Odysseas
Effective Note-Taking to Remember More + Create New Ideas
updated
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Obsidian setup:
youtu.be/hSTy_BInQs8?si=4Ez3dCdQUAOFd8dj
Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
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Jetpens fountain pen video:
youtu.be/U9mWKwXfF6s?si=z-mtAUHhmor8jVNJ
Shellshore Drehgriffel video:
youtu.be/AjpWJ2Zr1KA?si=o7_XKjPi02o9GGbw
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00-00:52 Why I Abandoned Digital Notes
00:52-2:03 Slowness means quality
2:03-3:50 Save yourself from mistakes
3:50-5:20 Ritual and aesthetics
5:20-6:28 Portability
6:28-7:23 Distraction-free environment
7:23-9:45 Integrate with Obsidian + Digital notes
9:45-12:01 Pens and notebooks
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Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
-
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-1:00 Stress and boredom
1:00-3:15 Independence in notes
3:15-5:20 Rely on emotions
5:20-6:51 Note quotes
6:51-8:40 Books as long-term projects
8:40-10:05 Is it even a problem?
10:05-10:38 Newsletter
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This video was sponsored by Brilliant
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Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
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Tim DeMoss video:
youtu.be/S0krJtb8vxI?si=_-dHBurgzeOO_4Hw
Images used in thumbnail:
handwrittenwork.com/inhandwriting/2016/2/27/i-have-no-choice-but-to-revise
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00-2:45 My struggle with originality
2:45-3:05 It's not just for writers
3:05-6:21 Consume widely and uniquely
6:21-11:55 Allow time to think
11:55-16:37 Live first, create after
16:37-18:00 Creation inspires unique ideas
18:00-21:34 Mix your passions
21:34-22:15 What do you do?
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Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
-
Videos on slow learning:
youtu.be/8wzyFyB09JY
youtu.be/elx04w1v1Wo
youtu.be/eCaOSNxwCsw
youtu.be/MvAdBKIcmhAv
youtu.be/hSTy_BInQs8
youtu.be/N4YjXJVzoZY
Videos on taking action
youtu.be/s3k_MeqZyk0
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:41 Uncommon mistakes
00:41-2:30 Resisting Fiction
2:30-5:36 Sacrificing quality for volume
5:36-7:24 Listening to Youtubers*
7:24-9:35 Avoiding action with practical books
9:35-11:20 Intellectual Pride
11:20-14:27 Slicing fiction up
14:27-16:50 Expecting too much with hard books
16:50-17:14 Your past mistakes
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Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
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An article on the side-income idea (courtesy of @aidanhelfant )
nathanbarry.com/wealth-creation
Napping idea original video:
youtube.com/shorts/R4vzsLhDDkc?si=XnvIMieF3z7gnVpx
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00-1:28 Anti-hustle time management
1:28-2:46 "I have no energy"
2:46-5:21 Working around energy levels
5:21-7:20 Calm versus busy periods
7:20-13:28 How money can buy time
13:28-14:58 Take a break
14:58-18:59 Time for loved ones AND hobbies
18:59-21:05 Sacrifice some hobbies so others can thrive
21:05-23:20 Hobby seasons
23:20-25:56 Shorten, don't eliminate
25:56-28:54 Quality practice
28:54-33:40 Quickfire tips
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Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
-
Obsidian setup:
youtu.be/hSTy_BInQs8
Card Zettlekasten:
youtu.be/ugxcbsgjEHI?si=WiC4ou02xTFBngmf
youtu.be/gT1EExZkzMM?si=sTz7X0b3Zp8DtudN
Commonplace Book:
youtu.be/CcBy_b_43c0?si=G7C-gS3OfAR2l9xj
youtu.be/aaHEgPk0tNM?si=_Fj_w6IE7ZSV-G0K
youtu.be/fITgm5V-m_Y?si=RVTN4mBmDoxVlM8U
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00-1:25 The infinite content flood
1:25-2:13 The philosophy of mindful consumption
1:25-4:14 Fake productivity (and how to end it)
4:14-6:52 How to consume with intention
6:52-8:32 Why to take notes
8:32-13:13 How to take SMART notes
13:13-17:50 Archiving your notes
17:50-20:28 Revisit your knowledge
20:28-21:22 Final word
This video is sponsored by Brilliant.
