Maybe getting a mechanical keyboard will solve all my problems
I know it won't.
Hey friend!
Sorry! I missed the July and August newsletters. You see, I jinxed it. In the first issue, I said that my consistency for the past few months made me proud of myself, and here we are. But that’s ok. Do you know what Shia LaBeouf says? “If you're tired of starting over, stop giving up.” and that’s what I’ll do, hehe.
What I've been thinking?
I love working until late hours. I was wondering if it would be the same if I moved somewhere in the opposite timezone, and I found this article.
I’ve been trying to improve myself on saying “NO” more. There are two things I want to share related to this.
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.” — Steve Jobs
“Would I do it tomorrow? That’s it—those five words. Not: Would I do it on some theoretical day in the future? This is the crucial question: Would I upend whatever I am doing tomorrow so that I can go there and do that? When you get the invitation, pay no attention at all to its far-flung date: Move it mentally to tomorrow. Tomorrow makes decisions simple…” — David Plotz / Would I do it tomorrow? by Austin Kleon
What I've been up to?
On the personal side, exciting things have been happening lately. Finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with is tough. I’m lucky enough to think that I’ve found that person. In a few months, everything will be different for us. I cannot wait to write more all about it. But for now, I should keep it to myself and the close ones. It’s like that urge to share with the whole universe while feeling scared to do that before it happens. So, I should better stop giving you spoilers.
Work and goals side, I’m confused. I have some dreams for my future self, a.k.a becoming a full-time content creator, but I feel like, instead of living for my future self, why not care about the present one first? Sometimes, I push myself to do things I don’t even enjoy, just doing it for the goals’ sake. And my friends, this is where “not loving yourself” begins. I should talk to myself carefully.
What I’ve been drawing?
I hate that finishing up a detailed illustration takes too much time. I feel exhausted and burned out when I keep working on the same illustration for two or three weeks straight. This is the latest one:
I’m considering finding an experienced illustrator to mentor me. It’s tough to improve yourself when you don’t know what you have to work on.
What I’ve been reading, watching, or listening to?
📚 Currently, I’m reading “Procrastination” by Jane B. Burka and listening to “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman.
🎬 We are close to finishing Vikings. I guess I will give a chance to the new one called Vikings: Valhalla. I also want to watch House of Dragon.
🎵 Sometimes, I make monthly playlists. I think the one I made in June was good enough to share. If you like indie, lo-fi, and calming vibes, go ahead and try it.
Something useful?
I like this book notes blog by Derek Sivers; maybe you will find it helpful.
I’ve just come across Kitty’s blog. They are accessibility & diversity advocate, frontend developer, and author.
I can’t recommend this video enough: Teach yourself Anything 🧙🏻 Building a PC, Watercolor Painting & Museum Visit (this woman is a fantastic storyteller!)
Something I agree with?
I’m glad I started this newsletter, even though I can’t be continuous as much as I want to. Having a blank page where you can reflect on your life is fantastic.
Something I like the most?
This cat video for sure. I can’t stop watching it.
That’s all for now 🤍
Hope to see you in the following issues.
Aycan