Three things we learnt this week
Each and every week the Square Holes team are deep in the bowels of a number of projects, working to mine all of the insights that we can to help grow businesses and support thriving cities.
These insights are used by businesses and organisations to innovate their offerings, move into new markets, track their impact and hone their products and output. Each week we will be sharing a broad insight that we have learnt for you to use in your own work.
Let us know what you find valuable!
Jason: Less is more
In a time of rising living costs and societal pressure to constantly upgrade, the obsession with MORE often leads to more stress, more debt, and more adulting. As Fight Club reminds us, “the things you own end up owning you.” A successful life isn’t one where we escape responsibility altogether, but where we shape it — locking into what brings us joy and where we thrive, while minimising the strain. It’s about making intentional choices, avoiding unnecessary burdens, and designing a life that feels more like play than pressure.
The above thought, came to mind over the long weekend, during a re-watch of Episode 1 of British comedy ‘Black Books’ – shop owner Bernard’s request for a “pickle” at the end of the episode, largely dedicated to avoiding adulting, made me smile. In this crazy world of pressure, chaos and sometimes too much adulting, we all need to find our ‘pickle.’ That thing that just thinking about brings us joy. That thing we should design our life around.
Also, I wrote this piece about adulting back in 2018. It discusses the critical importance of keeping your childlike creativity alive, more >
Thanks ChatGPT
Mahalia: What’s your legacy?
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about our theme of legacy. It’s an interesting topic, especially in the lead up to Australian’s voting in our next Prime Minister next week. It’s clear to me that Trump’s legacy is one of fear, and division and aggression. He’s busy pushing the “us vs them” line to keep people distracted from the real us vs them – the ruling class vs the common person. I think a lot of our upcoming vote in Australia is about legacy – what kind of country do we want to be and what sort of example to we want to lead with for the next generation. It’s also the first year that Gen Z and Millennials will outnumber boomers in every state and territory. We’ve already seen how it’s changed the campaign trail with Albanese and Bandt going on popular youth podcasts like It’s a Lot with Abbie Chatfield and DJ pop ups to engage where young people are. For younger generations legacy seems less about work successes and financial impact and more about how you leave the world a better place – which could make climate change the leading concern for voters on May 3rd.
Dylan: Letting go
A lesson I’ve been reflecting on a lot this week is from a book I’ve been reading – Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game. Many of the insights from this book are not just about what happens on the golf course, but are applicable to many different aspects of life. An example being the lesson of letting go of outcomes and focusing on the present moment. When we release attachment to results—whether it’s a perfect golf shot, or work on a big project — we reduce pressure, perform more freely, and make clearer decisions. This mindset fosters resilience and clarity.
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