The Newsletter | Edition 100

Progress Report is dedicated to providing inspiration for action. In our Off-White Papers, we provide practical guidance on how to respond to our rapidly-changing world. This newsletter explores those topics in real-time, with information and action steps on how to make progress now.

IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER...WE'RE 100!

This time, illustrations from Cyra Cupid and Ash Casper.

100 WORDS ON 100 EDITIONS.

From Natalie Berry

Progress Report started in the midst of the pandemic, when we all needed a reminder that progress — in the workplace, in corporate impact, in broader activism — is always possible. As it turns out, that reminder is evergreen. While the conditions of the world are quite different than they were several years ago, there are still real, pressing problems to solve. And that’s why, 100 issues later, we’re still here, slinging thoughts, links, quips, and actionable ways to move forward.

100 signifies an accomplishment, a milestone, but we know the potential for progress is infinite. We’ll see you back here soon, but first…

ONE THING YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

Let us know what you'd like to see.

EXTRA THOUGHTS

In the meantime, check out 100 words on four other topics, from the people who make this whole thing possible.

100 WORDS ON IF THE WORLD IS A COMPUTER.

From Joey Camire

There is a growing body of work exploring the idea that the universe may, in fact, be a “giant neural network.” Listen, maybe you’re like “I can’t deal with that right now,” and TBH, fair. But ideas of this scale — literal and figurative — are just wildly invigorating for me. They’re what the economist Robin Hanson calls “viewquakes” — ideas that shake your perspective so radically, it won’t settle back into its original position. I find myself hunting for them everywhere. Naturally, imagining the universe as a giant thinking machine is one of those moments. Making progress sometimes means experiencing a viewquake.

100 WORDS ON PRACTICAL GUIDANCE.

From J ess Vander

Dawn dish soap + hydrogen peroxide removes pit stains.
When in doubt, confirm the dress code.
Maybe, it’s because you’re allergic.
Put lights in and out of the Christmas tree, not just around it.
That second, open compartment in the dishwasher is for extra detergent to "pre-wash" a load.
Driving, it's the car ahead of the car ahead of you that matters.
Sleeping, it's the night before the night before a big day that matters.
Saving and investing is extremely cool.
Floss.
Check your eggs before you buy.
People love mail. Send some.
Carefully, you can and should trim your eyebrows.

100 WORDS ON PRIORITIZING YOURSELF.

From David Volle

Invest in a quality mattress, because it can help fight off sleep debt.
Routinely exercise, because it is good for your brain.
Get a hobby, because it can make you a better person.
Make friends, because loneliness and isolation are the latest epidemic.
Use your allotted PTO, because it helps your well-being and productivity.
Learn a second language, because it could improve cognitive functions.
Spend time outside, because it can help improve mental and physical health.
Embrace your weirdness (aka uniqueness), because it could enhance your ability for integrative complexity.
Don’t fear failure, because it is part of the process.

100 WORDS ON THE BEAUTY OF WORK FRIENDS.

From Jillian Rosen

Friends make everything better. But in the past few difficult years, friends at work in particular have made everything better in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

We talk a lot about things you should do in the office or in your work to make professional progress. But in honor of this 100th issue, I want to remind us all that prioritizing even one strong connection at work makes it all more achievable. (And more fun.)

A stroll around the block to clear your head with a colleague could be a friendship born. And you’ll do better work because of it.