Jameel Gordon 7/18/24 Jameel Gordon 7/18/24

Just Do It: My Motto

I often hear people sharing their feelings, and if those feelings are negative, it's usually because they either did something they didn't want to do, didn't do something they wanted to do, or did something but not the way they wanted to. I'm very in tune with others and their feelings and how they are often linked to one of these scenarios. In my own life, I not only tell myself but also make myself just do it. Do what you want to do, because if you don't, it will leave you drained and with a sense of failure. It will leave you with a feeling that isn't real—you're just making yourself feel that way because you didn't do what you were supposed to. So, just get things done. Just do it.

I don't profess to have secrets, but here are my keys to getting things done. First, don't think about things twice. I think for a living, and my rule of thumb is not to overthink. I consider something once, and then I'm done. It's either I'm going to do it, or I'm not. Chances are, if I'm thinking about something, I'm thinking about how I'm going to do it. When I'm done thinking about it, I just do it. If I have to think twice about it, I might as well not do it and move on to the next thing that needs to be done. Overthinking only drains me and leaves me with a sense of failure or another negative feeling I don't want such as regret, frustration, or disappointment.

Secondly, it's crucial to know what you're not going to do. Take some time to think about your standards, preferences, boundaries, wants, and needs, and don't think about them twice. Note them and live according to them. Your preferences are your preferences for a reason. Don't compromise your boundaries, negotiate for what you want, and make sure your needs are met. Just do it. Taking action and prioritizing your wants and needs can contribute to a positive emotional state.

Finally, and this is a major key, we all make everything up. We literally made everything up. If something didn't come from a seed or a complex protein, some human or group of humans made it up. Therefore, you can just do it. Just do the damn thing and stop talking yourself out of it. There's a strong connection between our actions and feelings. Not doing what we want or doing something poorly can lead to negative emotions. However, negative emotions can also come from external factors. Taking action and prioritizing what matters to us can be a powerful way to feel good. Thank me later. Cheers! 🥂

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Jameel Gordon 7/2/24 Jameel Gordon 7/2/24

Prioritizing Joy

It's essential to know what brings you joy. What is joyful in your life? Joy is a deep feeling of happiness and contentment. Consider your experiences—whether daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or momentarily—are they joyful? Think about the relationships in your life: are they joyful? Reflect on your work and your everyday living—your lifestyle—does it provide you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment? Is it joyful? Joy, that deep feeling of happiness and contentment, matters. Unlike fleeting moments of pleasure, joy is more enduring and can persist even in challenging times. It encompasses a sense of well-being and fulfillment that goes beyond temporary satisfaction.

Many naysayers will argue that not everything in life is meant to be joyful, but I disagree. I don’t subscribe to the “no gain without pain” mantra. Perhaps it's applicable at the gym, but it doesn’t have to be so in life. I’ve been chatting with a few runners lately, and although I don’t particularly like running, I have a desire to do it. They all say the same thing: “No one likes running when they’re running.” Then why do it? Perhaps it's the sense of accomplishment, the results, or achieving your goals that brings joy. If not, why do it? I choose exercise practices that bring me joy while I’m doing them, such as yoga, swimming, brisk walks, and hiking.

Many people are dissatisfied with the way the world works, yet every day, they wake up and carry on, participating in aspects of life that they disagree with—things that don't bring them joy, because they complain about it. Perhaps complaining brings them joy. Who knows? What I am suggesting is that we opt out of the things that don’t bring us joy. Don’t do them, don’t be around them, and say no to the "no thank you" portion. I will not choose to appease at the sacrifice of my joy. Personally, I prioritize my joy, if for no other reason than that we literally make everything up. Look around you—wherever you are in this world—and if it did not come from a seed or a complex protein, we literally made it all up, including the practices and shared values that go along with them. Prioritize your joy and make your world a better place. Then, make the world a better place—a place that’s more joyful.

