5 Quick Thoughts on Creativity and Growth to End the Week

29 Jan 2026 #misc

#1. Always have something to write on. This week, I caught up with an ex-coworker. He shared a valuable story that deserved its own post. Thank goodness I grabbed a napkin from the cafe where we met. That’s where I outlined the post.

#2. The notebook cult. Finding out about zines to reduce my phone time took me to a YouTube rabbit hole. Turns out there’s a whole cult. People with notebooks for everything. Notebooks for quotes, journaling, habit trackers, commonplace notebooks, pocket notebooks. I’m not joining the cult, I’m fine with my idea pad.

#3. Start your next creative project backwards. Before starting, imagine it’s finished, then write the sales page and announcements. That forces you to clarify your goal and message. That’s what I’m doing for my next book.

#4. A simple method to overcome burnout. A pen pal shared his burnout was appearing again. When he asked how I avoid burnout, I shared my mantra: care for your body, mind, and spirit daily. That’s one of the ideas that has changed my life.

#5. 1, 2, 3, and get up. I can’t remember what podcast I learned this from. As soon as you wake up, count up to 3 and get up. Those moments after waking up are when you become a time traveler, reliving the past and sketching possible futures.