2021 June. Trying to do less.

I've tried to limit the amount of work, reading, and learning that I'm doing to more normal levels. I am trying to relax my high standards for myself.
I have to admit I have mixed results, but there are no new posts this month.

Books I'm reading #

Software Mistakes and Tradeoffs — I know one of the authors, but I like the idea of making tradeoffs more explicit.
Reinventing Your Life — This is the source of my current effort to lower my standards for myself to more healthy/normal levels.

Books I've read #

This one is a recommendation I got from my mentor when I asked about introducing new ideas into organizations. More Fearless Change: Strategies for Making Your Ideas Happen by Mary Lynn Manns Ph.D. and Linda Rising Ph.D.. If that's what you're after then, it's a great library of patterns for introducing change. I especially liked the stories added to each pattern.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón in Polish translation that I can recommend.
This is not a typical book I read, so let me add a little context. After reading Stand Firm: Resisting the Self-Improvement Craze by Svend Brinkmann I've decided to add a little bit of fiction to the book I'm reading, and at that time, I've stumbled upon some great reviews of The Shadow of the Wind. I half expected it to be an easy read like fantasy or sci-fi books I'm used to reading. Maybe a little more challenging. I wasn't so wrong in a long time. This book required a lot from me and when I was already doing a lot of other things. My plans of it being something I can do after work to relax turned out to be ridiculous.
So, after reading it, what do I think about the book?
It's not as great as the reviews made it out to be—it's not the best book I've read in my life, but it's still a great read. Your mileage may vary, so maybe it will be easier for you as well. Please email me if you have any recommendations for other great fiction books.

Elsewhere on the Web #

Your ability to focus may be limited to 4 or 5 hours a day. Here's how to make the most of them.. I have to admit that I struggle with how to use that idea in practice, but appreciating your limits and being more conscious of when you need a break sounds like a great idea.

Solve Problems Before They Happen by Developing an "Inner Sense of Captaincy". This is such a great post. Has these nuanced views that will challenge you regardless if your a leader or follower. Must read.

Parenting #

Toddler Tantrums – How to Deal With Tantrums In 2 Year Olds. First, it's something for parents of 2 years old that I've found useful. Read if you need it.

Check Up On Your Team's Kids. This one is if you're managing any parents. In that case, it is a (short) must-read for you. TLDR; if someone talks about some problem with a kid, it's probably a big deal for them.

Parenting + Burnout #

Exhausted? Inefficient? Distant? Parental burnout is inevitable.

Burnout #

Burnout From an Organizational Perspective

Instead of pressuring already-stressed individuals to fix themselves, true wellness requires organization-level interventions.

The 6 Burnout Triggers.

Chronic pain #

My Doctor Told Me My Pain Was All in My Head. It Ended Up Saving Me.. This one probably looks out of place, but as a person struggling with various pains and aches for a long time, I've found it absurd and empowering at the same time. If you suffer from pain, I couldn't recommend it more.

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Until next time,
Kris Kula