Jan. 1, 2021, 8:34 p.m.

2021: Focused Action

Known Unknowns

For many years I took a tip from Chris Brogan and set “3 Words” as a direction for yearly goals. It was a great way to set up a vision for the year.

But then life happened - between work and a teenager playing high school and travel lacrosse - and I dropped setting goals altogether as being a parent was the top priority. No regrets.

This year I thought I would steal a single phrase from James Clear instead of three words:

What can you do with 5 good minutes?

5 good minutes of:

-pushups is a solid workout
-sprints will leave you winded
-writing can deliver 1 good page
-reading can finish an insightful article
-meditation can reset your mood

You don’t need more time—just a little focused action.

— James Clear (@JamesClear) November 21, 2019

Focused Action is about making sure I use time wisely. There doesn’t need to be a giant goal behind the action. Just doing something better than doomscrolling Twitter another time today.

You just read issue #29 of Known Unknowns. You can also browse the full archives of this newsletter.

This email brought to you by Buttondown, the easiest way to start and grow your newsletter.