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Jameel Gordon 7/1/24 Jameel Gordon 7/1/24

Mastering Focus + Avoid Distractions

As I begin another week with minimal intrusions on my calendar, I reflect on how I've spent the past year mastering the art of saying no and remaining laser-focused on the people and things that matter in my life and work. I've also spent considerable time shaping and molding the scope of my future work. Tackling the climate crisis by pioneering solutions at the intersection of AI, sustainability, and public policy to shape a greener future is not an easy task. The challenge itself is daunting, let alone the numerous difficulties that accompany it. With this in mind, and as an entrepreneur taking on this challenge, saying no is helpful but insufficient. When working at this scale, we can often get in our own way. Therefore, as I prepare for the next couple of sprints, it's crucial that I avoid distractions.

A significant part of this strategy is the excellent use of my calendar and to-do list, which I am known for frequently revising. I often add numerous tasks to my to-do list and, after a month or two or three, I delete them if they remain undone and prove to be non-essential. Even tasks that seemed urgent at the time, once they sit on the list and go undone without any adverse effects, save me time and are eventually deleted, allowing me to start fresh with a new list. Consequently, I've become adept at avoiding distractions in my life, whether from people, doom scrolling, pointless meetings, or other time-wasting activities. This has enhanced my time management skills, enabling me to be as productive as possible within the least amount of time, thus allowing me to achieve my goals without burning out.

I am writing to remind my fellow entrepreneurs to stay focused and not let distractions steal our joy. Our joy lies in our work because, for those of us anchored in our passions, our life and work are intertwined. Let’s avoid distractions, my friend.

Personally, I’ve merged and melded several time management strategies, which I continue to tweak and develop. They've been working great for me, and perhaps you may find them useful too. Learn, study, apply, and integrate these structures and disciplines into your life bit by bit, and let me know how they work for you. Until soon, ILY!

**Pomodoro Technique**: This method involves working in short, focused bursts (usually 25 minutes) followed by a short break. It’s designed to enhance focus and prevent burnout.

**Eisenhower Matrix**: This strategy helps prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, dividing them into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither.

**Time Blocking**: This involves scheduling your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to specific tasks or activities. It ensures that you allocate enough time for important tasks and limit distractions.

**Getting Things Done (GTD)**: Developed by David Allen, this method focuses on capturing all your tasks, organizing them into actionable steps, and regularly reviewing your progress.

**Eat That Frog**: Popularized by Brian Tracy, this technique suggests starting your day with the most challenging task (the “frog”) to boost productivity and avoid procrastination.

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Jameel Gordon 6/10/24 Jameel Gordon 6/10/24

No

I recognize the power of "no". It liberates me from uncomfortable situations I wish to avoid. "No" enables me to maintain focus on the people and things that truly matter to me, those that are my priority.

Even with those who hold significance in my life, I frequently wield the power of "no". Lately, my children have been fixated on passwords, constantly requesting access to various accounts. My response remains consistent: "No." Their disappointment is evident, yet I can't help but think that they fail to realize that "no" serves as my true passcode. Yes, I do explain the "why" behind my "no" to my children. This helps them understand the concept of privacy and responsible online behavior. But, "No." I value the potency of this simple two-letter word, a barrier that shields me from countless unwanted intrusions.

I've also cultivated the practice of saying "no" to myself. While declining others is, in a sense, declining oneself, I take it further. I regularly reject my own impulses. I consider myself to be exceptionally creative, often generating more ideas than the average person. Consequently, I frequently deny myself. This aspect of my character is why I find solace in maintaining websites and reviewing them regularly. If an idea doesn't fit within the framework of my sites or social channels, the answer is likely "no". My workload is already extensive, spanning a lifetime, so "no", I don't have time for additional pursuits.

