Analysis and Conversation

I've been doing some analysis work recently, it involved creating a bit of a framework for the anayysis and then having a series of conversations, using the framework as the underlying structure. Its been a really enjoyable piece of work on a couple of levels. 1) Its exercised that consultancy muscle 2) Its an area of interest for me, but mostly 3) its led to having some really interesting conversations with interesting people, and helped develop my understanding of them and their perspective. It has had me reflecting on a lot of things, but one key one, is how i optimise what i do the maximise the opportunities to do this sort of thing.

Strategy

I've been reflecting a lot on strategy this week, and refreshing myself on what i learnt from the IDEO Human Centred Strategy course that i completed last year. Its such a useful toolkit to reach into, i think i need to remember to wield some of its tool more frequently.

Caffeine and Productivity

After being pretty much caffeine free for a couple of year (apart from the occasional treat diet coke), i'm back on the caffeinated tea this week (Yorkshire Gold, if you are interested). I don't know if its psychomatic, or whether i'm just more interested in the work i'm doing at the moment, but i've definitely noticed an up-tick in focus and productivity during the morning (I don't drink tea after midday). I've also noticed, despite not drinking tea after lunch, that its been slightly harder to get to sleep than usual. I'll continue the caffeine experiment until i run out of tea, and then make a decision to continue of go back to decaff (Clipper organic decaf is my fave).

Running

This weekend i completed my 8th Parkrun in Swaffham. Like last weekend it was another school field. I managed to complete the 3 lap course in 24:44, anything under 25 minutes is excellent for me. So, i'm not 1/3 of the way of my challenge to complete all 22 Norfolk Parkruns in 2025. Not sure where my next one will be, possibly Great Yarmouth, i've heard its hard though as part of it is on sand! I figure i might try and get it out of the way before the summer comes.

Photography

I've been trying to get into the habit of getting out more with my camera. Saturday evening, for example, had me driving around the mid-norfolk countryside trying to find good locations to capture some photos in the light of the setting sun. I don't really know what i'm doing (life theme), but i enjoy the process, and sometimes get something i'm happy with. Some examples below.