The Virtuous Cycle of Work, The Two You's, and How to Stop Overthinking [Weekend WRAP 111]
Hey Reader, if you live in Los Angeles I will be in town November 9th (next Thursday) for the ConvertKit Billion Dollar Creator live podcast show. Grab a ticket here — it would be great to see you!
💡 Idea of the Week: Virtuous Cycle of Work
One of the coolest parts about what I get to do for work is talk to people and share ideas about productivity, email marketing, and the creator economy. But it goes further than that.
Doing the work, talking to people about it, reading your comments, and helping clients in their own work creates a virtuous cycle of research, discovery, implementation, and more research. And it's available to anyone!
This virtuous cycle starts with a simple step: investigate what intrigues you. This isn't idle reading—it's the kindling for your creative flame. As you absorb ideas that resonate, you’ll start shaping content that truly reflects your unique perspective.
Consider Ryan Holiday. He doesn’t just read about Stoicism; he integrates its teachings into every facet of his work, setting his content apart. It's this distinctive lens that attracts dedicated readers.
But the cycle doesn’t end with consumption. It’s about creation and dissemination. Translate your insights into articles, videos, or podcasts. Share your output and then watch. Where do sparks of engagement fly? That’s where your content not only meets audience curiosity but ignites it.
This intersection is where you grow—not just a following, but a business rooted in shared passions. It’s an ecosystem where your enthusiasm meets their interest, and together, you start a conversation that can sustain itself.
Every day, through each piece of content (consumed or created), this cycle is more than motion—it's progression. It’s about creating a synergy between your interests and the needs of your audience, fostering a community that values what you bring to the table.
So dive into that cycle. Let your reading inform your creation, your creation foster connection, and that connection inspire your next venture. Here, work becomes more than routine; it’s a dynamic journey that propels you forward each day.
🎧 Show to Listen to: Help Me Be Me
I found Sarah's show while researching podcasters to pitch our newsletter service to, and it's been a great listen these past couple of days. Described as "self-help for people who hate self-help" is a funny tagline, but Sarah breaks each episode into three parts: the what, the why, and the how: the tools.
I listened to episodes 201 and 202, but I've linked to 202 below. It's a motivation for creators battling two different you's, the dreamer and the worrier. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or the direct link here.
As a little bonus, I found this LoFi beats version of the Lord of the Rings score. It's an hour long, nice for a chill work session. Listen on YT too.
📰 Article I Read: 4 Ways to Stop Overthinking
Overthinking was a big issue for me during most of my thirties. It's only in the past couple of years, with a boost from therapy, that I've been able to cut down on the noisy inner voice. This article from my friend Nick Wingall breaks it down into four actionable steps to cut through the mental noise.
It starts with getting real about the emotions fueling overthinking – like stepping into the emotional gym. It’s tough but worth it. Then, it’s about sifting through our thoughts like a prospector – some are gold, others, not so much. We need let go of trying to micromanage our brain; it's like trying to herd cats.
The game-changer? Writing it out — we love that! Getting thoughts on paper makes them less daunting. They’re out of your head and you can square up to them more objectively.
It comes down to not dodging the tough feels. We have to own the emotions, work through them, and then use some smart mindfulness moves to keep our thoughts from running wild.
Thanks for reading this edition of the WRAP. If you are new you can also read the archive here. You can also reply to this email and let me know which lesson resonated with you the most. I would enjoy hearing from you!
Have a great day,
Matt Ragland
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