Surprisingly, I hold deep respect and appreciation for the power of "no". As someone who frequently makes requests, I am accustomed to receiving rejections, which don't faze me in the slightest. Years of experience in sales have fortified me against the impact of "no". In fact, I often persist and find that very few individuals remain steadfast in their refusals. Yes, I do use my rational mind and I am respectful of others' boundaries. Recognizing genuine "no" and not pushing boundaries is necessary and crucial. Armed with this knowledge, I am committed to consistently exercising my own "no's", ensuring that my life remains focused, clear, and free.

Join me in saying it aloud: "No".

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Jameel Gordon 6/3/24 Jameel Gordon 6/3/24

The Future of Work

The future of work often mirrors aspects of the past. Though I hesitate to make this comparison due to historical injustices like chattel slavery and unfair labor practices, many of which we have moved beyond, and in many instances we must acknowledge that such practices persist in various parts of the world. However, the crucial point I wish to convey is that we hold the power to shape what work means to us. Let me illustrate this through examples while respecting the privacy of my friends and colleagues.

Firstly, I've been particularly mindful in navigating this aspect of my own life following a significant career shift two years ago. I've deliberately crafted my new career path, carefully selecting partnerships, clientele, and projects. I prioritize work that brings happiness and fulfillment, being cautious about commitments. After all, what we engage in becomes our work, so it's wise to ensure it aligns with our happiness and well-being.

For instance, I adhere to a four-day work week, considering my entire routine from Monday to Thursday as work. This includes tasks like writing blog posts, conducting research, and even activities like meditation and exercise that contribute to my mental and physical health, essential for sustaining productivity and fulfillment in work.

Recently, I visited a married couple’s home where they were celebrating a new addition to their family. Witnessing their responsibilities, from raising children to managing a household, underscored the immense effort required in such traditional roles. In this family, the husband goes to work, and his wife stays home with their now five children. She not only works to care for their children, but she also has the added work of homeschooling all their children. Despite the challenges, my wish is for them to both find contentment and satisfaction in their chosen path of life which includes their work.

Another friend of mine owns a business, investing her time and her resources into its growth. She juggles multiple responsibilities, from managing finances to leading teams. Despite the demanding nature of entrepreneurship, her passion drives her forward, seeking fulfillment in realizing her dreams through her work.

Every decision we make, whether pursuing education, launching projects, starting families, or joining communities, constitutes our work. It's crucial to align these choices with joy and fulfillment. Whether it's running a marathon or building a career, each endeavor requires dedication and effort.

Looking ahead, I envision a future where individuals increasingly empower themselves to choose work aligned with their interests and values. While the nature of work evolves with technological advancements, the essence of human labor remains unchanged. Work continues to be a reflection of our aspirations, serving both personal and communal needs.

In conclusion, while work undergoes transformation, its essence remains rooted in human endeavor. As I finalize and publish this reflection, I recognize the enduring nature of work in shaping our lives and communities.

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Jameel Gordon 5/24/24 Jameel Gordon 5/24/24

Are You Playing?

Play is an essential aspect of our lives, ingrained instinctually within us. However, at some juncture in our societal evolution, we adopted the notion that there's an expiration date on playfulness. Yet, the reality is quite the opposite. A closer observation of children reveals that play is the conduit through which we learn, grow, and adapt to our surroundings. It's the means by which we explore the boundless opportunities life offers.

Personally, my upbringing was steeped in play. I spent countless hours outdoors, immersed in the natural world—digging in dirt, splashing in water, reveling in the company of plants and fruits (and of course people), and navigating varied terrains. Play has invariably been integral to my existence, and I've staunchly upheld its significance. Some may even argue that I “play too much”. Regardless, the message remains clear.

"Are you playing?"—this is a question I've made a habit of posing to myself. Am I engaging in activities purely for enjoyment, for recreation, rather than driven by serious or pragmatic motives? I've consciously integrated more play into my life. Frankly, if a task doesn't resonate with a sense of playfulness, I'm inclined to decline involvement or remove it from my agenda altogether. Surveying the world's current landscape, rife with challenges and dilemmas, it becomes evident that we could all benefit from injecting more playfulness into our lives. So, I ask you, are you playing?

