get to look for similarities...