Image used by Hohamina on Freepik
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Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
-
Mini-essays:
youtu.be/N4YjXJVzoZY
How I read:
youtu.be/0ue53UR2c48
Note-taking in books and Obsidian:
youtu.be/MvAdBKIcmhA
youtu.be/hSTy_BInQs8
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-1:02 Feedback and humility in learning
1:02-1:47 The Feynman Technique
1:47-4:00 The man behind it all
4:00-5:20 Step 1 - Study
5:20-8:02 Step 2 - Teach
8:02-8:31 Step 3 - Reflect
8:31-9:28 Step 4 - Revisit
9:28-10:39 Step 5 (bonus) - Simplify
10:39-11:35 Quicker version
11:35-12:00 Do what is best for you
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For pro sprinters, the start of the race can seal their fate.
It can give them the glory of the gold medal, or strike them with a disappointing 7th place finish.
Your hobbies are the same. It sounds easy to start fresh, but there's many dangers lurking in the days and weeks to follow.
Pride pushes you down.
Isolation makes you apathetic.
And influencers manipulate you even before you can make the decision for yourself.
Here I share some lessons from my own failures in picking up new skills, so you can save yourself the pain of a dead end and the cost of unused tools.
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Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-1:13 The starting line matters
1:13-2:54 Are you being manipulated?
2:54-4:20 Does it add to your life, or subtract?
4:20-5:48 Be careful of 'influencers'
5:48-8:45 Equipment - overspending versus being cheap
8:45-10:35 Direction - the most valuable investment
10:35-13:25 Analysis paralysis - the curse of too much info
13:25-16:50 How I stay resilient during struggle
16:50-18:28 The danger of isolation
18:28-19:09 The 30-second reflection technique
19:09-20:46 Put skin in the game
20:46-21:19 Tell me about you
This video is sponsored by Skillshare
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Learning is a hobby, and every hobby needs good tools.
They're not a crutch.
They're not an excuse.
They're not downstream from mindless consumerism.
Good tools should ENHANCE your work and not distract from it.
In this list, I have filtered through all the pointless crap I have bought over the years and shared the items that PROVED themselves to me.
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Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
@TheBioneer (Video in b-roll footage)
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:40 Tools Matter
00:40-4:30 Desks - Back health and comfortable work
4:30-5:59 Alarms - Why smart features suck
5:59-7:14 Book stand - Smooth note-taking
7:14-8:26 Desk organizer - Declutter for a clear mind
8:26-9:35 Pens and paper - Keep them everywhere
9:35-11:45 Second monitor - Instant breathing room
11:45-12:30 Laptop stand - Cheaper alternative
12:30-15:09 Whiteboard - Write, plan and visualize
15:09-15:59 What do you suggest?
This video is sponsored by Imprint
Writing is tough. Everyone wants to do it, but only a few can bear the struggle, doubt and failure it will test you with.
There's many techniques out there used by expert writers to find joy in their craft, stay consistent and push through the darker days.
None are miracle pills to solve it all.
None are easy to find.
And to search for all of them is beyond this video.
What I can offer is a look at the writing routine.
All of the most famous novelists, poets and thinkers of past ages have had a writing routine.
It was, and continues to be, a foundation in which the writing habit can unravel to produce works of greatness.
Some are weird, some are mild and others are plain crazy.
But the routine will remain a loyal friend to fall back on whenever life gets busy and you are knocked out your flow.
Here, I share my own routine and what I think about as I approach each step, so that hopefully you may be inspired to design your own -one that serves you in your road ahead.
Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
Download the daily word tracker on Google Sheets
(first make a copy of it, then scroll down for instructions):
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MIwZKHtSdQm4Y270ZMOhJAj6MRZCBZFUAK3i41aNFE4/edit?usp=sharing
Paper on walking:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2667807/#__ffn_sectitle
Kieran Drew X page:
https://x.com/ItsKieranDrew
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:45 Writing is hard
00:45-2:32 Why a writing routine matters
2:32-3:33 What do I write about?
