I love that we live in an age, where you can buy a cheap(ish) microscope and display your bugs to a significant portion of all humans, that are interested.
Hey Nerdfighters. I'm going to graduate high school tomorrow! Thank you so much for being a phenomenal influence on my life, teaching me to imagine others complexly, and never forgetting to be awesome! I'm speaking during the ceremony so of course John and Hank will be quoted several times in it. So thanks for being awesome, you guys are great!
Hi Nerd life, Congrats!!! Look back and peruse Hank's collection of Joke vids including his Nerd Jokes!:) I'm always hoping he'll make more someday! Thanks.
3:28 "You're never going to feel bad about your whole life if you loved people, and you were curious." Great quote. Great idea. Great lesson. All around full of awesomeness.
I was a kid with ADHD back in the 70's , my father knew instinctively how to deal with me. He asked me what do you think will happen if... He threw new experiences and challenges at me at the speed of light. I mention this because you made me remember one of my father's greatest lessons to me, His words were, " Kimi there is no shame in failing, only in failing to try." Keep up the good work and thank you for all the joy your varied shows give me😀 P.S. I'm not sure if those were his own words or if he was quoting/paraphrasing another. The impact on my life remains regardless. 😆
I find I get something half done and then feel it's as good as finished and move onto something else. I need to be just a little bit more like you and you need to be a little more like me
Grace Mordor Do you ever do that thing where the idea of something becomes overwhelming, because you know you don't have the time or the resources to do it perfectly, so you just don't even start? I just ask because I did that. For years. It suuuucks. From my own experience, I recommend failing as a helpful tool to break the perfectionism down. No, seriously. Failure ended up teaching me that hey, I could fail and I was still okay. I mean yeah, it really, really sucked at the time. But after that, after all the bad things that I thought would happen *didn't* happen, and the things I never even thought of did happen, but I weathered them, perfectionism kinda took a back seat. Well, at least the crippling "I'm-not-even-gonna-try" kind. I can still go overboard. It's just that now I can start, and the words "Good enough" are in my lexicon. Fear of failure is crippling. Finding out that you can courageously and (shit-scared-ly) walk through failure is freeing. Also, Ira Glass' talk on "Good Taste", on repeat.
Great tips! It's crucial to find that balance between getting things done and taking care of ourselves. Just a heads up, I've been using this Astirna New Tab thing, and it's made my daily planning so much smoother!
I always get stuck somewhere between wanting to do nothing and wanting to do everything, leading me to not being happy with either option or a mixture.
Hey! PodCon is here: PodCon.com And Nathan's merch is here: store.dftba.com/collections/nathan-zed The Microscope I bought is around $70 on Amazon and this is a referral link for it so I'll get a percentage if you buy one: www.amazon.com/Crenova-UM012C-Digital-Microscope-Magnifier/dp/B012G28SLC/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=vlogbrother09-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=8ef408533e1b6f324b74490e26f77201&creativeASIN=B012G28SLC Nathan Zed's "Not Good Enough" video: th-cam.com/video/HNSePrmtS_I/w-d-xo.html VidCon Australia: vidconaustralia.com/ And here's more footage of lady bugs on Hankschannel: th-cam.com/video/0d7rzRFSiPw/w-d-xo.html
vlogbrothers Hank, you should look into Habitica.com, it is super helpful for this sort of thing, and is completely open source. It's helped me a lot, and I've gotten my whole class into it.
"Just do it.... and fail and learn!" I would totally buy a shirt with that on it! *cough cough* It truly resonates with me. Great advice for anyone that struggles with the fear of failure.
I always ask people to intentionally give me bad advice about their field of interest or any project/thing they have been working on, so I know what I shouldn't do if I ever work on the same thing. I almost always forget their bad advice and make the same mistakes anyway but it's always nice to know that a person before me also made the same mistake.
I struggle with the not being perfect thing a lot. I really appreciate you pointing out that it's more important to try than spend too much time time trying to be perfect. That is a thing, as a perfectionist, I did not understand for a long time and getting out of that mindset is difficult and is like overcoming a fear. So thanks for even briefly mentioning it :)
Hank I really appreciate this video's topic. Weirdly enough, you actually came up in my therapy lately when my therapist asked me about possibility models and people whose career styles I admire. I am highly productive, but often unhealthily so, and it's reassuring to hear you talk about healthy strategies
Your conclusion reminds me of my dad's advice for ever event (competitive or not) in high school. He always said "have fun, learn lots." That's the attitude I try to being to everything I do.
I LOVE this! Thank you, Hank, for working so hard, and for showing the world that people do struggle with stress and frustration. Whether they're a tired college student or a huge internet content creator who does some of the most amazing and heartfelt work I've ever come across. Normalizing human emotions and especially the varying intensity of them is so important in letting people know that it's okay to feel and to feel a lot. So thank you, for doing what you do, and for making the internet a happier and more genuine place.
I know those feels, bro. I burned out two years ago. Physically, mentally, spiritually burned out. Took a break, removed the unhealthy productivity practices and have become happier for it. Love and respect to you and everything you do Hank (and John)!
