What I’m Reading: Rant by Chuck Palahniuk

This book has been a considerable influence on me since I first read it almost five years ago. The book tells the story of the fictional Buster “Rant” Casey, patient zero for a rabies outbreak of the near future. The real catch, though, is in the structure. A series of excerpts from friends, family, and enemies, each with their perspective and style, construct the story through oral biography. You can count on it that it’s filled with contradictions, wild theories, and dark suggestions. This book has taught me an incredible amount in the way of storytelling and structure.

What I Accomplished: 200 Days of Morning Pages

I wrote about the practice of Morning Pages in a previous roundup. You can learn more about it from its creator here. I can quickly point to it as one of the foundations of my day. I highly recommend it for those looking to develop positive morning habits, especially for creators.

What I’m Committing To: A Week Away From Excercise

I’ve been going to the gym or doing some physical exertion an average of five days a week for almost eight months now. It’s been a fantastic turn around after nearly a year of no exercise at all. But my ambition is catching up with me. As much as I hate to admit it, I could give myself a break. Like most people who make exercise a considerable habit, it’s a tough one to stop forcibly. But it’s important to know when it’s time and to give yourself a break. And it’s a good practice to live on the other side for a while.

A Quote I’m Thinking About:

“If someone took traffic signals personally we would judge them insane. Yet this is exactly what life is doing to us. It tells us to come to a stop here.” – Ryan Holiday