3:33-6:10 How I make new ideas
6:10-8:48 A starting point you can steal
8:48-10:46 Planning, structure, clarity
10:46-11:50 When is the best time to write?
11:50-12:40 Walk, write, and walk again
12:40-13:22 Interruptions and flow state
13:22-19:20 How I edit for a polished final draft
19:20-20:24 Publishing mindset
domain using code ODYSSEAS
Why do you fall out of touch with your hobbies?
Why do they frustrate you instead of filling you with energy?
Why do they feel pointless at times?
Creative people recognize just how much life has to offer them. There's a rainbow of crafts, skills and hobbies to explore, and we want a slice of everything.
But it's not the pretty image you imagine.
There's hard work, struggle and self-doubt on the way.
It get's hard enough that it feels pointless sometimes. Not just a 'bad day,' but a hopeless trial with no real purpose behind it.
That's where the Self-Determination Theory steps in. This is an idea in psychology that explains why we do what we do, and how to make it MATTER to us.
I apply the three pillars of this idea to your hobbies, so that they can serve you in your quest for fulfilment, happiness and true meaning.
Join my newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past issues:
thefountain.me
X account:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
Videos/images used in the video:
markmaggiori.com (painting)
@CarvingisFun (Whittling footage)
instagram.com/goldenhivemead (Mead fermenting)
instagram.com/notjustabartender (Cocktail making)
instagram.com/beao.art (Pencil drawing)
youtu.be/t7J_oybRfuc?si=seFx3J4KcfKo7z_N (Trey the Explainer video)
Pertinax (Skyrim footage)
OGBlazer (Skyrim footage)
Shirrako (Dark Souls footage)
@AlanThrall (butt wink footage)
youtu.be/jUe091ljKZM?si=IdDPJmGjRjG0rcVF (TwoSetViolin video)
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-1:00 Self-determination theory
1:00-2:32 Autonomy
2:32-5:08 Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
5:08-7:42 Are you being manipulated?
7:42-10:44 How to know if you have autonomy
10:44-11:10 Competence
11:10-13:32 The pain of failure
13:32-14:38 Why skill matters
14:38-16:33 When pride toppled me
16:33-18:02 Are you pushing too hard?
18:02-21:05 Feedback is everything
21:05-25:52 Where to find feedback
25:52-27:16 Relatedness
27:16-29:22 How I find connection in my hobbies
29:22-31:36 Competition keeps us sharp
31:36-32:09 What do you do?
When I left school, I felt lost. I wanted to learn by myself, free from any deadlines, exams or constraints, but I had no idea how to do it on my own.
I love structure in my learning. It frees a weight off my shoulders, and instead of being overwhelmed by decisions, I can focus on the reading itself.
That's where reading plans come in.
Reading plans are a list of books which help you achieve a set goal/
They can be long or short, easy or difficult, general or obscure -the path is totally yours to define.
Here I look at why reading plans are so valuable for those with ordered personalities, and how you can make your own.
Join me on X
https://x.com/odysseas_px
Sign up for weekly emails
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Read past emails
https://odysseas.ck.page/profile
Reading charts wiki
4chanlit.fandom.com/wiki/Charts
(keep in mind anybody can add to this -I don't condone or support anything on there in particular)
The article on David and Goliath I showed
promisetewogbola.com/psychological-significance-bible-david-goliath
Goodreads
goodreads.com
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-1:10 Feeling lost
1:10-2:28 Value of reading plans
2:28-6:13 Pre-made plans
6:13-6:48 Build your own
6:48-8:45 Step 1 - Set goals
8:45-13:10 "I don't know what to read about"
13:10-13:45 Step 1 in action
13:45-14:35 Step 2 - Decide on length
14:35-17:27 Step 3 - Research books
17:27-19:49 Step 4 - Refine choices
19:49-20:45 Step 5 - Order the books
20:45-23:11 Some tips to help you succeed
The need for 'optimization' and hyper-productivity comes with good intentions, but often fails to deliver on its promises -that you'll learn more, and faster.
