Do the Opposite - March Update & Recommendations

Here are some articles, videos and books that got my attention recently.

Books
This year, I've decided to read at least 24 books, which comes down to 2 books a month. (See my progress so far) As the majority of us, I don't have much free time on my hands. I've made 2 decisions that allow me to reach the goal I've defined, and I want to share them here:

1) I waste too much time on pointless activities.
I've admitted to myself that I do spend more than a fare share of time pointlessly - reading reddit, watching average-quality TV series, etc. So I am converting some of that time to reading - especially the time right before bed.

The question that both disturbs me and helps me cut these activities is: will this enrich my life or help me in the long run or will I not remember reading/watching this tomorrow?

Another change I can't wait to employ is to start reading books in digital format. Right now I am reading a paper book, which makes it difficult to read it at night when my wife is asleep. However, if I had this book in digital format, I could use my Kindle without disturbing her.

2) Each month, I read one book and I listen to one book in the audio-book format.
This helps me find the time to read. I've started using Audible (you can use any other service) last year and it has made a big impact on last year. Audio-book format is so convenient! I usually read non-fiction books and listen to fiction. I find that fiction works well in the audio format - it's like someone is telling you a long story.

Some tricks I use:
1) Listen to a book at 1.5X speed. I want to get to 2X at some point, but for now I am comfortable at 1.5. The fast speed also has the benefit of making me more focused when listening.
2) Great for doing house chores: whenever I wash the dishes or vacuum the apartment, I am always listening to an audio-book.

March 2019 books:
This month I am listening to the 2nd book in 'The Broken Earth" trilogy by N. K. Jemisin - called 'The Obelisk Gate'. All 3 books in the trilogy have won the Hugo award (which is a big deal in the sci-fi world).

For the 'paper' book, I am reading 'The Code Book' by Simon Singh, an absolutely fascinating read. It's about encryption, codes and cyphers throughout history. It's a book on the evolution of cryptography, through a constant battle of codemakers and codebreakers. The author starts in the ancient times, explaining the simple cyphers used at the time and how to break them. Over the subsequent chapters, the cyphers get more and more complex, and our knowledge of how to identify and exploit their weaknesses grows along with their complexity. Singh also makes a point of explaining the step-by-step processes, gives a lot of detail - all while telling stories on how making or breaking cyphers has altered the course of history in various times. I am so glad I picked up this book! Highly recommend it!

Articles
1) "Your Environment Is Cleaner. Your Immune System Has Never Been So Unprepared." - New York Times
2) "Quantum computing explained in 10 minutes" - Shohini Ghose, TED

Videos
I highly recommend this interview with Stephen Pressfield, author of 'The War Of Art' and 'Turning Pro'. The core of Stephen's non-fiction work revolves around the concept of the Resistance - the negative force that pushes against our dreams and aspirations, finding clever, insidious ways to make us NOT do our work. In this interview, Pressfield shares some insights on his own creative journey and its struggles.
Steven Pressfield: Overcoming Resistance & Why Talent Doesn’t Matter

Quote
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."
- Mark Twain

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Keep doing the opposite,
Alexander Kallaway
https://twitter.com/ka11away