#24 Getting started changes everything
Stories or two of how curious minds rule the world
‘Pour Your Heart into It’ is turning out to be one of the most interesting books I’ve read in recent times. Starbuck’s history is filled with stories of ambition meeting will-make-it-happen execution. And if you wonder where is keeping the high bar of ‘product, customer and people’? Well, it’s there as well. Right where the name Starbucks comes in that sentence.
Here’s another gem from the book:
There's a metaphor Vincent Eades likes to use: "If you examine a butterfly according to the laws of aerodynamics, it shouldn't be able to fly. But the butterfly doesn't know that, so it flies." At Starbucks, we likewise do things we don't know we're not supposed to be able to do.
This book is on my list of ‘must read’ books for creators, now. If you are building anything - a product, brand or culture - go for it.
I've some other interesting discoveries to share today, so let me not keep you waiting anymore. Let's get going.
1.
NFX recently shared a collection of essays, podcast episodes and interviews on how to create habit-forming products. It covered lessons from building products like Superhuman and Waze. Topics covered include understanding how your users feel, how to create the wow moments and ultimately how to encourage habit formation. It’s a long read with many possible detours. Bookmark it and read it in your free time.
2.
Our world is full of ghost towns. Some of them became popular due to stories of ‘Ghosts’ that troubled its resident. Some others were abandoned out of danger of man-made or natural calamities. And then there are some, especially in recent decades, that got created almost by design. China is notorious for massive infrastructure developments that have not seen actual use. These towns end up becoming ghost towns. The recent Evergrande crisis has brought them to everyone’s attention once again. But of all the ghost towns out there, I would like you to check out this one ghost town from Turkey. It is the most beautiful of them - after all. You will know what I mean, once you check this out.
3.
Boston Dynamics have a strong content & marketing machinery. Every time their borgs do anything, they make a headline. But, they are not the only ones creating superhuman skilled bots. Disney has some stellar prototypes in action as well. This story covers how a team of Disney Imagineers created a robotic Spider-Man. This dude performs acrobatic stunts at the new Avengers Campus every day. One more reason to go to Disneyland Resorts, yay!
4.
Kids and poets have the most beautiful imaginations. Or is that all poets are kids at heart?
Credit: Ektara & team.
5.
Some random goodness from the internet:
Twitter: Sahil Bloom creates insightful threads & curates other interesting knowledge bits in his weekly newsletter. You’re bound to find some gems in his work.
Instagram: Yen jui-lin’s feed at yenswoodwork is such a delight to scroll. He makes some of the most emotive wooden toys I have seen. Plus there is some behind the scenes as well if you’re someone who likes to see woodwork in action.
Newsletter: Dan Lewis’s “Now I know” is a great example of what curiosity can help you achieve. If nothing else, you will have fun & interesting stories like this to tell. Dan does it every day, you can do it too. (ps: I had recommended this one in the intro post of this newsletter, as well.)
Youtube: Some people have really strange obsessions. Their curiosity & passion makes some interesting stories. How on earth we would have known the mystery of the "same sky" postcards.
Long read: For every Jamtara crew in action, there are a few scambaiters like Rosie Okumura doing their bit. They are using their wits to save some potential victims of online & phone scams. This is not really a long read but is a fascinating one for sure.
Before we sign off, here's a snapshot of a tweet worth saving.
That's all for this week, folks!
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