Blog

Ways of Making Tea

Carl Setzer

I love tea, and I have a particular fondness for English (or Irish, or Welsh) breakfast teas. Once (ages ago) I was lectured by a British chap about the proper way to make tea (and how I was NOT doing so). Therefore, this xkcd was perfect.

I’ve been a fan of this comic for ages. I’m sure I shared from them before, but thought I’d highlight a few of my favorites. And, if you haven’t, encourage you to follow them.

Here are my two favorite comics (and this is a solid tie):

and this one…

So, I hope you enjoyed and consider giving them a follow.

Today’s haiku: November 14, 2024

Carl Setzer
Today’s haiku
evening rainfall 
flowing from a day of rain
into a calm night

Twas a rain filled day. Shifting between downpours, mists, and even a few moments of dryness with dark clouds

Crafted this image on Canva. I thought this font was fun. (It’s called Tan Pearl if you’re curious.)

I hope this finds you well.

A Quote For The Day

Carl Setzer
silhouette photography of group of people jumping during golden time

I came accross today’s quote at Michele Lee’s blog “My Inspired Life”.

Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”
― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

First, I loved Tuesdays with Morrie. And I just love the vibe of this quote. It reminds me of what’s important in life, even is these troubling times.

I hope this finds you well. May you find your community, one that you may delight in devoting yourself to.

The Value of Mastery

Carl Setzer
close up shot of two people wearing karategi and black belt

James Clear, the author of “Atomic Habits” has a newsletter “3-2-1 Thursday”. Each issue contains:

  • 3 short ideas from James
  • 2 quotes from other people
  • 1 question

Today’s newsletter, titled “On growing fast vs growing slow, the value of mastery, and climbing the right mountain“, resonated with me. The goal of my personal development plan is mastery, and I’m working on mastering what, exactly. Project management? IT? Web development? One of these. But this post drove home a weakness holding me back: my impatience. I want to become a master fast. And, well, that’s the opposite path of mastery. James included this quote, which I appreciated. It drives home the point succinctly.

“Mastery is the best goal because the rich can’t buy it, the impatient can’t rush it, the privileged can’t inherit it, and nobody can steal it. You can only earn it through hard work. Mastery is the ultimate status.”

~ Derk Sivers

Choosing what NOT to study is one of my core challenges right now. I’m interested in SO very much. Choosing to NOT pursue something is rather painful. But I know it’s the right decision. But, man, it’s so hard!

Have you developed mastery in something? How did you go about de-selecting what to study? Was it as hard for you as it is for me?