I remember cycling home from work in 2019 and listening to Seth Godin talk about the benefits of daily writing. I remember waiting another 6 months before starting this blog. I remember the fear I had the first month staring at the blank screen.

But fast forward 6 years, I can say—without a doubt—this habit has made me a better writer. It’s made me more confident at work. And it’s helped me be more curious about the world around me.

I will likely still post in some shape or form, but it just won’t be daily anymore.

Thank you for being great readers, friends, and supporters over the years. It’s a been a wonderful ride.

A big thank you to Seth and Rohan who inspired me to start this journey. And, most importantly, to Maru, who believed and supported me unfailingly during the past 2192 days.

There is one that I’ve tried and enjoyed: the anchovy sandwich.

Toasted sourdough, butter, anchovies (I used Spanish white anchovies in oil oil and vinegar), finely sliced shallots, and parsley.

I like how it’s deliberately simple, and how the limited number of ingredients lets the flavours of each shine.

Although it may look like the road is clear, all four wheels coming to a stop gives the driver an extra moment to pause, look, and check for possible danger.

The idea should extend beyond driving. When the stakes are higher, or there is an increased risk of danger, think about a metaphorical stop sign making you pause for a second longer. It may help you avoid a headache.

His three things were: work hard, listen, and ask good questions.

I wish we did (or could do more) to celebrate problem avoiders. For clarity, I’m not referring to people who refuse to solve problems, but rather those who know how to anticipate them, and figure out a way to avoid them becoming problems in the first place.

Earlier this month, I decided to give them another shot. I made sure to start when I had a more predictable sleep schedule, and to spend more time understanding the app.

I love how much better the experience feels now. The sleep insights are very good; detailed but clear. I’m also loving the Strava integration for tracking runs—although that was probably available a few years ago.

I’ve also switched to a bicep band which has made the wearing experience much better. Their wrist strap needs to be worn too high up to be comfortable, but with the bicep strap I barely notice it is there.

Happy customer!

I wonder if there’s at least a loose parallel for humans: for feeling good, for clarity of thought.

I kind of potter about and do things in a haphazard fashion.

I get everything done, but I’m solving the same problems each day. I need to remind myself of what I need to do, and I try and cram it all in before I rush out the door.

It sounds kind of silly, but I wrote down my morning routine, and I just started following it without deviation. I made sure there was enough time to complete everything, and the morning has become much calmer.

When the start of the day runs a little on autopilot, it gives my body and mind a chance to wake up.

Wimbledon is such a great event. It’s the biggest crown in the tennis calendar, and it’s emblematic of London summer. When Wimbledon is on, concerts are happening around the country, the British Grand Prix is happening, festivals are happening in parks around the country, it really is the peak of summer.

Putting pen to paper can make you overthink, explain too much, and create complexity.

Writing like you talk—using plain, simple, understandable words. That’s when messages land.