You know, Hank, the etymology of "perfect" does say that you do things "perfectly." Middle English: from Old French perfet, from Latin perfectus ‘completed,’ from the verb perficere, from per- ‘through, completely’ + facere ‘do.’ All you need for perfection is to complete a thing, not to complete it in an immaculate state without any and all flaws.
Hey! I have the same first name and think about the etymology of perfect too! Sorry that was uncalled for as a comment, but I thought it was cool. I studied Latin some a few years ago :)
Sometimes my perfectionism gets in the way of my productivity. Hank, you reminded me that as long as you stay curious and try your best, things will work out. Thank you!
SpeakShibboleth I think you're right, we can learn from our mistakes and improve. I'm trying not to be as hard on myself when I mess up because ultimately it's an opportunity to get better
I'm SCREAMING THIS IS SO GOOD thank you for "You're never gonna feel bad about your whole life if you loved people and you were curious". thank you for these words. something i've felt for a long time but could not put into words. we are often pressured to measure the quality of our lives in how much we earn, how early we have our children, whether we are married or not. but this this is what i want to measure my life by.
Loved the honesty in this video! It’s so easy to forget about our well-being while trying to be productive. A balanced approach is definitely the way to go!
I'm paralyzed mostly from the neck down and can't get much of what I want done. Your 80+ years may throw you some curves but if it does you will know you lived as much as possible.
I just wanted to say, dont forget the millions (including me) that are deeply inspired by you and do good because of you. I changes my thesis to one that is humanitarian from one that did a lot of money because of the inspiration you provided and I just wanted you to know that even when you dont know it, you help people. Greetings from a country in shambles, Venezuela.
Honestly, Hank just sounds like the best boss ever, he seems to be somebody who demands a lot but also gives you responsibility and room for mistakes and that's what makes a great working environment if you ask me :)
I absolutely know the feeling of the very... very... long list of tasks to be done. But I also love that sentence "There's no way to get good at stuff except to do it and fail and learn", because that's exactly the sentiment that got me into my current situation and IT WORKS. (I like to draw sometimes. I'm not great, but I like to do it. But I challenged myself to draw a whole comic book - by myself - within a year. I have zero experience drawing comics and a lot less experience reading comics than I should probably have doing this. But the sample copy is at the printer right now, and it is CRAZY how much I've improved within this last year.)
Thank you Hank! :) as a kid, I've often been told I was 'too curious', because I used to ask questions about stuff around me. Luckily, my parents encouraged it so I'm still as curious. Some people hate that, they get annoyed when I ask questions. But at least I get a better understanding of what is around me.
Thank you for putting the warning about the bug stuff! That's something I personally have a lot of anxiety about and not everyone always understand stuff like that. Of course, that kind of content always pops up where you least expect it (in an innocent vlogbrothers video for example!) and seeing it can totally throw off the rest of your day. Anywho, loved the video and can't wait to put some of these tips to the test!
I have this weird problem where often I can only get myself to do one productive thing a day. Whether it's write an essay, or record a video, or go to class. It's really hard for me to say go to class and then start the essay.
Brynley Louise it's not weird at all. you are an individual with a tempo and limit specific to you. if one big thing a day is what your body is telling you you can manage, listen to her 🤗
No, you've only got one life. Get as much experience as you can. Be more productive. Take some more on your plate. Give yourself deadlines and achieve them. A bit of pressure is necessary to get things done. And there's nothing to lose.
Sexy scientist hi! i wasn't saying; don't be productive. rather, listen to your body and its warning signs. all throughout my teens, i pushed myself to perform. even though i could feel it was too much for my system. but i thought it was the right thing to do, i thought "this is what everyone goes through". because if i wasn't meeting expectations and tasks and deadlines, then i was wasting my opportunities. but forcing myself like this made me ridiculously unhappy. i was always stressed out, and never satisfied with my achievements. i ignored the stress it created within me. and in the end, i burned out completely at 19 years old. i woke up one morning, and it was as if I'd hit a metaphorical brick wall. i could no longer do anything. i can't explain to you that feeling of just having given all of yourself for so long, that one day you find yourself empty. I'd ignored my boundaries for so long, i broke my engine. for almost a year after that, i couldn't function. so if pushing yourself suits you, if that's what keeps you going and makes you happy: good! but it doesn't fit everyone. so that's what i meant, when i replied to op. if something doesn't feel right, if you can only manage so much, there might be a good reason for it
I have to admit seeing bubblegumplastic's original reply was really nice for me because I struggle with both an anxiety disorder and depression, so I really do have boundaries that I need to listen to. And I hate it, I wish I had more energy, but both of those things make me really tired for what seems like no reason. When I find myself in times where I have a LOT to do it really wears me out and I actually usually end up physically sick as well because my body just gets so tired. So personally I really do have something to lose, and trust me, it isn't like my plate isn't full already.
bubblegumplastic I feel like the best way to do it is to create a balance between both what you said and what sexy scientist said. If you think you can only do one a day, and if you have a lot of time left, then you can add another small goal. If your one large goal for the day was finishing and submitting an essay, then add another small one, like reading 3-5 pages of your textbook or whatever. But leave time to take a breather and make time to sleep to avoid the burnout thst bubblegumplastic is talking about. The key is to make sure you're doing enough and making progress without overburdening yourself.
