Happy New Year 🥳

I’m back from Antarctica and excited that we’re kicking off the first monthly theme in our new Second Brain Membership…

We’ve all experienced how a messy workspace, whether physical or digital, creates overwhelm and makes it harder to focus.

In January, we’ll work together to declutter your personal and shared environment and archive anything that’s no longer serving you.

By the end of the month, you’ll have a clean, inviting workspace that motivates you to tackle your most important projects with clarity and energy.

If you become a member now, you can also join the first Office Hours of the year today at 4 pm ET.

Archive Your Clutter, Reclaim Your Attention

Our digital lives can become a mess without us realizing it. Unlike physical clutter, which is constrained by space, digital clutter feels infinite—files scattered everywhere, unused apps, and an overflowing inbox.

But the cost isn’t invisible. It’s your attention.

Every stray file or chaotic desktop eats away at your focus. Even when you’re not actively looking at it, your mind stays restless, aware of the disarray.

The solution? Create an Archive—a safe, organized “cold storage” for anything you don’t need daily but might return to someday. It frees your focus for what truly matters.

To help you declutter your digital space for the new year, we’ve created a handy Cheat Sheet in Notion. Click the button below to view and make a copy for yourself.

How to Get into FLOW Every Time You Work

What if productivity could feel effortless and fun?

Enter flow—the sweet spot where peak performance meets enjoyment.

In this video, I break down the science of flow and share 4 powerful strategies to create it using digital tools and your Second Brain.

Is It Risky to Move Abroad With Young Kids?

Many dream about living abroad. But few people make it happen, especially when they’ve children.

Khe Hy interviewed my wife Lauren and me on the Examined Life podcast about our recent move from the US to Mexico. Was it worth it?

We talked about…

• The risks of staying comfortable and the benefits of embracing change
• How to maintain family connections and overcome concerns
• Living life in alignment with values
• Misconceptions about moving abroad and advice for aspiring expats
• How we’ve embraced Latino culture and what makes life different in Mexico

Learn From Books Faster Books are still my favorite source of learning. But since having kids the time I can dedicate to reading has dwindled. So Shortform has been my go-to for diving into all the interesting nonfiction books without losing any substance. It’s an extensive library in your pocket or desktop covering genres from education and career to psychology and leadership with books like Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal and Four Thousands Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. ​ Shortform​ also provides: Expert analysis and commentary Connections and counter-arguments in related works Exportable to print and audio formats Exercises to solidify understanding The first 500 of my subscribers to sign up get a 7-day free trial and 20% OFF an annual subscription! Sign up for free and get a 20% discounted annual subscription Thanks to Shortform for sponsoring this newsletter.

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