47 Things I've Learned
I am writing this post on my 47th birthday, which seems bizarre, as in my head, I'm about 28. In no particular order, here are 47 things I’ve learned about wellbeing, health, and productivity.
Rest is a requirement, not a reward.
You don’t have to meditate (unless you want to).
If it’s not in the calendar, it doesn’t exist.
Schedule rest like you would a meeting.
Weekly reviews are the cornerstone of sustainable productivity.
Your body needs to work well more than it needs to look a certain way.
There is a form of exercise you enjoy (even if the enjoyment only kicks in afterwards).
You don't have to choose between productivity and wellbeing. You can have both.
Work with your energy, not against it.
Routines aren't boring; they are essential.
Looking and feeling busy are not the same as making progress.
The Pomodoro Technique works.
Your attention is a limited resource so protect it.
Outsource your memory: your brain isn’t a storage device.
Lifting heavy weights can feel surprisingly great.
Your task list should be your one point of truth (scattered tasks = scattered focus).
Wellbeing amplifies performance. It’s not a tick box.
You can be ambitious and gentle with yourself.
Planning is about control and clarity, not rigidity.
A tidy digital workspace is a gift to future you.
Going for a walk or run without headphones feels hard, but often leads to the best thinking.
"What would make this more fun?" is a good question.
To do well, you need to be well.
LEGO® is even more fun as an adult.
Kindness costs nothing.
You can have a shaved head and still be stylish, strong, and professional.
Find your version of rest (spending hours building your Animal Crossing island absolutely counts).
Say no. Often.
Change is terrifying, but you will always learn something.
Don't measure your success by other people’s metrics.
Be curious, play, and embrace learning. Growth comes from exploration.
Caring less about what others think is deeply freeing.
Being quirky is a strength, not a flaw.
There is never a downside to learning more about yourself.
Systems over tools.
You have more professional autonomy than you think.
You are not a machine. Don't expect yourself to work like one.
Good enough really is good enough.
Approach failure like a scientist: it's just data.
It’s OK to change your mind.
Boundaries allow you to do your best work.
Balance isn't about everything being equal; it's about noticing and adjusting.
Do one thing at a time (if you want to do that thing well).
Fresh air makes everything better.
You don't have to monetise your hobbies.
When you know how to say "no", your "yes" becomes even more powerful.
Trust yourself. You know more than you think.
