The best uses of my time

One of the things I wish more people (anyone) would blog about is not just the books, movies, blog posts, or magazine articles they liked, but rather what in their estimation were the best uses of their time. Was it a chapter of a book or a particular article from the New York Times? Beyond just the content they consumed, was it maybe a conversation with a friend?

I have decided to try such a thing at least once a month. Below is my first attempt.

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Best uses of my time this week (roughly in order)...

Reflecting on and declaring in writing (1) what marketable skills I want to become top 25% in, (2) what skills, though tempting, I will *not* pursue, (3) what weaknesses I need to improve, and (4) other important skills deserving of my care and attention though not for career's sake.

Reading the book NurtureShock, which improved my understanding of child psychology by orders of magnitude, and in some ways disrupted (in a good way) my worldview.

Analyzing living like you're about to die.

Time spent in my backyard at lunch, just letting my mind wander and following the thoughts wherever they lead me.

Radiolab podcast on "New Normal", particularly the part about baboons.

Lunch at Thai China Buffet with the lady.

Writing about what makes a work of art "good", using Bob Dylan's "Boots of Spanish Leather" as inspiration. (Post soon, maybe.)

Reviewing and digitally archiving old notes from my notebook.

Reading outside with pooch in lap.

Seth Roberts on Optimal Daily Experience.

Jonah Lehrer on Q TV about depression's upside.

Radiolab podcast on blinking. (~12 minutes)

Diane Rehm's interview of Sheena Iyengar on "The Art of Choosing" (~50 minutes, but can safely be listened to at 2x speed.)