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Jameel Gordon 5/23/24 Jameel Gordon 5/23/24

Are You Sleeping?

When our body is in the process of restoring, rejuvenating, and energizing, it's crucial to pay attention to rest, rejuvenation, and our body's own energy cycle. I am keenly aware of this and have been closely monitoring it because I understand that I won't be able to complete the scope of work I've outlined for myself if I'm not well. Furthermore, I realize that I cannot be well if I am not getting enough sleep. Therefore, a simple question I've been asking myself a lot lately is, "Are you sleeping?"

Personally, I function better as a human being when I get the rest I need. It's essential. There was a time in my life when I subscribed to the "no sleep" ideology that affects many entrepreneurs and individuals in business, or anyone striving to achieve specific goals. Many embrace this campaign as a source of motivation, questioning, "What will you do with the 24 hours you have?" Having set and achieved goals, experienced success, and endured failure, I've learned something invaluable: "I am going to sleep."

The specifics of our successes and failures are irrelevant. What truly matters is our well-being, how we treat others, and finding joy in our experiences. Even amidst pain and struggle, I believe we can find peace and joy. However, this is impossible for me when I'm not well-rested. When I find myself experiencing doubt, sadness, low energy, or negative reactions to things and people, and I ask myself if I'm sleeping, the answer is usually no. From there, I know the solution for me is sleep.

So, are you sleeping? Before we embark on anything, let's ask ourselves that question. Let's ensure we are well-rested, rejuvenated after a productive day of work, and equipped with the energy we need to navigate through our day. Let's allow our bodies the time it needs to do its work naturally and without interruption.

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Jameel Gordon 5/22/24 Jameel Gordon 5/22/24

Are You Moving?

Movement is another simple action, or better yet, a privilege that we often take for granted. As I embark on a quest to simplify my life, I've become increasingly aware of my movements and how my body responds to them, especially moments when I feel truly connected to the ground, to the earth, and to the world around me. In these moments, instead of asking myself if I'm feeling, I find it more appropriate, more direct to ask, "am I moving?"

I work remotely full-time, and by many measures, I'm a digital native. I have to be intentional about not spending too much time behind screens. For those who know me well, you know I gave up computers years ago and primarily use mobile devices for work and computing. Part of the reason is to avoid being confined to a desk or a laptop.

However, I discovered early on that mobile devices can be just as immobilizing. I'm not fond of mindlessly walking or strolling while staring down at my phone or tablet. I find it more beneficial to simply stroll mindfully and enjoy my walks with no distractions.

With my work, I like to alternate between focused sprints (hehe) and walks. I'll dive into deep work and then go for a walk, or head to a coffee shop. This practice, especially in the context of remote work, makes more sense compared to my old habits (why am I going to a coffee shop to work if I don’t work at the coffee shop?). I prefer to accomplish my tasks in an environment where I can focus deeply and then incorporate movement to keep my body active throughout the day.

During my movements, I can then strive to stay connected to the ground, the spaces, the people, and the world around me without any distractions. I refuse to remain stationary behind a screen, whether in an office, at home, or a coffee shop. The point here is, as I pay close attention to the simple aspects of my life, I've made it a habit to ask myself, "are you moving?" Even as I write this while lying in bed, this question reminds me that after finishing writing, editing, and publishing this piece, I will set my devices aside and engage in exercise, indoors and outdoors, truly connecting with the world around me and avoiding distractions or immobility.

Before moving on to the next task of our day, the next item on our immobilizing checklists, let's pause and ask ourselves, "are we moving?"

***full disclosure: my screen time is still too damn high and I am working on this. Unfortunately, I doubt that other screen-less computing interfaces or experiences will become popular because humans prefer the tactile sensation of controlling the tools they use. But that's a discussion for another time.

Yes. Let’s leave our devices behind and go for a walk or something.

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