So I Got A Puppy… (September 2024)
What if the key to being more productive, and doing more, is to actually have less time available?
I was recording new content yesterday at the Design Pickle HQ, and this counterthought came to me. It seems as if everyone is on the “do less, to do more” train, including one of my favorite authors, Cal Newport. Whenever I read one of his books, I want to cancel everything, move into the mountains, and pontificate my days away.
But what if the opposite is true?
What if more responsibilities, obligations, and commitments make you more productive?
It’s something that has been on my mind the last few weeks, but first, let’s welcome Cora to the family:
Cora is a ten-week-old Golden-doodle mini whose name is short for Corazón (the Spanish word for heart from little white heart-shaped patch on her chest). Shout out to my fellow CDO Dorado Lyra for naming her. Practically speaking, getting a dog with a family, a business, a strong desire to travel, and a relentless daily schedule makes absolutely no sense.
Yet, when I look at the last month after her adorable arrival, I see the following facts:
I am waking up on time every day
My step count and outside activity have skyrocketed
My calendar is dialed in to the minute
My morning and nighttime habits are regular and consistent
However, I am also spending a lot more time:
Cleaning up house accidents and chasing down my shoes
Navigating my calendar around puppy naps
Numerous new conversations with other dog owners in the neighborhood
Falling down Instagram retargeting ads for adorable leashes and crates
But so far, and the verdict is far from clear, I feel more productive, organized, and intentional about my day with the responsibility of raising a dog. I see the same level of clarity and productivity return when my daughters are also in school. The schedule, the pickups, the drop-offs, the clubs, and the activities—they all create a rhythm that actually makes it easier to plan around, even if the volume of available time drops dramatically.
The most likely conclusion is I don’t do well with unstructured time. Perhaps having a dog, a family, or any other manufactured obligations in my life are unique to someone like me, who, even as an adult, would love to play video games all day (Super Mario Brothers 3 was a life-changing experience, after all).
Enjoy your September, and maybe find something new to fill more of your time so you can be more responsible with the time you have left!
Here’s your September recap…
What I’ve Read: In-Depth Book Reviews & Notes
Links are for paid subscribers to the full reports and in-depth perspective.
Favorite App Of The Month
Halloween is 39 days away. There is plenty of time to order custom costumes, decor, or anything else to blow it out of the water. Etsy has been my go-to resource for costumes, outfits, and, for this year, 60” angel wings to match Paige for our seventh year in a row dressing up together (we are an angel and devil duo).
What I’m Loving Right Now (Puppy Edition)
Rover: I’m sure the last person on earth to use it, but finding puppy help has been insanely helpful. Turns out providers have to pay a fee to be on the platform, which I feel has increased the quality.
iPhone 16’s new camera button makes it easier than ever to take photos of all my human and pet children.
From the RP Orbit
After many years of dormancy on social media, I launched a new strategy across all platforms, including - gasp! - TikTok. New content every day.
Take a look. Have a follow. Tell me what’s working, what’s lame, and what you’d like to see more of!
Instagram - TikTok - Facebook - LinkedIn
Thought Of The Month
Productivity = Intentionality
To be more productive, think about how you can be more intentional with your available time. Intentionality starts with declaring what I intend to do in real-time throughout the day—a quick post-it note, an on-the-fly whiteboard agenda, or even a little self-talk to unplug and enjoy the moment fully. This isn’t about a big calendar or plan; it's just asking yourself, “How should I best spend this next twenty minutes, hour, or afternoon?”
Join The Club, It’s Cheaper Than A Dog
If you're a paid subscriber (come on, it's only $7), you'll get:
All my deep-dive book reports, past and future. (here’s a free sample)
Private essays and thought leadership (often only published internally at Design Pickle)
Early and free access to tools, worksheets, and other content I create (coming soon: My Ultimate Guide to Time Blocking)