Phron Monthly #1: S.M.A.R.T Goals

Hi Everyone!

I hope you've had a good new years! With every new year, comes reflection of the previous year and a list of new year resolutions. I used the new year as an opportunity to reflect on the newsletter and pivot towards a more effective approach.

What went well

I'm pleased with the growth the newsletter achieved. We have reached over 125 subscribers and 15 newsletters. I'm grateful to those who have read and responded to my emails! I used the business insights section to get in the habit of reading the news deeply and expose myself to how the world works. The strategy for sharing my learning, the Feynman technique, was effective as the gaps in my understanding were revealed upon writing them. Additionally, the website became populated, I became a better writer, and hopefully, you have become better from reading my publications.

What I've Learned

There's no such thing as failure, just failure to learn. I've learned a couple of things these previous months about the newsletter. First, it is very time-consuming to write. I wanted to write articles, but the newsletter took too much of my free time. Ironically, in the pursuit of teaching practical wisdom, I did not have proper time to apply new ideas in my life. I want to take this time to honor the theme of this website, phronesis (aka practical wisdom), and shift towards a relevant format.

New Format

Each month, I will list out a new S.M.A.R.T goal I've set for myself. S.M.A.R.T goal is a framework to set goals effectively:

• Specific - The goal should be clear and include precise details.
• Measurable - The goal should have an objective way to measure it (e.g. number, percent change). You can manage what you can measure.
• Attainable - The goal should be attainable and within your capabilities.
• Relevant - The goal should be aligned with your overall objectives.
• Time-Bound - The goal should have a deadline for completion.

I will document what I learned while going through the SMART goals and evaluate what worked well and what didn't. Each month, I will share my insights from the previous goal and introduce a new goal for the upcoming month.

This Month's Goal

This month, I've set a goal to spend at least 20 minutes a day, six days a week, working on my storytelling skills using a communication-building app. Storytelling is a high ROI skill that I have previously overlooked. It builds emotional connections, helps people remember your message, and is highly persuasive. I'm using this month as an opportunity to deepen my understanding of this skill and to share my insights at the end of the month.

For you

Please let me know what you think about this new format. I'm open to hearing your thoughts, and if you enjoy a certain aspect of the old format, I'm happy to find a new way to do things.

Thanks for reading the first edition of Phron Monthly.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Danes celebrate New Year's by smashing plates against friends' and neighbors' doors, believing it brings good fortune and strengthens friendships!

Disclaimer: The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.