Its election day here in the UK, so here is a short to-do list before you get stuck into this newsletter…
- Vote.
- Lookup #DogsAtPollingStations on Instagram (you’re welcome)
Been ghosted?
It’s not just dating apps that expose us to the sudden cessation of comms that you thought were friendly, from the lead that goes quiet on your proposal, to the recruiter who never calls back about that interview. It seems being ghosted is a universal experience… and it’s pretty universally horrible.
Why not just let it go? It turns out we’re not biologically wired for that. Ghosting is an action that tugs at our psyches. When something is unresolved, our brains tend to linger on it (a phenomenon called the Zeigarnik effect). The underlying cognitive tension encourages us to continue seeking a satisfactory resolution.
This article explores the reasons why people ghost in professional circumstances and provides a good script for rescuing your dignity if you find that you are the ghost.
Should you automate that?
With the explosion of AI and a plethora of low-code automation platforms, if you’re that way inclined, you could spend days of time organising and optimising your workflow.
For example, this intriguing guide from the We Eat Robots substack walks you through step by step to set up a process that automatically takes voice memos and processes them to your note-taking or to-do app of choice.
It’s like magic, but its an lengthy process to set up, which the author acknowledges and introduces this guide to work out if its worth your time…
This guide assumes a 5-year return window but scroll to the bottom of the We Eat Robots article for an adjustment to a 12-month payoff period.
Planning some alone time?
As summer approaches, the urge to get away grows. But instead of a totally switched off holiday, many of us dream of going on an expensive retreat, possibly to a remote island with a squad of business coaches, yoga instructors and chefs to keep us on track and elevate our… whatever.
But what if you could do this yourself, in the humblest Airbnb, or even your own home?
This workbook from Nicole Antoinette takes you through step by step to design your own solo retreat, with tons of encouragement.
The best retreat length is the one you are actually able to do in your real life
I’m definitely thinking about it…
Ditch the scroll
OK maybe a full retreat is not on the cards, but if you’re hoping to be more time present with your family and friends this summer, this app could be the answer…
This app goes beyond traditional screen time monitors, and makes an effort to differentiate between addictive, ‘chewing gum’ apps, and those that might represent more quality screen time.
‘Monk Mode’, a focus mode with no ability to override, is honestly a little terrifying.
