Connecting the Contours: 15
curveball — let's play a game.
Mental clutter piles up like dishes in the sink. It needs to be organized like anything else.
If you don’t, the mess grows until you face it. So, we find the time and make the space. Journaling’s my go-to for decluttering my brain. Even a list of dot points, if I’m low on time, makes such a difference.
hey. hi. hello.
Welcome back or welcome to the Connecting the Contours newsletter. Your map to creating clarity, alignment, and impact—without the overwhelm—for work weeks that don’t suck.
Let’s play a game.
This is a name game. More specifically, this is a game to potentially give this newsletter a new name. Or, perhaps, a it’s a game to keep it the same. We’ll find out.
I’m starting to wonder if the name really fits the content.
Since this is a shared space, a place for you to snag what’s helpful and use it to map better weeks, I wanted to get your opinion.
So, for curiosity’s sake, what would you name the newsletter?
I’m grateful for any input provided.
Cast your vote or reply to this email to share your thoughts with me.
the latest | from the blog.
Before he became the go-to guy for building six and seven figure business with one offer, one funnel, and one post a day, Jon Brosio used to wait tables.
Here are the 5 main lessons he’s using from food service to build digital trust.
you may also like.
the latest | from my own rotation.
watch.
Negotiating to get what you want with Noah Kagan.
Reflecting on interviewing Shia Labeouf with Jon Bernthal.
I tried replacing my notebook with this tablet with Ryder Carroll.
listen.
The power of slow productivity with Cal Newport and Rich Roll.
Understanding dopamine and productivity with Tj Power and Ali Abdaal.
Understanding the link between ADHD, addiction, and autoimmune disease with Gabor Mate and Mel Robbins.
read.
The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté.
The Fastest Way to Ruin Your Life by Tim Denning.
Why Career Fulfillment Isn’t About Chasing Titles or Paychecks by Shannon D. Smith.
spotlight.
New Business Announcement
After years of working with high-growth teams and leaders, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of DMDC Systems, a business dedicated to empowering leaders and teams to achieve clarity, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
Leadership should be both effective and fulfilling — it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
I'm combining strategic consulting, leadership coaching, and tailored workshops to help:
Simplify complex challenges with actionable strategies.
Align teams for better collaboration.
Build scalable systems that drive impact.
Visit derekmacdonald.com to learn more about ways to work together!
talk soon.
Thank for being here. See you next time.
onward.
-dmac
P.S. - Want me to be your tactical productivity coach? Let’s start creating work weeks that don’t suck. Book a call to see if we're a good fit.
I like your writing style. It is fluid and fresh.
“Work Weeks That Don’t Suck” sounds like a great name for a publication. If you need a shorter more empowering name call it something like “Leveraged Weeks” and make the leveraged week your unit product focus for your weekly newsletter and for selling your coaching and consulting. This umbrella allows you to go where your client needs to go to find leverage -> tactical or strategic productivity or something in between. While allowing you to offer flexible packages with the exact number of leveraged weeks you see your client needs to reach their next big hairy and audacious goal.