Matthew Lang avatar

Matthew Lang

Family guy and web developer

Write Like You Talk

I try to write in this style for longer posts. People have commented on this in the past but I never figured it to be a big thing.

It seems to be hard for most people to write in spoken language. So perhaps the best solution is to write your first draft the way you usually would, then afterward look at each sentence and ask “Is this the way I’d say this if I were talking to a friend?” If it isn’t, imagine what you would say, and use that instead. After a while this filter will start to operate as you write. When you write something you wouldn’t say, you’ll hear the clank as it hits the page.

— Write Like You Talk by Paul Graham

Kurt Harden has some simple but effective advice for your career.

Show up - Showing up plays a stunningly important role in success. Think of it this way: If you aren’t there, how will you take advantage of the opportunities? Showing up means being there mentally and physically. Being ready when the time comes. As the great James Brown said, “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready.” Show up.

— Show up. Show up early. Show up often. by Kurt Harden

Four reasons in fact. Here's an excerpt from the first reason, validate your expertise:

Someone once said to me that most of the value created in the new economy is through writing. I’m not sure that I entirely believe this but I believe the sentiment that in a knowledge-based business the outcomes of writing are product and value.

— Four Reasons to Write by Win Without Pitching

I've quietly relaunched my software development blog and plan on writing a couple of articles a month. I'm doing it not only because I like writing but to also test my knowledge and experience with my others in the software development industry.

Just ran 4km in 30 minutes. Is that good? It’s the first time I’ve ran any considerable distance in over 20 years.

Steven Pressfield offers a top tip for making a lasting impression.

Say thank you

As in, on a card.

No cold, white, computer paper.

In your own handwriting.

With a pen that isn’t running out of ink.

Sharpies are nice. I like thin and medium tipped.

It’s a good way to connect. They’ll remember you.

— The Most Important Tool In Your Arsenal by Steven Pressfield

The Now Page Movement

People often ask me what I’m doing now.

Each time I would type out a reply, describing where I’m at, what I’m focused on, and what I’m not.

So earlier this year I added a /now page to my site: sivers.org/now

A simple link. Easy to remember. Easy to type.

It’s a nice reminder for myself, when I’m feeling unfocused. A public declaration of priorities.

— The /now page movement by Derek Siver

Love this idea. A public declaration of your intentions and a bit of accountability too.

As a kid, I remember my father at the dining room table in the morning jotting down his to-do list for the day on his mini legal pad as he sipped coffee and took in the busy goings on in our household. I remember his orange or brown or red Paper Mate felt tip pens scratching out instructions to himself in perfect architect block script. My father could make a grocery list look like a precise set of life specifications. But he made lists or, as he told me more than once, it was gone.

— Lists by Kurt Harden

I hope one day my kids make the same observation when they're older, especially that last sentence. Lists are better at remembering to do things than we are.