Hey Reader,

I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend.

Shortly after sending out last week's newsletter, I got to tour Cincinnati with my friend (and RadReads super-fan) Casey Grisez. IRL meetings with friends is such a gift!

I've also sent three issues of our new newsletter Future-Proof your Career with AI.

I know you are all so busy. And it's impossible to keep up with all the new developments.

This week, I test-drove NotebookLM (by Google). This will definitely be my go-to tool when I'm trying to go deep and learn about a new topic.

Each week, this free newsletter will cover:

• Real-World AI Applications
• AI Tools & Tutorials
• Practical AI Strategies for your Career
• Insider Case Studies

(Clicking this link will automatically sign you up.)

Here are this week's top reads:

// one

Why hobbies are an advantage, not a distraction

6 minutes | David Epstein

The best performers aren't singularly obsessed with their craft. During their free time they knit, pursue photography and build houses. Research shows hobbies specifically unrelated to our work boost self-reliance and resilience.

→ Read the article​

// two

The problem of “shallow attention”

1 minute | Kyla Scanlon

Kyla Scanlon is my favorite writer on the intersection of the economy and the internet. In this short post she examines the problem of shallow attention, monetized anxiety, and eroded competence — and why it ultimately converges onto “the grift economy.”

→ Read the tweet​

// three

What surfing says about the importance of serendipity in life

9 minutes | Psyche

Surfers know a little secret. Meaning isn't found in a grand cohesive plan but in serendipitous moments where your skill meets an uncontrollable circumstance. The "stoke" celebrates this perfect coalescence. We find meaning not by controlling everything but by skillfully positioning ourselves for serendipity.

→ Read the article​

Stories from my life

​

Most professionals misunderstand company politics. In my interview with Jenny Wood (link below) we discuss how your performance doesn’t speak for itself — you also need visibility.

Here's what really happens in corporate America. Decisions aren’t made on merit - relationships often move the needle more than credentials do.

Now most people associate being political with being fake. That's not always true. It means being intentional about your interactions and navigating personalities, alliances, and incentives.

In her new book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, my friend Jenny encourages you to be bossy and manipulative.

The book is fantastic. Jenny had an exceptional 18 year career at Google and backs up all her insights with very specific examples that you can apply today.

This Week on The Examined Life Podcast

​

This week's episode: Should you be bossy and manipulative at work?​

Below the Fold
​

LAST WEEK'S MOST READ

• ​52 odd health interventions that work instantly (BreatheLess, 911 clicks)
• ​No, everything doesn't have to suck (Paul Millerd, 578 clicks)

​

And finally, this is an actual RE listing in San Francisco.​

With gratitude,

Khe

PS, here's how we can help you:

​Apply for our Coaching programs: Are you an executive or founder undergoing a career change? We’ll give you frameworks and accountability for this transition.

​Want to sponsor this newsletter? Share your company's message with an engaged audience of 50,000+ ambitious and driven executives and entrepreneurs.​

​The Life Operating System: Your home base for personal productivity. It combines tasks, notes, project management and a CRM in one place.

​Supercharge your Productivity: Learn how our $10K Work method can help you improve your mind, career and relationships.

​

​LinkedIn | TikTok | ​Instagram | Twitter | YouTube​