Nature’s Guide to Productivity: The Animal-Inspired Task Management System

In a bustling world where multitasking is often misconstrued as productivity, and our daily deluge of tasks perpetually threatens to drown and derail us, the need for a novel approach to managing our days is more pressing than ever. Inspired by the distinct and intuitive behaviors of animals, this blog post explores a unique method of structuring task lists. By compartmentalizing tasks into categories represented by animals, we can not only bring a sense of order to our chaotic days but also align our work habits with the natural world's wisdom.

New Tides, New Adventures

I got married last week in Puerto Rico. I also just got off a seven-day honeymoon cruise sailing around the Lesser Antilles.

But a week before all this, I was informed that my cush two-day per week position at a creative agency was being phased out. It was actually more like a heartfelt request to come back full-time, or else move on, which was equal parts flattering and frustrating. One thing it wasn’t was confusing. As soon as the ultimatum was thrown down, I knew my decision: I was outta there.

Creative Fuel: How to Balance Inspiration and Execution

As an early 30s creative, I find myself struggling to balance my creative impulses with the practical demands of daily life. I am a musician, artist, writer, and designer, and I know that creativity requires space, time, and mental energy. But I also know that the creative process can be unpredictable and frustrating, leaving me feeling drained and disillusioned.

How to Tolerate Art Styles You Secretly Despise

Let's face it, not all art is created equal. Sometimes you walk into a gallery and see a painting that looks like a toddler got into the finger paints, or a sculpture that resembles a pile of garbage. And yet, art snobs will tell you that you have to appreciate every style, no matter how hideous it may be. Well, fear not my fellow art haters, because there is a philosophy that can help you tolerate even the ugliest of art styles. It's called tolerance, and it's a magical little tool that can make you look like a cultured art lover without having to actually enjoy the art.

Sleep Aid

The phone alarm blasted into my brain like a jackhammer-tipped freight train. Out of context the chime could be described as sweet, even soothing, but the tone had been corrupted and now elicited only fury. I swung my legs out from under the cozy covers and fumbled my toes around to find my slippers. On they went. My first moment of triumph in the last four hours. It was eight o’ clock, I had been awake since four, and this was not normal.

My Dress Is Too Short?

Years ago in the 90s I worked at a hell hole of a call center. It was my first "office" job and I tried really hard to be professional. What I didn't know was that a call center is basically the same as a restaurant. Everyone was sleeping with each other, on drugs/alcohol, and the managers were idiots.

Wet Green Glory – A Daydream

The hill sloped steeply down from the mountain. Sharp black crags faded to green as the meadow ate its way up the foothills. The story is the same as far as the eye can see – emerald valley marching into the blue-grey haze of atmosphere with its river spine snaking chasing the horizon.

This is Ireland, he says quietly to no one. This was a good idea.

Downtown Saturday Nights

Oh lord, I’m sooo tired! How looong can this go ooon?

My Dad’s baritone reverberated through the concrete corridor of the 4th Avenue underpass like Zeus cursing Greek mortals. And then the chorus:

Workin' in a coal mine
Goin' down, down, down
Workin' in a coal mine
Oops, about to slip down