But with all these cheats, hacks and workarounds, are we sacrificing the substance behind our learning? The real effort behind the wisdom?
Are book summaries long enough to teach you?
Are fancy AI tools a distraction from the real work?
Are all the newsletters, podcasts and videos mindless clutter?
I look at the dangers of the hustle mindset in our learning lives, and because I never leave you hanging, offer some more mindful, fulfilling approaches.
Join the newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Past writings:
https://odysseas.ck.page/profile
Join me on X:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
Jim Clair:
https://x.com/FindJimClair
Mississippi footage from Preising Productions
thepreising.com
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-3:24 Hustle Culture, Self-Improvement and Learning
3:24-5:45 Why it Fails You
5:45-6:38 Why Bother Changing?
6:38-8:39 The Mindful Approach: Writing
8:39-9:47 Online vs Physical Notes
9:47-11:42 The Power of a Second Read
11:42-13:14 Reflection
13:14-16:46 Teach What You Learn
The self-improvement community loves them, speedreading gurus almost worship them, and even Goodreads has its yearly reading challenge.
The idea behind a reading goal is great, but the philosophy behind them falters: volume is the ultimate aim, and that's how you sabotage good reading.
If your goal is wisdom, perspective and new insight, then trying to maximise the number of books you read makes little sense.
What about reflection, note-taking and all the other slow processes that go a long way for your learning? Traditional reading goals overlook these and leave you struggling to keep up.
This video offers three ways you can change your reading goals to make them serve you in a more productive way.
One that encourages thoughtful reading, whether it's slow or fast.
Join the Newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Past Issues:
https://odysseas.ck.page/profile
Join me on X:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00-00:36 Reading Goals
00:36-1:25 Hidden Danger
1:25-3:40 Are They Smart Goals?
3:40-4:24 Big Dense Books
4:24-5:32 Slow Notes for Strong Learning
5:32-6:23 Solution 1 - Time over Numbers
6:23-7:32 Solution 2 - Include All Learning
7:32-10:05 Solution 3 - Reading Plan
10:05-10:29 What Do You Do?
It's not the only mark of success, but volume matters. It's how you practice new techniques, learn from your mistakes and get a deeper understanding of the craft.
Over the past year or so, I have built myself a solid writing habit that helps me bash out 1000 words most days. It's not perfect. It never will be. And yet, in the long-run, it's going to pay off in my skill as a writer.
Here I share eight tips that helped me build this habit, and I hope even one can become a valuable new tool in your own approach. Enjoy.
Join the newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Join me on X:
https://x.com/odysseas_px
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00-1:35 Testimony
1:35-2:22 Tip 1 - Track Word Count
2:22-4:34 Quantity Isn't Everything
4:34-6:08 Tip 2 - Write On Your Phone
6:08-8:27 Tip 3 - Write Different Styles
8:27-10:21 Tip 4 - Write What You Love
10:21-11:56 Tip 5 - Plan Future Writing
11:56-15:03 Tip 6 - Write in Public
15:03-15:27 Newsletter
15:27-18:06 Tip 7 - Quick First Draft to Beat Perfectionism
18:06-19:40 Tip 8 - Walk, Write, Walk Again
https://skl.sh/odysseas05241
Mini-Essays are a style of note that blends speed and novelty with the depth you need to understand ideas.
They're an invaluable tool not only for exploring your curiosity, but also for putting in the reps for your writing habit. Write just one or two every day, and in a year, you'll be unrecognizable from the writer you once were.
But how do you get started?
Mini-Essays are a unique format, so it can be tricky to get stuck in. This video offers some rough direction for writing your own, for whatever goals you have. We're all different, and mini-essays have to reflect this by staying flexible, fun and tailor-fit to your approach.
Here I cover:
-Four rules to keep your mini-essays useful (and not a pain in the ass to manage).
-Techniques to write an enticing intro.
-Tips for writing the body text in a clear and logical way.
-How you can wrap it up with a punchy conclusion.
-How you can use storytelling to write mini-essays that make you feel.