Your hoping to enjoy it for 70-90 years woke me up. I'm in my early 70s and my brain thinks it's young but my body says it's getting tired. I'm sure if I make it to 90, that would still not be enough if you asked me the night before I turned 90.
Two things: 1. "I cultivate and follow my own curiosity" IS MY NEW FAVORITE QUOTE BECAUSE ITS WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE TOO. May or may not get that tattooed on myself at some point (gotta move out of parents' house first and have more money). 2. I need to read the comments section on Vlogbrothers' videos more often! It's such a wonderful place!
"I was just thinking that of all the trails in this life, there are some that matter most. It is the trail of a true human being. I think you are on this trail, and it is good to see." ~ Kicking Bird Hank, it's estimated that only about 2% of the population transcend the pyramid of Maslow's Hierarchy. It's a pleasure to be spectator of your work.
Dude I seriously just want to say thank you! I respect all life-forms and I respect the people who enjoy the smaller creepy crawly ones but it's not something I like to look at and I appreciate that you did that little time stamp because I do want to watch the rest of your video but it does freak me out a little skimming through people's videos. You absolutely don't have to do it and I would not be mad at you if you didn't but I just really appreciate the fact that you did! Thank you!
And I do apologize that this isn't an intellectual comment but I think you have plenty of those and I just want to thank you for that small thing that you did today
This video is going to be my guide to having an actual life where I... do things. That are good. And actually creative. As in not destructive of my time.
I just researched yesterday the topic of "can an introvert be a good manager?" as I'm waiting to hear back from an assistant manager position I interviewed for, but I'm quite shy with people. Just listening to you and how you love delving into the backgrounds of people and getting to know others is both admirable and yet exhausting for someone like me, lol. We introverts have to take it one step at a time. If we try to go all out, we will have a crash before lunchtime, ha. I usually spend both my breaks and my lunch just reading my Kindle app on my phone and recharging my batteries so I can take on the next half of the day. Still...I'm slightly jealous of those that can just go, go, go and don't get so burnt out :)
Hi, Hank! I've been lurking about Nerdfighteria since the In Your Pants threads and I just wanted to thank you for giving a warning (and including a timestamp) before showing the video of your leaf! I have a severe (diagnosed and currently being treated) phobia that can cause me to have violent panic attacks that leave me puking for up to three hours, and you just made my life considerably easier for today. Thanks for being awesome!
Hank, as a recovering perfectionist, I wish more people adopted your techniques. In fact, I wish my boss was more like you. Bosses, if you're reading, let me sum up: Give your employees responsibilities (ie no micromanaging) and then be understanding that they will sometimes fail and that's expected and fine and life goes on.
Cute buggies!! Moths and butterflies are really pretty under the microscope, as well as some beetles. Well, really, any insect has its charms, especially when you get up close. I demand MOAR!!
At one point in my life (about 3 years ago) I was working about 20-30 hours a week, going to grad school full time, and working 5 internships sites, some of which were 2 hours away from my home. My theme song was Watsky's Moral of the Story. That song pumped me up so much in the early morning when I was still half asleep as I drove to work, school, or internship site.
My primary goal for getting older is to simplify my life and have more time to enjoy stuff I enjoy and be less stressed. John makes me feel like maybe it's possible. Hank makes me feel like I shouldn't be wanting that, but also reminds me why I do... You're amazing and I love that I get to hear about what you're up to, but the idea of being in your shoes? Yeah I will sit on my couch and enjoy instead. Thanks for being you!
To be curious and then actually follow the curiousness is such an important thing! Thank you for reminding me of that. I often end up thinking "Oh, that's interesting, I wanna know more about that" and then postpone it until I forget about it. I will try to get better in actually researching stuff that interests me :)
Hank Green continues to amaze me. I am trying to get through my exams and I am struggling due to my chronic illness and it's amazing to see Hank manage to do so many things.
I love watching the recent "Hank reconsiders himself as a human and how he functions" thing. Like, it's just cool to see hank be like "woooo love things, be curious about things, work on yourself."
Thankfully I get to be productive because I know that what I am doing will pay off - hence the anatomy practice I'm beginning and the 20-hour work weeks that sometimes stress me out. When you want to see yourself succeed, you will work towards that.
I'm a primary teacher and this really reminds me of Barry Hymer and the growth mindset it's very interesting I agree the motto in my classroom is when you make mistakes your brain grows (we love mistakes!)
I NOW WANT A MICROSCOPE OHMYGOD. (also thank you, Hank. I am a person who is currently a decision away from having a very different life and your last point makes me less anxious about making that decision.)
I'm glad you understand that the ridiculous amount of pressure you put on yourself is unhealthy. You may still put that pressure on, but I just hope you know that the things you make or don't make have nothing to do with your worth as a person. You're one of my favorite internet people, Hank, so take care of yourself :)
I'm kind of like you, Hank. I am SO curious and I want to do SO much and learn SO many things. If it/I fail...then so be it. If it/I succeed...then awesome.
