The Propeller – Abraham Lincoln would read to this email! – February 18 2024

Many of the difficult emotions and anxieties we experience may not be stemming from the initial problem itself, but rather from our attempts to avoid dealing with it. It highlights the idea that avoidance, while seemingly offering short-term relief, can often lead to longer-term suffering in several ways:

1. Prolonging the issue: When we avoid dealing with a problem, it doesn’t disappear. It remains unresolved, often growing larger and more complex over time, ultimately causing more stress and anxiety than facing it head-on initially.

2. Creating additional issues: Avoidance behaviors can themselves create new problems. For example, procrastinating on work tasks can lead to deadline pressure and feelings of guilt, or avoiding difficult conversations can damage relationships.

3. Inhibiting growth: By continuously avoiding uncomfortable situations, we miss opportunities to learn, grow, and develop coping mechanisms. Facing challenges helps us build resilience and emotional intelligence, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

4. Fueling anxiety and fear: Avoidance often reinforces the fear associated with the avoided situation. By constantly suppressing difficult emotions, we amplify them, making them seem even more daunting when we eventually have to confront them.

However, it’s important to understand that the statement doesn’t advocate for recklessly facing every negative situation. The key lies in healthy confrontation, approaching the problem with mindfulness, self-compassion, and the right tools and support.

Here are some examples of how to move beyond avoidance:

• Acknowledge your avoidance: The first step is recognizing when you’re avoiding something. Be honest with yourself about your feelings and motivations.
• Talk to someone: Sharing your struggles with a trusted friend, therapist, or support group can provide valuable perspective and encouragement.
• Develop coping mechanisms: Practice mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and healthy stress management skills to manage difficult emotions effectively.
• Take small steps: Break down the problem into smaller, more manageable tasks to make it less overwhelming.
• Seek professional help: If your struggles are severe or persistent, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.

Remember, facing challenges is an inevitable part of life. By learning to embrace them courageously and with understanding, we can reduce our suffering and grow from the experience.

Want to make a difference and get paid? Board of Elections around the country needs poll workers for upcoming elections! You’ll play a vital role in ensuring our democratic process runs smoothly.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Earn over $300 per election. (Different counties/states pay different amounts.
• Flexible training options: choose from in-person or online sessions.
• Various roles available:
  • Roster Judge: Verify voter registration and ID.
  • Machine Judge: Set up voting machines and assist voters.
  • Paper Ballot Judge: Handle more complex cases.
  • Other positions: Location manager, floater (on-call assistant), and more!
• In Ohio Open to 17 and 18 year olds: inquire about available roles.

Commitment:

• Attend at least one training session (paid).
• Help with pre-election setup (Monday before Election Day, 6pm).
• Work on Election Day: 5am-closing (with breaks).
• Reliable attendance is required for payment.

Sign up early to secure your preferred training slot! Every volunteer helps safeguard our democracy.

Visit your local Board of Elections website  to learn more and apply.

Together, let’s ensure a smooth and fair election process!

Getting into a “deep work” state enables you to get more done in 15 minutes than you would have in 15 hours sometimes.

It’s like a cheat code in a video game, and it’s something that millionaires take advantage of every single time it happens. It’s when the most important work gets tackled, like writing a business plan, going above and beyond on a project, doing research for an upcoming presentation, etc.  I have been using this process for a few years now and it enables me to be ultra-productive.

We can’t always control when we enter these ultra-productive deep work states, but we can increase the likelihood of them happening.

Here are 10 proven techniques to increase the frequency of deep work:

Create a conducive environment: Find a quiet, clutter-free space where you can work without distractions. Minimize interruptions by turning off notifications on your devices or using apps that block distractions.  This is important, clean off your desk and get organized.  A cluttered workspace is a sign of a disorganized person.

Set specific goals: Clearly define what you want to accomplish during your deep work session. Having a clear objective helps you maintain focus and motivation.

Establish a routine: Develop a consistent schedule for deep work sessions. By creating a routine, you train your mind to enter a focused state more easily at specific times.

Remove digital distractions: Temporarily disconnect from social media, email, and other non-essential digital platforms during your deep work sessions. Consider using website blockers or productivity apps to limit access to distracting websites.

Practice time blocking: Allocate dedicated blocks of time exclusively for deep work. This means scheduling specific periods in your calendar where you commit to focusing on important tasks and avoiding any unrelated activities.

Use the Pomodoro Technique: Divide your deep work session into shorter intervals, typically 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. This structured approach can help you maintain concentration and prevent burnout.

Manage your energy levels: Prioritize self-care and ensure you have sufficient physical and mental energy to engage in deep work. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and incorporate exercise into your routine.  I keep dumbells in my office, have an elliptical machine in another room, and use a standing desk.

Find your optimal working style: Experiment with different techniques to identify what helps you enter a deep work state. Some people prefer complete silence, while others find instrumental music or background noise beneficial.  a 40Hz background wavelength promotes concentration.  Do a search for the playlist “40 Hz Binaural Beats” on Spotify for a great concentration playlist that i use daily

Minimize multitasking: Avoid switching between multiple tasks simultaneously, as it can hinder deep work. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your undivided attention.

Establishing a routine was huge for me. I know when I are most likely to enter a deep work state (mid-morning), so I prioritize important work during those hours.

Give some of these tips a try and I bet you’ll be 100x more productive.  Please let me know if you have any tips that help you get into a Deep Work state.

“The most important skill for getting rich is becoming a perpetual learner. You have to know how to learn anything you want to learn.”
 

The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice.

The ability to learn, unlearn, relearn and to change yourself is a superpower.