Enjoy!
Join the Newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Other Mini-Essay Video:
youtube.com/watch?v=N4YjXJVzoZY
Organizing Your Mini-Essays With Obsidian (Zettelkasten):
youtu.be/hSTy_BInQs8?si=zeuo0aBkj5Q4JpQc
Art used in thumbnail is 'Ernest' by Roeland Kneepkens
roelandkneepkens.com
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00-00:27 Mini Essays
00:27-1:16 Personalized Writing
1:16-8:26 The Four Rules of Mini-Essays
8:26-9:04 The Three-Part Structure
9:04-10:35 What Makes a Good Intro?
10:35-13:15 Steal These Intro Styles
13:15-16:10 Writing the Body Text
16:10-17:47 Writing a Powerful Conclusion
17:47-18:03 Newsletter Plug
18:03-20:35 Using Storytelling in Mini-Essays (Story Notes)
20:35-23:43 Storytelling Examples
23:43-23:59 Outro
By combining mini-essays with the Zettelkasten system, I've created a workflow which fits my learning like a glove, and I hope it'll work the same for you.
Here, notes go beyond mere online post-it notes.
They're opportunities to learn, to practice writing, to store big ideas and to serve your future projects in any creative endeavor you love.
Subscribe to my Newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Download Obsidian:
https://obsidian.md/
Atomic vs Literature Notes Video:
youtu.be/_t9R1AnB7ho?si=occGwRB69eDld-dG
Mini-Essays Video:
youtu.be/N4YjXJVzoZY?si=SdfZ64WyKc_Vlvrf
For more Obsidian (some of the resources that helped me set up my own):
youtu.be/E6ySG7xYgjY?si=RHJ1tlcG8n5_HkPu
youtu.be/gXvozu3I4K0?si=jlqI0s-48lPLCbYE
youtu.be/wvAZ9-hmWQU?si=a7X_L867cmI9UbDF
Try Audionotes for free with https://audionotes.app/?aff=7wjen
00:00-00:16 Intro
00:16-2:23 Avoiding Toxic Perfectionism
2:23-2:53 My Testimony
2:53-4:22 The Zettelkasten
4:22-5:12 The Value of Being Slow
5:12-6:25 Instant Feedback
6:25-9:14 Perfect Idea Storage
9:14-10:22 The Power to Remix Ideas
10:22-14:00 Your Personal Writing Assistant
14:00-20:34 Folder Setup + How to Tag
20:34-22:30 Important Settings
22:30-24:03 Note Template
24:03-24:58 Creating a New Note
24:58-35:38 Writing a Note (Start-to-Finish)
35:38-36:26 Ask Me Anything
Since then, I always keep a pencil in hand as I dive into a book.
It's my beacon in the dark.
It guides me through the author's ideas.
It helps me arrange my thinking.
It keeps my analysis precise.
The result?
I can close the covers of ANY book with satisfaction, knowing I did my best to squeeze out its rich insight. My learning has never felt better.
This is a collection of my favourite techniques.
After years of experimentation, these few have stood the test of time.
Though simple, they're priceless tools in my reading, and I hope they can serve you in your own journey.
--
Join the mailing list:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Join me on X:
twitter.com/odysseas_px
James Carran:
twitter.com/getpaidwrite
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:48 Passive Reading
00:48-1:47 How I Read Actively
1:47-2:57 Rephrasing to Understand
2:57-4:13 Ask Questions, Find Answers
4:13-5:17 Margin Numbers
5:17-7:00 Underlining (and how to use it properly)
7:00-7:44 Newsletter Announcement!
7:44-9:26 The Power of Connections
9:26-11:16 Chapter Summaries
11:16-11:40 What Do You Do?
This question has loomed over me forever.
For many years, through experimentation, failure and frustration, I've searched for the best approach to reading.
This strategy is the product.
It keeps my reading habit consistent and free from pointless friction.
It helps me analyse each book and absorb all the insight within.
It offers an outlet to get creative and practice my writing skill.
Throughout the process, you'll see many tried and tested principles to support your learning.
Creating systems.
