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Hey Reader,

I'm currently writing this with the window open, enjoying the crisp autumn air and a beautiful view of the trees in transition.

Given that I lived 27 years in an area dominated by evergreens, it's a new experience seeing the landscape create a symphony of colors during this time - it's something to behold.

With the transformation taking place in front of my eyes, I'm reminded of the change I've made to the newsletter and to the blog:

Beer content will be going away - for the most part. There will be some sober-related content in the future, but the focus will primarily be on minimalism and productivity.

I know for some of you this might come as a disappointment (sorry!😭), but hopefully, for others, the content will be even more exciting!

If you're confused about why this is happening, check out the first article below.

Now without further delay, here are some interesting/inspirational/intriguing/(other "i" words that apply) content I found in October:

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​Why I'm Not Drinking Alcohol Anymore​

Shocked?😱 I was too.

While I don't go into specifics about every reason I quit drinking, this article is a vulnerable look at the process I went through to make that decision.

Curious to know more? Shoot me an email, and I'd be happy to oblige.

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​How Millennials Killed the Guest Room​

While articles about Millennials (or any generation for that matter) typically feel like worthless clickbait, I found this to be an engaging writeup about the guest room's death.

Not only does the guest room not fit how many of us currently choose to live, but as a minimalist, it's hard to imagine a world where it makes sense.

Even if I had the spare room, setting it aside for hosting only four-five times a year seems like a gross waste of space.

Do you choose to have a guest room? Why or why not?

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​Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day - Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky

If you've read much of the blog, you likely know that I love books with bite-sized, blog-like chapters. Books ranging from The War of Art to ReWork to Steal Like An Artist click with the way my brain works, and Make Time hits in that same vein.

What's unique about this read is that the authors give a long list of productivity enhancers and time savers, but they're under no impression that every idea is right for you. It's a choose-your-own-adventure book where you get to glean the ideas that fit the life you actually live.

While reading this book, the first change I sought to implement was distraction-proofing my phone. It's still a work in progress, but I've already noticed a reduction in the time I mindlessly waste on my device!

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Creator: The Art of Improvement​

Ironically, I stumbled across this channel years ago during a YouTube binge.

Despite losing time that day, The Art of Improvement has been a source of motivation and learning ever since.

These videos distill productivity principles down to their core components and present them with whiteboard-esque illustrations.

If you're looking to pull yourself out of a YouTube hole or just want a few minutes of motivation, consider giving this channel a look!

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That's a Wrap!

As always, don't hesitate to email me with the articles/books/etc. that have been inspirational to you this past month. Sharing is a wonderful way to pass on the spark of creativity we get from the content we love.

I hope you have a lovely Halloween, and I'll talk with you again in a month!

Cheers,

James