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Five things worth sharing this week.

What I’m Reading

I’m reading The Practice by Seth Godin. It’s about setting up a consistent daily writing habit that helps you produce work that matters and create a positive change in the world.

Seth Godin practices his advice because he’s had his writing practice in place for years. Seth has shipped over 10,000 blog posts, and his blog posts and books have positively impacted millions of people.

Here are three of my favourite quotes from The Practice by Seth Godin:

“The Bhagavad-Gita says, It is better to follow your own path, however imperfectly, than to follow someone else’s perfectly.” – Seth Godin

“If you want to change your story, change your actions first. When we choose to act a certain way, our mind can’t help but rework our narrative to make those actions become coherent. We become what we do.”- Seth Godin

“Art is the generous act of making things better by doing something that might not work.“ – Seth Godin

How I’ve Fixed My Back, Shoulder, And Neck Pain I Got From Working A Desk Job All Day

1. I use an ergonomic chair that provides adjustable arm support, mid- and upper back support, and neck support.
2. Alternate between sitting and standing every hour (one hour sit, the next hour stand, repeat). I don’t have a standing desk, so I use this standing desk converter instead. It turns a standard desk into a standing desk that can be adjusted depending on when you want to sit or stand.
3. Keep your mobile phone away from your desk and don’t use it while sitting down. Sitting down is already bad for your health and back, but your posture will get much worse if you start hunching over your phone as well. Put your phone in another room and focus on maintaining an upright posture while sitting at your desk.
4. Go for a daily walk to break the habit of slouching. Take at least one 30-minute walk every day.

The Workout Routine I’m Following

I’m following Martin Berkhans’ Reverse Pyramid Training (RPT) routine. You strength train thrice weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you want to follow along, click here to read Martin’s article on RPT (which also provides the RPT training routine I’m following).

In my opinion, Reverse Pyramid Training is the most effective and efficient training routine for muscle and strength gain. It’s also superior for aesthetics and looking your best naked.

With RPT, you spend less than three hours at the gym weekly and can get incredible results.

Martin Berkhan can deadlift around 325kg.

That’s unbelievable.

How To Perfect The Art Of Becoming A Reliable Person ( Wisdom From Benjamin Franklin)

1. “It is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time, till I have paid what I owe.”

2. “To endeavour to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action—the most amiable excellence in a rational being. “

3. “To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand, and not divert my mind from my business by any foolish project of suddenly growing rich; for industry and patience are the surest means of plenty. “

4. “I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever.”

The above passage is worth sharing from Walter Isaacson’s Biography of Benjamin Franklin, An American Life.

This passage is so important because to be reliable is to also be someone of integrity, and integrity is one of the most important character traits we can strive for.

A Quote I’m Pondering

“So do not be concerned with the fruit of your action—just give attention to the action itself. The fruit will come of its own accord.” – Eckhart Tolle

In my writing, I’m trying not to get attached to the outcome too much (or even at all).

I can’t control outcomes.

But I can always try to do my best work and be as helpful as possible.

I’m trying not to care about external praise.

I’m trying to write for the sake of the craft.

To be better, and to help people be better.

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