Daniel Pink recently shared eight small, science-backed habits for getting smarter. They’re simple, practical, and—like most good ideas—they overlap with staying Fit as a Fiddle. Here’s my take on each of Pink’s habits.
Teach It to Learn It
This is why I love my early morning focus time. I read, I think, I write. That’s how I learn. If it helps a few others in the process, then all the better. Teaching clarifies what we know.
Quiz Yourself
What a cool suggestion. I’m going to start using ChatGPT this way—a little pop quiz without the pressure. No grades, just curiosity.
Take a Walk
I’ve written plenty about why we love living in London, but walking tops the list. We got rid of the cars and never looked back. Humans are meant to walk—no dashboard required.
Make It Harder
Seinfeld said it best:
“The hard way is the best way because it’s the only way that leads to real skill and fulfilment.”
I’m working on an analogue project in the evenings this week. Not easy—but rewarding. Here’s a photo of that project in full tilt – it is my storyboard for my book, RELEVANCE.
Monotask
Cal Newport calls it Slow Productivity. I call it my 90–10 rule: spend most of your energy on the few things that really matter. (It takes Richard Koch’s work on 80-20, one step beyond!) Chunk deep, ignore shallow.
Keep a Notebook
Boy, do I have notebooks. Real ones. Ink, paper, colored pencils, scribbles, arrows, sticky notes. Writing by hand slows me down just enough to actually think.
Chew Gum
Never been a gum chewer. A nail-biter, yes—but that hardly counts, and I’m trying to stop! As a kid, I needed extensive dental work, and was always in braces, so chewing gum was not an option. And those braces made first kisses a bit awkward, but I managed!
Stay Humble
I could go on forever about humility. The world could use a lot more of it. Screens, algorithms, and digital calendars are the enemy of humility. Movement, reflection, and honest conversation still win.
And speaking of humility, we are celebrating four years of ‘no ego training’ this month.
Celebrating Four Years at BARCH Richmond
The featured image above celebrates four years of morning work outs at BARCH Richmond. Tagline: No Ego Training. I’m with one of our first BARCH friends, Annie K, after a ‘Target’ class this morning. I love my morning walk (with Cathy) to Old Deer Park (BARCH) and the beacon that is the Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens in the background.
