Structured vs. unstructured learning

• Structured vs. unstructured learning

• How do you make the best use of 15 minutes?

• A small experiment

• A book, a quote, a dad joke

Fatherhood: Structured vs. unstructured learning

On our most recent call, I asked our dads about how they think about structured vs. unstructured learning for their kids — anything from after-school math tutoring to Socratic dialogues about sandwiches.

There are two things I want to bring to your attention:

• Nobody really knows what knowledge or skills our kids will need in another decade. But we can agree on the value of clear thinking and clear communication.

• Some of the things that we do for our kids are really for us. To manage our anxieties about the future. That’s ok. However, it’s good to be aware of how involved our emotions are when we make decisions about the kinds of learning, growth, and experiences our kids should have.

Fitness: How do you make the best use of 15 minutes?

Growing up, I was under the impression that both quicksand and the Bermuda Triangle would figure more prominently into my life. As an adult, the focus shifted to desert island workouts and one exercise to rule them all. Another bunch of unnecessary mental prepping, as it turned out. I’ve never been stuck in any of these scenarios. However… I have frequently been low on time. If your experience is like mine, here are three ways to get the most out of a short block of time.

• One set to failure. No pausing. Hit as many exercises as you can.

• Create a small circuit of 3-5 exercises. Pull as much weight off your standard lifts as needed in order to move continuously for a 10-15-minute block.
  

• EMOM (every minute, on the minute). Pick a rep count for each that takes you 20-25 seconds to complete when you’re fresh. Start the clock and go at the top of each minute. If you hit a wall, go to a new exercise and repeat the process.

Pilot program

Thanks to everyone who’s reached out about the pilot program. I’ve got room for a few more. So, if you’d like a bird’s eye view on how to move forward with your strength training, email me.Focus: A small experiment

Wrap it up

I recently spoke with a therapist who specializes in ADHD and she asked me if I have ever kept a log of my mood, energy, etc. I laughed because I’m into the idea BUT I never remember to do this type of stuff. Or, worse yet, I find it to be yet another distraction. However, a fiendishly simple idea struck me:

If you check your phone more often than you’d like, here’s how to leverage that prompt: take a single sheet of paper and fold your phone into it. A notebook will work too. The trick is that you can’t move it. Every time you go to check your phone, log your mood, energy, and anything else that feels salient. See what happens. I’d love to hear about it.

Book

Book:

The Master and His Emissary

— Iain McGilchrist

A study of the relationship between the right and left hemispheres of the brain — and how we may overvalue of the left hemisphere at our collective expense.

Check out our book list

Submit your own recommendations here

Quote

“The only certainty, it seems to me, is that those who believe they are certainly right are certainly wrong.”

— Iain McGilchrist

Dad joke

What kind of tree fits in your hand?

A palm tree 🏝️