Welcome to our weekly newsletter!

15 December 2024

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Hey friend,

I'm going all-in on Substack at the moment. I've found it to be a great place to get insightful articles and to share thoughts on project management and life that don't feel appropriate to share in other places. Join me there if that sounds good to you.

Some Thoughts

Creatives are fond of the technique of introducing constraints in order to try and boost their creativity. Photographers might choose to only shoot B&W photos for a month. Painters might confine themselves to only one size brush. When you add constraints you force yourself to think laterally and come up with new solutions. Try it in your work (on non-critical items). Only allow your reports to be 3 pages or less. Ban meetings for a month and only allow pre-recorded video updates. See what comes of these experiments. Let me know how it works out.

What you will learn this week:

🔟 The best things I've learned in the past 10 years

👍 How to plan your ideal day

😍 Why you should embrace the fact that nobody cares

Life Changing Lessons To My Past Self (10 years ago)

If I could send a message to myself ten years ago, it would be filled with crucial advice that could have made all the difference. From setting non-negotiable boundaries and envisioning an ideal life to preparing for financial surprises and focusing on key priorities, these lessons would have significantly shaped my journey. Here, I share these essential insights, hoping they can guide you towards a more fulfilling and successful future. Let’s explore the wisdom I wish I had known a decade ago.

Define Deal Breakers

Ten years ago, I wish I had known the importance of defining and adhering to my deal breakers. Drawing a thick line around your non-negotiable deal breakers is crucial. These deal breakers may be in your personal life, career, or the crossover between the two. Begin by identifying your core values and writing them down. You’ll discover that some things are so fundamental to you that they cannot be compromised. These might include dealing with untrustworthy people, working in unethical industries, or how you are treated by others.

Set firm boundaries around these deal breakers. Never tolerate these boundaries being breached. If they are, address these issues immediately. If they cannot be rectified, make plans to move on. Life is too short to be in situations where core issues make you unhappy. Remember, maintaining your integrity and staying true to your values is important for long-term satisfaction and peace of mind.

Design Your Ideal Life

Designing your ideal life begins with defining your ideal day. This involves a blend of self-reflection, planning, and prioritization. Here’s a structured approach to help you through the process:

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Postscript

Having an "ideal life" has gotten me a lot of pushback from others. People asking me why it seems like I don't work. Suggesting that I don't earn my salary. Asking questions that don't seem genuine. If you've experienced the same, you know how frustrating that can be. I'd encourage you not to stress about it too much. Everyone has their own biases. Keep doing your best.

Until next time,

Jonathan (The Effective Project Manager)

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