Working from home — the new norm
As many of us transition to working from home as a result of the lockdown — our new normal, know that you are not alone. As freelancers, independent contractors, we have been there, the washing can wait. Be kind to yourself and take the time to reflect on what is working, and what is not. Also, this article is definitely worth a read — rituals and structure compiled from those who work from home effectively. That said, at times, lockdown for many has cultivated the conditions for clarity that we have to slow down — our thoughts, actions, our reactions. Productivity is not a function of your worth. Your work is one thing.
Consciously decide what you will give your time to and what you will not, making way for what is actually important — your love, your body, your sexuality, your spirituality. Use this time to help release old patterns and encourage personal growth. Adjust your expectations and lean on resources that will support your new work from home practice. Clear your space, your mind and start here:
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business — Charles Duhigg
Recommended by Tracey
Why you’ll want to read it There's a reason so few of us maintain their New Year's resolutions and yet we’re capable of brushing our teeth every day. Duhigg offers up fascinating insights into the neuroscience of habit and reformation. Introducing — or breaking existing habits is no small feat but you're much more likely to succeed if you understand how you diagnose habit loops and then change them. Because. Unconscious thought.
What stuck with me About 40% to 45% of what we do everyday sort of feels like a decision, but it’s actually habit.
Available from:
— Amazon
— Kobo
Atomic Habits — James Clear
Recommended by Tracey
Why you’ll want to read it I’m such a huge fan of James Clear, I’ve subscribed to his emails for years — I’m interested in anything he has to say. There's no greater act of self-love than making a promise that you can keep — for you. That said, and as Clear illustrates, failing to create life-enhancing habits, or repeating bad habits over and over occurs because we have the wrong system for change. So in what is considered the most practical approach, Clear provides the groundwork, a proven system that can enable to fly higher.
What stuck with me You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
Available from:
— Amazon
— Kobo
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less — Greg McKeown
Recommended by Tracey
Why you’ll want to read it This book is a systematic discipline that lends itself in deciding what is essential and what is not. Only then can we make the highest possible contribution towards those things that actually matter. Essentialist isn’t about getting more done. It’s about getting only the right things done. Essentialism is a way of being — in that you give your energy to those things that will take you higher. Clear the way. Make space and embrace the essential. This is not a book. Essentialism is a movement we can all subscribe to.
What stuck with me The ability to choose cannot be taken away or even given away-it can only be forgotten.
Available from:
— Amazon
Writing Without Teachers — Peter Elbow
Recommended by Tracey
Why you’ll want to read it Originally published in 1973, Elbow outlines a practical program for learning how to write — for anyone. And consistency conquers, as does chaos. Elbow celebrates uncensored writing. This approach turns the focus towards encouraging ways of developing confidence through writing more — followed much later by an editorial process. Prepare to make a lot of notes and versions of drafts.
What stuck with me You can encourage richness and chaos by encouraging digressions. And, “At the end, you can write better beginnings”.
Available from:
— Amazon
— Kobo
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World — Cal Newport
Recommended by The Internet
Why you’ll want to read it Deep Work is to commit to the power of commitment — the ability to focus without distraction on demanding tasks. This book allows you to access the superpowers required for a competitive, connected age. Newport provides a regimen — four “rules,” for transforming your mind and habits to support this skill. What’s more grounded, more practical than that? Pairs well with Essentialism for those who identify as busy.
What stuck with me “If you don’t produce, you won’t thrive—no matter how skilled or talented you are.”
Available from:
— Amazon
— Kobo
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change — Stephen Covey
Recommended by The Internet
Why you’ll want to read it For those ready to engage on a higher plane, Covey provides a holistic, principle-centred approach for solving problems — aligning with your higher self and greater purpose. This book will literally interrupt your current thought patterns and habitual actions so that you can take advantage of the opportunities that change creates. Revisit your goals and aspirations and start to manifest.
What stuck with me “Start with the end in mind. ”
Available from:
— Amazon
— Kobo
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