It's been quite a year, unlike any other.
Looking back, the limitations made it difficult (and at times impossible) to pursue a lot of what I'd originally planned. But it was also an enabler to get more creative and find alternative paths to a desired outcome, destination or goal. And in doing so, coming to appreciate (and embrace) change.
On a brighter side, I had the opportunity to start and grow a newsletter, join a remote company where I was previously the active user of the product, and connect with several communities, creators and entrepreneurs around the world.
There were days in 2020 that I spoke with people living in 5 different continents in the span of 24 hours. And I was amazed by the possibilities that would stem from connections at this scale.
In this post, I'm sharing some of my best discoveries (and learnings) throughout this year in 4 different categories.
🫂 Communities
Interintellect
This is truly where the most interesting conversations on the internet are taking place! Pick a salon that aligns with your interests (or simply intrigues you) and join an open-ended, facilitated, friendly and diverse exchange about that topic.
Ness Labs
I joined the Ness Labs community in June. In less than a year, I've had some of the most thoughtful conversations with the most curious, driven and down-to-earth individuals who cultivate a growth mindset.
On Deck
I came across On Deck through Twitter and had the opportunity to join the first cohort of the writer fellowship (ODW1) in October. I'm really fascinated by On Deck's vision to unbundle education and create the ecosystem to connect founders and makers. I've witnessed such collaborations already happening between On Deck Founders (ODF) and ODW. Limitless possibilities ahead as more fellowships get rolled out and mature.
📧 Newsletters
The Growth Newsletter
As a growth marketer, I enjoy the how unconventional and digestible the advice in this newsletter is. They ask Y Combinator founders which advanced growth tactics are working for them and share those insights in the newsletter every other week. Read it here
The Wellness Wisdom Newsletter
Patricia writes at the intersection of wellness start-ups, personal development, spiritual growth and philosophy. When I put my interests against these topics, I can't help but look forward to receiving it in my inbox every 2 weeks! Read it here
Check Your Pulse
I'm a big fan of Sari's no-fluff and authentic writing. The newsletter is mainly focused on tech trends and startups, but you'll probably enjoy the content and writing style even if you don't care deeply about those topics! Read it here
🎨 Creators
David Perell
I first came across David through Twitter before subscribing to his weekly newsletters. On top of continuing to learn from his writing, I'm also enjoying his interview style for his podcasts, to the point that I'm sometimes more intrigued by what he's going to ask next (rather than the guest's answer). The one piece that I kept reading from him this year was Don't Kill Time.
Shu Omi
I enjoy how authentic and useful Shu's videos are. As I've been building a better note-taking system and leveling up my productivity, I found his recommendations extremely to the point.
Nat Eliason
Nat's advice on writing and creating online has massively shifted some of my old beliefs to focus more on creating and less on thinking. As I've been exploring where to focus my writing, his advice on not picking a niche is one I've kept reminding myself of. I also took his Effortless Output course that helped learning the ins and outs of Roam Research.
📚 Books
The Greatest Salesman in the World
My dreams are worthless, my plans are dust, my goals are impossible. All are of no value unless they are followed by action.
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
The challenge we all face is how to maintain the benefits of breadth, diverse experience, interdisciplinary thinking, and delayed concentration in a world that increasingly incentivizes, even demands, hyper-specialization.
A Guide to the Good Life
We have complete control over our character. We are the only ones who can stop ourselves from attaining goodness and integrity.