I kind of stumbled into a management position in a technology field, and found myself adopting several of the "not healthy" productivity tips discussed above. Thanks for pointing those out and reminding me to delegate and just do my best.
Thanks, Hank! I am beginning to learn Python right now because of an interview that could have gone better if I had known python. And you reminded me that I don't want to do this for a job - I want to do it for science... or in other words, fun!
Hank is honestly # leadershipgoals; I hope I can emulate the same enthusiasm, curiosity, and team building when I become a teacher. But hopefully with better productivity strategies, because I too have tried the INTENSE PRESSURE technique and have crashed and burned more often than not, whoops. Pomodoros and task chunking are a bit more effective lmao
Hank, you are allowed to rest; Just saying! Also, I was literally wondering just today what these long weird bugs all over my yard were. Thank you for sharing that they are ladybug larva! So cool! :D
The best tip is do only what you love. Other tips about getting things you want done, put everything on a timed schedule, use everything you have at your disposal to finish the thing, and make everything in ur head as easy as possible by refining everything. Thats actually the great genius problem, you make something but the process to get it is not one of great productivity. Thats the problem with having a high I.Q you just want to roll on to the next thing forgetting the most important part, and thats to refine the process.
I have also been trying to address my unhealthy working, when you do something you love (filmmaker) it's so easy to overwork and get into negative patterns.
What works for me productivity wise is to put deadlines for myself and force myself to stick to this deadline. Essentially, create pressure because otherwise I'll start procrastinating. Like I'm doing now!
I've been feeling lately like vlogbrothers has gotten more pc / "corporate" / polished & produced, and I haven't quite been able to put my finger on why, and then I saw a comment here like "this ladybug content is what I signed up for" and it lit a lightbulb for me. There hasn't been as much curiosity on this channel lately. There has been a lot of advice and answers, but not so many questions and silly exploration as there used to be.
THIS LADYBUG CONTENT IS WHAT I SIGNED UP FOR MORE OF THAT THANKS
Sorry it took me so long!
That ladybug was savage! It went in and demolished those aphids.
ladybug laura they aren't listening to my needs. You're lucky.
ladybug laura +
+
I love that we live in an age, where you can buy a cheap(ish) microscope and display your bugs to a significant portion of all humans, that are interested.
Hey Nerdfighters. I'm going to graduate high school tomorrow! Thank you so much for being a phenomenal influence on my life, teaching me to imagine others complexly, and never forgetting to be awesome! I'm speaking during the ceremony so of course John and Hank will be quoted several times in it. So thanks for being awesome, you guys are great!
nerd life Wow congratulations! This is such a lovely time In your life, full of potential and exciting choices and events. Enjoy it all my friend!!
nerd life I just graduated middle school today! DFTBA! I'm sure you'll go far!
CONGRATULATIONS MY GOOD NERD FRIEND
And I'm also graduating middle school soon!
Hi Nerd life, Congrats!!! Look back and peruse Hank's collection of Joke vids including his Nerd Jokes!:) I'm always hoping he'll make more someday! Thanks.
3:28 "You're never going to feel bad about your whole life if you loved people, and you were curious."
Great quote. Great idea. Great lesson. All around full of awesomeness.
3:17 "I wanna understand stuff; I wanna understand people" The sincerity in that 3 second sentiment warms my heart.
I was a kid with ADHD back in the 70's , my father knew instinctively how to deal with me. He asked me what do you think will happen if... He threw new experiences and challenges at me at the speed of light. I mention this because you made me remember one of my father's greatest lessons to me, His words were, " Kimi there is no shame in failing, only in failing to try." Keep up the good work and thank you for all the joy your varied shows give me😀
P.S.
I'm not sure if those were his own words or if he was quoting/paraphrasing another. The impact on my life remains regardless. 😆
It's very hard for me to let go of trying to obtaining impossible perfection.
LET IT GOOOOO!
I just saw the irony of my typo :)
I find I get something half done and then feel it's as good as finished and move onto something else. I need to be just a little bit more like you and you need to be a little more like me
Grace Mordor Do you ever do that thing where the idea of something becomes overwhelming, because you know you don't have the time or the resources to do it perfectly, so you just don't even start?
I just ask because I did that. For years. It suuuucks.
From my own experience, I recommend failing as a helpful tool to break the perfectionism down. No, seriously.
Failure ended up teaching me that hey, I could fail and I was still okay. I mean yeah, it really, really sucked at the time. But after that, after all the bad things that I thought would happen *didn't* happen, and the things I never even thought of did happen, but I weathered them, perfectionism kinda took a back seat. Well, at least the crippling "I'm-not-even-gonna-try" kind. I can still go overboard. It's just that now I can start, and the words "Good enough" are in my lexicon.
Fear of failure is crippling. Finding out that you can courageously and (shit-scared-ly) walk through failure is freeing.
