05 | 🎓 Learning by writing

I’m Jake - you’re getting this email because you signed up to my weekly email about becoming a better person and enjoying life as much as possible.

Yo team -

Thanks for reading once again, and don't forget to subscribe for more each Thursday if you haven't already 😁

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So: numero 5. Now is as good a time as any to ask why I'm doing this?

Why am I doing this? What am I gaining out it?

I'm glad you asked. I'm writing this each week to try and figure out how to make life even better. Whether that be from a new way to think about life, a useful new skill or something I've read. Could be anything.

But, more interestingly - the reason why I'm writing it as an email is because:

• It's a good place to think about things I've picked up throughout the week that make life better

• Sharing this gives me more accountability to turn up each week and write

• I reckon others would benefit from what I learn, as well as some of my experiences

• I want to hear the views of others

Unfortunately, for a lot of people, learning stops after people have driving lessons. People learn things here and there, but proper education and skill acquisition stops fairly early. We end up pigeon holed in the same role for most of our lives.

I definitely don't want that, so this email is one way I can break out of that. No matter what the outcome is, I can look back in a year and think: 'at least I've learned a thing or two'. From actual skills, to knowledge on how to live a more engaging and enjoyable life.

My new hobby

Despite working in advertising I don’t actually do anything creative, so I tend to think that I'm 'not creative.' And despite studying English at uni, I didn't really think I enjoyed writing that much.

Writing a blog seemed like a good place to change that, so I sat down and randomly wrote 3000 words off the top of my head about sleep. I guess that answers my suspicions on whether or not I am creative. Also, 3000 words in a night is a lot - so I guess I do like writing after all. As long as it's something I find interesting (not A3 printers, for example).

Writing each week and creating videos also enables me learn new skills - writing, (potentially) building an audience, and also just being committed each week. All while learning how to make life better.

Plus - writing a weekly post that people want to read, week in, week out, is a skill in itself (which I definitively won’t be the judge of).

And who knows - this might end up being something! People are subscribing each week (yo yo 👋🏻). Definitely a who knows, but ultimately, after writing and making videos for a year, I’ll certainly have picked up a thing or two along the way.

And most importantly, my life will be better - both from learning new skills, and also learning about how to make life better.

And that's the main aim of this email - how to make life even more enjoyable.

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How am I 1% better today? 📈

I like the idea of minimalism and I am trying to incorporate it into my life. But, some habits die much more slowly than others. I bought a new pair of trainers while I was walking Benji last week without really thinking about it, and today I returned them. I don't need more trainers.

What have I learned this week? 🤔

It's up to us to move forward in life. People can help and give encouragement, but ultimately, inertia won't get us anywhere. Take the next step, even if it's a small one.

This Week’s Recommendation 🔝

Radio 1 now has 2 offshoots - Radio 1 Dance and Radio 1 Relax. I play the former most days while I'm working at home and they are both bloody brilliant.

They're both online only, so you won't find them on your radio - ask Alexa/Google 'Play Radio 1 Dance/Relax'.

This Week I’m: ⬇️

• Reading 📚 - Show Your Work - Austin Kleon - Good source of inspiration. I keep coming back

• Listening to 🎧 - *My House* - Jodie Harsh Banger

• Watching 📺 - Gogglebox - Perfect for any time of day. Doesn't get any better!

• Looking forward to 🤩 - City in the Champions League final 🔵⚪️

• Working on 🧑🏻‍💻 - A video about making the most of working from home (still)

This Week’s Video 📺

Definitely rough around the edges but I think this is a decent 1st attempt at a video.

This Week’s Quote 💬

There we have it!

Looking forward to catching up next week.

In the meantime, find me on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and have a look at what I’m reading on Goodreads. Ciao!

P.S. Turns out FC Pensioners were all 6”+ young men who beat us 6-3.