This week brought with it three days off. A bit of time to think, listen to people in coffee shops and read up on where the world is going has provided some renewed gusto to my ‘start your week smarter’ write up. And so here are three articles you need to read this week, plus a whole load of links for longer reads at the end:
How Warren Buffet keeps up on information
Read, read and read some more. Cutting out chatter is what keeps Warren Buffet’s time lean and well used. I wonder how to approach this with the launch of Facebook Instant Articles and the prospect that we will now be bombarded with more news articles during daily digital snacking time. How will we learn to filter the sound from the noise? Buffet’s arguement is learn to not waste time on news or conversations that don’t have a direct interest. Incidentally this is something Facebook is learning to do for you.
Speaking of time management, here’s yet another article that looks at how our diaries are plagued with meetings and others borrowing your time. In the move from big agency to start-up I’ve noticed a marked reduction in the number of hours I spend in meeting rooms that is, in essence, time that could be spent working. (see points 1, 2 and 3 in this Buzzfeed listicle). Shameless plug – I wrote about this very topic back in November.
What’s on your moral bucket list?
I’ve been slowly working my way through a ’30 before 30′ bucket list (next weekend: running a marathon[!]) and while Henry Wismayer argues we should say no to bucket lists, I’m intrigued by the concept of a moral bucket list. The point that resonates for me in this article is ‘if you live for external achievement, years pass and the deepest parts of you go unexplored and unstructured’. I couldn’t agree more. This one is a a heavy read, but one worth carrying with you into the new week.
#ICYMI: articles you should bookmark and find time for:
Who’s funding the future? It’s is a must-read for anyone in the start-up world. A fascinating look at one of the biggest VC firms in Silicon Valley. 15 minute read.
Mankind is messed up. A slightly bizarre read, but a worthwhile analysis on the impact technology and changing gender roles is having on boys today. 5 minute read.
Why being wrong is right. Five lessons on being wrong from James Clear. I particularly like: choices that seem poor in hindsight are an indication of growth, not self-worth or intelligence. 3 minute read.
Let’s just hope your choice to read this post is indeed an indication of growth. More to follow next week post-marathon!
Asad Dhunna 