Also, Ira Glass' talk on "Good Taste", on repeat.
therabbithat +
Great tips! It's crucial to find that balance between getting things done and taking care of ourselves. Just a heads up, I've been using this Astirna New Tab thing, and it's made my daily planning so much smoother!
I've never related to Hank Green so much in my life. --- I always try to do everything. Literally everything.
Robin LeeAnn I was thinking the exact same thing! I wanna do as many possible things as I can during my lifetime!
Robin LeeAnn Have you been to space while smoking a cigar yet?
Not yet, but if you keep talking, I may put that on my to-do list. XD lolol
Then like him its time to get greedy..cause that's what he's morphed to ..
I always get stuck somewhere between wanting to do nothing and wanting to do everything, leading me to not being happy with either option or a mixture.
Hey!
PodCon is here: PodCon.com
And Nathan's merch is here: store.dftba.com/collections/nathan-zed
The Microscope I bought is around $70 on Amazon and this is a referral link for it so I'll get a percentage if you buy one:
www.amazon.com/Crenova-UM012C-Digital-Microscope-Magnifier/dp/B012G28SLC/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=vlogbrother09-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=8ef408533e1b6f324b74490e26f77201&creativeASIN=B012G28SLC
Nathan Zed's "Not Good Enough" video: th-cam.com/video/HNSePrmtS_I/w-d-xo.html
VidCon Australia: vidconaustralia.com/
And here's more footage of lady bugs on Hankschannel: th-cam.com/video/0d7rzRFSiPw/w-d-xo.html
vlogbrothers Hank, you have made my life better. Enough said!
Yay ladybugs! 🐞
thanks for the link to the microscope, I was wondering which one you were using!
vlogbrothers pin your comment because you don't want it to get it lost in the sea of comments.
vlogbrothers Hank, you should look into Habitica.com, it is super helpful for this sort of thing, and is completely open source. It's helped me a lot, and I've gotten my whole class into it.
"Just do it.... and fail and learn!" I would totally buy a shirt with that on it! *cough cough* It truly resonates with me. Great advice for anyone that struggles with the fear of failure.
I always ask people to intentionally give me bad advice about their field of interest or any project/thing they have been working on, so I know what I shouldn't do if I ever work on the same thing. I almost always forget their bad advice and make the same mistakes anyway but it's always nice to know that a person before me also made the same mistake.
I struggle with the not being perfect thing a lot. I really appreciate you pointing out that it's more important to try than spend too much time time trying to be perfect. That is a thing, as a perfectionist, I did not understand for a long time and getting out of that mindset is difficult and is like overcoming a fear. So thanks for even briefly mentioning it :)
Hank, you're freaking amazing. I get anxiety just thinking about all the things you do.
Hank I really appreciate this video's topic. Weirdly enough, you actually came up in my therapy lately when my therapist asked me about possibility models and people whose career styles I admire. I am highly productive, but often unhealthily so, and it's reassuring to hear you talk about healthy strategies
Ummmmm, also for things going on, Hank, you HAVE A BABY
Yuiopasdfgzxcbqwerty Basdf he will find out eventually
+
Your conclusion reminds me of my dad's advice for ever event (competitive or not) in high school. He always said "have fun, learn lots." That's the attitude I try to being to everything I do.
I LOVE that you differentiated between your healthy and unhealthy habits
I LOVE this! Thank you, Hank, for working so hard, and for showing the world that people do struggle with stress and frustration. Whether they're a tired college student or a huge internet content creator who does some of the most amazing and heartfelt work I've ever come across.
Normalizing human emotions and especially the varying intensity of them is so important in letting people know that it's okay to feel and to feel a lot. So thank you, for doing what you do, and for making the internet a happier and more genuine place.
'Cultivate your curiosity' sounds like a nice tattoo idea. Thanks Hank!
Just don't put it on your face.
Only a fool would do that. Then again, curiosity comes in many forms
sounds like a good forearm tattoo quote.
Very true!!
I know those feels, bro. I burned out two years ago. Physically, mentally, spiritually burned out. Took a break, removed the unhealthy productivity practices and have become happier for it. Love and respect to you and everything you do Hank (and John)!
John and Hank should be awarded as the most quotable brothers alive. T_T
“Cultivate your curiosity” and “Curiosity is one of the top 2 or 3 human traits” are impactful.
You know, Hank, the etymology of "perfect" does say that you do things "perfectly."
Middle English: from Old French perfet, from Latin perfectus ‘completed,’ from the verb perficere, from per- ‘through, completely’ + facere ‘do.’
All you need for perfection is to complete a thing, not to complete it in an immaculate state without any and all flaws.
Hey! I have the same first name and think about the etymology of perfect too! Sorry that was uncalled for as a comment, but I thought it was cool. I studied Latin some a few years ago :)
I don't think it's uncalled for; it's rad to know another Laurel though of the etymology! :)
:)
Sometimes my perfectionism gets in the way of my productivity. Hank, you reminded me that as long as you stay curious and try your best, things will work out. Thank you!
Anthony Savarese even our failures are interesting if we try to see it.
