Everyone should have goals. And everyone does have constraints.
Often, these constraints are the scapegoat for our lack of achievement. Not enough time, money, experience, etc. But constraints are not something to be feared. With new framing, constraints can inspire creativity, and force us to get things done.
In 1950, Theo Geisel set out to write an entertaining children’s book. His constraint? He could only use 50 different words. You probably know Geisel better by his pen name: Dr. Seuss. The book he wrote was Green Eggs and Ham, which went on to sell over 200 million copies, making it one of the best-selling children’s books of all time.
A shift work schedule is constraining. Whether it leaves you with little time, little energy, or both, the label holds. But should we wait until a better time to get to work on our goals? Should we wait for more motivation or inspiration?
The answer to this question is best illustrated by Somerset Maugham, whom Steven Pressfield quoted in his excellent The War of Art.
Someone once asked the great author if he wrote on a schedule or only when inspiration struck him. “I write only when inspiration strikes me,” Maugham replied. “Fortunately it strikes me every morning at nine o’clock sharp.”
We all have limited resources, time, and skills. It is our job to take stock of what we do have, and figure out how to use it effectively.
The Weird Strategy Dr. Seuss Used to Create His Greatest Work | James Clear
Fit for Sleep
Numerous studies demonstrate exercise’s positive effect on sleep. But how do we get the most benefit: Aerobic or muscle-strengthening activities? New research suggests it’s best to combine both.
Associations of muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise with self-reported components of sleep health | Science Direct
Just what You Kneed
There is a widespread belief that running is bad for our knees. With the results of a new study, that belief is now in doubt. In fact, running may even help prevent knee arthritis.
Using motion capture and sophisticated computer modeling, the study confirms that running pummels knees more than walking does. But in the process, the authors conclude, running likely also fortifies and bulks up the cartilage, the rubbery tissue that cushions the ends of bones.
Why Running Won’t Ruin Your Knees | New York Times
To Eat, Perchance to Sleep
Shift workers can always use more help when it comes to sleep. Recent research suggests a change to both what, and when we eat could pay big dividends.
Doctors say that sleep disruption stems from issues with anxiety or digestion. Epidemiological studies show diet affects both, and link sleep deprivation to a weakened immune system, weight gain, obesity and diabetes.
How to Eat if You Want Better Sleep | Wall Street Journal
More Savings
Saving for (early) retirement is an important goal. Yet, for many of us, the amount we’re able to set aside is lacking. Take a look at this list and see if you can find some areas for improvement. My favorite: automatically divert a portion of every paycheck to a secondary savings or investment account.
This is by far the most effective way to save money every month. We tend to spend most of what we have. So, if we take it off the top first, then it’s less likely to be spent. Just head over to HR and ask. It will only take two minutes.
10 Best Ways to Save Money Faster and Smarter | Lifehack
Nothing to Fear
…but sleep loss itself. Sleep deprivation has long been known to interfere with learning and memory. Now, a new study shows that it also affects our ability to unlearn fear-related memories.
“Medical workers and soldiers often have curtailed or interrupted sleep rather than missing an entire night’s sleep,” Dr. Pace-Schott said. “Our findings suggest that such partially sleep-deprived individuals might be especially vulnerable to fear-related conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder.”
Sleep Loss Hijacks Brain’s Activity During Learning | Neuroscience News