The Feynman Technique.
Short-feedback loops.. to name a few.
Though simple, they're the backbone of a proper self-education, one that will leave you well-read and satisfied with the result.
There's no room for bullshit in this strategy either.
No complicated flowcharts, no guru speedreading, and no lazy 'hacks.'
It will take time and effort. Lots of it.
But the reward is real wisdom.
A step closer to being a polymath.
A life of curiosity, perspective and achievement.
Join me on X:
twitter.com/odysseas_px
Great Books of the Western World (scroll down a bit):
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Books_of_the_Western_World
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:40 No BS Book Analysis
00:40-1:20 How I Choose Books - 1
1:20-3:09 Great Works of the Western World
3:09-4:01 How I Choose Books - 2
4:01-6:17 How I Read
6:17-7:05 Book Analysis
7:05-7:57 The Value of Slow Reading
7:57-9:48 An Outlet for Writing Practice
9:48-12:13 Long-Term Investments
12:13-13:00 Note-Taking Walkthrough
13:00-15:06 Building Your Personal Knowledge Bank
15:06-16:18 Note Structure + Mini-Essays
16:18-16:49 Conclusion
How can you juggle many hobbies at once?
This was one of my worst struggles.
I'd jump from skill to skill, hobby to hobby, business plan to business plan.. all for little success in anything.
But over years of experimentation, I've settled at a fine balance.
You CAN pursue many interests AND make progress in each.
With some careful decisions, sacrifices and time-management techniques, it's possible for you to become a well-rounded person.
One who satisfied every aspect of their curiosity and achieves success in many faculties of life.
If you see the 'Renaissance Man' or 'Polymath' as an ideal worth labouring towards, then you'll benefit from this balance.
This video is everything I've learned in my own journey, for staying focused enough to progress all while branching out to build a diverse skill stack.
Enjoy!
--
Join the mailing list:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Mead clip from:
@goldenhivemead
instagram.com/goldenhivemead
Drawing clip from:
@beao.art on IG
instagram.com/beao.art
Join me on X:
twitter.com/odysseas_px
Try Audionotes for free with https://audionotes.app/?aff=7wjen
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:30 We Are Generalists
00:30-1:20 The Danger of Many Interests
1:20-2:45 My Testimony
2:45-4:13 Choosing What Matters
4:13-5:15 Time Management
5:15-7:20 Design Your Plan
7:20-8:35 Defer to the Future
8:35-10:28 Reframe, Don't Replace
10:28-12:30 Avoiding Creative Jealousy
12:30-14:25 Can You Push Through the Struggle?
14:25-14:29 What's Your Best Advice?
instagram.com/beao.art
Over the years I've been reading and writing, I have found 6 tools that change how I work.
No gimmicks.
No consumerism.
But real, quality supplements to my learning.
And the best part is their price. For a small investment, you gain a lifelong asset in your self-education.
LINKS
Desk Organiser (searching this will give you a bunch of similar models)
amazon.co.uk/LITEM-Organizer-Tabletop-Stationery-Multi-Purpose/dp/B08WPXDS5Q
Obsidian
https://obsidian.md/
Bookstand (also many similar models if not available)
amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TQ5NLP4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Join me on X:
twitter.com/odysseas_px
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:14 Cheap Investments
00:14-1:30 Item 1
1:30-3:40 Item 2
3:40-4:28 Item 3
4:28-6:11 Item 4
6:11-7:07 Tip for Wise Investments
7:07-8:13 Item 5
8:13-12:38 'Item' 6
12:38-13:08 Do You Have Any I Missed?
I like to take my time with books, analyse their points and take time to write about them. It's high effort, sure, but the knowledge you get in return is priceless.
Mini-essays have been my best friend in this journey. They help me understand hard books, remember big ideas and form interesting connections, all with 30 minutes of time here and there.
And that's only half the value. By writing mini-essays, I kill two birds with one stone. I'm on a journey to become a better writer, and these notes are a perfect way to practice writing and find my voice. Not bad, right?
In this video, I talk about how and why you might add mini-essays to your workflow to take learning to the next level.