SpeakShibboleth I think you're right, we can learn from our mistakes and improve. I'm trying not to be as hard on myself when I mess up because ultimately it's an opportunity to get better
Love people and be curious. Solid advice! I am going to internalize that.
I'm SCREAMING THIS IS SO GOOD
thank you for "You're never gonna feel bad about your whole life if you loved people and you were curious". thank you for these words. something i've felt for a long time but could not put into words.
we are often pressured to measure the quality of our lives in how much we earn, how early we have our children, whether we are married or not.
but this
this is what i want to measure my life by.
Loved the honesty in this video! It’s so easy to forget about our well-being while trying to be productive. A balanced approach is definitely the way to go!
I'm paralyzed mostly from the neck down and can't get much of what I want done. Your 80+ years may throw you some curves but if it does you will know you lived as much as possible.
shiner i wish you strength, and many days that feel kind 💓
"You're never gonna feel bad about your whole life if you loved people and were curious."
Thanks Hank!
1. Surround yourself with boxes
YAS. Curiosity. The ultimate underrated thing. - a Chief Curiosity Correspondent
"You're never gonna feel bad about your whole life if you loved people are were curious" BEAUTIFUL
Hey! Queen of Procrastination here... I just made my bed which, up until this point, hadn't been made in like at least a month so thank you Hank :)
I just wanted to say, dont forget the millions (including me) that are deeply inspired by you and do good because of you. I changes my thesis to one that is humanitarian from one that did a lot of money because of the inspiration you provided and I just wanted you to know that even when you dont know it, you help people. Greetings from a country in shambles, Venezuela.
Honestly, Hank just sounds like the best boss ever, he seems to be somebody who demands a lot but also gives you responsibility and room for mistakes and that's what makes a great working environment if you ask me :)
I absolutely know the feeling of the very... very... long list of tasks to be done.
But I also love that sentence "There's no way to get good at stuff except to do it and fail and learn", because that's exactly the sentiment that got me into my current situation and IT WORKS.
(I like to draw sometimes. I'm not great, but I like to do it. But I challenged myself to draw a whole comic book - by myself - within a year. I have zero experience drawing comics and a lot less experience reading comics than I should probably have doing this. But the sample copy is at the printer right now, and it is CRAZY how much I've improved within this last year.)
Thank you Hank! :)
as a kid, I've often been told I was 'too curious', because I used to ask questions about stuff around me. Luckily, my parents encouraged it so I'm still as curious. Some people hate that, they get annoyed when I ask questions. But at least I get a better understanding of what is around me.
Thank you for putting the warning about the bug stuff! That's something I personally have a lot of anxiety about and not everyone always understand stuff like that. Of course, that kind of content always pops up where you least expect it (in an innocent vlogbrothers video for example!) and seeing it can totally throw off the rest of your day. Anywho, loved the video and can't wait to put some of these tips to the test!
I have this weird problem where often I can only get myself to do one productive thing a day. Whether it's write an essay, or record a video, or go to class. It's really hard for me to say go to class and then start the essay.
Brynley Louise it's not weird at all. you are an individual with a tempo and limit specific to you. if one big thing a day is what your body is telling you you can manage, listen to her 🤗
No, you've only got one life. Get as much experience as you can. Be more productive. Take some more on your plate. Give yourself deadlines and achieve them. A bit of pressure is necessary to get things done. And there's nothing to lose.
Sexy scientist hi!
i wasn't saying; don't be productive. rather, listen to your body and its warning signs. all throughout my teens, i pushed myself to perform. even though i could feel it was too much for my system. but i thought it was the right thing to do, i thought "this is what everyone goes through". because if i wasn't meeting expectations and tasks and deadlines, then i was wasting my opportunities.
but forcing myself like this made me ridiculously unhappy. i was always stressed out, and never satisfied with my achievements. i ignored the stress it created within me. and in the end, i burned out completely at 19 years old. i woke up one morning, and it was as if I'd hit a metaphorical brick wall. i could no longer do anything. i can't explain to you that feeling of just having given all of yourself for so long, that one day you find yourself empty. I'd ignored my boundaries for so long, i broke my engine. for almost a year after that, i couldn't function.
so if pushing yourself suits you, if that's what keeps you going and makes you happy: good!
but it doesn't fit everyone. so that's what i meant, when i replied to op. if something doesn't feel right, if you can only manage so much, there might be a good reason for it
I have to admit seeing bubblegumplastic's original reply was really nice for me because I struggle with both an anxiety disorder and depression, so I really do have boundaries that I need to listen to. And I hate it, I wish I had more energy, but both of those things make me really tired for what seems like no reason. When I find myself in times where I have a LOT to do it really wears me out and I actually usually end up physically sick as well because my body just gets so tired. So personally I really do have something to lose, and trust me, it isn't like my plate isn't full already.
bubblegumplastic I feel like the best way to do it is to create a balance between both what you said and what sexy scientist said. If you think you can only do one a day, and if you have a lot of time left, then you can add another small goal. If your one large goal for the day was finishing and submitting an essay, then add another small one, like reading 3-5 pages of your textbook or whatever. But leave time to take a breather and make time to sleep to avoid the burnout thst bubblegumplastic is talking about. The key is to make sure you're doing enough and making progress without overburdening yourself.
