Hey Reader,

The last few weeks have been tough on the parenting front. I realize now how much easier it is to launch a business pre-kids.

It’s hard to get momentum when you’re stopping and starting. Or when you’re not sleeping well. This has been the case for the last 2 weeks as our daughter went through a sleep regression.

If you’re not yet a parent, a regression is when your kid forgets how to sleep (even if they've been a good sleeper). Mind boggling.

For those who have been on this newsletter a long time (some of you for over 8+ years). I’m sorry if I preached productivity hacks to you before having kids. Absolute blasphemy tbh 🙏🏻
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Understanding the value of our past

People often ask me if I regret getting a degree in Architecture given I left the industry after only two years working (after 6 years at school 🫣).
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It’s easy to think something was a waste of time if we change paths. But life is a sum of our experiences. And I wouldn't be where I am now without those experiences.

Hell I might not even be in America! It was my architecture job that got me the VISA to move to NYC in the first place.
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Contrary to my career choice I think architecture school is great preparation for becoming an entrepreneur. You learn so many invaluable skills like:
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✍🏻 design
👩🏻‍💻 presentation
⏰ time management
💡 bringing ideas to life
❓ problem-solving skills
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One project I did at school set the stage for what would later become BestSelf. I was one of 5 students tasked with publishing MacMag 35.
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MacMag is an Architecture school magazine/journal published by 4th year Architecture students each year. Similar to what I imagine being on the school paper would be, 4-5 students working independently.

We were in charge of everything from design, editorial, selling advertisement spots and printing. It was a great warm-up on how to start and run a business.
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This project is where I gained unique skills around learning book binding types, editorial styles and how to design layouts for books. Guess where that specialized knowledge became incredibly valuable for later Reader? Yes, creating the Self Journal!
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Steve Jobs is famous for saying “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards”.
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Looking back now I can see how all these experiences led me to exactly where I am today. All this to say, be proud of the path, regret nothing as everything got you to where you are today!

How to design your workspace

Speaking of architecture skills, I recently shared a twitter thread on on how to revamp your office like a pro (using Feng Shui and Design thinking) that I want to share with you today.

First, what is Feng Shui?🤔

It’s an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing the energy (or Chi) in your space. This can boost your productivity, creativity, and even your mood.

I'm not a woo-woo person but I'm a big believer in this for designing spaces that feel aligned.

Our energy and mood can completely change the output of what we create. When we are intentional with our workspace design, we are more likely going to increase the quality of our output.

1. Desk in command position

Command position is when you sit with your desk facing the door. This position is often associated with positions of power and authority.

This is a big one for me. I can never do deep work if I'm in a space with my back to the door. I also do the same at restaurants, never a fan of having my back to the door.

2. Design your zones & make the things you want to do easier

Identify your core activities, like:
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✍🏻 writing
📚 reading
💻 computer work
📞 taking calls etc...

Then plan your space according to what area works best for each. For example I do my focused writing when I'm in my lounge chair or at my kitchen table rather than at my desk.

When you design your space and environment in a way that makes your work easier then you'll be more likely to do it. James Clear has written about this idea of environment design, making the good behaviors easy and the bad behaviors hard. Design your default environment so it works for you!

3. Natural light☀️

Studies suggest that exposure to natural light during work hours contributes to increased productivity and better cognitive focus.

Try facing a window so you can have connection with outside. Also when on video calls it's going to look much better on camera🤩. When we have our back to the window our face will look dark compared to outside.

4. Plants!🌿

Incorporate plants into your workspace. They purify the air and improve your connection with nature. My favorite is the snake plant as it's one of the easiest to keep alive (serial plant killer here). It also looks cool and it also helps remove toxic air pollutants.

5. Element balance⚖️

FengShui revolves around Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.

Balance them through colors, shapes, and materials in your workspace. E.g. a wooden desk, a nice rug, a potted plant and a metal lamp.

(water could be a small fountain, if you inclined 💅🏻)

6. Declutter🧹

A cluttered space is a cluttered mind. Clear out any unnecessary items and organize by giving everything a "home". Clutter creates stagnant chi (energy) in your workspace, but also in you.

This clutter can block us from clear thinking, focus and decision making. I know I always feel better after I declutter.

7. Personal touches❤️

Add personal items that inspire and motivate you in your space like artwork, photos, objects, journals etc (not too much tho).

If you decide to change up your space, or already have something you love — reply back with a photo, I'd love to see!

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In-ground Ice plunge!

If you're following me on Instagram you've probably seen my stories about building out this in-ground ice plunge. It's definitely become part of my personality at this point.

Given the recent record-breaking temps in Austin you can imagine I was extremely motivated to finish 🥵

Well it's done!

Like I said, my architecture skills definitely still get made use of 😅

Next project: Outdoor shower. Not right now tho, I think if I suggest another project too soon my wife will murder me.

Recent favorites:

• 🎧 Scamanda: Great 8 episode podcast. No spoilers.
• 🔨 GPT Splitter: Break up big text /PDFs into chunks for ChatGPT.
• 💸 TikTok Financial Advice: BRB Liquidating everything.
• ✍🏻 Hemingway: Great tool for simplifying your writing.
• 📧 Superhuman The fastest way to process your email (been using for years but they're giving 2 months free right now for new users.)

Have a great rest of your week Reader!

— Cathryn

P.S. I totally failed at my shortform video challenge for bandwidth reasons — but I am proud of this video I created about my top 6 health products (after spending over $15k over the last year these are my faves)
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