Hi Friends,
Something that has been interesting to me these past few weeks is...
Exposure.
Exposure to new contexts like software, systems, information, ideas, various beliefs, design, and more. Exposure to various cultures, people, and travel do this too.
As a computer nerd, I try and expose myself to new software constantly. As someone pursuing clear thinking, I try and expose myself to new books. As a business owner, I try and expose myself to new systems of operation. Why?
Because exposure (new contexts) leads to transformation. Studies show that most people stop exposing themselves to new contexts after 30 years old and begin to solidify into something that may not actually be serving them.
Ben Hardy explains it like this:
"Your body seeks homeostasis by leading you to behaviors and experiences that reproduce the emotional climate it is used to - not necessarily the behaviors that are best for you."
Exposure leads to better decision making.
Imagine being stuck in a situation and believing there is only one way out. Now, imagine the same scenario but with 10 or 20 ways out. It eases the pressure, reduces the tension, and leads to better decision making (as we make our greatest decisions under a sense of calm).
I found this to be one of the easiest ways to transform. Simply by exposing yourself to new contexts, situations, etc.
Let rewind a bit.
Exposure Example
Back in November, I built my first website on Webflow, a newer platform for web development with promises of endless possibilities. I was frustrated and confused most of the time, but I got a site up in about 24 hours. It was bare but had the structural needs I was looking for. Great.
Next, I wanted to build a personal site, Davids.blog. So, I built it on Webflow. I got better at the software and learned how to use the power of webflow's databases, one of Webflow's superpowers... which is basically how the internet works and is fully customizable.
From there, this exposure helped me pitch a new client on the platform and its capabilities. The client is excited to begin with me as we just launched on Friday to build their site on Webflow.
In that process of learning about Webflow, I ran into a tool called Super. It allows you to take Notion (the app I use for all my notes) and create it into a website within minutes.
So, I did just that!
I created two Super Notion sites over the course of a weekend! I didn't worry about sunk cost bias, the bias that leads us to continue investing in something though it may not be the best path forward.
Rather, I hopped ship quickly knowing that none of the 'tools' are the end all, be all.
And surprisingly, all of this led me to this new idea that I'm working on now that I believe has potential. I could be completely wrong, but we will see!
I'm creating a way for people to show off their Squarespace websites so they can find inspiration, we can promote tools, and offer services (here is a screenshot of the first draft).
I never would have gotten to this point, without fumbling through loads of tools and experiments.
Practically, how can you implement this?
- Read more: Books are a surefire way to grow, especially when you read biographies. Don't have time to read? Try audible for audio books.
- Try new options: I use to dread making a new account with a new software company. Now, I do it probably every other day. I won't know if I don't try. Is the software good? Is it useful? Is it helpful? Does it do what it says it does? You won't know until you try.
- Ask: Ask people how they do what they do, similar to your current task list. How do you run your team? What bookkeeping service do you use? Why? How do you keep your notes? How do you choose what book to read?
- Give more: Giving has a weird way of enriching us, whether it be money, time, energy, talent, resources, or knowledge.
My favorite finds this week
- News: Myanmar Military Take Over the Country, Southeast Asia | I've been to Myanmar 8+ times in the previous decade. I love the country and the people and they have been on a long battle for democracy. This past Monday, the country took a large step back when the military junta overtook the freely-elected party. They cut phone lines, the internet, Facebook. Yikes! They lied to the people on state-run news stations, now thousands have taken to the streets. As I've spoken almost daily with friends in the country, it's something I'll be keeping a close eye on. If you have any questions, let me know.
- Video: Change Your Energy, Change Your Life. - Ryan Serhant | This year has been a year for me to focus on growing my energy. This video was a great reminder of the power of showing up with the right energy to meet the task at hand. Quote: "When you can't change your circumstances, there is one thing you can change, your energy."
- Book Recommendation: When Breathe Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi | I've mentioned this book over the past few weeks and found myself crying by the end of it. It was a very powerful, transformational real-life story of Paul, who was in his final year of residence to become a Neurosurgeon when he discovered he had cancer. He is an amazing writer and storyteller.
All in,
David
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By David Iskander
I'm David, a search specialist, and beginner YouTuber from Orange County, CA. My motto is: Whatever you do, do it beautifully. I enjoy making YouTube videos about website design, tech, productivity, and faith.
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