A beginning is a very delicate time

Hello readers! Welcome to the first issue of Vitality Digest, a weekly newsletter where we provide insights, and ideas on cultivating a growth mindset and making everyday better. As mentioned in our previous post, the newsletter is divided into 5 sections or vitals, each with its own purpose. You can read more about it here.

One final reminder; as a token of gratitude for signing up for our newsletter, we’re offering 10% OFF on all our digital products available on Gumroad. Simply use the code “FLOW10” at checkout to redeem it.

Now, let’s dive in.

The popular quote from Dune (1984) which serves as a fitting title for our first issue of the newsletter is a variation of Frank Herbert’s original quote:

Our interpretation of this quote is the significance of trusting the process. Whether you're tackling a new project or trying to establish a new routine in your daily life, having confidence in the process and continually checking in to make necessary adjustments while aligning your goals with your intentions is what will ultimately lead to success.

When we embark on something new, there's a unique sense of vulnerability as we step into the unknown. But we can counter the delicate nature of beginnings by acknowledging that failures will occur and they are valuable lessons steering you toward your goals.

Activity: Get Started

Take a moment, to think about something you’ve been meaning to or wanted to do. Try to visualize the outcome and assess if the time you’re willing to invest has a positive return and is guiding you toward your dream future self. When you find it, Get started. Whatever you begin with doesn’t need to be perfect but it needs to be present. Then you can make adjustments along the way.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks and responsibilities that demand our attention. Whether you're a student juggling assignments, a professional handling multiple projects, or simply trying to maintain a work-life balance, mastering time management is crucial. This is where the concept of time blocking comes into play.

So What is Time Blocking?

Time blocking is a renowned time management method that involves dividing your day into distinct blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or activity. During these blocks, you focus solely on the assigned activity, minimizing distractions and interruptions. This helps you create a structured schedule that enables greater efficiency.

An important starting point is to identify and list your priorities and take into account your peak energy hours. Then, create time blocks that match your high-priority tasks with high energy levels. That way you’ll be able to focus better on what matters most.

Activity: Time block your next week's schedule

This can be done in many ways. Like me, if you use a digital calendar (Google or Apple), you can create recurring events for activities like workouts or meetings and add adjust events when necessary. The same is true for a pen-and-paper system. For time blocking to work, it’s crucial that you leave some space on your schedule for when Life happens.

And although blocking is a great time management tool, it may not work for everyone. The only way to find out is by experimenting and trying it out yourself.

For reference, here’s what time blocking looks like on Google Calendar:

Image source: The Journal Life

Everyone knows Sleep is a fundamental necessity of overall well-being. Adequate and restful sleep facilitates tissue repair, and muscle growth, enhances mental clarity and much more. And yet it is many times overlooked and not prioritized.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help you feel energized and vibrant during the day. A great hack, although difficult at first is to keep electronic devices away from your bed preferably on the other side of the room. Also limiting screen time a couple of hours before bed can help you fall asleep faster. Switching to relaxation techniques like reading a book or meditating before bed may help your body wind down.

Imagination is the Discovering Faculty, pre-eminently. It is that which penetrates into the unseen worlds around us, the worlds of Science.

These famous words were by Ada Lovelace, an inspiring mathematician and writer known for her work on the Analytical Engine. She is also considered the world’s first computer programmer for her work on the Bernoulli number algorithm implemented in Charles Babbage’s machine.

Her words resonate across time, reminding us that creativity and imagination are not confined to the arts alone. Instead, they hold the power to unlock unseen realms in the world of science and technology.

Think back to a moment when you were so absorbed in an activity that time seemed to slip away. You were fully immersed, and the outside world faded into the background. It might have been while working on a project, pursuing a hobby, or even during a passionate conversation. Can you recall how you felt during that moment?

That moment was Flow. A mental state of full immersion and energized focus. The flow state was named by the positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi who theorized that people are the happiest when they are in the state of flow.

Flow is powered by Intrinsic motivation, where individuals do not seek external rewards to get a task done but complete the task for its own sake. Pursuing challenging tasks become more enjoyable and rewarding as you find yourself in a euphoric experience.

That’s it for this issue. If you liked what you read, please share it with your fellow friends and family.

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Next week, we’ll talk more about how we can cultivate this state of flow alongside other insights and ideas.

Until then, stay vital and have a great week.

Sohail