Yes! I can't tell you how much I have learned just because things that I don't understand *fascinate* me so much.
Your hoping to enjoy it for 70-90 years woke me up. I'm in my early 70s and my brain thinks it's young but my body says it's getting tired. I'm sure if I make it to 90, that would still not be enough if you asked me the night before I turned 90.
Two things: 1. "I cultivate and follow my own curiosity" IS MY NEW FAVORITE QUOTE BECAUSE ITS WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE TOO. May or may not get that tattooed on myself at some point (gotta move out of parents' house first and have more money). 2. I need to read the comments section on Vlogbrothers' videos more often! It's such a wonderful place!
Ladybugs are so cute until you see them from the perspective of an aphid and then they are GIANT MONSTER EATING MACHINES
1:12
skip? nah
after
ugggggghhhhhhhhh
bugggggghhhhhhhhh
yeahhhhhhhhh
bugs
SAME i thought This Is A Warning for Other People and I was w r o n g lmao
Thanks Hank. It's always nice listening to you.
"I was just thinking that of all the trails in this life, there are some that matter most. It is the trail of a true human being. I think you are on this trail, and it is good to see." ~ Kicking Bird
Hank, it's estimated that only about 2% of the population transcend the pyramid of Maslow's Hierarchy. It's a pleasure to be spectator of your work.
thank you so much for the timestamp to skip the bugs, Hank!
Dude I seriously just want to say thank you! I respect all life-forms and I respect the people who enjoy the smaller creepy crawly ones but it's not something I like to look at and I appreciate that you did that little time stamp because I do want to watch the rest of your video but it does freak me out a little skimming through people's videos. You absolutely don't have to do it and I would not be mad at you if you didn't but I just really appreciate the fact that you did! Thank you!
And I do apologize that this isn't an intellectual comment but I think you have plenty of those and I just want to thank you for that small thing that you did today
This video is going to be my guide to having an actual life where I... do things. That are good. And actually creative. As in not destructive of my time.
I just researched yesterday the topic of "can an introvert be a good manager?" as I'm waiting to hear back from an assistant manager position I interviewed for, but I'm quite shy with people. Just listening to you and how you love delving into the backgrounds of people and getting to know others is both admirable and yet exhausting for someone like me, lol.
We introverts have to take it one step at a time. If we try to go all out, we will have a crash before lunchtime, ha. I usually spend both my breaks and my lunch just reading my Kindle app on my phone and recharging my batteries so I can take on the next half of the day. Still...I'm slightly jealous of those that can just go, go, go and don't get so burnt out :)
Hi, Hank! I've been lurking about Nerdfighteria since the In Your Pants threads and I just wanted to thank you for giving a warning (and including a timestamp) before showing the video of your leaf! I have a severe (diagnosed and currently being treated) phobia that can cause me to have violent panic attacks that leave me puking for up to three hours, and you just made my life considerably easier for today. Thanks for being awesome!
Hank, as a recovering perfectionist, I wish more people adopted your techniques. In fact, I wish my boss was more like you. Bosses, if you're reading, let me sum up: Give your employees responsibilities (ie no micromanaging) and then be understanding that they will sometimes fail and that's expected and fine and life goes on.
Ever curious: Michelle Agreed. Expecting work to be perfect is a problem. Expecting a person to be perfect is a much bigger problem.
I knew ladybugs ate aphids, but the larvae and life cycle is something I've never seen until now. I need to up my ladybug knowledge.
Hank Green is the type of boss I'd like to have. He seems like so chill and understanding.
Basically Hank you're a human curiosity rover :)
+ that's an amazing observation
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Why is this the cutest concept ever? Like, I need fanart of this really badly.
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Cute buggies!! Moths and butterflies are really pretty under the microscope, as well as some beetles. Well, really, any insect has its charms, especially when you get up close. I demand MOAR!!
At one point in my life (about 3 years ago) I was working about 20-30 hours a week, going to grad school full time, and working 5 internships sites, some of which were 2 hours away from my home. My theme song was Watsky's Moral of the Story. That song pumped me up so much in the early morning when I was still half asleep as I drove to work, school, or internship site.
My primary goal for getting older is to simplify my life and have more time to enjoy stuff I enjoy and be less stressed. John makes me feel like maybe it's possible. Hank makes me feel like I shouldn't be wanting that, but also reminds me why I do...
You're amazing and I love that I get to hear about what you're up to, but the idea of being in your shoes? Yeah I will sit on my couch and enjoy instead. Thanks for being you!
I've been super unproductive lately and procrastinating a lot with my assignments. I needed this, thanks Hank.
Damnit Hank, why do you have to make so much sense? Motivation time! :-)
To be curious and then actually follow the curiousness is such an important thing! Thank you for reminding me of that. I often end up thinking "Oh, that's interesting, I wanna know more about that" and then postpone it until I forget about it. I will try to get better in actually researching stuff that interests me :)
Definitely onboard with cultivating your curiosity. I've followed that path towards, hopefully, a change in career in my future.
