Insights from Things I Consumed This Week

Every week, I make it a habit to immerse myself in various forms of media, seeking new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration. This week was no different.

TED Talk

This week, I stumbled upon an intriguing TED Talk about procrastination. Ironically, I procrastinated by watching a video about procrastination. The speaker, Tim Urban, presents the topic in an engaging manner with delightful cartoons representing the “instant gratification monkey” and the “panic monster.”

Urban explains that the playful monkey tempts us with immediate pleasures, while the monster scares us into action only when deadlines approach. The monkey’s antics are familiar to many, but Urban’s humorous and insightful delivery adds a new dimension to understanding procrastination. His theory clarifies why we often delay starting long-term tasks yet manage to complete them just before their deadlines.

Urban’s charm, wit, and clear explanations make this TED Talk both entertaining and enlightening. After watching, I explored his blog, Wait But Why, and was captivated, especially by his series on Elon Musk’s companies.

Podcast

Podcasts are a staple in my weekly routine, and this week was no exception. My favourite episode was Podcast 133 by The Minimalists, titled “Constraints.” Joshua and Ryan discuss the benefits of limitations, the freedom they bring, and the flexibility of non-standard lifestyles.

Given that this is my first month without a regular income, the episode resonated deeply with me. It highlighted the potential for creativity and resilience in the face of constraints. If you need a boost of inspiration, I highly recommend listening to this episode.

Blogs

In my quest to discover local blogs, I realised that I haven’t been engaging with the Malaysian blogging community. Typically, Malaysian bloggers focus on lifestyle content, reviewing products and services. However, my recent exploration led me to some noteworthy blogs that offer more than just reviews.

I added Aida Azlin, Dear Sarina, and Asma’ Nasa to my WordPress reader. They reflect a category I like to call “insightful lifestyle blogs worth reading from Malaysia.”

YouTube Videos

YouTube serves as my primary source of entertainment since I don’t have a TV or Netflix. This week, two videos stood out: “How Our Childhoods Affect Our Adult Lives” and “The One Thing Only 1% of People Do.”

Understanding Our Past

The first video, “How Our Childhoods Affect Our Adult Lives,” explores the profound impact of our early experiences on our adult behaviours and beliefs. It delves into the mysteries of our subconscious, revealing how childhood events and relationships shape who we become. This video resonated deeply with me, prompting discussions with my siblings, parents, and friends. We often overlook the subtle influences of our past, and this video shed light on the importance of understanding these influences to foster personal growth and change. It also made me acutely aware of the lasting impact my actions could have on my future children, emphasising the need for mindful parenting.

Embracing Self-Love and Discipline

The second video, “The One Thing Only 1% of People Do,” focuses on the concepts of self-love and self-discipline. It underscores the significance of nurturing oneself and maintaining a disciplined approach to life. This video hit home for me, highlighting how self-discipline is not just about achieving goals but also about fostering a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. The message of self-love is equally powerful, reminding us that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury but a necessity.