What’s this all about?
We have so much newness in the world today. Our apps are a limitless source of new content. We have remarkable access to new stuff we can buy with just a few taps. We’re bombarded with new concepts, new memes, new trends. Products are packaged to feel newer than ever. At work, we’re assigned new tools and new processes. I could go on. The point is that we’re overloaded by new things, often at the expense of our time, attention, money, and happiness.
This newsletter is all about exploring this onslaught of new things. The (new) idea for it came from a book I’m writing about the influx of newness in our lives. What can you expect? In past editions, I’ve written about everything from building a habit of mindfulness and making calmer technology to engineering “aha” moments and using questions to change behavior.
Why subscribe to this new thing?
First off, I know our lives are filled with stuff that devours our attention. So, if you do subscribe and entrust me with some space in your inbox and a bit of your attentional resources, I will do my best to make your time with me as valuable as possible.
Here are three things you get by subscribing:
A weekly note from me, with interesting stories and tips you can use, drawn from research and reporting I’m doing for my forthcoming book.
Exclusive goodies from my book, like behind-the-scenes tidbits and access to pre-order bonuses.
The chance to be featured in this newsletter, future articles, or even my book by sharing your own experiences and thoughts on newness.
Who writes this newsletter?
It’s written by me, Eric Athas.
I’m a deputy editor at The New York Times, where I work with reporters and editors on new tools and skills they can use to tell stories. I’ve worked in journalism for over 15 years, including at NPR and The Washington Post.
When I’m not at work, I’m spending time with my wife, two kids, one dog, and two cats, writing a book, and sleeping. But I also love to read, watch movies, listen to podcasts, and exercise.
