Hey everyone - Adam here.
22 Newsletters ago. I wrote 2022: No Year’s Resolutions.
The basic idea in this newsletter was that instead of setting finite goals for the new year.. set specific territories in which you are actively exploring with more intent.
For a reminder as to what a territory is…
The idea behind a territory is it’s something we put effort and love into. By doing this, the territory gives back to us in the form of well-being.
Tending to your territories is effectively tending towards your self-care.
With that being said. The meme of territories is something that has continued floating around in my head, so I wanted to share my latest outlook on territories.
Working with your territories.. is something that happens categorically.
This is the way my territories are currently broken down, which I hope shares some more insight as to why you should establish what your territories are.
Lay out the things that make you feel better once tending to.
That way… on days when you are feeling “off” you can gravitate back towards the things that bring you joy.
Going back to your territories drives growth in your life especially on the days when you don’t really want to.
THINKING CATEGORY
My tools for generating thought and reflection at this moment in time.
Books: (obviously) (See: Journey to 1,000 📚 or READ 20 MINUTES A DAY)
Journal: for writing daily (See: Why you should write everyday).
Anki: These are self-programmed spaced repetition flashcards that are delivered incrementally to you based upon your rated understanding of these terms. (See: Double-Clicking on Anki)
Roam Research: This is a notetaking tool for networked thought. This is my digital repository of things I am learning & experiecing on a daily basis. I am amazed by the amount of connections I have drawn and how much more congruent my life feels rather than disheveled into randomness.
It actually can feel really good to think! Who would’ve thought?
EMBODIMENT CATEGORY
When I say Territories for “Emodiment” I mean that these are places where I physically go to experience a different location. It’s a complete environment switch.
Working fully remote can cause you to feel a little loopy at times as you can feel permanently on the clock. These location switches work best for me.
Going to the Gym. (See: Working Out With A Plan)
Going to the Library. (See: For The Love of Libraries)
Going to my Coworking Space. (See: It is time to cowork)
Going to a Studio. (manifesting myself to have a studio for music in the coming year 🪄)
If it feels right - you can refer to the Embodiment Category of Territories as your DOJOs.
I see these places as a location switch which unlocks a different part of your being.
In other words, I go to these places to accomplish things I can’t do at home. To emit a particular energy that I feel is lacking at home.
MUSICAL CATEGORY
Now, the musical category is broken down by the tools that I use to get into a musical flow.
Piano: I identify this as the musical generator in my process for creating new and novel sounds. While also showing an appreciation for the classics and learning chords/melodies from YouTube tutorials (for example).
Logic Pro: This music production software is where I then go manipulate/record and mess with things musically. In other words, it is a space for experimentation in music production.. as well as where I create the songs I release as an artist.
Serato: This software for DJING is where I curate and create mixes of music that I have created, as well as overall vibe with. This is where I practice for DJING sets and continue to work towards bringing my music taste to the world.
It’s safe to say that these territories feed into the project BARTYDARTY.
Territory Questions
I see the categories of: Thinking, Musical & Embodiment as the territories that make up my life.
Have you taken the time to figure out what your territoires are?
In which ways do you find your thinking happens the clearest?
What activity brings the best out of you? What is something that you can fully devote yourself to?
What environment brings the best out of you?
What categories can you put these territoiries into?
How can you best divide up your time, recognizing when it’s time to devote more time to realm versus the other?
Think long and hard about these things or someone else will do it for you. Chances are if that’s the case, you probably will not like it.
Defining categories helps get closer to the kernel of what it is you really enjoy doing.
Life the live you have always wanted to live. But most importantly, take action today to manifest the life that you want.
Cheers to lifelong learning,
Adam Bartley.