Emergent: December 2017
In this month’s newsletter: NPR’s ‘How I Built This’ podcast, the easy way to start your day at 5 a.m., and an almost perfect coffee mug.
Emergent is a monthly newsletter that features Noah’s ideas, writing, podcasts, and other things that are capturing his attention. Subscribe here.
1. This month’s favorite podcast
I never really get tired of hearing startup stories and my NPR One app recently opened my ears to a whole new (well, new to me) collection. On my first listen, I was dropped into 1960s Chicago as Gordon Segal and his wife Carole scraped together a few thousand dollars to start Crate & Barrel. Then, I listened to Brian Scudamore tell the story of turning a $700 pickup truck into 1–800-GOT-JUNK?. After those two stories, I was hooked — and I think you will be, too. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, take a listen to NPR’s How I Built This podcast, hosted by Guy Raz. Check it out.
2. This month’s favorite reading
The easy way to start your day at 5 a.m.
I’ll ruin the surprise for you… there really isn’t an easy way to start your day crazy early. This article talks about willpower and creating reasons for doing things. The right reasons can support your willpower. I’m a big believer that your mind is your most powerful tool and you just need to learn how to make the “right” decisions. This article is a great example. Read more on Medium.
A method for ruthless prioritization
Figuring out how to prioritize correctly is one of the most useful tools you can have in your toolbox. I’ve always struggled with it, wanting to do everything at once. But, I’ve been learning how to be more ruthless and make decisions faster to move projects along. This article is a great summary of a prioritization method for product managers, but it has great applications for people who aren’t building products as well. Check out Brandon Chu’s thoughts on the topic.
3. This month’s favorite thing
An almost perfect travel coffee mug
I’m not afraid to admit that I’m addicted to coffee. My morning routine wouldn’t be the same without it and I don’t have any plans to quit any time soon. I’m sure I can keep finding research studies that say that it’s good for me.
Having the perfect travel mug is key, as I move from home, through my commute, to the office. I need my coffee to stay hot, my mug must never leak, and it needs to be durable enough to withstand the occasional drop. Enter the Zojirushi travel mug. It’s bullet proof and keeps things hot (or cold) forever. It’s taller and skinnier than your average mug, but I actually like that.
Like what you read here? Feel free to subscribe. We’d also love to hear about the things that are capturing your attention. Add a note in the comments or find Noah on twitter @noahparsons.
