Public library
Borrowing instead of buying, and browsing shelves instead of recommendations
Using the local branch as the default source of books, films and music. Two things separate it from a shop. No algorithm picked what sits on the shelf, nobody paid for the placement, and a due date puts a deadline on the reading. Regulars often head straight for the recently returned trolley, which is an arbitrary pile of what other people in the neighborhood have just finished with. Free, minus the fines, and the librarian will order in what the branch does not hold.
Who backs it
Sorted by strength of stance
- Austin KleonDoes it
Writer and artist · Steal Like an Artist
Browses the recently returned shelves at his local Yarborough branch of the Austin Public Library, CDs and DVDs included. He quotes Elisa Gabbert on why that shelf works: nobody's taste imposed on you, nothing an algorithm surfaced, an escape from hype.
Source: AustinKleon.com: Recently returned
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under focus or productivity.
- HabitFREE, no cost
Daily reading
A fixed daily reading block, usually books rather than feeds
Backed by 25 of 62 stacks: 23 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Early rising
A fixed, early wake time, often before anyone else is awake
Backed by 11 of 62 stacks: 10 do it, 0 recommend it, 1 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Daily writing
Write something every day, published or not
Backed by 10 of 62 stacks: 8 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Phone-free first hour
No email, news or social media until you have done something of your own
Backed by 6 of 62 stacks: 4 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Margin notes
Writing in the margins while reading, especially where you disagree with the author
Backed by 4 of 62 stacks: 3 do it, 1 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - HabitFREE, no cost
Thinking retreats
Blocks of time cleared of the schedule to sit with one hard problem
Backed by 4 of 62 stacks: 3 do it, 0 recommend it, 1 have discussed it
Habit entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.