Newsletter:
https://odysseas.ck.page/509a9315a4
Robert Henderson Article:
robkhenderson.com/p/31-lessons-i-learned-from-thomas?publication_id=800237&post_id=134731673&isFreemail=true
Join me on X:
twitter.com/odysseas_px
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:40 What Are They?
00:40-1:45 How I Use Them + Example
1:45-2:40 High Effort, High Reward
2:40-6:00 How Mini-Essays Help You Learn
6:00-8:00 How to Become a Great Writer
8:00-9:06 Boost Writing Output
9:06-10:27 Make Writing Addictive
10:27-12:36 Build a Bank of Ideas
12:36-15:38 How and Where to Start
15:38-16:04 Last Note
Philosophy, fiction, poetry -whatever it is, they'll challenge you well. Sometimes too well.
It's easy to get frustrated.
No matter how hard you try, you can't understand what they're saying.
Maybe it's something new.
Maybe the writing is cryptic and confusing.
Maybe their ideas go deeper than you can handle.
This 2-part strategy lets you reach the end of any hard book, but also understand it better.
It's not easy. It's not quick. But the reward in wisdom is so worth it.
Join Me on X
twitter.com/odysseas_px
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:40 Beat Hard Books
00:40-1:08 Harsh Truth
1:08-1:42 The Solution (Step 1)
1:42-3:32 Why This Works
3:32-4:37 The Solution (Step 2)
4:37-5:22 Build a Frame
5:22-5:56 Define an Outline
5:56-6:57 How I Avoid Burnout
6:57-7:47 It Only Gets Better
All it takes is three hours a day.
Three hours of focused time will change you forever. Each hour goes to improving a different part of yourself.
Hour 1 is for your health. All the greatest men in history trained their body just as much as their mind. Strength and intelligence were two sides of the same coin. You'll find training you love, and see your athletic side rise to new heights, making the foundation for a long, happy and energetic life.
Hour 2 is for your mind. A proper education is the cornerstone of every polymath, and that means letting your curiosity guide you. Consume. Learn. Discuss. Dive into books. Explore new ideas. Listen to others. This hour is for all things learning, and it's your chance to find what makes your life meaningful.
Hour 3 is for creating. Every great writer, thinker and philosopher spent ages learning, but we only remember them for their creative output. You can stand among them with one hour a day. Find a creative hobby you love, and over time, you'll be producing masterpieces that make you proud.
Join me on X
twitter.com/odysseas_px
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:57 Your 3-Hour Success Plan
00:57-3:09 Hour 1 - Train
3:09-4:56 Hour 2 - Consume
4:56-8:38 Hour 3 - Create
8:38-9:16 Recap
Not every book deserves an analysis, but when it does, these are five steps you can apply to squeeze every good idea out.
First, build a mental map. This is 'prereading' or 'skimming,' where you form a rough idea of the book's structure and how it approaches the topic of interest.
Second, keep a pencil close. Writing smart notes is half the story in a strong analysis. By marking up a book, you remember more and are pushed to engage more deeply.
Questions, answers, connections and your own thoughts should litter the pages as your mind spins into action.
Third, write clever notes. If you're not used to writing in books, or at all, it can be intimidating to start. Some helpful pointers on *what* to write are a great start.
Fourth, create chapter summaries. This is how you package your favorite ideas at the end. You use the back pages, or even a notebook, to distil all the best insights from the book. It's handy, organized and sets you up for archiving.
Fifth, you archive the best ideas. It's a shame to read great books and forget the perspectives that changed you most. And you can't carry around 100 notebooks either...
That's where the 'second brain' comes in. This is an archive where ALL your best notes are stored. It's like your personal bank of knowledge, one that can last a lifetime and will only get better with age.
Join me on X:
twitter.com/odysseas_px
TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:35 Why Analyze?
00:35-3:12 Mental Maps
3:12-6:07 Writing is Everything
6:07-8:00 The Power of Your Own Words
8:00-9:30 Writing Helpful Notes
9:30-10:50 Package the Insights
10:50-12:05 Make Knowledge Last Forever