Congrats on 3 million subs Hank and John! It's about time!
Hank Green continues to amaze me. I am trying to get through my exams and I am struggling due to my chronic illness and it's amazing to see Hank manage to do so many things.
I love watching the recent "Hank reconsiders himself as a human and how he functions" thing. Like, it's just cool to see hank be like "woooo love things, be curious about things, work on yourself."
whoa, those aphids and the ladybug are SO COOL! Thanks for sharing!
Thankfully I get to be productive because I know that what I am doing will pay off - hence the anatomy practice I'm beginning and the 20-hour work weeks that sometimes stress me out. When you want to see yourself succeed, you will work towards that.
"I'm not here for the idea of the idea" that's a gem right there
I'm a primary teacher and this really reminds me of Barry Hymer and the growth mindset it's very interesting I agree the motto in my classroom is when you make mistakes your brain grows (we love mistakes!)
I NOW WANT A MICROSCOPE OHMYGOD.
(also thank you, Hank. I am a person who is currently a decision away from having a very different life and your last point makes me less anxious about making that decision.)
I'm glad you understand that the ridiculous amount of pressure you put on yourself is unhealthy. You may still put that pressure on, but I just hope you know that the things you make or don't make have nothing to do with your worth as a person. You're one of my favorite internet people, Hank, so take care of yourself :)
Love what you say about perfection. Doing is the thing.
I love Nathan and his mercy is A+ so go support that boy!
I'm kind of like you, Hank. I am SO curious and I want to do SO much and learn SO many things. If it/I fail...then so be it. If it/I succeed...then awesome.
I kind of stumbled into a management position in a technology field, and found myself adopting several of the "not healthy" productivity tips discussed above. Thanks for pointing those out and reminding me to delegate and just do my best.
I never regret clicking on a vlogbrothers video. Thanks for another great Friday, Hank. 💕
When you get into it, everything we should do is just about being happy with yourself
Hank. John. I love you guys. I really do. The work is amazing. Your influence and guidance has been epic. I really can't thank you guys enough. DFTBA
There is lots of info on attracting aphid predators to your yard on the internet. You can also buy eggs of beneficial bugs to release in your yard.
Thank you for the warning and the time code. I wouldn't have died had I seen the bugs, but you saved me a lot of discomfort.
That Ladybug eating the bugs is SOOO awesome!!!!!
I really need to work on my productivity! Thanks for the tips, Hank!
Thanks, Hank! I am beginning to learn Python right now because of an interview that could have gone better if I had known python. And you reminded me that I don't want to do this for a job - I want to do it for science... or in other words, fun!
I feel like i could've watched the ladybugs and aphids on those leaves for hours. so cool!
Hank is honestly # leadershipgoals; I hope I can emulate the same enthusiasm, curiosity, and team building when I become a teacher. But hopefully with better productivity strategies, because I too have tried the INTENSE PRESSURE technique and have crashed and burned more often than not, whoops. Pomodoros and task chunking are a bit more effective lmao
Hank, you are allowed to rest; Just saying! Also, I was literally wondering just today what these long weird bugs all over my yard were. Thank you for sharing that they are ladybug larva! So cool! :D
I feel like Hank would be the perfect, energetic, somewhat crazy but amazing boss that you would get INCREDIBLE experience from
Hank, I’ll just say you’re a legend. Thank you
Just finished finals, school play, final presentations... I feel this so much right now.
You do things well though, but please keep healthy Hank!
I absolutely love you and your channel
The ladybug eating afids is SO COOL! Thanks Hank!!!
The best tip is do only what you love.
Other tips about getting things you want done, put everything on a timed schedule, use everything you have at your disposal to finish the thing, and make everything in ur head as easy as possible by refining everything. Thats actually the great genius problem, you make something but the process to get it is not one of great productivity. Thats the problem with having a high I.Q you just want to roll on to the next thing forgetting the most important part, and thats to refine the process.
I have also been trying to address my unhealthy working, when you do something you love (filmmaker) it's so easy to overwork and get into negative patterns.
I see nobody talking about the skip to 1:37...
It's quite a cool coincidence!
Universal constants are everywhere nowadays heheh
I've gotten into Macro Photography lately so it was great to see your bug shots!
What works for me productivity wise is to put deadlines for myself and force myself to stick to this deadline. Essentially, create pressure because otherwise I'll start procrastinating. Like I'm doing now!
Hank, thank you so much for letting me skip the bugs, I appreciate it.
I've been feeling lately like vlogbrothers has gotten more pc / "corporate" / polished & produced, and I haven't quite been able to put my finger on why, and then I saw a comment here like "this ladybug content is what I signed up for" and it lit a lightbulb for me. There hasn't been as much curiosity on this channel lately. There has been a lot of advice and answers, but not so many questions and silly exploration as there used to be.
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globaljabouble +
globaljabouble +
Remember the times when John went in an abandoned building though a fire escape. That kind of content.
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YES NATHAN YOU GO !!! Can't wait for my short to arrive